TW201733202A - An antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

An antenna for a communication device, and a number of RFID reader configurations incorporating the antenna, are disclosed. The antenna has a structure comprising a circular radiating base plate, a radiating cone, a solid frusto-conical body. The cone has an apex that points towards the center of the circular base plate, and the apex is positioned on or near the base plate on one side of the base plate. The cone opens/expands away from the base plate. The solid frusto-conical body has an encompassing side (i.e. a side that goes all the way around the circumference of the antenna structure) which extends from the base plate to near an edge on the widest point on the cone, and the material of the body substantially fills the space inside the encompassing side and between the base plate and the cone.

Description

antenna

The present invention relates to the art of antennas, and more particularly to techniques involving antennas having a low physical profile and a specific radiation profile.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna can be placed on or in the surface of a road, a driveway, etc., and can be used to perform the first half and/or the second half of the passing vehicle. Radio frequency identification on a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the present invention or similar applications, the antenna is part of a radio frequency identification reader that can communicate with a radio frequency identification tag or is associated with a radio frequency identification reader. The RFID tag is preferably perferably located on the vehicle license plate (or integrated into a part of the vehicle license plate). Or more specifically, for a vehicle having a vehicle license plate in both the front half and the rear half, the radio frequency identification tag is preferably placed on one or both of the above-mentioned vehicle license plates (or integrated into one part of the vehicle license plate) ). For vehicles with only one vehicle license plate, the RFID tag is preferably placed on a single vehicle license plate (or as part of a vehicle license plate).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the application or use of the following or the above-described embodiments of the present invention is not limited by the foregoing. Therefore, the antenna can also be potentially used in other areas and / or one of the applications is wide. As an embodiment of an application on the "on the road" or "in the road" that is not used to detect a radio frequency identification tag placed on the front half and/or the rear half of the vehicle (or on the vehicle license plate), the antenna may alternatively The potential position is placed on the side and/or overhead for reading/exchange of the RFID tag on the vehicle or moving the goods or products through the antenna. For example, goods or products that pass through an antenna are carried through a machine or a conveyor, and the like.

However, for the sake of convenience, the embodiments described below of the present invention will refer to the contents described in the above paragraphs. That is, the antenna communicates with a radio frequency identification tag located on the vehicle license plate (or part of the vehicle license plate).

In order to provide a background and description of the present invention, the present invention is directed to two earlier patents.

■ International Patent Application PCT/AU2015/050161 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Application '161); and ■ International Patent Application PCT/AU2015/050384 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Application '384).

The entire contents of the two prior patent applications listed above (i.e., patent application '161 and patent application '384) are hereby incorporated by reference. However, if there is any inconsistency (or some degree of inconsistency) or disagreement between the contents of the present specification and any one of the two or earlier patent applications listed above, The contents of the description of the invention are preferred. In addition, the mere inclusion of the above-mentioned prior patent application in the present invention does not imply any express or implied representation of any of the inventions in the earlier patent applications. The limitations and limitations of the disclosure disclosed in the disclosure or limitation of any invention in any of the earlier patent applications are not necessarily applicable to the present invention.

In particular, both patent applications '161 and '384 explain that placing a radio frequency identification tag on a vehicle can yield a number of benefits and advantages (preferably by embedding or integrating the radio frequency identification tag in one or two vehicle license plates) And enabling the RFID tag to be read by the RFID reader, the antenna of the RFID reader being (at least) placed on the road or in the road. The patent applications '161 and '384 also explain the required reading area due to the general geometry associated with the location on which the vehicle license plate is placed on the license plate and the size (especially the width) of most road lanes. (When the above RFID tag is in the above area, the area near the RFID reader antenna required by the RFID reader can communicate with the RFID tag): ■ is about 4 meters (m) Width (2 meters on either side of the antenna), ■ occupies approximately 5 meters to approximately 1 meter in a given direction before the antenna (eg, direction of travel in the road lane), ■ occupied The antenna is followed by a space of about 1 meter to about 5 meters in the given direction as described above, and ■ at least in the horizontal area defined by the front bullet point, above the ground (road) level above the height It extends between 0.3 meters and about 1.3 meters.

It is worth noting that the size of the read area required for the above disclosure may not be as required for the read areas discussed in patent applications '161 and '384. The dimensions are precisely matched. However, even though the size of the referenced regions is slightly different, both of the earlier patents clearly reveal at least the read area required as described above.

Patent applications '161 and '384 explain one way to achieve the desired read area as just described, by using an omnidirectional vertically polarized radiation pattern, and by using such an antenna Radiation pattern. The required reading area described in the bullet above is depicted in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the required read area is indicated by reference numeral 2. (A similar required reading area is also shown in Appendix A19 and in the relevant paragraphs in the Appendix)

Patent applications '161 and '384 further explain that the radiation pattern 3 of the RFID reader antenna should preferably have a "dropped doughnut" or "squashed toroid" that can be described as "dropped doughnut" or "squashed toroid" One of the shapes, that is, the shape as shown in Fig. 2 (and the shape as shown in Fig. A23). For example, a "hole 4" near the center of the "falling donut" (or "squashed ring") on the top of the radiation pattern 3 / or near the center (or technically Called "radiation null 4") helps to reduce the blinding effect of high power reflections through the underside of the vehicle at the top of the antenna. This will be further explained in the appendix. It should be noted that Figure 2 (and Figure A23) only provides an initially visually perceptible depiction of one of the "dropped donuts" or "squashed ring" shapes that the radiation pattern 3 should have. The reason why the radiation pattern 3 generally has these general shapes will be discussed in further detail in the Appendix.

Patent applications '161 and '384 also state that a radio frequency identification tag antenna (such as an antenna of a radio frequency identification tag used on a vehicle license plate) typically has a highly directional radiation pattern. More specifically, although directed away from the vehicle/board as shown in FIG. 3, the radiation pattern of the RFID tag antenna on the vehicle license plate is almost always directed "face-on" parallel to the vehicle license plate. Direction 6. Therefore, the direct radiated communication path 8 between the RFID tag antenna on the vehicle license plate and the RFID reader antenna has an elevation (ie, height/vertical) offset of 5 from the facing direction of the board, and It can also have a directional (horizontal) offset of 7. Whether the orientation (horizontal) offset 7 is present depends on the path of travel of the vehicle, and in particular on whether the antenna of the radio frequency identification tag on the vehicle license plate passes directly through the antenna or through one side of the antenna.

Figure 4 is a plan view (top view) of a road including three lanes. In this embodiment, three lanes carry the vehicle in the same direction, and all three lanes are about 4 meters wide. An antenna of the RFID reader is placed in/on the road in the middle of the middle lane. Figure 4 shows the following superimposed on a three-lane road: ■ required read area 2 (square area indicated by diagonal hatching); ■ omnidirectional antenna of the RFID reader (omnidirectional) radiation pattern 3 (notably, the omnidirectional radiation pattern 3 in Fig. 4 is actually in the shape of "falling donut" as shown in Fig. 2, however, this is in the 4th The top view in the figure has (and is represented by) the appearance of a simple circle); and ■ the effective reading area 9, having an "8th picture" in the two-dimensional "top-down" view (top view) in FIG. Shape appears (note: due to the required reading area) The appearance of the geometry of 2, the orientation of the effective read zone 9 and the shape of "Fig. 8" (ie, two of the circular "lobes") are configured to coincide with the direction of travel of the center of the intermediate channel, and The convergence of the "Fig. 8" lobes near the RFID reader is generated due to the angle of reading of the directional RFID tag on the vehicle license plate. Thus, the shape of "Fig. 8" causes the effective reading zone 9 to be shaped (and contributes to the shape imparting) to be the result of the design/configuration of the antenna of the RFID reader. This will be discussed further in the accompanying appendix).

It is worth noting that Figure 4 (and the many things described in Figure 4 and the information it conveys) are very similar to those in Figure A21 of the Appendix. Therefore, the information to be conveyed in Fig. 4 can also be understood from the explanation of Fig. A21 in the Appendix to obtain a further understanding of Fig. 4.

Patent applications '161 and '384 explain that even "two-way" data communication between the RFID reader and the RFID tag on the vehicle (or vehicle license plate/in) is not implemented (making the specific vehicle ID positive (positive) Identification is not achieved by radio frequency identification). Nonetheless, the antenna of a radio frequency identification reader (ie, the antenna of the same radio frequency identification reader for positive vehicle identification by radio frequency identification) can still be used to detect the presence of the vehicle and, for example, speed. Etc. (The message of the vehicle is not being recognized). This can be achieved by using conventional radar (RADAR) (or "RADAR-like" or "one-way" communication), as detailed below.

Patent Application '161 also specifically explains that a radio frequency identification reader (a portion of the antenna formed by the radio frequency identification reader) may also include (or may even be included in a common housing or structure) traffic management Other important sensors in the middle. These sensors can be placed on top of the antenna. However, this will increase the overall height of the antenna. Patent applications '161 and '384 indicate that it is important that the antenna height (and minimize the antenna height or at least limit the antenna height) is important because the vehicle must be able to safely drive/pass the antenna without damaging the vehicle or the RFID antenna and/or reader. A design factor. For the purposes of the present invention, it is assumed that the height of the conventional "'cat-eye'' type retro-reflective road markers is typically about 25 mm (mm), and considering these conventional " Cat's eye-type retroreflective road markings are widely approved (in fact they are widely used and do not cause damage on vehicles traveling on the road where they are installed). At least for permanent or non-temporary applications, antennas or Other related RFID reader devices protrude above the road surface to a height of 25 mm (mm) or less, which will not pose any risk of danger or damage to the vehicle in use. In other words Although there is no absolute requirement in this respect, it is contemplated that at least in embodiments of the invention for permanent or semi-permanent roads, the height of the antenna and any other associated RFID reader device above the road surface should be 25 mm or less. Those skilled in the art of antenna design will readily understand the aspects of designing an antenna that provides the desired radiation pattern. A major challenge for life, not to mention the need to meet other operational requirements applied in these embodiments as described below.

Patent Application '384 discloses certain antenna designs having a configuration intended to provide a radiation pattern as shown in Figure 2. The antenna configuration in Patent Application '384 is also intended to help overcome the many (and often irritable and dynamically changing) radio frequency (RF) frequency transmission conditions/environment related challenges (including "near-earth effects" present in the vicinity of the antenna. (near ground effect)). In fact, there are specific explanations in the patent application '384: ...the "near-earth effect" is caused by the ground (a part of the planet Earth) or by the surface on which the antenna is mounted, in the vicinity of the antenna (for example: within a typical vehicle length of 6 m from the antenna or about a distance) Ground effect. This "near-earth effect" (meaning the ground effect from "near ground") can in particular be highly variable and even dynamically variable (ie change over time and / or conditions): ."

In discussing...the ability of the antenna to help compensate for ground effects or to take ground effects into account, especially the ability of near-Earth effects, it is useful to emphasize certain other/related points, which are in... It is because the antenna is important and the operation in its application (in the middle/on the road) is concerned. For example, the first point is when the antennas are [located on the road/on the road] (eg, in vehicle detection and/or radio frequency identification vehicle identification applications), the antennas can be effectively considered to be similar or It is used in a manner similar to the antenna in a radar transmitter/sensor. In fact, the radar essentially involves one of the radio signals first transmitted by a sensor; then, the radio signal is reflected by the object to be tested, and the reflected signal is received and interpreted by the sensor (for example: Detecting the presence of the object to be tested and/or the position of the object to be tested relative to the sensor and/or the movement relative to the object to be tested, and the like. In the case of radio frequency identification, a radio frequency identification reader (including an antenna of a radio frequency identification reader...) can transmit a signal, and then a "reflection" signal can be obtained from, for example, a radio frequency identification on a vehicle. The tag is sent back to the RFID reader. In radio frequency identification, the two signals (ie, the signal transmitted by the RFID reader and the two signals transmitted from the RFID tag to the "reflected" signal of the RFID reader) can be adjusted. Change to carry the message/data (the modulated data is added to the signal to distinguish between at least part of the radio frequency identification and the conventional radar, where the signal It is unmodulated). In other words, in radio frequency identification, the message can be modulated onto the signal transmitted by the RFID reader so that the message is transmitted from the RFID reader to the RFID tag. Similarly, the message can be tuned to the signal transmitted (reflected) by the RFID tag so that the message is transmitted from the RFID tag back to the RFID reader. In the presence of such two-way data exchange, particularly in RFID-recognized vehicle identification applications, message exchange can be used to perform [positive] identification of a particular vehicle (ie, may actually cause it to perform (eg: ID detection/recognition)....Alternative configurations or situations are also possible in which the signal transmitted by the RFID reader and transmitted back from the RFID tag to the RFID reader, or one of them The "reflected" signal is not modulated, so that there is no bidirectional data exchange as described above. However, even if the signal transmitted by the RFID reader and/or transmitted from the RFID tag back to the RFID reading In the alternative case where the "reflected" signal of the extractor is not modulated, the signal transmitted by the RFID tag and still received and interpreted by the RFID reader can also be used for vehicle detection or other matters. Above, when the reflected signal transmitted (reflected) from the RFID tag is received by the RFID reader, the above signal (even if The modulated signal can immediately indicate that a radio frequency identification tag is present (and thus represents a vehicle) within the read range of the reader (although in this case it may not be possible to determine which particular vehicle (ie, the particular vehicle identity) /ID), but at least not from the signal sent by the RFID tag alone. In addition, even if the above signal is an unmodulated signal, the above-mentioned signal changes with time (ie, transmitted from the RFID tag and The way the RFID reader receives signals that change over time) can be used (by radio frequency The reader is interpreted to determine the presence of the vehicle and to determine a message about the (unrecognized) vehicle. In fact, the position and movement of the vehicle (eg, the distance or position of the vehicle relative to the reader, the vehicle speed (and the possible direction of travel of the vehicle) can be determined. It should be understood that this last scene of unmodulated signals To some extent [a two-way data exchange scenario that uses radio frequency identification for positive vehicle identification purposes] is more similar to traditional radar.

Another point that should be emphasized is that although antennas...for vehicle detection and/or radio frequency identification vehicle identification applications can be used in a similar or similar manner to conventional radar antennas (see above), at the same time, [road applications] The radio frequency identification reader antenna used in the currently considered radio frequency identification reader antenna] the area to be operated, and the required transmission range, radiation pattern shape, and even the physical position of the antenna (and because of The antenna and the physical location of the signals transmitted at the antenna may all be quite different from those used in conventional radars. In fact, due to the detailed explanation in patent applications '161 and '384, the RFID reader antenna used in the current considerations in/on road applications usually needs to be located on the ground plane or in the ground plane (ie in On or in the surface of the earth). For example: on or in the surface of a road. Therefore, the antenna typically needs to be configured to be located on a ground plane on the planet Earth (and to cause the signal radiation of the antenna to be emitted from the ground plane). This is quite different from conventional radars, where the traditional radar antenna is almost always above the ground level, usually at least 2 wavelengths above the ground (ie the height of a conventional radar antenna when transmitting radar signals is usually at least the wavelength of the radar signal). Twice). Therefore, due to the "near-earth effect", conventional radar antennas typically do not need to accommodate many of the changes in signal transmission propagation conditions, if any. Conversely, for them, by The effects of planetary Earth on the propagation of signal transmission [and, in particular, the conditions/environments of changes on the planet Earth] can generally be assumed to be negligible or at least constant. For example, regardless of any change in time and/or location in the ground conditions of the weather or environmental conditions. This is very different from the radio frequency identification reader antenna that must be used in the middle/up of the road [in the road application/current considerations], and the influence of the ground on the signal transmission [especially the changing conditions] / Environment] The position of the antenna (especially near the ground) can be drastically changed between different positions and dynamically changed at the same position. ... [for example] Even at a single location, the signal transmission propagation conditions can vary drastically over time. For example, due to surface water changes caused by dry, wet soil and nearby drying conditions [equal signal transmission propagation conditions may also be due to the presence or absence of metal or other conductors in the road foundation, different conductive substances ( For example: paint or oil on the road, etc. and drastically change between different positions]...

