Abstract:
An integrated antenna ( 20 ) is provided with branching lines ( 41, 42 ), consisting of liner-formed conductors elongating in the left-right direction, on: a ninth line ( 29 ) that elongates from a first line ( 22 ) at a place near an electricity supplying unit ( 23 ), towards a fourth line ( 21 ); and on an eleventh line ( 33 ) that elongates from the first line ( 22 ) at a place other side of the electricity supplying unit ( 23 ), towards the fourth line ( 21 ), and in parallel with the ninth line ( 29 ). A media reception band, different from the reception band made by a loop composed by combining the first to twelfth lines ( 23 - 38 ), is assigned to these branching lines ( 41, 42 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an integrated antenna having functions as both, e.g., a terrestrial digital television (DTV) antenna and a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, and in particular to such an integrated antenna installed on a window pane of a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Integrated DTV and GPS film antennas for vehicular window glasses are increasingly popular because these integrated film antennas can be installed on a small area and or have improved appearance. The integrated antenna includes plural antenna elements of different performances, and is simply designed so that the antenna elements can be installed in a small area. One exemplary integrated antenna is disclosed in Patent Literature 1 below. 
         [0003]    The integrated antenna disclosed in Patent Literature 1 will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 8  hereof. 
         [0004]    As shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), an integrated antenna system  100  includes a DTV antenna having a rectangular loop-shaped antenna element. Power feeding terminals  111 ,  112  are disposed on opposite ends of the antenna element. The power feeding terminal  111  is a hot side terminal, and the power feeding terminal  112  is an earth side terminal. 
         [0005]    A GPS antenna  120 , which includes a loop antenna  120   a  and a non-power-feeding element  120   b , receives a radio wave of a frequency higher than a frequency used in digital TV broadcasting, such that the loop antenna  120   a  can be smaller in size than the rectangular loop-shaped antenna element of the DTV antenna  110 . The GPS antenna  120  is therefore disposed inside a loop defined by the rectangular loop-shaped antenna element of the DTV antenna  110 . 
         [0006]    The GPS antenna  120  has two power-feeding terminals disposed proximate the power-feeding terminals  111 ,  112  of the DTV antenna  110 . One of these two terminals of the GPS antenna is a hot side terminal  121  provided independently of in the two power-feeding terminals  111 ,  112  of the DTV antenna  110 . The other one of the two terminals of the GPS antenna is an earth side terminal which also serves as the earth side terminal  112  of the DVT antenna  110 . Therefore, the terminals  121 ,  112  of the GPS antenna  120  and the terminals  111 ,  112  of the DTV antenna  110  can be connected to a single connector  130  including three connection terminals  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ). 
         [0007]    The connection terminals  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  of the connector  130  are connected to the terminals  111 ,  121 ,  112  shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), respectively. Connected to the connector  130  are coaxial cables  131 ,  132 . The coaxial cable  131  is adapted to transmit a GPS signal received by the GPS antenna  120 , and the coaxial cable  132  is adapted to transmit a DTV broadcast signal received by the DTV antenna  110 . 
         [0008]    The integrated antenna taught in Patent Literature 1 has undesirably increased number of terminals because of the terminal  111  or  121  which is not shared between the DTV antenna  110  and the GPS antenna  120 . This results in the increased number of connectors on an input part of the connected amplifier module. The increased number of the connectors of the module enlarges the entire size of the amplifier module. 
         [0009]    Each antenna has an amplifier-input part connected to a portion of an antenna pattern of another antenna, which portion is different from a power-feeding portion of the antenna. For example, a DTV antenna pattern has its amplifier-input part and a part connected to an amplifier-input part of a GPS antenna. 
         [0010]    The amplifier-input part of the GPS antenna connected to the portion of the DTV antenna pattern has so high a resistance that the DTV antenna would excessively consume energy in receiving DTV radio waves. Such excess energy consumption would deteriorate a DTV antenna performance of receiving the DTV radio waves. The same applies to the GPS antenna. 
         [0011]    Furthermore, a simple loop shape of the DTV antenna pattern would not provide sufficient performance for overall DTV frequency band. 
         [0012]    The connection of the GPS antenna to the terminal of the DTV antenna makes it difficult to change the configuration of the DTV antenna in such a manner as to obtain a predetermined characteristic for improving the performance of the DTV antenna while maintaining GPS performance. Accordingly, there has been demand for an integrated antenna system including antennas one of which has a performance improved in such a manner as to provide less effect on the performance of the other antenna. 
