Millimeter wave transmitter, millimeter wave receiver and millimeter wave communication system enabling simplification of wiring and improvement in degree of freedom for setting receiver in receiving system for terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting

In order to receive satellite broadcasting (BS and CS) and terrestrial broadcasting (VHF and UHF), complicated wiring is required in a personal residence for transmitting broadcasting signals to a plurality of TV receivers while new distributors must be additionally set for installing additional TV receivers in a condominium previously provided with distributors limiting the number of settable TV receivers. The inventive millimeter wave communication system forms power supply paths by simply connecting a BS/CS antenna with a millimeter wave transmitter and connecting an electronic apparatus such as a TV receiver with a millimeter wave receiver through connectors or the like while transmitting/receiving broadcasting signals by millimeter wave radio communication without employing wires such as coaxial cables indoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a millimeter wave transmitter, a millimeter wave receiver, a millimeter wave communication system, a repeater and an electronic apparatus for radio-transmitting a plurality of broadcasting waves of terrestrial broadcasting such as VHF/UHF broadcasting or satellite broadcasting such as BS (broadcasting satellite) broadcasting or CS (communication satellite) broadcasting in millimeter waves indoors.

2. Description of the Background Art

At present, broadcasting is implemented over a plurality of radio bands for terrestrial broadcasting (UHF and VHF) and satellite broadcasting (BS and CS).

FIG. 16illustrates the structure of a conventional TV broadcasting receiving system800in a personal residence.

The TV broadcasting receiving system800receives satellite broadcasting signals of the 12 GHz band in a BS antenna71and a CS antenna72respectively. Low-noise converters73mounted in close proximity to the respective antennas71and72convert the received radio waves to an intermediate frequency band of 1 to 2 GHz. Coaxial cables74and75transmit the converted signals to indoor TV receivers76(BS/CS tuners or TVs storing BS/CS tuners) from outside. Terrestrial broadcasting signals of a radio frequency band received in a UHF antenna77and a VHF antenna78are transmitted to the indoor TV receivers76through a coaxial cable79after mixed with each other (or independently of each other).

FIG. 17illustrates the structure of a conventional TV broadcasting receiving system900in a condominium.

As shown inFIG. 17, the TV broadcasting receiving system900receives satellite broadcasting waves in a BS antenna84and a CS antenna85respectively and converts the same to an intermediate frequency band of 1 to 2 GHz. After the frequency conversion, a block converter80mixes the CS and BS signals with terrestrial broadcasting VHF/UHF signals of a radio frequency band received in a UHF antenna77and a VHF antenna78, so that the mixed signals are transmitted through a single coaxial cable81. The signals transmitted through the coaxial cable81are distributed to each household or each room through distributors82and an amplifier83.

In the personal residence, however, complicated wiring is required for transmitting the broadcasting signals to a plurality of TV receivers. In the condominium, all broadcasting signals are transmitted to each household through the single coaxial cable81. However, the distributors82are previously set to limit the number of mountable TV receivers. In order to install additional TV receivers, therefore, electric work for additionally setting new distributors or the like is required.

Particularly in order to use a movable liquid crystal TV or the like in a kitchen not wired with the aforementioned antennas in general, the coaxial cable81must be extended to the kitchen through a connector provided in a living room and the distributors82or the antennas must be wired to the kitchen through an additionally provided distributor.

Further, antenna wires must also be extended in order to change the position of a large-sized TV receiver set in the living room or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a millimeter wave communication system for transmitting satellite broadcasting (BS and CS) and terrestrial broadcasting (VHF and UHF) through millimeter waves indoors, eliminating complicated wiring and enabling improvement in degree of freedom for setting a receiver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a millimeter wave transmitter and a millimeter wave receiver for implementing the aforementioned millimeter wave communication system.

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a millimeter wave transmitter for performing millimeter wave radio transmission indoors, which comprises a connection unit, a power supply circuit, a broadcasting wave input circuit, a broadcasting wave modulation circuit and a millimeter wave transmission circuit.

The connection unit is connectable with an antenna receiving a plurality of broadcasting waves. The power supply circuit supplies driving power to the antenna through the connection part. The broadcasting wave input circuit receives the plurality of broadcasting waves through the connection part and converts the broadcasting waves to broadcasting signals corresponding to the broadcasting waves respectively. The broadcasting wave modulation circuit up-converts the broadcasting signals to millimeter waves to be transmitted/received indoors. The millimeter wave transmission circuit transmits the millimeter waves.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a millimeter wave receiver for performing millimeter wave radio transmission indoors comprises a millimeter wave receiving circuit, a broadcasting wave demodulation circuit, a connection unit and a power receptor circuit.