In addition to this, conventional radar antennas typically have a very focused/oriented radiation pattern intended to transmit large or very large transmission distances (usually transmitted in a broadcast manner). Thus, not only are conventional radar antennas typically positioned above the ground plane, but radar antennas have a narrow focus/directional radiation pattern and are transmitted over large distances (ie, they are commonly referred to as far fields - that is, the Fraunhofer region). Mode operation). In contrast, [radio-identifiable reader antennas used in current/in-road applications] may (and usually will) need to be in the range of exceeding and very close to the antenna and possibly even in the near-field of the antenna (that is, the Fresnel zone) transmission. In addition, the antenna of the embodiment of the present invention can (and typically will) need to provide an unfocused radiation pattern and it extends further in the direction parallel to the plane of the [antenna] ground plane. vertical In the direction of the plane of the [antenna] ground plane [as described above and in the patent applications '161 and '384]. By way of illustrative example, the antenna... is configured to operate with a signal at a frequency of about 1 GHz (and thus having a signal wavelength of about 300 mm), on/off on the road surface. An antenna of a portion of the RFID reader can be used (arguably) to "radar" detect and/or identify one or more vehicles within a radius of approximately 5 meters (m) or 6 meters (m) around the antenna Where the radio frequency identification tag(s) on the vehicle is at or below a height of about 2 meters (m).

In summary, patent application '384 relates to certain antenna designs (and antenna design methods) designed to help overcome many of the problems and challenges just described, particularly where (modulated and/or unmodulated) radar or radar-like transmissions It is a data transmission method in which the transmitting antenna is on the ground and the reflecting antenna is within 6 m (m) or less.

In addition, as already explained (and as detailed in the patent applications '161 and '384), in the content of the RF road vehicle detection/recognition application, there is a placement of the RFID reader (or At least the antenna of the RFID reader) has many advantages in the road or on the road surface. However, as explained further above, the placement of the antenna on/on the road surface, especially where the required reading distance is within 6 meters (m) of the antenna, limits (or can be completely prevented) from being used. Conventional radar radiation methods in which the Earth is typically quantified as (assuming) a single RF element that is uniform and stable/invariant/not changing (or nearly) over time.

In a particular embodiment of the patent application '384, a periodic slotted ground is proposed as the basis for a modified monopole antenna. For example: inverted F (invert F) antenna or its deformation. Patent application A schematic diagram of the use of the periodically slotted ground of the antenna proposed in '384 (among other things) helps to maintain a small footprint of the antenna. However, experiments have shown that such antennas with a small-footprint periodically slotted ground may not adequately accommodate the potentially wide range of "radio frequency (RF)" properties at the road surface. For example, such an antenna with a small footprint periodically slotted ground may not be able to meet the operational requirements of all of the different broad and dynamically variable RF transmission conditions/environments found on the road surface. For example, for roads close to the coast, where roads (including road surfaces and underlying roadbeds, surrounding/near soils, etc.) can sometimes be extremely dry because of hot land winds, and therefore are not conductive, but roads can come from land The sea breeze or the salt spray due to rain or the like rapidly changes to wet/wet and relatively conductive.

Those skilled in the art of antenna design will recognize that although electrical conductivity (including but not limited to road surface conductivity) is one of the important parameters that can affect the radiation pattern on the road or on the road, conductivity is not the only relevant parameter. For example, in road construction, a series of different types of aggregates can be used as another embodiment. Over time, these different types of polymers change, age, bond, compact, etc. are different. The potential impact of many of these (including different material composition, density, porosity, surface shape and texture of the pavement, etc.) can also significantly affect RF transmission conditions/environments on the road and affect the radiation of the antennas on/on the road. pattern.

Furthermore, experiments have shown that the actual gain of an antenna with a small footprint periodically slotted ground design (eg, in patent application '384) may not exceed 1 dBiL, and the actual value may be less than 0 dBiL. (Note: "dBiL" here is the forward gain of the antenna compared to a hypothetical omnidirectional antenna that distributes energy uniformly in all directions. (decibel) (dB), so dBi is an abbreviation for dB (isoltropic), and "L" in dBiL represents a linear polarization of a hypothetical electromagnetic field. In any case, such low gain of an antenna with a small footprint periodically slotted ground design (eg, certain antennas in patent application '384) may thus result in increased power output from the RFID reader. (Powering the antenna of the RFID reader) to compensate for low antenna gain. However, this increase in power output from the RFID reader may in turn cause, for example, overheating problems, particularly in the road. Because it is not placed on a road where the reader is on the ground and the heat can be spilled into the air, arranged in the road, the reader (at least for the most part) is located in the ground and is therefore earth/soil on all sides The /subgrade is surrounded and insulated, which means that heat is relatively trapped and not easily dissipated. Therefore, an increase in the power output from the RFID reader to compensate for the low antenna gain may cause overheating problems, particularly for placing the RFID reader/antenna in the road. An increase in the power output from the RFID reader to compensate for the low antenna gain may also have the effect of reducing the relative sensitivity of the reader as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, it would be considered desirable to have a method and/or a suitable antenna hardware/device that can accommodate potentially broad and dynamically variable RF transmission conditions/environments, which may exist in One of the roads at different times, or different roads at different locations at different times, so that the antennas placed on/in the road or the antennas on/in the road at different locations can be consistently All conditions of all locations of the desired antenna radiation pattern are achieved (or at least to an acceptable level of consistency). It is particularly desirable that tuning of the antenna on the road or in the road (or if it can become) can be made as a more "accurate science." That is, if the antenna is tuned Harmonic can be performed in such a way that the effects of the radiation pattern of the antenna are more predictable and reliable due to tuning changes to the size, design, configuration, etc. of the antenna (or portions of the antenna), and therefore less dependent on simplicity "try and error" tuning. If the effective gain of the antenna in the road or on the road can be increased compared to the small footprint periodically slotted ground antenna design described above, it is preferable to make the effective antenna gain 3dBiL or better than 3dBiL.

Although an introductory discussion and background information is provided above, it should be clearly understood that a part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art, either individually or in any combination, or they are acceptable prior art, Only any prior or existing antenna designs, devices, devices, products, systems, methods, practices, publications or any other information, or any questions or issues, are mentioned in this specification or in the accompanying appendices or any related drawings. Does not constitute recognition or permission of any of these things.

In a first form, the present invention generally relates to an antenna for a communication device, the antenna having an antenna structure comprising: a circular radiating base plate; a radiating cone, Wherein the radiation cone has an apex pointing to a center of the circular radiation substrate, the top end being located at or adjacent to the circular radiation substrate or one side of the circular radiation substrate, and the radiation cone a body extending/away from the circular radiation substrate; and a solid frusto-conical body, wherein the solid frustoconical body has an surrounding side (ie, one-way extending around the antenna structure) One side of the circumferential range), the surrounding side extends from the circular radiation substrate to the proximity One of the edges of the radiation cone at one of the widest points, and the material of the solid frustoconical material substantially fills the inside of the surrounding side surface and the circular radiation substrate and the radiation cone between.

In the above antenna structure, the surrounding side surface of the solid frustoconical body extends from an outer perimeter or an outer periphery of the circular radiating substrate to the widest point on the radiation cone The above edge. Further, a distance between the circular radiation substrate and the widest portion of the radiation cone perpendicular to the direction of the circular radiation substrate (the distance may be regarded as the height of the antenna) is smaller than (or less than) the antenna One of the maximum diameters (the maximum diameter of the antenna can be and is usually the largest diameter of the substrate). In other words, the antenna height is much smaller than the antenna diameter. What is more, the diameter of one of the above-mentioned circular radiation substrates of the antenna structure is larger than the maximum diameter of one of the radiation cones. (The maximum diameter of one of the above-mentioned radiation cones is smaller than the diameter of one of the circular radiation substrates described above).

The circular radiation substrate of the above antenna structure and the above-mentioned radiation cone system are made of a conductive material. The above conductive material is a metal, for example, copper, silver or other suitable conductive alloy.

The solid frustoconical system of the above antenna structure is composed of a material having strong dielectric strength or physical strength. In particular, one of the above materials of the solid frustoconical body has a dielectric constant of between about three and about six. In certain embodiments, the above-described material of the solid frustoconical body is made of a soda lime glass.

The solid frustoconical body is initially formed with a recess or an indent in the solid frustoconical body, the recess or the recess The shape of the trace corresponds to the shape of the radiation cone of the antenna, and the radiation cone system of the antenna is formed by plating a thin metal layer on a surface of the recess or the recess.

The antenna structure further includes a top plate or a top plate, wherein the top plate or the top cover extends across and partially or completely covers the space formed by the radiation cone and is in the radiation cone Within the space formed.

In some embodiments, the circular radiation substrate is metal and has a thickness of about 5-10 mm and is initially formed separately from the solid frustoconical body described above, and then attached to the bottom of one of the solid frustoconical bodies ( Bottom) and/or an underside.

In some embodiments, the antenna operates at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz. In these embodiments, it is possible that: ■ on the side of the circular radiation substrate on which the radiation cone is located, the point on the antenna is in the direction perpendicular to the circular radiation substrate from the circle The above-mentioned side/surface of the shaped radiation substrate is not more than 25 mm (mm); and/or ■ the above-mentioned diameter of the circular radiation substrate is less than 190 mm (mm); and/or ■ when the solid frustoconical body described above The surrounding side surface of the solid frustoconical body extends from an outer periphery of one of the circular radiating substrates to the outermost portion of the radiation cone when the surrounding side is located at a center plane perpendicular to the circular radiating substrate The edge of the circle has an angle of less than 40 degrees and preferably 33 degrees to 36 degrees with respect to one of the circular radiating substrates.

In a second form, the invention relates to a radio frequency identification An (RFID) reader for use in an antenna as described in the first form (described above), wherein the radio frequency identification reader is used in applications involving road vehicle detection and/or identification, and wherein At least the antenna (and possibly other portions of the radio frequency identification reader described above) are mounted to a surface of the road (e.g., in a road).

The radio frequency identification reader further includes (when the radio frequency identification reader is in use) an additional plurality of electronic components mounted below the surface of the road and below the antenna. More specifically, when the above-mentioned radio frequency identification reader is mounted on the road, the circular radiation substrate of the antenna is horizontally (or otherwise parallel) mounted on the surface of the road, so that One of the upper surfaces of the circular radiation substrate is level with the surface of the road to form a horizontal plane (eg, substantially coplanar), and the solid frustoconical body of the antenna and the radiation cone protrude Projecting above the upper surface of the circular radiation substrate and above the horizontal surface of the surface of the road, wherein the upper surface has the radiation cone on the side of the circular radiation substrate (and the solid body The first side of the surface of the circular radiation substrate to which the frustoconical body is bonded.

When the radio frequency identification reader is mounted as described above, the antenna is also surrounded by at least a portion of the conductive area, and the conductive area is also on the surface of the road or applied to the surface of the road. If at least a portion of the conductive area surrounding a single antenna is circular, the minimum radius of the at least a portion of the conductive area is substantially twice the wavelength of the signal transmitted and/or received by the antenna. Further, at least a portion of the conductive regions described above have a conductivity of 10^3 (Siemens/meter) or more.

According to the radio frequency identification reader of the second form of the present invention, the antenna in use is used to generate a "dropped doughnut" or a "squashed ring" (squashed). Toroid) A radiation pattern. The antenna described above (and the radiation pattern produced by this installation in this installation) is omnidirectional in an azimuth plane. In some particular embodiments, the antenna operates at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz, and the range of elevation angles (relative to the azimuthal plane) of the critical read region in the radiation pattern is from about 3 degrees to about 30 degrees. Moreover, in some embodiments, in the radiation pattern described above, the path of maximum gain (relative to the azimuthal plane) is at an elevation angle of about 30 degrees. What is more, in these embodiments, in the above radiation pattern, the 3dB beam width is 40 degrees, and the above 40 degrees is extended from about 10 degrees of elevation to about 50 degrees (relative to the azimuth plane), at an elevation angle of 90 degrees. The degree (relative to the azimuthal plane) has an effective radiation null. In some embodiments, the radio frequency identification reader has an effective reading range of from about 1 meter to about 6.4 meters in any direction from the antenna along the surface of the road surface. (eg in the azimuth plane)

In a third form, the present invention generally relates to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader incorporating an antenna as described in the first form of the invention (described above), wherein the radio frequency identification reader is used In applications involving road vehicle detection and/or identification, and wherein at least the aforementioned antenna (and possibly other portions of the above described radio frequency identification reader) are mounted in or on a portion of the conductive structure.

In the third form of the invention described above, the partial conductive structure is operable to be placed on the surface of the road (on the road), and when the portion The sub-conducting structure is placed on (at least) the surface of the road having the antenna, the antenna being located at a distance vertically above one of the surfaces of the road surface, possibly (or preferably) at the portion of the conductive structure Top or nearby.

In some embodiments, the partially conductive structure described above is substantially solid frustoconical. In this embodiment, an angle of inclination of one side of the solid frustoconical portion of the partial conductive structure substantially matches an oblique angle of one of the sides of the main solid frustoconical body of the antenna.

In the embodiment as disclosed in the above two paragraphs, the antenna is operated at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz, and when the antenna is mounted on the partial conductive structure and the partial conductive structure is on the surface of the road, The configuration (particularly height) of the partially conductive structure is such that the height of the substrate of the antenna is higher than 3/8*λ, preferably not higher than 1/4*λ.

According to the radio frequency identification reader of the third form of the present invention, the configuration and/or configuration of the partial conductive structure is selected and/or changed to adjust the partial conductive structure such that when the partial conductive structure is When the antenna is used in combination, the radiation pattern has a desired "decreased donut" shape, wherein the configuration and/or configuration of the partial conductive structure includes the height of the configuration and/or configuration of the partial conductive structure, the above portion The angle of inclination of the side of the electrically conductive structure, the internal configuration of the portion of the electrically conductive structure, and the positioning of the internal components of the partially electrically conductive structure.

Any feature described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described within the scope of the invention.