       PRIOR ART LITERATURE 
     Patent Document 
       [0000]    
       
         Patent Literature 1: JP-A 2006-186488 
       
     
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0014]    An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated antenna having the reduced number of components by sharing a plurality of antenna terminals between antenna elements one of which has a performance improved in such a manner as to provide less effect on a performance of the other antenna element. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0015]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provide an integrated antenna on a window pane of a vehicle, the integrated antenna comprising: a first line having a power feeder disposed centrally thereof; second and third lines extending from opposite ends of the first line in the same direction perpendicular to the first line; a fourth line interconnecting distal ends of the second and the third lines, the fourth line being disposed in opposed relation to the first line; the first line, the second and third lines, and the fourth line defining one loop; a fifth line interconnecting the first line and the fourth line, the fifth line being disposed on a side of the second line within the loop; a sixth line interconnecting the fifth line and the second line; a seventh line interconnecting the first line and the fourth line, the seventh line being disposed on a side of the third line within the loop, the seventh line being disposed in parallel to the third line; an eighth line interconnecting the seventh line and the third line; a ninth line extending from the power feeder or a portion of the first line toward the fourth line, the portion of the first line being disposed proximate the power feeder; a tenth line interconnecting a distal end of the ninth line and the fifth line; an eleventh line extending from the first line towards the fourth line with the power feeder being interposed between the ninth line and the eleventh line, the eleventh line being disposed in parallel to the ninth line; a twelfth line interconnecting a distal end of the eleventh line and the seventh line; and branch lines made of a linear conductor extending leftward from the ninth line and rightward from the eleventh line, wherein the branch lines receive media assigned a frequency band different from a frequency band assigned to media received by a loop defined by a combination of ones of the first through twelfth lines. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the loop has a high-impedance to the frequency band of the media received by the branch lines. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the window pane includes a first area where a heat-reflecting film is formed, and a second area free from the heat-reflecting film, the first through twelfth lines and the branching lines being printed on the second area. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0018]    The integrated antenna according to the present invention has the ninth line extending from the power feeder or the point of the first line located proximate the power feeder, toward the fourth line. The integrated antenna also includes the eleventh line extending from the first line toward the fourth line in parallel to the fourth line with the power feeder interposed between the ninth line and the eleventh line. The antenna further includes the branch lines made from a linear conductor and extending leftward and rightward from the ninth line and the eleventh line, respectively. The branch lines receive media assigned a frequency band which is different from that assigned to a loop defined by a combination of ones of the first through twelfth lines. Therefore, the power feeder can be shared between the branch lines and the loop defined by the combination of ones of the first through twelfth lines. Accordingly, it becomes possible to feed power to the respective antennas without having to connect a dedicated electricity-supplying terminal to each of the antennas of the integrated antenna. This results in the reduced number of components of the integrated antenna. 
         [0019]    Also, connected load, which leads to energy loss, is eliminated in each of the antennas, and a stable antenna performance can therefore be obtained in each of the antennas. Also, the lines of the loop that are connected to the power feeder include left and right lines that are parallel to each other. The branch lines are formed, e.g., by at least two linear conductors extending in a bilaterally symmetrical manner and are orthogonal to the left and right lines. The branch lines are formed by so-called dipole-type antennas. 
         [0020]    For example, the integrated antenna includes the dipole GPS antenna having high impedance to the DTV band without providing greater effect on the characteristics in the DTV band. Also, the left line and the right line, which are parallel to each other, function as a transmission path for the GPS antenna. 
         [0021]    The integrated antenna according to the present invention includes the loop having high impedance to the media received the branch lines. Therefore, even if, e.g., a dipole-type GPS antenna that corresponds to a high impedance in the DTV band is disposed on the branching lines, any effect on characteristics in the DTV band is minimized. 
         [0022]    In the integrated antenna according to the present invention, the heat-reflecting film has been removed from a region of the window pane on which the branch lines are printed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain satisfactory antenna performance, comparable to an instance in which no heat-reflecting film is formed on the window pane. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a vehicle having an integrated antenna in an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a view showing a basic structure of the integrated antenna in the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a view showing a first loop defined by elements of the integrated antenna of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a view showing a second loop defined by elements of the integrated antenna of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a view showing characteristics of a sensitivity of a DTV antenna element that constitutes the integrated antenna in the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a view evaluating a performance of a GPS antenna element that forms the integrated antenna in the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a view evaluating a performance of the GPS antenna element of the integrated antenna in the embodiment of the present invention when the integrated antenna has heat-reflecting film and when the integrated antenna is free from the film; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a view showing an example of a conventional integrated antenna. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. 