The millimeter wave receiving circuit receives millimeter waves, obtained by up-converting a plurality of broadcasting waves, to be transmitted/received indoors. The broadcasting wave demodulation circuit down-converts the millimeter waves to the frequency band of the broadcasting waves. The connection unit is connectable with a connector provided on an electronic apparatus having a function of receiving broadcasting. The power receptor circuit receives driving power of the millimeter wave receiver through the connection part.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a millimeter wave communication system for performing millimeter wave radio transmission indoors comprises a millimeter wave transmitter and a millimeter wave receiver.

The millimeter wave transmitter transmits millimeter wave signals in the millimeter wave radio transmission. The millimeter wave transmitter includes a first connection unit connectable with an antenna receiving a plurality of broadcasting waves, a power supply circuit supplying driving power to the antenna through the first connection part, a broadcasting wave input circuit receiving the plurality of broadcasting waves through the first connection part and converting the broadcasting waves to broadcasting signals corresponding to the broadcasting waves respectively, a broadcasting wave modulation circuit up-converting the broadcasting signals to millimeter waves to be transmitted/received indoors, and a millimeter wave transmission circuit transmitting the millimeter waves.

The millimeter wave receiver receives the millimeter wave signals in the millimeter wave radio transmission. The millimeter wave receiver includes a millimeter wave receiving circuit receiving the millimeter waves, a broadcasting wave demodulation circuit down-converting the millimeter waves to the frequency band of the broadcasting waves, a second connection unit connectable with a connector provided on an electronic apparatus having a function of receiving broadcasting waves, and a power receptor circuit receiving driving power of the millimeter wave receiver through the second connection part.

Therefore, a principal advantage of the present invention resides in that broadcasting waves can be transmitted through millimeter wave radio communication indoors without employing wires such as coaxial cables by forming power supply paths by simply connecting a BS/CS antenna with the millimeter wave transmitter and connecting the electronic apparatus such as a TV receiver with the millimeter wave receiver through connectors or the like. Consequently, neither additional antenna work nor complicated wiring is required for setting additional TV receivers or the like. Further, a miniature TV, a personal computer provided with a TV tuner or a video camera can be freely used indoors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to the present invention, satellite broadcasting (BS and CS) and terrestrial broadcasting (UHF and VHF) are radio-transmitted indoors by millimeter wave transmission of the 60 GHz band.

Millimeter waves of the 60 GHz band, extremely higher in frequency than the current satellite and terrestrial TV broadcasting waves for allowing a large radio bandwidth of transmitters/receivers, can collectively radio-transmit terrestrial and satellite broadcasting signals. In this frequency band, shielding between adjacent houses is readily attained due to large absorption by oxygen/moisture. In this frequency band, a half wavelength of 2.5 mm in the air is substantially identical to the chip size of an integrated circuit, and allows integration with the integrated circuit inclusive of an antenna. Therefore, a lightweight miniature radio module can be built into an electronic apparatus. Thus, this frequency band is suitable for indoor radio transmission.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1Ais a block diagram showing the structure of a millimeter wave transmitter100forming a millimeter wave communication system1000according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The millimeter wave transmitter100includes a VHF/UHV antenna11, a BS antenna12, a CS antenna13, a connector14, another connector15, a broadcasting signal input16, a frequency arranger17, an up converter18, a transmitter19, a DC power supply20, another DC power supply21, a receiver22, a DC power controller23, a memory24and a millimeter wave antenna25.

FIG. 1Bis a block diagram showing the structure of a millimeter wave receiver200and an electronic apparatus300forming a millimeter wave communication system1000according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1B, a millimeter wave receiver200includes a millimeter wave antenna27, an amplifier28, a down converter29, an inverse frequency arranger30, a mixer/switch31, a DC power controller32, a DC power receptor33, a control signal receiver34, a transmitter35, a connector36, another connector37and still another connector38.

An electronic apparatus300includes a connector40, a broadcasting signal receiver41, a control signal transmitter42, a DC power supply43and a memory44.

When formed by a TV receiver, for example, the electronic apparatus includes a display (not shown inFIG. 1B) or the like in addition to the aforementioned components.

A millimeter wave receiving circuit described in claims includes the millimeter wave antenna27and the amplifier28inFIG. 1B, and the amplifier28may be combined with a proper filter or the like.

Basic millimeter wave transmission parts in the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200are first described.

The VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13input radio waves from terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting in the connectors14and15. WhileFIG. 1Ashows two connectors14and15, the number of such connectors is not restricted to two but an arbitrary number of connectors may be provided in response to the situation of connection. While the millimeter wave transmitter100is connected with the antennas11to13in this embodiment, the transmitter100may alternatively be connected with a terminal collectively supplying broadcasting waves from a synergic system for CATV or the like. The broadcasting waves input from the connectors14and15are supplied to the broadcasting signal input16. The broadcasting signal input16, which is formed by an amplifier having a gain properly set in response to a frequency band, a modulation system etc. in general, supplies amplified broadcasting waves to the frequency arranger17.

FIG. 2illustrates the structure of the frequency arranger17.FIGS. 3A to 3Dillustrate the frequency arrangement of the parts in the millimeter wave communication system1000.

In synergic receiving, a block converter (not shown) provided between the connector15and the CS antenna13arranges intermediate frequencies of CS and BS signals in the signals input in the frequency arranger17on the intermediate frequency axis of 1035 MHz to 1895 MHz, as shown inFIG. 3A. Referring toFIG. 2, the frequency arranger17frequency-converts only the input signal of terrestrial broadcasting with a mixer87and a local oscillator86and arranges the signals on the frequency axis.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the frequency arranger17outputs signals obtained by frequency-converting the terrestrial broadcasting signal. A signal obtained by up-converting the terrestrial broadcasting signal of a low frequency to the 60 GHz band comes closer to local oscillated waves, which must not be emitted from an antenna but removed. Therefore, the terrestrial broadcasting signal is removed along with the local oscillated waves if up-converted as such. Thus, the frequency arranger17temporarily frequency-converts the terrestrial broadcasting wave to another frequency band (2 GHz band, for example) in the stage of the intermediate frequency.

Therefore, the terrestrial broadcasting signal having a low frequency can be readily separated from local oscillated waves when up-converted in the millimeter wave transmitter100, whereby the terrestrial broadcasting signal can be received with no reduction of transmission quality also when VHF, UHF, BS and CS broadcasting waves are simultaneously processed.

The up converter18provided in the millimeter wave transmitter100up-converts the broadcasting waves arranged on the frequency axis to the 60 GHz, and signals output from the up converter18, having radio frequencies shown inFIG. 3C, are subjected to power amplification etc. in the transmitter19and output from the millimeter wave antenna25of the millimeter wave transmitter100as millimeter radio signals.

The millimeter wave signals are received in the millimeter wave antenna27of the millimeter wave receiver200, amplified by the amplifier28, down-converted by the down converter29and input in the inverse frequency arranger30.

Referring toFIG. 4, the inverse frequency arranger30has a function of converting the broadcasting waves from the intermediate frequencies arranged on the frequency axis to the original terrestrial frequencies through the mixer87and the local oscillator86in a process reverse to that of the frequency arranger17.

FIG. 3Dillustrates the frequency arrangement of outputs from the inverse frequency arranger30. The broadcasting waves obtained in the aforementioned manner are input in the electronic apparatus300. Thus, TV receiving is enabled when the electronic apparatus300is a TV receiver.

The above is the basic structure for collectively transmitting broadcasting waves to the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver by the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200through millimeter waves.

According to this structure, DC power supply paths and down-converted outputs are also connected by simply inserting and mounting the same into and on connectors of a TV receiver, BS and CS tuners and a VTR without employing wires such as coaxial cables indoors so that broadcasting waves can be transmitted in millimeter wave radio communication, whereby neither antenna work nor complicated wiring is required for setting additional TVs. Thus, a miniature TV, a personal computer provided with a TV tuner or a video camera can be freely used anywhere indoors or in the station yard.

A structure for controlling the millimeter wave receiver200and the millimeter wave transmitter100from the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver inFIGS. 1A and 1B.

The electronic apparatus300selects and receives the broadcasting waves supplied from the connector40in the broadcasting signal receiver41. While the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13are directly connected to the connector40in the conventional receiving system employing no millimeter wave receiver, the connector40is connected to the connector38when employing the millimeter wave receiver200.

The electronic apparatus300may be provided with different connectors for terrestrial broadcasting and BS broadcasting. In this case, the millimeter wave receiver200may be replaced with a millimeter wave receiver210having a distributor90distributing outputs from an inverse frequency arranger30to a necessary number of outputs and outputting the same from output connectors91and92, as shown inFIG. 5. When connecting the output connectors91and92with the electronic apparatus300through cables, the direction of the millimeter wave antenna27can be adjusted also in this case as described later by inserting the connector38into the electronic apparatus300and rotating the same.

Also when a TV receiver, a BS or CS tuner or a VTR has different connectors for terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting etc., therefore, the connectors can be readily individually connected through a built-in distributor.