2‧‧‧Reading area

3‧‧‧radiation patterns

4‧‧‧radiation zero

5‧‧‧Vertical offset

6‧‧‧ horizontal offset

7‧‧‧ horizontal offset

8‧‧‧Direct radiation communication path

9‧‧‧effective reading area

10‧‧‧Front cone

12‧‧‧Conical opening

14‧‧‧ Convergence point

16‧‧‧flat ring

16a‧‧‧Dent

17‧‧‧ hole

90‧‧‧Partial conductive areas

100‧‧‧Wireless RFID Reader

105‧‧‧heatsink

108‧‧‧Adhesive

110‧‧‧ cavity

111‧‧‧ main part

112‧‧‧Part II

113‧‧‧Part III

120‧‧‧ cone

130‧‧‧ Cover

135‧‧‧ space

140‧‧‧Substrate

150‧‧‧ Screw mounting parts

155‧‧‧ gap

160‧‧‧ container

192‧‧‧ hole

200‧‧‧Wireless RFID Reader

205‧‧‧ radiator

240‧‧‧Substrate

241‧‧‧ Ground joints

260‧‧‧Vibration absorber

270‧‧‧Power cable

300‧‧‧ road bracket

305‧‧‧heatsink

340‧‧‧Substrate

360‧‧‧Vibration absorber

361‧‧‧ upper

362‧‧‧Upper isolation parts

363‧‧‧ lower

364‧‧‧Under isolation parts

365‧‧‧Departure

390‧‧‧End board

Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the present invention can be derived from The detailed description above is to provide those skilled in the art with sufficient information to practice the invention. The detailed description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the foregoing invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will be made to a number of drawings (specification drawings) as follows: Figure 1 is a desired reading area for one of the antennas of a road; Figure 2 is a "dropping donut" (or " a flattened ring-shaped antenna radiation pattern; Figure 3 is the height and direction/level of the radiant communication pattern between the vehicle license plate label and the antenna in the road/on the road relative to the "facing" direction of the vehicle license plate Offset; Figure 4 is a plan view of a three-lane road with an antenna of a radio frequency identification reader placed on/in the middle of the middle lane. (Note: This figure only shows a single RFID reader for the purpose of explanation. Typically in the embodiment (at least in the case of the invention in the case of the road), the following will occur: A radio frequency identification reader antenna is placed in the middle of the channel; and Figure 5 is a conventional disk cone antenna in which the disk and the cone are each formed of discrete elongated rod elements; Figure 6 is solid. a conventional disk cone antenna of a disk and a solid cone; Figure 7 is a radio frequency identification reader (including an antenna structure) having a surrounding partially conductive region, the surrounding portion being electrically conductive The radius R of one of the regions is at least twice the wavelength λ of the signal; the eighth figure is the shape corresponding to the shape of the proposed antenna structure. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna architecture proposed in a road application, the antenna structure also includes other reader devices (except the basic antenna structure); Figure 10 is the picture in Figure 9 Annotated cross-sectional view of the proposed antenna structure; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the proposed antenna structure when mounted on a partially conductive base in the form of a cradle for road applications, The antenna structure also includes other reader devices (except the basic antenna structure); Fig. 12 is an annotated cross-sectional view of the proposed antenna structure and the like in Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is a road for partial conduction. The brackets may have different shapes/configurations that form part of the antenna design/structure for road applications; Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the possible shapes and configurations of the main truncated cones of the antenna structure described above; A cross-sectional view of a minor replacement or variation of the antenna structure proposed in a road application, the antenna structure also includes other reader devices (except the basic antenna structure); Figure 16 is the picture in Figure 15. mention A cross-sectional view of a minor replacement or variation of the antenna structure; Figure 17 is another small alternative or variation on the proposed antenna structure and other reader devices intended for use in road applications. a side view and a partial exploded view; Fig. 18 is a side elevational view of a slight replacement or variation of the proposed antenna structure in Fig. 17; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the shape and directionality of the drawn antenna radiation pattern, wherein the antenna radiation pattern is omnidirectional in the azimuth (xy) plane (e.g., if the antenna is on the road, parallel to the plane of the road surface) And FIG. 20 is a diagram of one side (or a "lob") of a cross section of the radiation pattern as shown in FIG. 19, wherein the cross section extends through the center of the radiation pattern in FIG. The vertical (xz) plane and also in the plane of the above cross section shows the elevation range of the critical read region; the height of the maximum gain path; the 3 dB beam width; and the radiation at 90 degrees to the azimuth (xy) plane Zero point.

As explained in the Background section above, it would be desirable to have a method and/or a suitable antenna hardware/device that would accommodate potentially broad and dynamically variable RF transmission conditions/environments, such conditions/environments There may be one of the roads at different times, or different roads at different locations at different times, in order to enable antennas placed on/in the road or antennas that can be placed on/in the road at different locations, All conditions of all locations of the desired antenna radiation pattern are achieved consistently (or at least to an acceptable degree of consistency). It is particularly desirable that tuning of the antennas on the road or in the road can be made as a more "accurate science." That is, if the antenna tuning on the road or in the road can be performed in such a way that tuning changes due to the size, design, configuration, relative dimensions, etc. of the antenna (or portions of the antenna or related structures or components) The effect of the radiation pattern of the antenna is made more predictable and reliable, and therefore less dependent on simple "try and error" tuning. It is further believed that an effective increase in antennas in or on the road can be increased if compared to the above-described small footprint periodically slotted ground antenna design discussed in the Background section above. Benefit, it is best to make the effective antenna gain at 3dBiL or better than 3dBiL.

The configuration and design of the various antenna structures (and associated radio frequency identification readers) discussed below with reference to the present specification are sought to achieve one or more of the above general objectives, or at least to some extent in a basic terminology. In other words, it is an antenna structure in which a conventional disk-corner antenna structure (also called a conical disk) is flipped, and the antenna structure is also placed at least partially electrically conductive by at least partially conducting regions. On the substructure.

At this point, it is useful to note that conventional disc-delta antennas are so named for their unique shape. The conventional disc-corner antenna design includes a "disc" at the top and a "cone" below, with the cone oriented "upwardly tapered" such that the apex of the cone is at or near the center of the "disc". Typically, a conventional disc-corner antenna is formed from a plurality of straight elongated members, with some of the top elements defining a disk shape in a radial arrangement, and other elements pointing radially outward from the outside to the center of the disk from below, Thereby defining the shape of the cone. A conventional disc-ceramic antenna of this general type is depicted in Figure 5. As shown in Fig. 6, a conventional disk-delta antenna can also (and has been) made of a solid disk and a solid cone; however, the latter form is rarely used because it is conventionally used in conventional disk-corner antennas. In a variety of other applications (these applications are not relevant and completely different from current road vehicle detection/identification applications using an in-band/infinite RFID reader antenna on the road), the use of solid discs and cones greatly increases the antenna Weight, and may also increase things such as the installation of potential wind loads and wind loads on the antenna. This usually means that such "solid" disc-cone antennas are generally not suitable for use in all applications except for very small applications.

In any case, at least as simple as part of the present invention In an introductory terminology an antenna structure is proposed which employs a conventional disk-conical antenna and flips a conventional disk-conical antenna, i.e., reversed compared to the conventional "cone upward" direction. The invention also proposes to surround the antenna structure with an at least partially electrically conductive region or to arrange the antenna structure on an at least partially electrically conductive substructure. Hereinafter, a reference to "a partially conductive region" should be understood to mean a partially conductive or fully conductive region (that is, it may mean any of these, or, in other words, a "partial conductive region") It should be understood to mean an area that is at least partially electrically conductive). Likewise, in the following, a reference to a "partially conductive substructure" shall be taken to mean a partially or fully electrically conductive substructure (that is to say "a partially electrically conductive substructure" means a substructure that is at least partially electrically conductive. ).

As discussed further below, in a road antenna arrangement, the portion of the conductive area surrounding the antenna structure is typically selected to be permanent (and perhaps semi-permanently selected). An alternative to placing the antenna structure on a partially conductive substructure is that it can be performed in an antenna arrangement on a temporary road, as discussed below.

When the proposed antenna structure is surrounded by a partially conductive area, such as the usual placement of an antenna in a road, a portion of the conductive area may need to have a certain minimum size. This is to help ensure that a portion of the conductive area adequately shields the antenna structure from potential, widespread, and dynamically variable RF effects of the underlying road or other "near-earth" effects, and the like. For example, if the shape of the antenna structure around a portion of the conductive area is a circle, a portion of the conductive area may need to have a certain minimum radius. However, it is of course not necessary for the partially conductive region to be circular. In fact, it can take any number of other shapes (or virtually any shape). Of course, for such other non-circular shapes, the portion of the conductive area should still be sufficient to provide adequate shielding for the antenna structure. Referring to embodiments in which a portion of the conductive regions are circular, in which case, at least for the particular embodiment of the antenna structure discussed below, the minimum radius of the partially conductive region may require approximately the wavelength of the signal transmitted and/or received by the antenna. Twice (λ) (ie the radius of the circular part of the conductive area should be 2λ). This can be seen from Figure 7.

Figure 7 depicts the central antenna structure (the particular antenna structure described above, discussed further below), and the structure surrounding the antenna is a partially conductive region. In Figure 7, as discussed just above, the partially conductive area happens to be its radius R. 2λ round. A number of other dimensions of the antenna structure are disclosed in FIG. The particular dimensions of the antenna structure given in Figure 7 apply to antenna structures of the type described below for use with signals having a frequency of approximately 920 MHz. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, the maximum outer diameter D of the antenna structure (at the base of the antenna structure) is approximately D = 180 mm. Certain other dimensions of the antenna structure of this particular embodiment are shown herein. And although not specifically labeled in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the operating frequency of the antenna is approximately 920 MHz (corresponding to a signal wavelength λ of 326 mm (mm)), so the radius R of the conductive portion of the circular portion surrounding the antenna structure is approximately R 2 x 326 mm (mm) = 652 mm (mm). The examples mentioned here are for simply giving a general scale indication.

In order to ensure that a portion of the conductive area adequately shields the antenna structure from potentially variable RF effects (and other "near-earth" effects) of the underlying road, portions of the conductive area (and materials or materials that form part of the conductive area) should also ( At least when "completed" and ready to use) has minimal conductivity. Or in other words, a portion of the conductive area (when completed/installed and ready for use) has a resistivity below a certain maximum. For the specific antenna structure proposed by the present invention, and given Antenna power, desired radiation pattern shape, antenna gain, antenna return loss, parameters such as, some of the conductive areas (and materials/substances that form part of the conductive area) should preferably be (when installed and ready for use) have approximately 10 The conductivity of ^3 (Siemens/meter) or higher (ie, the conductivity should preferably be approximately equal to or greater than 1000 Siemens/meter). In other words, the partially conductive region (and the material/substance forming the partially conductive region) preferably (when completed) has a resistivity of less than about 10^(-3) ohm meters (ie, the resistivity should preferably be equal to or Less than 0.001 ohm meters).

For the avoidance of doubt, a portion of the conductive area (the deployment typically used in the road for the antenna structure will be recalled) will be applied to the road surface around the antenna structure, or around where the antenna structure will be placed. When the antenna structure is mounted, the portion of the conductive area does not have to be in direct contact with the antenna structure (or any portion of the antenna structure). However, in order to ensure that the partially conductive area adequately shields the antenna structure from potentially variable radio frequency effects of the underlying road, and to ensure that there is no significant "near ground" effect (if any) caused by the road width, exposure to the antenna Between the structure and the partially conductive regions, the antenna structure and surrounding the antenna structure should preferably be a space/gap of the innermost portion/edge of the partially conductive region and one of the outer/peripheral edges between the antenna structures. For example, in a particular embodiment discussed above and discussed further below, wherein the antenna structure is configured to operate at a signal frequency of approximately 920 MHz (and thus a signal wavelength λ of approximately 326 mm (mm)), partially conductive The space between the area and the outer/peripheral edge of the antenna structure should preferably be less than 5 mm. Note that such a gap is not shown in FIG.

The fact that a portion of the conductive area does not need to be in contact with the antenna structure helps to simplify the process involved in the creation/formation/installation/deployment of a portion of the conductive area, and can also help simplify the process involved in the installation/deployment of the antenna structure (no matter which The first occurrence), and the above facts can also help simplify the process in the creation/formation/installation/deployment of conductive areas and the maintenance of the process involving the installation/deployment of the antenna structure (because replacing or repairing one does not need to affect or repair or replace another).

With regard to the creation/formation/installation/deployment of particularly conductive areas, the creation/formation/installation/deployment of partially conductive areas should preferably be as simple and uninterrupted as possible in terms of time, cost, complexity, etc., involving creation/ The partial conductive area itself is formed/installed, and it is also assumed that it is often necessary to close the road (or at least a portion of the road or the lane involved) when this occurs.

It is mentioned above that part of the conductive area should have a minimum conductivity (or in other words, the resistivity is below a certain maximum value), and also mention the specific antenna structure proposed for the present invention, the given antenna power, the desired radiation. The shape of the pattern or the like should preferably be about 10^3 (Siemens/meter) or more. If the conductivity of a portion of the conductive region is greater than about 10^6 (Siemens/meter), some of the conductive regions may actually be considered "completely" conductive, and this may actually be appropriate or even desirable to provide shielding. The use of the antenna of the present invention; however, this is of course not a requirement, and embodiments of the present invention can still effectively operate with a portion of the conductive region having a conductivity that is significantly less than "completely" conductive.

If the partially conductive area is made only of or mainly of a mesh made of, for example, stainless steel, copper, aluminum or some other suitable conductive metal alloy or may be steel wool or metal cloth, the electrical conductivity is greater than about 10^6 (Siemens / A portion of the conductive area of the meter can be created (so that the partially conductive area is actually "fully" conductive). However, the practicality and difficulty associated with applying the net made of such a metal cloth to the road surface (at least or especially if the net made of metal cloth is a separate independent object and not embedded in it can be more easily applied to Some other object or object on the road Qualitative, or as part of another object or substance, means that creating more than a (or small amount) of more conductive areas like a metal alloy mesh may be less attractive than other possible alternatives (some of which will be Discussed below). In addition, some of the conductive areas made of no (or small) more than metal mesh may also have some associated risks/hazards (eg, especially if the metal mesh is improperly or imperfectly installed or due to wear and tear) Crack off, etc., lift off the road, such as risk/risk). Thus, although the use of a partially conductive region made of no (or small) more than a metal alloy mesh is used to shield the antenna structure from potentially variable RF effects of the underlying road (and by other "near-earth" effects) The ability aspect can be highly efficient, and although embodiments of the present invention can operate well with such partially conductive regions made of a simple metal alloy mesh. However, for practical reasons it can be considered that such partially conductive regions made of a simple metal alloy mesh are less likely to be used (or may be used less frequently) than other possible alternative devices for forming partially conductive regions. ).

Alternatively, a portion of the conductive regions can be alternatively formed and applied. For example, paint (or as a liquid applied to the road in a manner similar to paint), or as an epoxy applied to the road, or even as a polymer that can be melted onto the surface of a road. In order to achieve the desired minimum conductivity level (see above), the conductor or some form of conductive component or substance may be mixed or otherwise incorporated into the application in an appropriate amount (in the case of a conductive material) prior to installation. Any of the above partially conductive regions.

Another consideration that may affect the choice of means for forming a partially conductive area is that the surface of the road typically expands and contracts over time and slightly changes shape. For example, when the road is loaded, as the wheel passes over it as it passes by Pressing down, the road surface will be underneath and momentarily compress/change shape due to the pressure applied by the wheel. In addition, expansion and contraction of the road surface may occur due to temperature fluctuations (eg, between day and night or seasonal changes, and the like). Such expansion and contraction, as well as often repeated/periodically changing shapes, can therefore create cyclic loading/stress and fatigue in any structure to which they are attached or joined. This in turn can lead to fatigue related failures. For example: any part of the conductive area disposed thereon, especially if the partially conductive area is in the form of a rigid or brittle structure. On the other hand, if a portion of the conductive region is formed of a substance having or if its structure permits or provides (at least to some extent) resilience, softness, "giving", and the like, the partially conductive region is generally less prone to fatigue.