       Embodiment 
       [0032]    The integrated antenna according to the present invention can be mounted on a window pane of a vehicle. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10  is provided with window panes comprising a windshield  13  fitted between left and right front pillars  12 L,  12 R of a vehicle body  11 , a rear window pane  15  fitted between rear pillars  14 L,  14 R, front door window panes  17 L,  17 R mounted on front doors  16 L,  16 R to move up and down, and rear door window panes  19 L,  19 R mounted on rear doors  18 L,  18 R to move up and down. 
         [0033]    The integrated antenna can be mounted on any of the windshield  13  and window panes  15 ,  17 L,  17 R,  19 L,  19 R. In the embodiment, the integrated antenna  20  is provided to both of a top right corner and a top left corner of the windshield  13 . Although  FIG. 1  shows an example of a laterally disposed antenna pattern, such an antenna pattern may be oriented longitudinally by rotating through 90°. The integrated antenna  20  is used as a GPS antenna in addition to as a DTV antenna designed to receive a terrestrial digital broadcast that uses a terrestrial Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band primarily for an automotive TV set. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the integrated antenna  20  is made from linear conductors. The integrated antenna  20  comprises an upper line (a fourth line  21 ) extending leftward and rightward, a lower line (a first line  22 ) disposed below and in parallel to the fourth line  21 , and the power feeder  23  provided at a centre of the first line  22  for driving the integrated antenna  20 . 
         [0035]    Respective left ends of the fourth line  21  and the first line  22  are connected together through a left line (a second line  24 ), and respective right ends of the fourth line  21  and the first line  22  are connected together through a right line (a third line  25 ). The second line  24  and the third line  25  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first line  22  and the fourth line  21 . The first and fourth lines  22 ,  21  and the second and third lines  24 ,  25  define one rectangular loop. 
         [0036]    In addition, a left first line  36   a , which has a length approximately half that of the second line  24 , extends downward from a point of the fourth line  21  slightly offset inward from the left end of the fourth line  21 . A left second line (a tenth line  28 ), which has a length less than half that of the fourth line  21 , extends rightwards from a lower end of the left first line  36   a . A left third line (a ninth line  29 ; a left line that connects a second loop to the power feeder  23 ) extends downwards from a distal end of the tenth line  28 . The ninth line  29  is connected to the first line  22  at a junction k 1 . 
         [0037]    Similarly, a right first line  38   a , which has a length approximately half that of the third line  25 , extends downward from a position of the fourth line  21  slightly offset inward from the right end of the fourth line  21 . A right second line (a twelfth line  32 ), which has a length less than half that of the fourth line  21 , extends leftward from a lower end of the right first line  38   a . A right third line (an eleventh line  33 ; a right line that connects the second loop to the power feeder  23 ) extends downward from a distal end of the twelfth line  32 . The eleventh line  33  is connected to the first line  22  a junction k 2 . 
         [0038]    The junction k 1  is disposed leftward of the power feeder  23  and the junction k 2  is disposed rightward of the power feeder  23 . 
         [0039]    A left first connecting line  35  (a sixth line) interconnects the second line  24  and the left first line  36   a . The left first connecting line  35  extends the shortest interval between the second line  24  and the left first line  36   a . A left second connecting line  36   b  extends from the lower end of the left first line  36   a  to the first line  22 . The left first line  36   a  and the left second connecting line  36   b  define a fifth line  36 . The fifth line  36  may include lines  36   c ,  36   d , and  36   e  depending on a loop discussed below with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . 
         [0040]    Similarly, a right first connecting line  37  (an eighth line) interconnects the third line  25  and the right first line  38   a . The right first connecting line  37  extends the shortest interval between the third line  25  and the right first line  38   a . A right second connecting line  38   b  extends from the lower end of the right first line  38   a  to the first line  22 . The right first line  38   a  and the right second connecting line  38   b  define a seventh line  38 . The seventh line  38  may also include lines  38   c ,  38   d , and  38   e  depending on a loop discussed below with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]    The integrated antenna  20  provides first and second loops. The first loop will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0042]    A loop L 1  is indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 3(   a ). 