Referring again toFIG. 1B, the millimeter wave receiver200includes the mixer/switch31and the connectors36and37, so that broadcasting waves from the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13can be utilized through the mixer/switch31by connecting these antennas11to13to the connector36or37also when the millimeter wave receiver200is mounted on the electronic apparatus300. When using the millimeter wave receiver200, the connectors36and37may not be connected in general. When the millimeter wave transmitter100transmits only VHF, UHF and BS broadcasting and CS broadcasting is to be distributed through a coaxial cable in another system or operations of the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200are to be stopped, for example, the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12, the CS antenna13etc. can be connected while keeping the millimeter wave receiver200mounted on the electronic apparatus300.

Thus, it is possible to directly receive broadcasting waves obtained from an antenna wire such as a coaxial cable connected with an existing VHF, UHF, BS or CS antenna as well as to receive up-converted broadcasting waves from the millimeter wave transmitter100, whereby both of a conventional antenna wire and a millimeter wave path can be readily selected in response to the user's convenience.

In order to select an arbitrary channel with the broadcasting signal receiver41in the electronic apparatus300, the user previously stores information as to whether the receiving channel is directly input from the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12or the CS antenna13or input through the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200in the memory44in association with the receiving channel. When the receiving channel selected on the basis of the information stored in the memory44utilizes the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200, the DC power supply43supplies DC power necessary for operations of the millimeter wave receiver200through the connector40. The DC power is supplied in superposition with the broadcasting waves. Alternatively, the DC power supply43may supply DC power when the electronic apparatus300is turned on for superposing a control signal from the control signal transmitter42and performing DC power control of the DC power controller32at need.

At this time, the DC power receptor33and the control signal receiver34separate the DC power and the control signal passing through the connector38from the broadcasting waves respectively and supply the same to the DC power controller32. In general, the DC power supply43supplies DC power when the electronic apparatus300requires a receiving operation, in order to properly save power consumption.

Thus, when the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver, a BS or CS tuner or a VTR provided with the millimeter wave receiver200requires no millimeter wave receiver in a power-off state, for example, it is possible to cut off supply of DC power to portions of the millimeter wave receiver200requiring no DC power supply by the control signal from the electronic apparatus300for preventing wasteful power consumption without requiring the user to intentionally control supply of DC power.

The DC power controller32, controlling supply of DC power to the amplifier28, the down converter29and the inverse frequency arranger30, may also control a further block requiring DC power control.

While DC power can be supplied from the electronic apparatus300through the connector38in this embodiment, the electronic apparatus300is not necessarily adaptive to supply of DC power to the millimeter wave receiver200. Therefore, a DC power adapter for the millimeter wave receiver200may be employed independently of the electronic apparatus300, or the millimeter wave receiver200itself may store a power supply receiving power from an AC power supply.

Transfer of Control Information in Millimeter Wave Communication System

When the electronic apparatus300is a CS tuner or a TV receiver capable of receiving CS broadcasting, the control signal transmitter42can transmit information specifying whether receiving channel uses vertical polarization or horizontal polarization to the CS antenna13, in addition to DC power control. When receiving BS broadcasting, the control signal transmitter42transmits information as to whether or not to supply DC power to the BS antenna12. The information as to vertical polarization or horizontal polarization and whether or not to receive BS broadcasting is generated by the control signal transmitter42, transmitted through the connectors40and38and separated by the control signal receiver34. The transmitter35transmits the separated information to the millimeter wave transmitter100. The signals, generally transmitted from the transmitter35to the receiver22through infrared radiation, may alternatively be transmitted through radio, wire, audio or power transmission.

Particularly when employing radio waves of the UHF band capable of passing through a shield such as a door or a wall dissimilarly to infrared radiation, the millimeter wave transmitter100and the millimeter wave receiver200can be used between partitioned rooms. Further, not only the signals for horizontal or vertical polarization control but also data can be transmitted by assembling a cordless telephone of PHS (personal handy phone system) or the like, for advantageously enabling bidirectional communication.

An exemplary structure of a millimeter wave receiver220capable of receiving external signals is now described.

Referring toFIG. 6, the millimeter wave receiver220capable of receiving external signals is different from the millimeter wave receiver200shown inFIG. 1Bin a point that the same includes a receiver22′ capable of directly receiving external signals in place of the control signal receiver34receiving signals through the connector38. The remaining structure of the millimeter wave receiver220is similar to that of the millimeter wave receiver200, and hence redundant description is not repeated.