In view of the foregoing, a method for providing a partially conductive region is considered to be suitable (including because the above method can provide the required conductivity, and because the above method can potentially be economically produced with minimal damage) Apply to the road and provide a degree of resilience once formed). The above method uses a perfusion cloth which can be used as a paint or as an epoxy resin laid on a road or as a polymer which can be melted onto a road, and the conductive component/substance may be graphite powder regardless of which substance is used. The form is incorporated or mixed with paint, epoxy or polymer. It is of course also possible to use other electrically conductive components/substances (i.e. different from graphite powders). However, the reference image is a comparative example of the heat resistance of a partially conductive region formed of an epoxy resin/graphite blend as a partial conductive region formed in this manner, and an epoxy resin/graphite blend is also generally used for Yacht construction with load-bearing structure and surface. Furthermore, the epoxy/graphite blend can have a conductivity of up to about 10^4 (Siemens/meter) (the above conductivity is considered sufficient for the purposes of the present invention).

Another means believed to be suitable for forming a partially conductive region is to use carbon cloth coated or epoxidized onto the road surface (the carbon cloth may have a conductivity of more than 10^5 (Siemens/meter)). This carbon cloth can alternatively be embedded in the polymer sheet, and the polymer sheet itself can be melted onto the road surface. In other applications and industries, such as ship and yacht construction and repair, maintenance and repair of carbon cloth/surface/structure and similar maintenance and repair of carbon cloth impregnated epoxy/polymer layers/surface/structure have been demonstrated. The use of well-known processes and techniques (which need not be explained in detail here) is relatively easy, cost effective and efficient.

When a portion of the conductive region is applied/formed/mounted on a road, the conductive element, substance or component within the partially conductive region, the conductivity provided by the component, substance or component in the partially conductive region, the component, The substance or composition should preferably be close (ideally as close as possible) to the upper surface of the partially conductive area. In other words, once a portion of the conductive area has been applied/formed/mounted on the road, the above-mentioned elements, substances or components of electrical conductivity should be as close as possible to the top within the vertical thickness of the structure of the partially conductive area. This is because the closer the element, substance or component providing conductivity is to the upper surface, the better the shielding of the conductive element, substance or composition to the antenna structure. Of course, the above considerations need to be balanced with the following elements. The components, materials or components that provide electrical conductivity are also often required to be covered when the vehicle is driven thereon in order to protect the conductive components, substances or components from exposure and damage. abrasion.

Another means believed to be suitable for forming a partially conductive area is in the form of one of a pre-made "patch" type of product that can be applied to a road. These can be similar in many respects to, for example, a South African company: A J Broom Road Products (Pty) Ltd. BRP road patch. Therefore, some of the conductive areas may be created using something similar to a BRP road patch. That is, a portion of the conductive area can be fabricated on paper (or some other suitable substrate or substrate material) and the asphalt rubber adhesive (or some other similar adhesive) is held to pre-coat the asphalt on it. Prefabricated products on the body. The prefabricated product thus produced can be supplied, for example, as a sheet of 10-15 mm thick (i.e., a prefabricated sheet), and the size of the preformed product thus manufactured is suitable for the intended application (see above for the size of the partially conductive region). It is worth noting that in order to accommodate this 10-15 mm thickness of the portion of the conductive region formed by such a patch, the substrate size as compared with the thickness of the substrate in the antenna structure described with reference to the following description of the specification is slightly required. increase.

The present invention still refers to the possibility of using a prefabricated "patch" type product to form a partially conductive area as described above. For example, a combination of aggregate particle/grain/pebble size in the asphalt rubber binder can also be selected, for example, to resemble or match the particle/grain/peb size of the aggregates in the road to which the patch is to be applied. The overall color of the patch (or including the color of the aggregate) (or the aggregates can be mixed) to roughly match the color of the road to which the patch is applied, so that the patch appears to be only part of the road when applied (ie, the patch is indistinguishable from the road) ). Alternatively, the patch may be colored, or may be marked (eg, border or edge markers), etc., to make the patch clearly visible or easily visually separate from other portions/areas of the road. Or especially when the vehicle operator/driver is about to cross the area/location containing the antennas that will detect and/or identify their vehicles or especially if there is a required vehicle operator/driver to be able to see (and therefore they can Knowing that the area/location of the antenna will be crossed, the latter can be used in the preferred case, which may be important for privacy reasons and/or compliance with requirements , the transparency of the system used for law enforcement and evidence collection, and used to provide evidence collected in a legal and unquestionable manner. In particular, for reflected light (eg, infrared spectroscopy) in a particular spectral range, the aggregates and "particles" that make up the aggregate may also include particles of suitable or lighter proportions or reflective particles. These lighter colored and/or reflective particles are not meant to alleviate the overall color of the surface of the patch (although lighter and/or reflective particles may not have this effect, but are lighter and/or Or the reflective particles may also have this effect to some extent, depending on the manner and proportion of binding in the aggregates - but rather include shallower or reflective in certain parts of the spectrum (eg especially infrared) Part of the purpose of the appropriate amount or proportion of particles of sexual or reflective radiation is to help reduce heating and holding up, and may provide some degree of radiant heat reflection. It is assumed that (in these road applications) the part of the conductive area and the part of the conductive material under the conductive area surround the antenna, taking into account part of the conductive area and the road material under the part of the conductive area, reducing part of the conductive area (and the road material under the part of the conductive area) Heating and holding in is generally important to prevent possible heating or overheating of the electronics associated with the antenna and located at the antenna.

The pre-patches described above may be adhered to the road surface in any suitable manner or using any suitable technique to form a partially conductive region. For example, such patches can be pasted using a cationic emulsion or an anionic emulsion.

In order for the prefabricated patch described above to have sufficient electrical conductivity, the conductor or some form of electrically conductive component or substance may comprise a mixture (and aggregate) incorporated within the asphalt rubber binder. Alternatively, an aluminum alloy or other metal conductive mesh may be bonded to the patch (or as part of a patch) such that the conductive metal mesh described above Part of the patch product is applied to the road (rather than simply being applied as a standalone mesh to the road). Still another option is that the particulate or granular aluminum (or other metal) may actually be included (i.e., as part of) the pre-coated aggregate in the asphalt during the initial formation/manufacture of the patch. The resulting patch potentially has the necessary conductivity because of the aluminum (or other metal) contained in the aggregate and as part of the aggregate. This can also have the benefit of providing a useful choice for recycling of waste aluminum (or other metals) from other sources.

At least (or in particular) for applications where the antenna structure is mounted "in the road", the present invention suggests the use of partially conductive regions to surround the antenna structure. The present invention has also explained that a portion of the conductive area should have a certain minimum dimension in order to adequately shield the antenna structure. In the case where only a single antenna structure is used at a given location (eg, installed in a road), the antenna structure will have a portion of the conductive area associated with itself. However, there may be a case where multiple antenna structures are used at a given location. To highlight this, please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 actually shows the case where only a single antenna structure is used at the depicted location - the antenna structure is mounted "in the road" in the middle of the central lane of the road. However, in other cases, multiple antenna structures may be used. For example: a line across the road. For example, there may be a case where there is an antenna structure installed in the road at the center of each lane of the road such that the antenna structures together form a line across the road. In this case, the plurality of antenna structures do not have to each have a partial conductive area associated with themselves. Conversely, a single partially conductive region may be provided and shared by some or all of the antenna structures. One possibility is that a single partially conductive area shared by all antenna structures (where multiple antenna structures form a line through the road) can serve as a broadband for all lanes (ie spanning widths) that extend across the road. (strip). In order to provide sufficient shielding for the corresponding antenna structure, the width of the aforementioned portion of the conductive strip (the size of the broadband in a direction parallel to the direction of travel in the road lane) extending through the road may require approximately 4 λ or more (ie greater than Four times the wavelength of the signal used by the antenna structure). It should be noted that although multiple antenna structures are used at a given location, each (or one or more of them) may still have a partially conductive region (and not shared) with itself. However, from a practical point of view, the time, cost, and effort associated with installing or separately creating a portion of the conductive area around each antenna structure can be greater than the single larger portion that is installed or created by sharing some or all of the antenna structures. The time, cost, and effort of a conductive area (eg, similar to a broadband extending through the above road). Another possible benefit is that the broadband may be colored, or the broadband may be marked (eg, edge markers that extend across the road before and after the antenna structure in the direction of travel of the vehicle), or the broadband may have different surface textures Or stone/grain size so that the broadband is clearly visible (or broadband is audible when the broadband is being driven), the above can be used by vehicle operators to be able to see where they are going to pass in their vehicle will be detected and / / Identify the area / location (or at least know or be warned when this happens). In addition, the broadband combines lighter colored or reflective particles to help minimize heat and heat retention.

Returning now to the antenna structure, as already explained above, one suggestion made by the present invention (and in the basic terminology) is to reverse one of the antenna structures of the conventional disk-cone antenna structure. However, it should be noted that this brief description also oversimplifies the invention, and in particular it oversimplifies the antenna structure proposed by the present invention because it is conventional in addition to being reversed compared to conventional disk-conical antennas. Disk-cone antenna structure and antenna knot currently proposed by the present invention There are many other important differences between structures. Some of these differences, including the differences discussed below, are very important.

Many important differences between conventional disk-cone antenna structures and the antenna structures currently proposed by the present invention (other than the basic orientation) relate to the relative sizes and proportions of different portions of the antenna structure. For example, in a conventional disk-cone antenna structure, the height of the antenna (ie the distance in the axial direction of the antenna between the widest point on the disk and the cone) is usually greater than (usually much larger than) the maximum diameter of the antenna (maximum diameter) Usually on the cone). In other words, in a conventional disk-cone antenna structure, the antenna height is much larger than the antenna diameter. In contrast, in the presently proposed antenna structure, the height of the antenna (ie the distance in the axial direction of the antenna between the widest point on the disk and the cone) is less than (usually much smaller than) the maximum diameter of the antenna (in On the disc - see below). That is to say, in the currently proposed antenna structure, the antenna height is smaller than the antenna diameter (or the antenna diameter is larger than the antenna height).

Furthermore, in conventional disk-cone antennas, the diameter of the antenna disk is typically smaller than the largest diameter of the antenna cone. In other words, in a conventional disk-cone antenna, the diameter of the cone is larger than the diameter of the disk. In contrast, in the presently proposed antenna structure, the diameter of the antenna disk is larger than the maximum diameter of the cone (i.e., the diameter of the cone is smaller than the diameter of the disk).

Equally important, the present invention emphasizes that conventional disk-conical antennas are designed and typically mounted a considerable distance above the ground (above the earth) and are implemented in a broadcast manner in applications for omnidirectional transmission. More specifically, a conventional disk-conical antenna is always mounted at a height above the ground, the above height being much larger than the wavelength (λ) of the transmitted signal, and in fact the main purpose of the disk of the antenna in the conical antenna The antenna used to substantially force or direct the antenna in such an application The pattern is directed downward toward the earth. (The latter is important, as explained elsewhere, because of the inherent low conductivity of the Earth and other radio propagation effects of the Earth, low conductivity and other radio propagation effects tend to push the antenna's radiation pattern up from Earth. ). The difference in configuration between the conventional disk-conical antenna and the currently proposed antenna structure (including but not limited to the above-mentioned relevant portion related to the relative proportion of the antenna structure) exists in a small portion so that When the proposed antenna is placed in, on or very close to the ground (planetary earth), a small portion allows the currently proposed antenna structure to operate and provide the desired radiation pattern.

In addition to this, it is very important to note here that any form of conical antenna (or indeed any form or variant of dipole or monopole antenna) is placed on the ground, according to all conventional wisdom in the field of antenna design. It is contrary to all conventional thinking in the middle, on the ground or near the ground. It is assumed that these kinds of antennas are always designed and used (for example, at a position far above (ie, much larger than the wavelength above) the planet Earth, and a farther field transmission distance, whereby the influence of the planetary earth on radio propagation can be Considered to be more constant/uniform), this antenna is not possible because, according to conventional thinking, the use of antennas of this type (or any of these types) in this manner will not work.

The basic configuration (and particular aspects of the shape) of the antenna structure in accordance with the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. It is important to note that Figure 8 does not fully depict the antenna structure. That is to say, many parts and features of the proposed antenna structure are not fully depicted in FIG. Therefore, it should be understood that FIG. 8 is only presented as a schematic diagram of the overall shape or at least some important portions/portions of the proposed antenna structure.

Figure 8 shows an antenna structure having a frustoconical body 10 that is generally substantially circular and tapers upwardly. In other words, the overall/overall outer shape (truncated cone) 10 of the antenna structure is a cone with a rounded bottom, but the cone is successfully terminated/truncated/"cut off" before reaching the point/vertex, and Termination/"cutoff" in a plane parallel to the circular base.

Furthermore, the "cut" top that forms/recesses and extends vertically downward to the "cut" of the antenna structure is a relatively inverted conical opening 12. The opposite inverted conical opening 12 tapers inwardly from the widest point at its top to the convergence point 14. (Thus, the convergence point 14 is the lowest point on the opposite inverted conical opening 12). Note that the convergence point 14 is at or very close to the plane of the circular base of the main frustoconical body 10 (in fact, in the embodiment discussed below, the convergence point 14 intersects the plane of the circular base, and the intersection point is the antenna The location of the feedback point). Importantly, the relatively inverted conical opening 12 (and more particularly the electrically conductive material (metal) disposed on the opposite inverted conical opening 12 - see below) is an effective "cone" that forms the antenna structure, This is part of the antenna structure that typically corresponds to the tapered portion of a conventional disk antenna - and the "cone" described above is thus one of the operational/radiating portions of the presently proposed antenna. Thus, the opposite inverted conical opening 12 (which will be synonymous with the electrically conductive material actually formed or disposed on the opposite inverted conical opening 12 in the ensuing discussion, thereby creating the conical radiating element described above) will be referred to hereinafter simply as a "cone" body". (Note: In Fig. 8, the cone is marked with the reference symbol "12", but in the latter figures, the cone of the antenna structure may have a different label). It can be noted from Fig. 8 that the direction of the inverted inverted conical opening 12 is reversed/upside down with respect to the direction of the cone portion in the conventional disk-cone antenna (see Figs. 5 and 6).

It should also be noted that at the widest point at the top in Fig. 8, the circular opening formed by the open top/opening of the opposite inverted conical opening 12 is at the height of the "cutoff". The outer diameter of the head cone 0 is narrow. Thus, at least in Fig. 8, a flat shape is formed between the outer diameter at the top of the main frustoconical body 10 and the edge of the circular opening formed by the top/mouth of the opposite inverted conical opening 12. Annular (ie horizontal, flat and toroidal) 16. However, although the shape of the entire antenna structure having a flat ring 16 is shown in FIG. 8, the flat ring 16 may not be present in the actual antenna structure. For example, a slight indentation or depression in the "cut"/truncated top of the main truncated cone 10 extending vertically down to the antenna may alternatively be provided, see reference symbol "16a" in Figure 14 - slight The indentations or recesses 16a are for receiving the cover or top plate of the antenna structure. (The cover/top plate is discussed further below). The uppermost portion of the inclined ramp of the frustoconical body 10 can actually provide a wall or lip around the slight indentation or recess 16a, and the above described wall or lip can help position and maintain the cover/top plate of the antenna structure (ie, The wall or lip can help prevent the cover from moving or slipping off the top of the antenna structure. Holes 17 (also visible in Figure 14) may help to tighten or bolt the antenna cover/top plate in place in the slight indentations or recesses 16a.