         [0043]    The loop L 1  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the second line  24 , the fourth line  21  and the third line  25 , and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . The loop L 1  is greater in length than loops L 5 , L 6  described below. 
         [0044]    A loop L 2  is indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 3(   b ). The loop L 2  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the second line  24 , the sixth line  35 , the fifth line (line  36   c ), the fourth line  21 , the seventh line (line  38   c ), the eighth line  37 , the third line  25  and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . 
         [0045]    The loop L 2  has the same length as that of the loop L 1  described above, but has an upper part disposed inward of the loop L 1  because the upper part of the loop L 2  takes routes defined by the sixth line  35  and the eighth line  37 . 
         [0046]    A loop L 3  indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 3(   c ). The loop L 3  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the fifth line (line  36   d ), the sixth line  35 , the second line  24 , the fourth line  21 , the third line  25 , the eighth line  37 , the seventh line ( 38   d ) and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . 
         [0047]    The loop L 3  has the same length as that of each of the above-mentioned loops L 1 , L 2 . However, the loop L 3  has a lower part disposed inside the second and third lines  24 ,  25  because the lower part of the loop L 3  takes routes defined by the sixth, fifth, eighth, and seventh lines  35 ,  36   d ,  37 ,  38   d.    
         [0048]    A loop L 4  indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 3(   d ). The loop L 4  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the ninth line  29 , the tenth line  28 , the fifth line  36   e , the sixth line  35 , the second line  24 , the fourth line  21 , the third line  25 , the eighth line  37 , the seventh line  38   e , the twelfth line  32 , the eleventh line  33 , and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . The loop L 4  has the same length as that of each of the above-mentioned loops L 1  through L 3 , but has a lower part disposed inward of the loop L 3 . 
         [0049]    In other words, the above-mentioned loops L 1  through L 4  form lines having the same length but takes different routes. 
         [0050]    Next, a second loop will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    A loop L 5  indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 4(   a ). The loop L 5  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the fifth line  36 , the fourth line  21 , the seventh line  38  and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . The loop L 5  has left and right portions disposed inward of the loop L 1 , and has a length that is correspondingly shorter. 
         [0052]    A loop L 6  indicated by a bold line shown in  FIG. 4(   b ). The loop L 6  extends from the power feeder  23  along the first line  22 , the ninth line  29 , the tenth line  28 , the fifth line  36   a , the fourth line  21 , the seventh line  38   a , the twelfth line  32 , the eleventh line  33  and again the first line  22 , and returns to the power feeder  23 . In other words, the loop L 6  has the same length as that of the loop L 5  described above, but has a lower part disposed inward of the loop L 5 . 
         [0053]    The loops L 1  through L 6  shown in  FIGS. 3(   a ) through  3 ( d ) and  FIGS. 4(   a ),  4 ( b ) described above are grouped into: loops of relatively large length; and loops of relatively small length. 
         [0054]    The loops L 1  to L 4  (corresponding to a first loop) of relatively large length are used for receiving radio waves of relatively low frequency. Of the loops L 1  to L 4 , one having an optimum input impedance is used in receiving a radio wave of low frequency. The provision of the plural loops L 1  to L 4  makes it possible to receive radio waves over a broad low frequency band. 
         [0055]    The loops L 5 , L 6  (corresponding to a second loop) of relatively small length are used for receiving radio waves of relatively high frequency. Of the loops L 5 , L 6 , one having an optimum input impedance is used in receiving a radio wave of high frequency. The provision of the loops L 5 , L 6  makes it possible to receive radio waves over a broad high frequency band. 
         [0056]    Turning back to  FIG. 2 , the ninth line  29  and the eleventh line  33  of the loop L 6  have relay points k 3 , k 4 . Two branch lines  41 ,  42  (resonance elements used for GPS) extending a predetermined length from the relay points k 3 , k 4 , respectively in a bilaterally symmetrical manner. The branch lines  41 ,  42  are orthogonal to the ninth line  29  and the eleventh line  33 . The branching lines  41 ,  42  may also extend left and right without being symmetrical or without being at a right angle. The branch lines  41 ,  42  are hereafter referred to as antenna elements  41 ,  42 . 
         [0057]    The provision of the antenna elements  41 ,  42  connected to the ninth and eleventh lines  29 ,  33  makes it possible to share the power feeder  23  without connecting a dedicated feeding terminal to each of the DTV antenna and the GPS antenna element (branching lines  41 ,  42 ). This results in the reduced number of components of the integrated antenna  20 . Also, connected load, which leads to energy loss, is eliminated in relation to each of the antennas, and a stable antenna performance can therefore be obtained in each of the antennas. 