A DC power controller32can turn on/off a DC power supply for the millimeter wave receiver220in response to an off state or selection of a channel for BS or CS broadcasting by receiving a control signal from a remote control transmitter attached to the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver. Further, it is possible to control the DC power controller23of the millimeter wave transmitter100or control the DC power supplies20and21on the basis of information on horizontal or vertical polarization similarly to the above by transmitting the control signal received in a receiver22′ to the millimeter wave transmitter100from a transmitter35.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the receiver22provided on the millimeter wave transmitter100receives the information from the millimeter wave receiver200or220and controls the DC power supply20for supplying DC power of 11 [V] for vertical polarization or DC power of 15 [V] for horizontal polarization to the CS antenna13. When receiving BS broadcasting information, the receiver22controls the DC power supply21to supply DC power of 15 V to the BS antenna12through the connector14. When synergically receiving CS broadcasting, the block converter80must be set between the connector15and the CS antenna13, as shown inFIG. 17.

When the electronic apparatus300is off and requires no receiving, it is necessary to cut off supply of DC power to circuit blocks such as the amplifier28, the down converter29, the inverse frequency arranger30etc. requiring no operations in the millimeter wave receiver200and control supply of DC power to circuit blocks such as the broadcasting signal input16, the frequency arranger17, the up converter18, the transmitter19etc. requiring no operations in the millimeter wave transmitter100.

At this time, such a case is supposable that a plurality of millimeter wave receivers and a plurality of electronic apparatuses300receive transmission outputs from a single millimeter wave transmitter100in combination such that the electronic apparatuses300include a large-sized fixed TV receiver and a movable liquid crystal TV receiver mounted with the millimeter wave receivers200respectively, for example.

In this case, therefore, each of the electronic apparatus300which is the large-sized fixed TV receiver and the electronic apparatus300which is the movable liquid crystal TV receiver transmits apparatus identification information and information indicating that the apparatus300is in an ON state, for example, requiring receiving at present to the millimeter wave receiver connected with each apparatus300. The control signal receiver34separates the transmitted information and the transmitter35transmits the information to the single millimeter wave transmitter100.

The millimeter wave transmitter100receives the information in the receiver22and transmits the same to the memory24. The memory24, storing information on the apparatus using the broadcasting waves from the millimeter wave transmitter100previously input by the user, obtains the apparatus identification information and the information indicating that the apparatus300requires receiving at present from the receiver22. If all apparatuses stored in the memory24are off to require no broadcasting waves, the DC power controller23cuts off supply of DC power to the broadcasting signal input16, the frequency arranger17, the up converter18, the transmitter19etc. while the DC power supplies20and21cut off supply of DC power to the CS antenna13, the BS antenna12etc. Thus, when millimeter wave transmission is unnecessary, power consumption can be saved with no intentional operation of the user.

When a TV receiver and a VTR provided with millimeter wave receivers respectively receive millimeter wave transmission from the single millimeter wave transmitter100while the VTR currently records a competing program on a different channel, the control signal transmitter42of the VTR forming the electronic apparatus300transmits information indicating that the VTR currently records the competing program to the control signal receiver34through the connectors40and38. The control signal receiver34further transmits this information to the millimeter wave transmitter100through the transmitter35, and the receiver22of the millimeter wave transmitter100receives this information. Even if the TV receiver transmits information indicating that the same requires no distribution of broadcasting to the millimeter wave transmitter100at this time, the DC power controller23of the millimeter wave transmitter100continuously supplies DC power to the broadcasting signal input16, the frequency arranger17, the up converter18and the transmitter19. Also when the broadcasting channel subjected to millimeter wave transmission is switched at any time by a request from the electronic apparatus300, such switching of the broadcasting channel subjected to transmission is inhibited so that the VTR normally records the competing program if the information indicating that the VTR currently records the competing program reaches the millimeter wave transmitter100. If not for this function, it follows that the broadcasting channel stops during recording of the competing program in the VTR.

The receiver22in the millimeter wave transmitter100may not only receive signals from the transmitter35in the millimeter wave receiver200but also directly receive a remote control signal from a remote control transmitter attached to the electronic apparatus300, for example. When the remote control transmitter attached to the electronic apparatus300transmits a TV-on signal or a channel switch signal, the electronic apparatus300receives this remote control signal and operates while the receiver22can also receive the remote control signal for controlling the DC power supplies20and21and supplying DC power to the CS antenna13and the BS antenna12. Alternatively, the DC power controller23can be controlled in response to supply of DC power to the electronic apparatus requiring the millimeter wave transmitter100through the memory24to supply DC power to the broadcasting signal input16, the frequency arranger17, the up converter18, the transmitter19etc. When the TV receiver or the VTR transmits a power-off signal, the millimeter wave transmitter100can be turned off. It is also possible to switch the broadcasting channel transmitted through the millimeter wave transmitter100from that for BS broadcasting to that for BS broadcasting. In this case, the remote control transmitter attached to the electronic apparatus300or that prepared for the millimeter wave transmitter100or the millimeter wave receiver200or220can be utilized.