The antenna structure (other details and features are shown in several other figures) in certain embodiments will be described in further detail below, and the particular antenna structure is an antenna structure that can be operated with a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz, and With regard to the overall shape and reference number shown in Fig. 8: the vertical height of the truncated cone (antenna structure) 10 is 25 mm; the lowest and the largest of the frustoconical body 10 at the frustoconical 10 The outer diameter at the wide point (ie, the diameter of the circular base of the frustoconical body 10) is 180 mm; - the outer diameter of the truncated cone at the highest / "cutoff" / cutoff point (the outer diameter of the flat annular 16 in Figure 8, if present) is approximately 104-110 mm (hence, if a vertical cross section) Through the center of the antenna, the angle between the inclined/surrounding side of the frustoconical body 10 and the plane of the pedestal will be approximately 33 degrees - 36 degrees when viewed in the above-mentioned vertical cross section; and - a flat ring 16 (Also, if present) has an inner diameter of approximately 80 mm.

It may be useful to note that a height of 25 mm above the surface of the road (or a height of no more than 25 mm) is the height that is generally approved in the regulations/standards governing road and pavement installations in most jurisdictions. Thus, for example, in most countries, the allowable height of the device (eg, conventional retroreflective "cat's eye" or the like) is typically as high as 25 mm. These regulations/standards also generally require (especially for devices such as "cat's eye") that the sides of these devices should not exceed 45 degrees with respect to the elevation at the plane of the road surface. This requirement (along with the 25 mm height limit described above) allows the wheels of cars and other traveling vehicles to roll on the device without undue bumps or impact. Moreover, these regulations/standards generally allow for the maximum diameter of such equipment on the road or on the road surface to be no greater than 190 mm (i.e., 190 mm or less). It will be noted that the size and shape parameters of the antenna structures listed in the previous paragraph meet these requirements. The importance of the fact that the antenna structure meets these requirements and is also operable to provide the radiation pattern discussed herein will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in the field of antenna design and should not be underestimated.

It is explained above that the relatively inverted conical opening 12 as shown in Fig. 8 is generally the day corresponding to the cone portion in the conventional disc-cone antenna. Part of the line structure. The antenna structures proposed so far generally also have disk portions/components corresponding to those in conventional disk-cone antennas (again this is the functional/radiating portion of the antenna). However, the disk portion/component in the presently proposed antenna structure is not shown in FIG. However, the disk portions/components are shown in several other figures, and the other figures show that the disk portion/component is a flat disk (usually metal) of electrically conductive material, the disk portion/component has a main truncated cone The bottom of the body 10 has the same diameter and is located immediately below it. In fact the disc portion/component is typically applied or attached to the underside of the main frustoconical body 10.

It should also be noted that in the case where the proposed antenna structure is surrounded by a partially conductive area (which would normally be where the antenna structure is installed/deployed in the road), some of the conductive areas surrounding the antenna structure, although not necessarily An object that is in direct contact with any portion of the antenna structure but still "functions" as an extension of the actual disk portion/component of the antenna structure. In other words, in terms of the effect of the partially conductive region on the overall radiation pattern of the antenna, a portion of the conductive region (even if the partially conductive region is not necessarily connected to the antenna structure) acts as an extension of the disk portion/component of the antenna structure.

It has already been mentioned that the relatively inverted conical opening 12 of the antenna structure and the disc portion/component are made of a conductive material (generally, although not necessarily or exclusively, made of metal, see below). However, the main frustoconical shape 10 of the antenna structure (which may be referred to as the main truncated cone 10 of the antenna structure) is itself made of a strong/structural dielectric material. While other strong/structural and dielectric materials may also be used, the material considered to be the most likely to be used herein is glass (and many different forms or types of glass may be suitable). However, see below, the glass does have the advantage of being transparent, translucent or at least slightly allowing light to penetrate. Glass or other strong/knot The dielectric and dielectric materials should have a relative dielectric constant (or dielectric constant) of between about 3 and about 6. As a possible alternative to glass, for example, other materials for making the frustoconical body 10 may be used, including concrete, certain strong/structural/engineering polymers (eg, nylon and Teflon, and some Some alumina) (although these may not have the advantage of being transparent or otherwise allowing light to penetrate, at least not to the same extent as glass).

As noted above, the opposite inverted conical opening 12 and the disk portion/component are the functional/radiation portions of the antenna structure. The glass or other strong/structural and dielectric material (and thus the frustoconical body 10) of the main frustoconical body 10 of the antenna structure is not the radiating portion of the antenna; however, the main truncated cone 10 is still an important part of the antenna. Functional portion, due to the shape of the frustoconical body 10, the material and associated radio frequency properties (in other words, the size, shape, configuration, material and dielectric properties of the frustoconical body 10, etc.) significantly affect the radiation pattern of the antenna and in particular A radiation pattern that helps shape the desired "fallen donut" shape (or contributes to the formation of the desired "dropped donut" shaped radiation pattern). Thus, even if the frustoconical body 10 is not the radiating portion of the antenna, any change in the design (even a slight change) of the frustoconical body 10 will (or may) significantly affect the radiation pattern (and in particular the shape) of the antenna. ), the truncated cone 10 is still an important functional part of the antenna, and the design choices regarding the size, shape, configuration, dielectric properties, and other material properties of the frustoconical 10 of the antenna structure, as well as other aspects of the design, have been Very big attention and attention.

The frustoconical body 10 of the antenna structure is functional in the sense of a structure, in addition to being functional in the sense of affecting the overall radiation pattern of the antenna. That is, the truncated cone 10 It is one of the main components that provide the physical support structure of the antenna (and gives physical strength to the physical support structure of the antenna). This can be easily understood. As already mentioned, the elements such as the opposite inverted conical openings 12 are made of a conductive material, typically metal. In fact, for example, the cone is typically made of a thin layer or film of metal and the thickness of the cone may be less than one millimeter or only one millimeter. The cone is also raised relative to the antenna disk (eg, and also relative to the surface of the ground/road installed in the road) (ie, the cone is located vertically above the antenna disk). Naturally, thin layers or films like this metal (especially if lift/upright is not supported in "free sapce") can be very flexible and fragile. It should also be recognized that the presently proposed antenna structure can generally be mounted along the antenna by the simple advantage of the presently proposed antenna structure in the intended (especially in the road) application of the presently proposed antenna structure. The vehicles driving in/on the road run directly. Obviously, the antenna structure must be able to withstand such forces and shocks over and over for a long time without damaging or affecting the function or performance of the antenna. Therefore, it is also apparent that there is a need to have something to prevent any other thin/fragile sheet metal/metal layer/metal film contained or fabricated by the antenna structure, particularly the relatively inverted conical opening 12 being crushed/pressed. Flat and prevent complete damage by this type of vehicle impact. The main truncated cone 10 of the antenna structure helps to provide this function. In other words, the main truncated cone 10 provides a physical structure that not only can withstand the impact of the vehicle itself, but also provides a support base for other parts of the antenna (eg, cones, etc.), the main truncated cone The body 10 itself cannot withstand such impact, but when the physical structure is mounted on or formed on the main frustoconical body 10 (and thus supported on or supported by the main frustoconical body 10) ), the main truncated cone 10 is able to withstand such an impact.

A radio frequency identification reader 100 in which an actual antenna structure and an antenna structure form a part thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed further in detail with reference to FIG. The annotated version of Figure 9 is also shown in Figure 10. However, for the sake of convenience, the present invention will refer only to FIG.

It is to be noted first that Figure 9 is a view of a radio frequency identification reader 100 incorporating the proposed antenna structure and other RFID reader devices. It should be noted that from the outset, FIG. 9 depicts the case where the RFID reader 100 is installed on the "on the road". In other words, at least some portions of the RFID reader 100 and other associated devices are located at or below the level of the road surface RS, while other portions are located above the level of the road surface RS. It will be readily understood that Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view so that portions of the RFID reader 100 and other associated devices above and below the horizontal plane of the road surface RS can be seen.

As just mentioned, the radio frequency identification reader 100 in Fig. 9 is installed in the "in the road" installation. In fact, before the RFID reader 100 is installed in a road, first, it is necessary to first excavate, cut, drill or otherwise form a suitably shaped recess/hole/cavity in the road (hereinafter referred to as a cavity). 110) to receive the associated components and devices in the radio frequency identification reader 100 and the radio frequency identification reader 100. In effect, the cavity 110 has several distinct portions, each for receiving and housing a different portion of the RFID reader 100. The first/major portion of the cavity 110 is labeled "111" (i.e., the first/main portion 111) in Figure 9. The major portion of the cavity is circular/cylindrical and, at least in certain embodiments, is about 120-125 mm (mm) wide and about 30-35 mm (mm) deep (i.e., the cavity is perpendicular to the road surface RS) Extending downwards by approximately 30-35 mm (mm). As described below, the main portion 111 of the cavity 110 is sized and shaped to receive a cylindrical "cup" shaped container that is made of metal or other thermally conductive material and to which other portions of the RFID reader 100 are attached. Component 160. At or near the top of the main portion 111 of the cavity 110, and substantially surrounding the outer/peripheral portion that extends the main portion 111, the cavity 110 has a wider but shallower second portion 112. In other words, although the diameter of the second portion 112 (typically about 180 mm) is much larger/wider than the width of the main portion 111, the second portion 112 of the cavity is larger than the main portion 111 (typically the second portion) 112 will extend only slightly a few millimeters deeper and vertically below and below the road plane RS. The second portion 112 of the cavity receives the outer/peripheral portion of the radio frequency identification reader 100; particularly the underside of the substrate 140 (the substrate 140 will be discussed below). Finally, at the bottom of the main portion 111, typically near the center of the main portion 111 or the center of the main portion 111, the third portion 113 of the cavity 110 (in the particular embodiment is in the form of a hole or shaft) is larger than the cavity 110. Any other part extends much deeper vertically downwards. The optional hole/shaft third portion 113 (if provided) should be shaped to receive a heat sink 105. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the (optional) heat sink 105 is just an elongated (and vertical) cylindrical rod of metal or some other thermally conductive material having a length greater than 50 mm ( Mm), which is approximately 12 mm (mm) in diameter. Of course, the heat sink (and the third portion 113 of the cavity that the heat sink houses) can take a range of other shapes and sizes. Fig. 15 provides an alternative embodiment, the embodiment of Fig. 15 having a larger heat sink 205 than the embodiment of Fig. 9 compared to Fig. 9, the heat sink 205 is designed to dissipate a larger amount of Heat. In fact, the larger heat sink 205 in Fig. 15 (again) is an outward circular column, but also has a rectangular box/prism shaped hollow interior, and the heat sink 205 is HH as shown in Fig. 15. Part of it. In this embodiment, the interior described above can be used to house electronic components and devices associated with a radio frequency identification reader - see below. In any case, the size and shape of the heatsink can vary depending on the thermal requirements of a given application (eg, some RFID readers can generate more heat than other RFID readers, depending on The amount of equipment or power used in a radio frequency identification reader, or depending on the thermal efficiency of the device, and the size and heat dissipation requirements of the heat sink can also be based on the warmth of the ground and surrounding environment and how much sunshine exposure is present at the location in question. Variety).

In Figure 9, the heat sink 105 is attached, mounted or otherwise secured to the underside of the container 160 (actually there is a recess in the lower side of the container 160 that houses the top of the heat sink 105 - ie in this case Screw in). The function of the heat sink 105 (and similar heat sink 205) is to receive the heat generated by the RFID reader electronics and the heat is conducted into the heat sink 105 (eg, the example shown in Figure 9). The heat is transmitted from the RFID reader and the electronic device of the RFID reader through the container 160, and the heat is dissipated into the soil/subgrade surrounding the heat sink. It may often be important to dissipate heat in this manner as it can help prevent overheating in the RFID reader (otherwise overheating can damage or at least interfere with the correct operation of the RFID reader's electronics) Wait for the action).

It should also be noted that after the cavity 110 has been formed (including the various portions of the cavity 110 - see above) but before the container 160 and the heat sink 105 are inserted (and also in the remainder of the RFID reader 100) Subsequently, prior to attachment to the container 160, first, an adhesive 108 is applied to at least a plurality of walls/surfaces of various portions of the cavity 110. Then, once the adhesive 108 is applied to As little as the wall/surface of the cavity 110, the container 160 and the heat sink 105 are inserted such that when the adhesive 108 solidifies, the container 160 and the heat sink 105 thus become adhered and fixed in respective corresponding portions of the cavity (main part 111 and third part 113). Prior to the setting of the adhesive, other portions of the RFID reader 100 are also attached (screwed) to the container 160 (see below) such that the underside of the substrate 140 also becomes adhered and secured to the cavity. The second portion 112 (i.e., the other portion of the RFID reader is also held in place by the adhesive when it is set). Thus, in Figure 9, the adhesive 108 completely (or at least largely) fills the space between the walls of the cavity and the various portions of the RFID reader. (In other words, the adhesive 108 fills the space below the substrate 140 in the second portion 112 of the cavity, and the adhesive 108 also fills between the wall and the bottom plate in the main portion 111 of the cavity and the exterior of the filler 160. Space, and the adhesive 108 further fills the outer surface of the heat sink 105 and the space between the wall and the bottom plate in the third portion 113 of the cavity. Preferably, the adhesive 108 should be an adhesive that conducts heat well. (to help dissipate heat), and the adhesive 108 should also be strong enough to adequately secure the various components of the RFID reader (see above) and prevent the components from being easily moved, but at the same time it should (best) not strong enough to prohibit or prevent the RFID reader (or part of the RFID reader, such as a container or radiator) in case it proves necessary for any reason Remove and / or replace. The adhesive 108, which may be up to a few millimeters thick, may have or provide some inherent flexibility or resilience, and when the RFID reader is secured to the adhesive 108 and the vehicle is driven directly over the top of the antenna structure, this It can also provide at least a certain degree of impact absorption capability. For example, certain commercial (or sulfhydryl) and asphalt (or asphalt based) adhesives are suitable for use as an adhesive.

As an example of a possible (not shown) variant (and this can also be applied to other embodiments discussed below) different adhesives can be used at different locations. For example, an adhesive that is relatively weak but highly effective in heat transfer (ie, a heat-conductive preferred adhesive) can be used in the main portion 111 and the third portion 113 such that the container 160 and the heat sink 105 are The heat is effectively dissipated, but the removal of these sub-road components (if required for maintenance or repair, etc.) is not hindered or made more difficult due to the adhesion of excessive adhesives. At the same time, different adhesives having greater adhesive strength can be used, for example, in securing the underside of the antenna structure in the second portion 112 in the road surface.

A portion of the conductive area (as described above) is also depicted in FIG. 9, at least in an "in-road" deployment where a portion of the conductive area is applied directly to the road plane RS and surrounds the radio frequency identification reader 100. In Fig. 9, a part of the conductive area is denoted by reference numeral "90". What is important is that in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 9, the sides of the figure are cut away, so that the nineth figure does not necessarily show the entire width of the partial conductive region 90. In other words, the partially conductive region 90 (and typically) extends further away from the RFID reader 100 than shown in FIG. Before or after the RFID reader 100 and its associated devices (and fixed by adhesive) are mounted to the cavity 110, a portion of the conductive region 90 can be applied to the road surface or otherwise formed on the road surface. In fact, the partially conductive region 90 can be applied/formed even before the cavity 110 itself is produced. However, it is often the case that at least the location at which the cavity 110 is created must be predetermined (and typically marked) before the portion of the conductive region 90 is formed on the road such that a portion of the conductive region can be relative to the cavity 110 (radio frequency identification) The reader reader 100 will be mounted into the cavity 110 for proper positioning so that when the radio frequency identification is read When the picker 100 (and its location) is subsequently installed, it provides sufficient shielding for the RFID reader 100.

In Figure 9, the main frustum of the RFID reader (remember that the main frustum is also a functional part of the antenna structure) is made of glass. The glass used is preferably in the form of soda lime glass.