         [0058]    The GPS antenna elements  41 ,  42  are so-called dipole-type GPS antennas, and assigned a frequency band corresponding to a high impedance in the DTV band. Therefore, even when the GPS antenna elements  41 ,  42  are disposed in the manner as stated above, there is minimal effect on characteristics of the DTV band. Also, the ninth and the eleventh lines  29 ,  33  function as a type of transmission path for the GPS antenna elements  41 ,  42 , and the lines themselves therefore do not adversely affect the GPS performance. 
         [0059]    The integrated antenna  20  according to the present invention comprises one loop configured from a first line  22  having a power feeder  23  at a center; a second line  24  and a third line  25  extending from both ends of the first line  22  perpendicularly in an identical direction; and a fourth line  21  joining respective distal ends of the second line  24  and the third line  25 , the fourth line  21  being arranged opposite the first line  22 ; a fifth line  36  linking the first line  22  and the fourth line  21  at a position further inward from the second line  24 ; a sixth line  35  linking the fifth line  36  and the second line  24 ; a seventh line  38  linking the first line  22  and the fourth line  21  at a position further inward from the third line  25 , the seventh line  38  being arranged parallel to the third line  25 ; an eighth line  37  linking the seventh line  38  and the third line  25 ; a ninth line  29  extending from the power feeder  23  or the first line  22  in a vicinity of the power feeder  23  towards the fourth line  21 ; a tenth line  28  joining a distal end of the ninth line  29  and the fifth line  36 ; an eleventh line  33  extending from the first line  22  towards the fourth line  21  so as to be parallel to the ninth line  29  with the power feeder interposed therebetween; a twelfth line  32  joining a distal end of the eleventh line  33  and the seventh line  38 ; and branch lines  41 ,  42 , made from a linear conductor extending left and right from the ninth line  29  and the eleventh line  33  respectively; wherein a reception band for a media that is different to that assigned to a loop configured from a combination of the first through twelfth lines  22  through  38  is assigned to the branch lines  41 ,  42 . 
         [0060]    Next, the inventors of the present invention have prepared the integrated antenna  20  according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2  and an ordinary antenna that does not include the GPS antenna elements  41 ,  42 , and studied the characteristics of the sensitivities, of the respective DTV antennas. 
         [0061]    The results are shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a graph showing sensitivity of the integrated antenna  20 . The graph has a horizontal axis showing a frequency (MHz) and a vertical axis showing average gain (dB). A solid line shows the sensitivity of the integrated antenna  20  when the antenna  20  includes the GPS antenna elements, and a broken line shows the sensitivity of the integrated antenna  20  when the antenna  20  does not include the GPS antenna elements. The average gain (dB), represented by the vertical axis, is normalized so that a maximum average gain when the GPS antenna elements are not included is 0 dB. 
         [0063]    As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , substantially identical sensitivity characteristics can be obtained whether or not the antenna  20  includes the GPS antenna elements. It was therefore found that adding the GPS antenna elements  41 ,  42  does not affect the DTV band. 
         [0064]    Next, the inventors of the present invention have performed an evaluation of the performance of the GPS antenna of the integrated antenna  20  disposed on different points of the vehicle  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The results of the evaluation are shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  is a graph showing evaluation of the GPS function. The graph has a vertical axis showing the average gain (dB) and a horizontal axis showing the elevation angle (deg). A line marked “⋄” shows reception characteristics for the integrated antenna  20  printed on a windshield or rear window pane, and a line marked “◯” shows reception characteristics for a microstrip antenna (MSA) set on a dashboard. The MSA is normally often used as a GPS antenna. The average gain (dB) represented by the vertical axis is normalized so that an average gain when the MSA elevation angle is 90° is 0 dB. 
         [0066]    As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , the integrated antenna  20  according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve a performance similar to that of the MSA for GPS set on a roof or a dashboard, and, in particular, can achieve a performance equal to or superior to that of the MSA for GPS at low and medium elevation angles. Therefore, it has been found that the integrated antenna  20  can be sufficiently practically used as a GPS antenna. 