Thus, the BS and CS antennas can be supplied with DC power in response to the busy condition of the millimeter wave transmission/receiving system, whereby no DC power for the antennas may be relayed from a TV receiver or a VTR for BS broadcasting or a CS tuner.

When the number of channels to be transmitted is increased for the millimeter wave transmission band, information for limiting the operation of millimeter wave transmission/receiving to only transmission of a CS channel, for example, is introduced into the control signal from the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver, a BS or CS tuner or a VTR provided with the millimeter wave receiver200, and transmitted to the millimeter wave receiver200and the millimeter wave transmitter100. Thus, the millimeter wave transmitter100limits the signal to the necessary band by the broadcasting signal input16and thereafter up-converts the same in the up converter18in response to the channel band required by the electronic apparatus300. In this case, the channel band can be switched at need also when the number of the channels to be transmitted is excessively increased, and the number of transmitted channels can be sufficiently ensured.

Antenna Structure of Millimeter Wave Receiver

Methods of mounting the inventive millimeter wave receiver on the electronic apparatus are now described. Each ofFIGS. 7,8and9shows the antenna structure of a millimeter wave receiver capable of transmitting DC power and a control signal in superposition through the aforementioned connector38and a structure of mounting this antenna on a TV receiver45, which is a representative example of the electronic apparatus300.

While a plurality of exemplary structures of the millimeter wave receiver are described in relation to this embodiment and any structure is applicable to the millimeter wave receivers shown inFIGS. 7,8and9, each ofFIGS. 7 to 9representatively shows the millimeter wave receiver200.

Millimeter waves of the 60 GHz band allowing a wide band and having a proper transmission attenuation property also have proper transmission directivity. While no information leaks to the periphery when transmission directivity is extremely narrow, optical axis and the directivity must be adjusted not to deviate between antennas in the case of light. When the transmission directivity is extremely wide, information may leak to the periphery or transmission outputs and receiving sensitivity must be increased although no problem arises in antenna directions. The millimeter waves have intermediate characteristics, and the direction of the millimeter wave antenna27is preferably controllable to some extent in the millimeter wave receiver200.

When the connector38of the millimeter wave receiver200is inserted in a connector40of the TV receiver45as shown inFIG. 7,8or9, the body of the millimeter wave receiver200can be rotated about the connector40.

Referring toFIG. 7, an antenna46serving as the millimeter wave antenna27is mounted on the millimeter wave receiver200in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation thereof so that the direction of the surface of the antenna46is changeable when rotating the millimeter wave receiver200about the connector40. Thus, when mounting the millimeter wave receiver200on the TV receiver46, the direction of the antenna46can be readily changed in a direction most increasing the receiving sensitivity.

When mounting another antenna47serving as the millimeter wave antenna27perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, the receiving sensitivity of the antenna47remains unchanged on whatever rotation position the millimeter wave receiver26is mounted. Thus, this is effective if the receiving level in the direction of the antenna47is strong.

Referring toFIG. 8, an antenna48is set at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of rotation about the connector40. This antenna48has a component adjustable in response to the rotation angle in mounting and an unchanged component. Therefore, this is an effective method when providing only one millimeter wave antenna27.

Referring toFIG. 9, the millimeter wave receiver200has an axis of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation about the connectors40and38, and the millimeter wave antenna27is rotatably mounted about the same. Therefore, the millimeter wave antenna27can be freely directed in a space. When employing a coaxial connector for the axis of rotation of the portions on which the connector38and the millimeter wave antenna27are mounted, the two portions can conveniently be separated.

According to this structure, the direction of the millimeter wave antenna of the millimeter wave receiver200can be arbitrarily changed in the space, whereby the antenna can be freely adjusted to a direction of a higher receiving level also when radio waves from the millimeter wave transmitter100or the antenna of the millimeter wave receiver200has directivity.

While the antennas46,47and48have been described as plane antennas having a certain degree of directivity in the surface directions, an antenna having no directivity can also be effectively employed since the direction for mounting the millimeter wave receiver200may not be taken into consideration in this case. While the connector40has been described as a coaxial connector, a similar effect is expectable also when the connector40is not coaxial but rotatable or bendable on the portion of the connector38. If coaxially setting the connectors38and36mounted on the millimeter wave receiver200, the position of an antenna cable connected to the connector36remains unchanged when the millimeter wave receiver200is rotated with respect to the connector40, and hence the antenna cable is not pulled or loosened.