In Fig. 9, the cone of the antenna structure is marked with the symbol "120". In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the cone 120 is preferably formed as a thin layer (less than one of copper, silver or other suitable conductive alloy, or other metal or indeed other conductive material). Or one millimeter or even one millimeter thick). The thin metal (or conductive material) layer forming the cone 120 can be formed on the glass body or applied to the glass body in any suitable manner, although the above-described embodiments are considered to be a suitable means for achieving this, if not most The conductive material used in the above embodiment is a metal, and the above embodiment can be formed by directly plating the metal forming the cone 120 onto the inverted cone shape in the top of the glass body.

When the antenna structure is in its installation configuration, as shown in Figure 9 (Fig. 9 is installed in the road, although this also applies to the mid/up of the road), the main truncated cone system in the form of the substrate 140 is made of glass. Made, it is effectively located directly on top of the disk portion/component of the antenna structure. Similar to the cone 120, the substrate 140 is preferably formed of a metal such as copper, silver or a suitable conductive alloy thereof, or other metals or indeed other conductive materials. However, the substrate (compared to other radiation/metal portions of the antenna structure) is typically relatively thick (eg, having a thickness of 5-10 mm (mm)). The metal sheet forming the substrate 140 can be applied or attached to the underside of the glass body in any suitable manner. In a suitable method for achieving this, the substrate 140 and the glass body are then separately formed, and then the substrate 140 is fixed on the glass body (for example) Such as: the use of adhesives or some form of mechanical fastening and the like).

The substrate 140 is functional in addition to being a functional radiating component of the antenna - that is, the substrate 140 is the other of the main components that provide the physical support structure of the antenna (and imparts physicality to it) strength). More specifically, and particularly where the substrate 140 is formed from a solid metal sheet having a thickness of 5-10 mm, the substrate 140 provides a rigid/solid base for the glass frustoconical body. And because the glass frustum is directly on top of the substrate 140, the substrate 140 effectively "underpins" the frustoconical body (ie, the substrate 140 supports the glass frustum from beneath the glass frustum), In turn, the glass frustum may be excessively deformed or cracked when the vehicle travels through the glass frustum.

Further, the substrate 140 also incorporates or attaches a combination block of the substrate 140 (hereinafter referred to as "screw mounting member") 150. The screw mounting member 150 protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the glass frustum extends from the substrate with respect to the plane of the substrate 140. Therefore, in the mounting configuration shown in FIG. 9, the glass frustum is located on top of the substrate 140, and the glass frustum is effectively directed upward relative to the substrate 140, so the screw mounting member 150 is from the underside of the substrate 140. Vertically downwards. The screw mounting member 150 protrudes (downward) from the lower side of the substrate 140 by a distance of usually about 5 mm to 15 mm. The outer diameter of the screw mounting member 150 is smaller than the diameter of the substrate 140, and in fact the outer diameter of the screw mounting member 150 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the wall of the cylindrical cup container 160. In fact, in the embodiment as shown in Fig. 9, the outer (vertical) cylindrical wall of the screw mounting member 150 is threaded, and at least the upper portion on the inner side of the wall of the cylindrical cup-shaped container 160 is correspondingly Thread. Thus, the adhesive 108 has been applied to the cavity 110 and After the container 160 and the heat sink 105 have been inserted into the cavity, the antenna structure is attached to the container 160 (the antenna structure is a substrate 140, a frustoconical body, a screw mounting member 150, etc., and these devices have been assembled together) It is the antenna structure described above that is positioned on top of the container 160 and rotated such that the screw mounting member 150 is threaded into the threaded portion on top of the container 160. Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the antenna structure is sufficiently "screwed in" such that the peripheral portion on the underside of the bottom plate 140 receives (and is pressed into and secured to) the adhesive of the second portion 112 of the cavity. 108.

The various dimensions of the antenna structure of Figure 9 (i.e., the antenna structure described above in conjunction with or as part of the RFID reader 100) generally correspond to those described in Figure 8 above. . For example, the cone 120 has a diameter of about 104 mm (mm) and the cone 120 has a height of 25 mm (mm) or less. Further, the substrate (disc) has an outer diameter of about 180 mm. However, it is very important that these dimensions (and the same applies to the explanations and dimensions given with reference to Figure 8 above and other embodiments of the invention) are merely illustrative examples. These specific dimensions apply to antenna structures that are tuned to operate at a particular signal frequency (approximately 860-940 MHz) (incorporated or as part of the RFID reader 100), as well as appropriate partial conductive areas/structures and dielectrics Structure (primary frustocone). It should be clearly understood that the size, shape, dimensions, etc. of various portions (or at least some of the antenna structures) of the antenna structure can be varied. For example: antennas designed to operate at different signal frequencies. In addition, as those skilled in the art of antenna design will readily understand, the various dimensions of the antenna and the shape, material used, thickness of the material, material properties, and other antennas such as the antenna and various various parameters thereof may be used depending on the type of antenna used. Signal frequency and other usage requirements change to tune the antenna to The radiation pattern is now required.

Next, it should be noted from Fig. 9 that even when the screw mounting member 150 is completely screwed into the container 160 (so that the substrate 140 is housed in the second portion 112 of the cavity just below the road plane RS), the inside of the container 160 There is still a remaining vertical space/gap 155 between the underside of the screw mounting member 150 and the internal base of the container 160. Items or slices of electronic devices associated with the RFID reader 100 (or some of the items or slices of associated electronic devices) may be installed (ie, may reside) in the gap 155.

In Figure 9, it should also be noted that the gap 155 is not the only opening or space that can accommodate an electronic component. There are also spaces for mounting certain components between the upper surface of the cone 120 and the "top" or "cover" 130 of the radio frequency identification reader. A space located below the cover 130 but above the upper surface of the cone 120 is labeled in Figure 9 and is indicated by the reference numeral "135". In fact, the cover 130 is on top of any electronic component that can be located in the space 135 to provide a protective cover or barrier (ie, to prevent the electronic component from being exposed to the component or to prevent the electronic component from being subjected to rolling from the vehicle at the top of the reader. damage). Space 135 can be a particularly useful location for accommodating sensors. For example, the accommodation sensor is a sensor for detecting or measuring sound, gas, and the like. Other electronic components that may (or may also) be housed within space 135 include devices for providing conventional radar or imaging functions, as well as for implementing other forms of wireless connectivity (eg, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to facilitate wireless presence) A device that communicates between an electronic device inside a reader and a remote computer or device. The space 135 can be further combined or can be used to house a vibration sensor. Vibration sensors can be particularly useful. For example, because vibration sensing can be used to determine passing when the vehicle passes The "number of axes" and / or the distance between the axles of the vehicle (for example: this can even determine whether the passing vehicle is a car, a truck, or a multi-joint road train without using radio frequency identification, and this type of thing is further It can be used to monitor and manage the integrity of the road to determine if maintenance, flow management, etc. are required.

A radio frequency identification reader is also disclosed elsewhere in the present invention and includes a radio frequency identification reader incorporating the previously disclosed antenna structure, which can be used to provide not only "bidirectional" data exchange, but also "One-way" (or radar-like) data exchange. It can be further explained elsewhere as "one-way" data exchange, especially for vehicle detection purposes. The currently disclosed RFID reader can take advantage of this, especially since the amount of power required for two-way communication is greater than that for one-way communication. Thus, for example, vehicle detection that can be unidirectional data exchange is enabled by enabling the radio frequency identification reader to operate normally in a low power one-way communication mode to help minimize power consumption. Then, when the actual detection of the vehicle occurs through the one-way data exchange, only the high-power two-way communication mode is switched (by turning on the radio frequency communication device required for this), and therefore only actual/forward vehicle discrimination is required. (The duty cycle in the radio frequency identification reader device will preferably enable the high power radio frequency communication device required for bidirectional data exchange to be turned on within a few milliseconds, thus even if the vehicle is only detected when it is ( Assuming 6 meters from the antenna, the time delay to turn on a high-power radio frequency device should not be through radio frequency identification ("two-way" data exchange) to prevent proper vehicle identification, especially if the vehicle is moving at normal road speeds). In addition to conserving power, the higher power levels required to use bidirectional communication only when necessary can also significantly help reduce the risk of heat generation and overheating in the RFID reader.

As described above, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, (when the antenna junction The antenna structure is incorporated into the RFID reader 100 and is part of the RFID reader 100 when the device is screwed to a device such as the container described above. For example, in the radio frequency identification reader 100, the cone 120 is the "cone" of the antenna (ie, the cone 120 is the radiating portion of the cone that generally corresponds to the conventional disk cone antenna), and similarly, the substrate 140 It is the "disk" of the antenna (i.e., the substrate 140 is a radiating portion of the disk that substantially corresponds to a conventional disk antenna). In effect, the feed point of the antenna contacts the point of convergence of the substrate (disc) 140 at the tip/apex of the cone 120.

The invention has already mentioned that the main glass frustum of the antenna is not the radiating portion of the antenna structure. However, the main truncated cone is still a very useful part of the antenna. Because the shape, material, and associated radio frequency properties of the main truncated cone (in other words, the size, shape, configuration, material, and dielectric properties of the main truncated cone) significantly affect the radiation pattern of the antenna, and The ground helps (or contributes to) the formation of the desired "falling donut" shape of the radiation pattern. The invention further mentions that the selection of glass (including or in particular soda lime glass) as a ferroelectric material for the fabrication of a main frustum cone may have the added benefit of being transparent, translucent or at least slightly allowing light to penetrate. This may be beneficial because it is included in the radio frequency identification reader 100 or as part of the radio frequency identification reader 100 (eg, disposed in or extending through the disc/substrate 140) Other electronic components or components in the system may have one or more components that absorb light (eg, components such as lamps or LEDs). When the RFID reader 100 is illuminated, the components are external to the RFID reader 100, even from a distance from the RFID reader (especially at night or in low light conditions). visible. Such a light or LED can be used to provide an indication, for example, regarding the current operational state of the RFID reader 100 or its various portions or functions. example For example, as a simple embodiment, when there is a fault or warning related to the operation of the RFID reader (eg, component failure, power failure or interruption, or "almost empty" battery or battery backup, etc.), A red light/LED can be turned on. However, such lamps, LEDs, etc., which may be included in the RFID reader 100 (but may be visible from the outside), may also be used for a variety of other purposes. For example; since the RFID reader 100 in these "on the road" applications is located on the surface of the road (ie, the surface on which the vehicle is traveling, and the driver of the vehicle is paying close attention), the LED in the RFID reader Or a light can also be used to provide various forms of signaling to the vehicle. For example: red and green lights can be used to indicate the lane that the vehicle is turning on or off when driving, or to indicate the direction of travel allowed in the lane (which may be useful in the end, for example, where the “tidal flow” traffic management is implemented It is convenient to drive in different directions at different times of the day in a given lane to help accommodate large amounts of traffic in one direction or other directions at different times of the day. The LEDs or lights in the RFID reader can also have other possible uses, for example: the flash can be used to provide road users with an impending accident or a warning of danger under the road. Alternatively, the red, yellow, and green signals may be provided in the RFID reader prior to the intersection of the traffic lights, and the red, yellow, or green lights in the RFID reader may change instantaneously/simultaneously, and accordingly Change the traffic light signal. Illumination or light signals from any light or LED emitted inside the RFID reader can also be visible and detectable as a camera or other imaging device, for example on the road side and used for law enforcement or traffic management purposes. Those devices. It should be understood that the possible uses of the above-mentioned devices, such as lamps, LEDs, etc., which are provided in the RFID reader or as part of the RFID reader are only one implementation. For example, a lamp, LED, etc., disposed in a radio frequency identification reader or as part of a radio frequency identification reader, can have many other uses or applications.

Figure 9 also shows a radio frequency identification reader comprising a plurality of tuning screws/struts 190. These tuning screws 190 are actually optional. In other words, these tuning screws 190 are not necessarily present or incorporated into the antenna design. In embodiments where the tuning screw 190 is present or used, these tuning screws 190 can help to further support or enhance the overall structure of the antenna. Further, in the presence of the tuning screw 190, the number, arrangement, angle, length, thickness, and contact points of the antenna radiating elements, etc., can be selected or changed for tuning the antenna. In other words, the configuration and design of the presence/absence (if any) of the tuning screw 190 functions to achieve the desired radiation pattern in the overall tuning of the antenna. It should also be noted that in the embodiment of Fig. 9, for example, the tuning screw 190 extends through the glass of the frustum body and "screws" into the (metal) substrate 140. Therefore, it is possible to tighten or loosen the tuning screw 190, or to tighten or loosen one or more of them by more or less than others, thereby slightly compressing some parts relative to other parts (even if only tiny The shape of the change/deformation antenna structure can also be used to perform fine tuning of the antenna (eg, final fine-tuning during installation).

The antenna screws 190 (if present) may be hollow so they may also provide one or more conduits for cables, wires, etc. that extend between the electronic components and the devices located in the gaps 155 below the screw mounting components 150, And one or more conduits of cables, wires, etc., extending between the devices in the space 135 above the cone 120 below the cover 130, and the electronic components and devices. The aperture in the main frustocone of the antenna structure for receiving the tuning screw 190 and allowing the tuning screw 190 to pass through the frustoconical body is labeled "192" in FIG.

Returning now to Fig. 15, a comparison of Fig. 15 depicts an embodiment of a radio frequency identification reader 200 that is substantially similar to, but slightly different/variable, in Fig. 9. Figure 16 also shows the annotated version of Figure 15. However, for the sake of convenience, the present invention will only refer to Figure 15. In addition, the design, features, and aspects of the RFID reader 200 (and the combined antenna structure of the RFID reader 200) in Fig. 15 are related to the RFID reader 100 (and the RFID reader). The antenna structure of the extractor 100) is the same or equivalent in the corresponding portions, features, and the like of Fig. 9). Therefore, the embodiment in Fig. 15 will be mainly described only in the case of materials or salient ways different from the embodiment in Fig. 9.

In Fig. 15, an aspect of the design of the RFID reader 200 different from the embodiment of Fig. 9 is that the lower side of the substrate 240 is provided with a plurality of downwardly depending ground engaging portions 241. These ground engaging portions 241 can be configured as a plurality of discrete "legs" that extend downwardly from the substrate at different radii and different locations from the main substrate 240. Alternatively, the ground engaging portions 241 may be disposed as concentric rings of different radii that extend around (and hang downward from) the main substrate 240. However, if the ground engaging portions 241 are provided as concentric rings, the rings may also need to incorporate multiple or series of holes or spaces to allow the adhesive 108 to be squeezed through and into the space between the rings, such that during installation When the RFID reader 200 is pressed down into the adhesive, the adhesive can be properly dispersed and distributed under the substrate 240.

As shown in Fig. 15, one of the ground engaging portions (ground engaging rings) 241 (or this may also be a plurality of ground engaging legs extending below the substrate 240 at an appropriate radius) is directly located at the most of the glass frustums. Thick part of the positive Below. The reason for positioning one (or a series of) ground engaging portions directly below the thickest portion of the glass frustum is because when the vehicle is driven directly over the antenna structure, especially when the tire is directly in the glass frustum On top of the antenna structure, the tire of the vehicle will contact the point (and therefore the pressure from the weight of the vehicle will be pressed directly from the point of contact) as the point of the highest point on the antenna structure. Therefore, placing one (or a series of) ground engaging portions directly below the highest point on the antenna structure can help to most effectively withstand the weight and prevent damage to the antenna structure, even the bending of the antenna structure. Although direct compression does not necessarily cause damage, it may affect the antenna radiation pattern, and the shape of the antenna is distorted.