         [0067]    The left and right third lines  29 ,  33  on an inner one (the loop L 6 ) of the loops L 1  to L 6  for receiving radio waves over a high frequency band is connected to the power feeder as well as to the antenna elements (the GPS antenna) for receiving radio waves over a frequency band different from that of the radio waves received by the inner loop. This is advantageous in that the power feeder  23  is shared between the DTV antenna and the GPS antenna to thereby supply power to the DTV and GPS antennas without having to connect a dedicated electricity-supplying terminal to each of the above-mentioned antennas of the integrated antenna  20 . This results in the reduced number of components of the integrated antenna  20 . 
         [0068]    Also, connected load, which leads to energy loss, is eliminated in relation to each of the antennas, and a stable antenna performance can therefore be obtained in each of the antennas. 
         [0069]    The integrated antenna  20  has the dipole-type GPS antenna elements having high impedance to the DTV band without providing greater effect on the characteristics of the DTV antenna. Also, the left and right third lines  29 ,  33  function as a transmission path for the GPS antenna, and hence the lines  29 ,  33  themselves do not adversely affect the GPS performance. 
         [0070]    The conductive line length of the branching lines  41 ,  42  can be adjusted to integrate the antennas with, e.g., an antenna for an electronic toll collection (ETC) system, satellite radio, or another medium other than a GPS antenna. In such an instance, antenna design is facilitated. 
         [0071]    A heat-reflecting glass having a low infrared transmittance is occasionally used for a window pane  13  onto which the integrated antenna  20  is printed, in order to decrease air-conditioning load or to reduce the perception of heat from direct sunlight. Heat-reflecting glass, which meets such demands, has its surface coated with a heat-reflecting film. Some composition of heat-reflecting film may have a high electrical conductivity and potentially adversely affect antenna performance. With these components of the film taken into consideration, the heat-reflecting film is removed from a region of the window pane  13  onto which the integrated antenna  20  is printed, as well as from the surroundings of that region. 
         [0072]    The present inventors have installed the integrated antenna  20  onto the window pane  13  (heat-reflecting glass) of the vehicle  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , and performed an evaluation of the performance of the GPS antenna. The results are shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 7  is a GPS function evaluation graph, where the vertical axis represents the average gain (dB) and the horizontal axis represents the elevation angle (deg). The diagram shows, as a comparison, the respective reception performance for an instance in which a heat-reflecting film is formed on the window pane  13 ; instances in which a heat-reflecting film is formed and in which the clearance is 0.2λ, 0.4λ, and 0.6λ respectively; and an instance in which a microstrip antenna (MSA), which is normally often used as a GPS antenna, is set up on a dashboard (respectively represented by ⋄, x, Δ, ∘, and □). The term “clearance” used herein refers to an interval between the heat-reflecting film and the integrated antenna  10 . In the GPS performance evaluation diagram, the average gain (dB) represented by the vertical axis is normalized so that an average gain when the elevation angle of the MSA is 90° is 0 dB. 
         [0074]    As can be seen in plots represented by x, Δ, and ∘ in  FIG. 7 , it was found that even if a heat-reflecting film is formed on a surface of the window pane  13 , removing a portion of the heat-ray-reflecting film on a region on which the antenna is installed and on a surrounding region makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory antenna performance. The region from which the heat-ray-reflecting film is to be removed preferably corresponds to a clearance of 0.4λ or greater as shown by plots represented by Δ, and ∘ (and a clearance of 0.2λ as represented by x is also possible). The fall in performance can be kept to 5 dB or less even when compared to an instance in which no heat-ray-reflecting film is formed as shown by plots represented by ⋄, and the fall in performance can be kept to 10 dB or less even when compared to an MSA provided on the dashboard as represented by □. λ represents an effective wavelength on a surface of the window pane  13  (i.e., a value obtained by multiplying a GPS reception frequency of 1.575 GHz by a fractional shortening value). 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0075]    The present invention is favorably used as an integrated antenna installed on a window pane of a vehicle, in which antennas for a plurality of media are integrated into one antenna pattern. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               10  Vehicle 
               13  Window pane (windshield) 
               20  Integrated antenna 
               21  Fourth line 
               22  First line 
               23  Electricity-supplying unit 
               24  Second line 
               25  Third line 
               28  Tenth line 
               29  Ninth line 
               32  Twelfth line 
               33  Eleventh line 
               35  Sixth line 
               36  Fifth line 
               37  Eighth line 
               38  Seventh line 
               41 ,  42  Branching lines 
             L 1  through L 4  First loop 
             L 5  through L 6  Second loop