WhileFIGS. 7,8and9show the methods of mounting the millimeter wave receiver200on the connector40of the existing TV receiver45, the back surface of the TV receiver45will not protrude when previously depressing the portion of the TV receiver45for mounting the connector40and mounting the millimeter wave receiver200on this portion, whereby the connector38can be prevented from being broken by hitting the millimeter wave receiver200against a wall or the like also when moving the TV receiver45provided with the millimeter wave receiver200. When covering the depressed portion, mounting of the millimeter wave receiver200is inconspicuous and breaking or dirt with dust or the like can be readily prevented. Particularly in a thin TV receiver such as a liquid crystal TV receiver, protrusion can be effectively eliminated also when mounting the millimeter wave receiver200. The millimeter wave receiver200may alternatively be built into the TV receiver45, as a matter of course.

Monitor for Millimeter Wave Transmission State

The structure of a millimeter wave receiver230capable of monitoring a millimeter wave transmission state is now described.

Referring toFIG. 10, the millimeter wave receiver230is different from the millimeter wave receiver200shown inFIG. 1Bin a point that the same further includes a receiving level detector49, a display50, a video/audio signal processor51, a modulator52and a DC power supply53. The remaining structure of the millimeter wave receiver230is similar to that of the millimeter wave receiver200, and hence redundant description is not repeated.

While the millimeter wave receiver230is mounted on the connector40of the TV receiver45through the connector38and the millimeter wave receiving level is maximized through the angle of rotation of the mounting as described above, receiving signals from the millimeter wave antenna27formed by the antenna46,47or48are supplied to and amplified by an amplifier28. These signals are supplied to a down converter29as well as to the receiving level detector49. The receiving level detector49detects the receiving signals, converts the signals to DC voltages or digital signals responsive to the receiving level and supplies the same to the video/audio signal processor51. The video/audio signal processor51produces video signals indicating the receiving situation such as those displaying the receiving level in a bar graph and audio signals changing the audio level in response to the receiving level in response to the DC voltages or the digital signals. The modulator52modulates the produced signals to RF signals of the VHF channel1or2, for example. A mixer/switch31mixes the RF signals with outputs from an inverse frequency arranger30and outputs the mixed signals from a connector38to the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver. Thus, when adjusting the receiving level in the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver through the mounting direction of the millimeter wave receiver230, the VHF channel1or2is received for displaying received images or outputting sounds so that the millimeter wave receiver230is mounted on the electronic apparatus300and a mounting direction having an excellent receiving level can be readily set on the basis of the images or sounds.

The receiving level in the millimeter wave receiver230can be displayed on a specific channel of the TV receiver in a bar graph or the sounds can be output in a volume of an audio frequency responsive to the receiving level, for example, whereby the direction of the antenna can be extremely readily adjusted.

When setting the millimeter wave transmitter100, the millimeter wave receiver230and the electronic apparatus300, it is supposable that the electronic apparatus300cannot correctly receive millimeter waves as the case may be. In particular, it is difficult to confirm whether or not millimeter waves are correctly transmitted from the millimeter wave transmitter100and correctly received by the millimeter wave receiver230. In this case, the millimeter wave receiver230is disconnected from the electronic apparatus300, independently operated with DC power supplied from a DC power supply53and brought to a portion close to the millimeter wave transmitter100set indoors in the vicinity of a ceiling, for example, so that the display50such as an LED (light emitting diode) or a liquid crystal display displays the receiving level in response to the output level of the receiving level detector49. Therefore, the transmission outputs of millimeter waves can be readily confirmed from a portion around the millimeter wave transmitter230, the LED or the like can display whether or not the millimeter waves are correctly delivered from the millimeter wave transmitter100and how high the radio level is, and radio propagation can be readily confirmed when setting the millimeter wave receiver230. Thus, it is possible to readily verify whether or not the path up to the electronic apparatus300has any problem by following the transmission path. If it is confirmable that the transmission path has no problem, it follows that the millimeter wave receiver230may be connected to the connector40of the electronic apparatus300for making confirmation on the side of the electronic apparatus300this time.

Display of Operating State of Millimeter Wave Transmission System

The structures of a millimeter wave transmitter110and a millimeter wave receiver240capable of displaying the operating state of a millimeter wave transmission system are now described.

Referring toFIG. 11, the millimeter wave transmitter110capable of displaying the operating state of the millimeter wave transmission system is different from the millimeter wave transmitter100shown inFIG. 1Ain a point that the same further includes a video/audio signal processor51a, a modulator52a, a mixer93aand an input interface89. The remaining structure of the millimeter wave transmitter110is similar to that of the millimeter wave transmitter100and hence redundant description is not repeated.