As also shown in Fig. 15, another ground engaging ring 241 is positioned directly below the outermost circumference of the substrate 240 (or this may also be a plurality of grounding legs extending below the substrate 240). This can help prevent the outermost portion of the antenna structure from being depressed or deflected relative to its more central portion. In addition to providing support for the antenna structure (eg, when the surface joint ring 241 is loaded by the weight of the vehicle as described above), the ground engaging ring 241 also facilitates proper positioning of the substrate of the antenna in the vertical direction, particularly by ensuring the substrate. The plane (or the plane above the substrate) is arranged vertically on the (planar) road surface and/or the semi-conducting area on the road surface.

In Fig. 15, another aspect of the design of the RFID reader 200 different from the embodiment of Fig. 9 is to replace the screw mounting member (similar to a screw) having a screw-in container (e.g., container 160). The mounting member 150), the RFID reader 200 of Fig. 15 alternatively has a vibration absorber/damper/buffer 260 near the center on the underside of the substrate 240, and this vibration absorber 260 is directly Screw into the internally threaded portion of the top of the heat sink 205. As described above, the heat sink 205 in Fig. 15 is larger than the heat sink 105 in Fig. 9. There are many, and the heat sink 205 is designed to dissipate a larger amount of heat. As described above, the heat sink 205 in Fig. 15 is an outward cylindrical shape and has a rectangular box/prism-shaped hollow interior as shown by the section HH in Fig. 15. The hollow interior described above can be used to house electronic components and devices associated with a radio frequency identification reader.

The present invention can be provided with one or more vertical holes or shafts extending between the space above the cone and the space below the antenna to provide cables, wiring, etc. for extending between the electronic devices mounted in the respective spaces. Catheter. In Fig. 15 (and Fig. 9), it is actually shown that a hole extends vertically downward from a point where the cone contacts the substrate to a space below the antenna (in Fig. 15, the space of the latter is the inside of the heat sink) Space, Figure 9 is the space inside the container). However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art of antenna design that the particular center aperture shown in the two figures is aligned with the center feed point of the antenna and in order to achieve the desired antenna impedance (eg, the desired antenna) The impedance may be 50 ohms (Ω), and in the above case, the center hole should have a diameter of at least about 1 mm), and the specific center hole shown in FIGS. 15 and 9 must remain open/empty (ie, The above specific center hole cannot be used as a cable wiring or the like). However, the present invention can provide other holes at other off-axis positions that serve as conduits.

This applies to the embodiments of Figures 9 and 15 and to road applications in powering the antenna (and other electronic components associated with or associated with the RFID reader). Other possible embodiments/deformations used in this - this can be done in any manner. For example, by using an inductive loop, or by directly connecting one or more cables carrying current (power) to the RFID reader structure. This current (power) load cable can be mounted to shallow grooves or trenches formed in the road (eg cutting in a road / Excavate and then cover after laying the cable). As an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 15 illustrates one way in which the power cable 270 can extend under the antenna and into the space inside the heat sink where the powered electronics are located.

Moreover, communication and data transfer between the RFID reader and other computers or devices separate from or external to the RFID reader can be implemented and can be accomplished in any suitable manner. Due to the rugged environment and permanent (or at least semi-permanent) nature of installation in "in-road" applications, simply connecting cables (eg, cables such as Ethernet cables) may not generally be suitable for data transmission. However, the present invention may use other conventional wireless communication methods (eg, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. communication methods), or if the RFID reader is powered by a power cable, conventional "overpower data" may also be used ( The data over power) method communicates. In the case of wireless communication methods, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may require additional antennas to support this function. Such an antenna can be incorporated into the cone of a radio frequency identification reader or even incorporated into the cover of the RFID reader itself (eg, if an additional antenna for communication methods such as Wi-Fi is attached to the cover) A simple slot antenna formed as a slot).

Returning to Figures 17 and 18, these figures actually depict a radio frequency identification reader 300 that is substantially similar but slightly different/changed compared to Figures 9 and 15 (respectively The partially decomposed and assembled form), the embodiments of Figures 17 and 18 are somewhat similar to the embodiment of Figure 15. For example, the heat sinks 305 of the large hollow sub-roads are included in Figures 17 and 18, and the electronics of most of the RFID readers are housed therein and the like. Figures 17 and 18 may be slightly more graphical (and less schematic) than Figures 9 and 15 and for example. Figure 17 and Figure 18 actually More electronic devices and the like mounted inside the heat sink 305 are shown above. However, the components, features, and aspects of the design of the radio frequency identification reader 300 (and the antenna structure incorporated by the radio frequency identification reader 300) in FIGS. 17 and 18 are equivalent or equivalent to FIG. Corresponding components, features, and the like of the design of the radio frequency identification reader (and the antenna structure incorporated by the radio frequency identification reader) in FIG. 15 will generally not be described. If these features are described or mentioned, they will be given similar marks (eg, the substrate 140 labeled as the antenna in Figure 9 is labeled "240" in Figure 15, in Figure 17 and Figure 18 is labeled "340"). Furthermore, although FIGS. 17 and 18 (to some extent) describe electronic devices housed inside the heat sink 305, including components/components, their layout, their interconnections, their operation, and the like. A detailed explanation of these electronic devices, however, is not necessary for the present invention.

Another aspect of the design of the radio frequency identification reader 300 in FIGS. 17 and 18 is very similar to the radio frequency identification reader having the vibration absorber (shock buffer) 360 in the embodiment of FIG. 300. However, Fig. 17 differs from Fig. 18 and Fig. 15 in that, in Fig. 15, the vibration absorber 260 is screwed into the internally threaded portion on the top of the heat sink 205, in Figs. 17 and 18. In the figure, a vibration absorber 260 is inserted between the vibration absorber 360 and the antenna structure, there is an upper isolation member 362, and a lower isolation member 364 is present between the vibration absorber 360 and the heat sink 305.

As best shown in Fig. 17, the vibration absorber 360 itself has three portions, an upper portion 361, a lower portion 363, and a partition portion 365. Both the upper portion 361 and the lower portion 363 are cylindrical and have the same outer diameter (less than the outer diameter of the heat sink 305). The vertical thickness of the upper portion 361 is greater than the vertical thickness of the lower portion 363. The partition 365 is vertically located between the upper portion 361 and the lower portion 363, and the outer diameter of the partition portion 365 is larger - the partition portion has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the heat sink 305. Therefore, the partition 365 is actually formed to form a thick ring circumferentially (horizontally) around the vibration absorber 360 between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Upper spacer member 362 forms a cylindrical/annular ring. The outer cylindrical surface of the upper spacer member 362 matches the size and shape (i.e., outer diameter) of the outer surface of the heat sink 305. The inner surface of the upper partition member 362 is also cylindrical and parallel to the outer surface of the upper partition member 362, and the inner surface of the upper partition member 362 has a smaller diameter. The inner diameter of the upper partition member 362 is substantially equal to (or slightly larger than) the outer diameter on the upper cylindrical portion (upper portion) 361 of the damper. The vertical thickness of the upper isolation member 362 is also equal to the vertical thickness of the upper portion 361 of the vibration absorber. Therefore, when the RFID reader 300 is assembled (as shown in FIG. 18), the upper isolation member 362 is effectively seated on top of the partition 365 of the vibration absorber, and the upper isolation member 362 surrounds the vibration absorber. The circumference of the upper portion 361 extends. Therefore, when the RFID reader 300 is assembled, the annular upper horizontal surface of the upper isolation member 362 contacts the underside of the substrate 340 of the antenna, but the upper surface on the upper portion 361 of the vibration absorber also directly engages the substrate 340 of the antenna. The underside.

Unlike the upper isolation member 362, the lower isolation member 364 is not a true cylindrical/annular shape. Conversely, the lower spacer member 364 is shaped more like a flat disk, although the lower spacer member 364 has a wide shallow groove that forms/retracts the horizontal surface on the lower spacer member 364 and extends through the lower portion. A narrow axially positioned through hole of the entire vertical thickness of the spacer member 364. In fact, the shallow groove in the upper horizontal surface of the lower partition member 364 has the same size (or slightly larger) than the shape of the lower portion 363 of the vibration absorber. Therefore, when radio frequency identification When the reader 300 is assembled (as shown in Fig. 18), the vibration absorber 360 is effectively positioned directly on top of the lower spacer member 364, and the lower portion 363 of the vibration absorber is inserted and tightly fitted to the lower spacer member 364. Inside the shallow groove in the horizontal surface. At the same time, the lower side of the partition (separator) 365 of the vibration absorber is placed directly on top of the annular edge of the recess surrounding the upper surface of the lower partition member 364.

When the RFID reader 300 is assembled and actually mounted as shown in Fig. 18, the heat sink 305 (and the electronic device housed in the heat sink 305) has been inserted into the housing cavity below the road surface. And in fact the heat sink 305 will be relatively firmly fixed in the aforementioned sub-lumen. Thereafter, in the configuration just described, the lower isolation member 364, the vibration absorber 360, the upper isolation member 362, and the antenna structure will all be mounted on top (and as part of the final installation of the antenna structure, as described above, the antenna structure will also Adhesive/fixed in place with its substrate 340 flush with the road surface). However, it is important to note that even after final installation, as a result of the configuration just described, if the vehicle is traveling over the top of the installed antenna structure, a slight downward displacement of the antenna structure may be accommodated/ Absorption, because even though the heat sink 305 may not be deflected due to being fixedly fixed in the sub-cavity (and therefore the lower isolation member 364 is also directly on top of the heat sink), when the antenna structure is slightly displaced downward, (at least) The partition member 362 still pushes down the separator portion (separator) 365 of the vibration absorber, and since the partition 365 (actually the entire vibration absorber 360) is composed of an elastic/extrusion/absorption material, Thus the partition 365 will (at least) "squeeze" to accommodate the downward displacement of the antenna structure without moving the heat sink or causing any damage to the heat sink or any electronic device housed in the heat sink.

It is mentioned above that there is a complete sag extending through the lower isolation member 364 A narrow axially positioned through hole of straight thickness. It should now be noted that there are also axially positioned through holes extending through all vertical thicknesses of the vibration absorber. These axial through holes are used to provide a conduit for connecting and extending the cable between the electronics housed within the heat sink 305 and the feed point of the antenna structure. (Recall that the feed point of the antenna is the point where the cone of the antenna intersects the substrate). In the partially exploded view of Fig. 17, the coaxial connectors for connecting these cables to the feed points of the antenna are visible. It will also be noted that the vertical through holes extending through the thickness of the vibration absorber 360 are larger than the small through holes extending through the thickness of the lower spacer 364. This is because the holes in the vibration absorber 360 must be large enough to accommodate the coaxial connector just mentioned.

Next, it should be noted that in addition to the partial exploded and assembled views, the 17th and 18th views are actually slightly different from each other in another manner. In both figures, there is an end plate 390 on the bottom end of the heat sink 305. In Fig. 17, the end plate 390 thus forms the base of the heat sink 305 and the rest of the reader assembly without radio frequency identification is below it. However, in Figure 18, end plate 390 is not the lowermost portion of the assembly. Conversely, in Fig. 18, there is an additional portion (or extension) of the heat sink that extends below (i.e., extends deeper into the ground) below the end plate 390. In the latter case of Fig. 18, the end plate 390 thus forms a web between the upper (main) portion of the heat sink 305 and the lower heat sink extension. In fact, in the case of Fig. 18, there is an extension to the heat sink, and the heat sink extension does not directly contact the lower side of the end plate 390. Conversely, the heat sink extension is inserted between the lower side of the end plate 390 and the upper surface of the heat sink. The heat sink extension has substantially the same components as the lower spacer member 364, but the above-described components are actually mounted upside down on the lower side of the end plate 390 and the upper surface of the fin extension as compared to the lower spacer member 364. between. In any case, it should be noted that the heat sink extension portion in Fig. 18 is similar to the upper main portion of the heat sink 305 because it is hollow, and because it is hollow, the heat sink extension portion may accommodate the electronic device (although The electronic device is not shown in Fig. 18 and has an appropriate through hole in the end plate 390, which may (if necessary) be used between the cavities inside the heat sink 305 in the cavity inside the heat sink extension. Provide any conduit for cables and the like.

The radiation pattern produced by the antenna of the RFID reader in use elsewhere in the present invention and in the appended appendices should preferably have a doughnut that can be described as "falling doughnuts" or " The shape of the flattened ring shape, that is, the shape as shown in Fig. 2 (and Fig. A23). However, the above description also explains that Figure 2 (and Figure A23) provides only a "dropped donut" or "squashed ring" means a visually perceptible illustration. On the other hand, the structure of the radio frequency identification reader in the various possible embodiments has now been described and the configuration of the antenna structure has been described, and it is now useful to define the technical parameters of the desired radiation pattern more precisely. Therefore, reference will now be made to Figs. 19 and 20, which show radiation patterns (and their parameters) for an antenna operating at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz.

Figure 19 is a "hot map" pattern of the directionality of the desired antenna radiation pattern. The first point to note is that (and the above points are equally well shown in Figures 2 and A23) that the antenna is omnidirectional in the azimuth (i.e., x-y) plane. That is, if the plane of the ground where the antenna is located (or the plane of the road surface) is the xy (azimuth) plane (ie if the x-axis and the y-axis are perpendicular to each other, but the x-axis and the y-axis are all running along the surface of the ground/road ), and if the z-axis is directed upward from the center of the antenna perpendicularly perpendicular to the xy (azimuth) plane, the energy emitted by the antenna The amount of quantity is real, and the intensity of the energy varies with the elevation angle (ie, the way the energy intensity changes with respect to the angle of the azimuthal plane) with any radial outward from the z-axis (ie in any x, y direction) The direction changes the same. The color in the heat map in Fig. 19 actually shows the intensity of the antenna radiation and how it changes according to the direction. As just described, the antenna is omnidirectional in the azimuthal plane. However, the cross-sectional view of the radiation pattern from Fig. 20 provides a better understanding of the manner in which the energy intensity varies with elevation angle relative to the azimuthal plane.

Figure 20 depicts the elevation of the critical reading zone from 3 to 30 degrees in the desired radiation pattern; ■ the maximum gain path is 30 degrees elevation; ■ 3dB beam width is 40 degrees, which is from 10 degrees extend to 50 degrees elevation; ■ There is a radiation zero at 90 degrees elevation.

Further, although not directly shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the effective reading range is from 1 m (m) to 6.4 m (m) of the antenna.

The specific embodiments discussed above with reference to Figures 9 (and 10), 15 (and 16), 17 and 18 relate to a radio frequency identification reader, a radio frequency identification reader The previously proposed antenna structure is incorporated and configured to be installed in an "in-road" configuration (as described above, such a road configuration typically also requires a portion of the conductive area associated with the antenna). However, as also explained or suggested elsewhere in the present invention, the present invention generally also requires or may be advantageous to be able to use or configure a radio frequency identification reader (which includes the currently proposed antenna structure) for vehicle detection. And/or identification, but where permanent (or semi-permanent) "on-road" installation of the RFID reader is not possible or required. Therefore, in order to be able to install on the road, impossible or unnecessary In the case of using or deploying a radio frequency identification reader (in combination with the proposed antenna structure), the present invention proposes another proposal, that is, to deploy on an "on-road" configuration via a radio frequency identification reader. . Basically, it is not permanently (or semi-permanently) installed in the road, which enables the RFID reader to be deployed effectively and temporarily or only for a period of time by being placed on the road, and does not need to be permanently Apply anything to the road, dig holes in the road, or make any other changes to the road. For example, such road deployments can be used by law enforcement officers when setting up temporary roadblocks to perform random vehicle inspections or pilot drug/alcohol tests, during temporary road construction or maintenance, when temporary traffic diversions need to be created (but At the same time, the law enforcement function is still implemented, or for discrete time periods in order to measure and obtain information such as traffic and vehicle traffic in a specific location (data).

A radio frequency identification reader will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Fig. 11, wherein the proposed antenna structure forms part of it and is configured for deployment on the road. Fig. 12 shows an annotated version of Fig. 11; however, for the sake of convenience, the present invention will refer only to Fig. 11.

The first thing to note is that Figure 11 is again a view of the RFID reader, which incorporates the proposed antenna structure and other RFID reader devices. It should also be noted from the outset that unlike Figure 9 (and Figure 10) and Figure 15 (and Figure 16) all describe the RFID reader installed in a "road" (in- Road) Installation, Figure 11 (and Figure 12) depicts the use of a radio frequency identification reader in an "on-road" deployment. In other words, in Figure 11, all parts of the RFID reader and other related equipment are located on the horizontal surface of the road surface RS. square. It is also easy to understand that Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view.

It should also be noted that the configuration of the RFID reader itself in Fig. 11 is almost the same in all respects as the RFID reader in Fig. 9 (hence, in Figs. 9 and 11, Components and features of similar RFID readers are labeled with the same reference symbols). However, instead of installing the RFID reader in the cavity 110 that is being excavated or drilled into the road (as shown in Figure 9), the RFID reader in Figure 11 is instead installed at least in part. The top of the conductive substructure.

In the embodiment of the invention discussed with reference to Figure 11, the partially conductive substructure takes the form of a partially conductive, positionable bracket 300 (hereinafter referred to as "road bracket" 300). Basically, the on-road cradle 300 can sit directly on the surface of the road and the RFID reader 100 is received (and mounted) to the top of the on-road cradle 300. In at least the embodiment of the invention, the shape of the road bracket 300 is frustoconical. In Fig. 11, the angle/slope of the side of the road bracket 300 matches the angle of inclination of the side of the main truncated cone of the RFID reader. However, this does not always happen, and Figure 13 provides the angle of the shape of the on-slot 300 (and in particular the angle of its sides) to the side of the main frustum of the RFID reader. A mismatched embodiment.

The manner in which the RFID reader 100 is mounted to the top of the on-road bracket provides a cylindrical recess at the top of the on-road bracket 300, and at least the top of the inner wall of the cylindrical recess is threaded. The threads on the outer vertical wall of the screw mounting member 150 (see above) are screwed directly into these threads in the on-road bracket. Therefore, in practice, the cylindrical recess in the top of the bracket 300 on the road is equivalent The cylindrical recess in the container 160 used in the embodiment of Figure 9 and to which the RFID reader 100 is attached, in addition to attaching the RFID reader 100 to the on-road bracket The adhesive that is not involved at 300 o'clock is the same in both cases. When the RFID reader 100 is thus mounted to the on-road cradle 300, the same (or equivalent) space 155 remains below the screw mounting component 150, wherein the RFID reader or its associated electronic components and components can Located in the same (or equivalent) gap 155.

One difference in Fig. 11 is related to the size of the heat sink 105 as compared with Fig. 9. In Figure 9, the heat sink 105 is long and extends into the ground. This is to help dissipate heat from the reader to the ground. However, in Figure 11, the heat sink 105 is relatively small. This is because in the 11th figure, the road bracket 300 itself is made of metal (or mainly made of metal). Thus, in FIG. 11, most (or possibly the entire) on-road cradle 300 actually operates as part of the heat sink 105 (or as an extension of the heat sink 105). In other words, some or all of the on-board brackets can help absorb/receive the heat generated by the RFID reader or the electronic device associated with the RFID reader and dissipate the heat to the atmosphere (and important In this road deployment, the entire structure is located above the road surface and exposed to the ambient atmosphere, which helps the entire structure to dissipate significantly.

Another important consideration regarding the on-road cradle 300 is the important function in the deployment of the on-road cradle 300 on the road, which helps shield the RFID reader 100 (especially the antenna structure) from the road. Potential, broad and dynamically variable RF effects, and other effects such as "near-earth" effects. Thus, in effect, the on-road cradle 300 provides the same shielding functions and characteristics as provided by a portion of the conductive areas used in deployment in the road. In order to make the antenna charge Dividing the ground from the road, other such as the "near ground" effect, the size and structure of the bracket (especially the height) should be installed when the antenna is mounted on the bracket (and when the bracket is seated on the road), so that the bottom plate of the antenna is installed The height is not more than 3/8*λ and preferably not more than 1/4*λ (the closer to 1/4*λ, the better the shielding effect).

Given the height of a radio frequency identification reader and cradle, it will be understood (different from the above-described embodiment of the road where the antenna/reader is located in the road lane (usually at its center)) on these roads In an embodiment, a cradle with a reader mounted on a road is typically positioned for use between lanes, on one side of a lane or road. This is because for most vehicles, the trailer is too tall to be able to drive directly above its top. The fact that the cradle (and reader) is positioned for use between lanes or on the side of a lane or road also means that the required reading area for communicating with the radio frequency identification tag on the passing vehicle license plate is different of. However, considering the deployment of such on-road readers will mainly involve temporary roadblocks, traffic diversions and other factors. As a result, the speed of vehicles deployed around such on-road readers is typically lower (usually much lower) than that involved in normal free-flow traffic. Thus, the size of the read area required (given a lower vehicle speed) can be much smaller than the land deployment that is more commonly used for normal free-flow traffic. Therefore, due to the position of the cradle/antenna (ie, between lanes or sides rather than lanes), the altered reading area may not cause any problems in terms of read performance.

Another issue to consider is that deployment on the road (through its nature) is usually temporary or transient, and usually there are no pre-installed or existing power cords available for the RFID reader. powered by. Therefore, instead of providing a battery (usually a rechargeable battery, although a replaceable battery can be used) and associated power electronics, And these batteries are used to power the RFID reader.

Another point to note is that (as can be seen from above), because the RFID reader 100 is located on/in the top of the on-road cradle 300, and the RAD reader 100 is therefore located vertically above the direction Deployed on the road and because this means that the vehicle may no longer be able to travel directly above the top of the RFID reader, the onboard 300 that carries the RFID reader 100 can be similar in these on-road deployments. It is deployed in the form of "witches hats" used in traditional road traffic management because vehicles must drive between them.

There are other branches in the present invention that are caused by the fact that the radio frequency identification reader is located above the road surface during deployment on the road. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the RFID reader is mounted to the on-road cradle 300, the height at which the ground plane of the antenna (ie, the substrate 140) is raised may be about 75 mm (mm) to 85. Mm (mm). It is assumed that, at least in the embodiments discussed herein, the antenna is configured to operate at a signal frequency of approximately 920 MHz (wavelength λ = 326 mm). Therefore, when the distance at which the reader is mounted to the carriage 300 on the road is approximately 1/4*λ, the height of the antenna ground plane is increased. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, increasing the antenna ground plane by this amount (as a ratio of the wavelength of the operational signal) may have the effect of slightly reducing the effects of dynamic variable RF effects of the road or other "near ground" effects, and ( Increasing the amount relative to the free space arrangement or compared to the free space arrangement may also have the effect of pulling the radiation pattern down. However, the configuration and configuration of the bracket 300 on the road is selected or changed (including its height, its angle of inclination on the side, internal configuration, positioning of internal components, etc.), in order to assist in adjusting the bracket 300 on the road so that when the road is supported Rack 300 and radio frequency identification reader deployed on the road (including the proposed RFID antenna structure) when used in combination (ie when using a radio frequency identification reader mounted on the on-road cradle 300), together provide the desired radiation pattern (as described above, "falling Donut" shape). The different shapes of the on-road brackets depicted in Figure 13 are embodiments in which the shape of the brackets on the road can be changed for this purpose.

In the present specification and claims, if any, the words "comprise" and "comprising" and "comprising" are used to include each of the integers, but do not exclude the inclusion of one or more additional integers.

A reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "an" Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in the embodiment" Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combination in one or more combinations.

The invention is described in terms of structural or methodological features in a more or less specific language. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular features shown or described, as the apparatus described herein includes the preferred form of the invention. The invention may be claimed in any form or modification, as appropriate, within the scope of the appended claims, as appropriate.

90‧‧‧Partial conductive areas

100‧‧‧Wireless RFID Reader

105‧‧‧heatsink

108‧‧‧Adhesive

110‧‧‧ cavity

111‧‧‧ main part

112‧‧‧Part II

113‧‧‧Part III

120‧‧‧ cone

130‧‧‧ Cover

135‧‧‧ space

140‧‧‧Substrate

150‧‧‧ Screw mounting parts

155‧‧‧ gap

160‧‧‧ container

RS‧‧‧ pavement

Claims (36)

An antenna for a communication device, the antenna having an antenna structure comprising: a circular radiation substrate; a radiation cone, wherein the radiation cone has a top end pointing to a center of the circular radiation substrate, and the top end is at or Adjacent to one side of the circular radiation substrate, and the radiation cone is unfolded from the circular radiation substrate; and a solid frustoconical body, wherein the solid frustoconical body has a surrounding side surface, the surrounding side surface is from the circle The radiation-emitting substrate extends to an edge of one of the widest portions of the radiation cone, and the material of the solid frustoconical body substantially fills the inside of the surrounding side surface and fills the circular radiation substrate and the radiation cone Between the bodies. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding side surface of the solid frustoconical body extends from an outer periphery of the circular radiation substrate or a vicinity of the outer periphery to the radiation cone The above edge at the widest point above. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distance between the circular radiation substrate and the widest portion of the radiation cone in a direction perpendicular to the circular radiation substrate Less than the maximum diameter of the above antenna. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the circular radiation substrates has a diameter larger than a maximum diameter of the radiation cone. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the circular radiation substrate and the radiation cone system are made of a conductive material. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 5, wherein the conductive material is a metal, and the metal is copper, silver or a suitable conductive alloy. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solid frustoconical system is composed of a dielectric or physically strong material. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 7, wherein one of said materials of said solid frustoconical body has a dielectric constant of between about three and about six. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the above-mentioned material of the solid frustoconical body is made of a soda lime glass. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said solid frustoconical body is initially formed with a recess or a dimple in said solid frustoconical body, said recess or said The shape of the dimple corresponds to the shape of the radiation cone of the antenna, and the radiation cone system of the antenna is formed by plating a thin metal layer on a surface of the recess or the indentation. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said antenna structure further comprises a top plate/cover extending across and partially or completely covered by said radiation Cone shape a space formed in the above-mentioned radiation cone. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the metal circular radiation substrate has a thickness of about 5-10 mm and is initially formed separately from the solid frustoconical body. It is then attached to the bottom and/or a bottom surface of one of the solid frustoconical bodies described above. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said antenna operates at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 13 wherein said point on said antenna is perpendicular to said circular radiation on said side of said circular radiating substrate on which said radiation cone is located The side/surface of the circular radiation substrate is not more than 25 mm in the direction of the substrate. An antenna for a communication device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said circular radiation substrate has said diameter of less than 190 mm. An antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said solid side of said solid frustoconical body is located at a center plane perpendicular to said circular radiating substrate The circumferential side of the frustoconical body extends from an outer periphery of one of the circular radiating substrates to the edge at the widest point on the radiation cone, and the angle of the surrounding side and the circular radiating substrate is less than 40 It is preferably 33 degrees to 36 degrees. A radio frequency identification reader for use in an antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the radio frequency identification reader is used for vehicle detection and/or Identification In use, and wherein at least the above antenna is mounted to a surface of the road. The radio frequency identification reader of claim 17, wherein the radio frequency identification reader further comprises an additional and in use plurality of electronic components mounted under the surface of the road and below the antenna . The radio frequency identification reader according to claim 17 or 18, wherein when the radio frequency identification reader is installed in the road, the circular radiation substrate of the antenna is horizontally mounted on the In the above surface of the road, one side surface of the circular radiation substrate is flush with the surface of the road to form a horizontal surface; wherein the surface is a surface on the circular radiation substrate having the radiation cone and the above The solid frustoconical body of the antenna and the radiation cone protrude from the upper surface of the circular radiation substrate and the horizontal surface of the surface of the road, wherein the upper surface is the circular shape having the radiation cone Radiation on the surface of the substrate. The radio frequency identification reader of claim 19, wherein when the radio frequency identification reader is mounted on the road, the antenna is also surrounded by an at least partially conductive area, the conductive area It is also on the above surface of the above road or applied to the above surface of the above road. The radio frequency identification reader according to claim 20, wherein if the at least part of the conductive area surrounding a single antenna is circular, the minimum radius of the at least part of the conductive area is transmitted by the antenna / Or about twice the wavelength of the received signal. A radio frequency identification reader as described in claim 20 or 21, wherein said at least partially conductive region has a conductivity of about 10 ³ S/m or greater. A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the antenna in use is used to produce a "drip doughnut" or a "squashed ring" shape. One of the radiation patterns. A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein said antenna is omnidirectional in an azimuthal plane. The radio frequency identification reader of claim 24, wherein the antenna operates at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz, and an elevation angle of the critical read region in the radiation pattern ranges from about 3 degrees to about 30 degrees. degree. A radio frequency identification reader as described in claim 24 or 25, wherein in the radiation pattern, the path of the maximum gain is at an elevation angle of about 30 degrees. The radio frequency identification reader according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein in the radiation pattern, the 3 dB beam width is 40 degrees, and the 40 degrees is extended from about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees. degree. A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein in the radiation pattern, an effective radiation zero is present at an elevation angle of 90 degrees. A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the radio frequency identification reader has an effective reading range It is about 1 meter to about 6.4 meters in any direction from the above-mentioned antenna along the above surface of the road surface. A radio frequency identification reader for use in an antenna for a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the radio frequency identification reader is used for vehicle detection and/or In an identified application, and wherein at least the above antenna is mounted on or in a portion of the conductive structure. The radio frequency identification reader of claim 30, wherein the partial conductive structure is operable to be placed on the surface of the road, and when the partial conductive structure is placed on the road on which the antenna is mounted On the above surface, the antenna is located at a distance vertically above one of the surfaces of the road. The radio frequency identification reader according to claim 31, wherein when the antenna is mounted in the partial conductive structure or on the partial conductive structure, the antenna is located at or near one of the partial conductive structures. . A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the partial conductive structure is substantially solid frustoconical. A radio frequency identification reader according to claim 33, wherein an angle of inclination of one side of said solid frustoconical portion of said partial conductive structure is substantially the same as said main solid truncated cone of said antenna One of the sides has an oblique angle matching. Radio frequency identification read as described in claim 32, 33 or 34 The device, when dependent on the 32nd item of the patent scope, wherein the antenna is operated at a signal frequency of 860-940 MHz, when the antenna is mounted on the partial conductive structure and the partial conductive structure is on the surface of the road, The partial conductive structure is configured such that the height of the substrate of the antenna is not higher than 3/8*λ, preferably not higher than 1/4*λ. A radio frequency identification reader according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the configuration and/or configuration of the partial conductive structure is selected and/or changed to adjust the partial conductive structure such that When the partially conductive structure is used in combination with (at least) the antenna described above, the radiation pattern has a desired "falling donut" shape, wherein the configuration and/or configuration of the partial conductive structure includes the configuration of the partial conductive structure and/or The height of the arrangement, the angle of inclination of the side of the portion of the conductive structure, the internal configuration of the portion of the conductive structure, and the positioning of the internal components of the portion of the conductive structure.