In the millimeter wave transmitter110, the video/audio signal processor51aproduces an information display screen expressible as an information channel, for example, or an audio signal on the basis of control information as to selection of BS broadcasting or CS broadcasting received from a receiver22, information on results of collation with an apparatus stored in a memory24or information set for a frequency arranger17or an up converter18.

FIG. 12shows exemplary display of the information channel.

The modulator52amodulates the produced signal to broadcasting waves of the VHF channel1or2, and the mixer93superposes the signals on original broadcasting waves input from a connector14or15. The superposed signals are transmitted to the millimeter wave receiver240and the electronic apparatus300in millimeter wave transmission similarly to the original broadcasting waves. When receiving the VHF channel1or2as an information channel, therefore, the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver can regularly confirm the operating state of the millimeter wave communication system including the millimeter wave transmitter110.

Similarly to the information channel, it is possible to modulate a video signal and an audio signal of a movie or the like externally input through the input interface89by the modulator52ato broadcasting waves of the VHF channel1or2and superpose the same on the original broadcasting waves input from the connector14or15by the mixer/switch93a. In the electronic apparatus300such as a TV receiver, therefore, images and sounds of the movie or the like can be received anywhere in the house by receiving the VHF channel1or2.

In order to utilize a millimeter wave transmitter and a millimeter wave receiver as a millimeter wave communication system, it is general to output broadcasting waves input through an antenna from the millimeter wave receiver without changing the broadcasting channel. In order to prevent crosstalk between the millimeter waves and general broadcasting waves or change the broadcasting channel for millimeter wave transmission to a specific channel plan, it is also possible to superpose TV preset information on an information channel of the millimeter wave transmitter as channel plan switching information and output the same so that channel preset information on the TV side can be automatically changed. When outputting switching of the channel plan itself as screen information of the information channel, this is easily understandable and convenient for the user. Thus, it follows that a channel plan necessary for transmission may be transmitted regardless of the receiving channel preset state of the millimeter wave transmitter110or the electronic apparatus300.

Referring toFIG. 13, the millimeter wave receiver240capable of displaying the operating state of the millimeter wave transmission system can superpose an information screen or sounds based on internal information on broadcasting signals. The millimeter wave receiver240is different from the millimeter wave receiver200shown inFIG. 1Bin a point that the same further includes a video/audio signal processor51b, a modulator52band a mixer93b.

In the millimeter wave receiver240, the video/audio signal processor51bproduces a video signal for displaying information obtained by a control signal receiver34from the electronic apparatus300or set information of a down converter29or an inverse frequency arranger30on the TV receiver or outputting sounds on the basis of the information or the set information. This information indicates that the millimeter wave receiver240selectively transmits only a channel for CS broadcasting, for example. The modulator52bmodulates the processed video signal and an audio signal to NTSC TV signals or the like. In general, the mixer/switch93bmixes the TV signals as signal of the VHF channel1or2with outputs of the inverse frequency arranger30, and supplies the mixed signals to the electronic apparatus300through a connector38. When receiving the VHF channel1or2in the TV receiver forming the electronic apparatus300, the user can confirm that the broadcasting channel transmitted through the millimeter wave receiver240is only that for CS broadcasting, for example, on the TV screen.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare block diagrams showing the structure of a millimeter wave transmission system2000having a repeater500according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14Ashows the structure of the repeater500included in the millimeter wave transmission system2000.FIG. 14Bshows the structure of a millimeter wave transmitter120included in the millimeter wave transmission system2000. The millimeter wave transmitter120, employed in combination with the repeater500, has a structure corresponding to the repeater500.

The structures of a millimeter wave receiver and an electronic apparatus corresponding to the millimeter wave transmission system2000are identical to those described with reference to the first embodiment and hence redundant description is not repeated. In other words, the millimeter wave communication system shown in the first embodiment can be formed by combining any of the millimeter wave receivers200to240and the electronic apparatus300described above with the millimeter wave transmission system2000according to the second embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14A, the repeater500includes a connector14, another connector15, a broadcasting signal input16, a frequency arranger17, a DC power supply20another DC power supply21, a DC power controller23, a DC power receptor56, a control signal receiver57and a connector58.

Referring toFIG. 14B, the millimeter wave transmitter120includes an up converter18, a transmitter19, a DC power supply20, a receiver22, a DC power controller23, a memory24, a millimeter wave antenna25, a connector59and a control signal transmitter60.

The repeater500is generally set on the roof of a house in the vicinity of positions where a VHF/UHF antenna11, a BS antenna12and a CS antenna13are set, and coaxial cables from the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13are bundled and connected to the indoor millimeter wave transmitter120through a single coaxial cable from the connector58.

Receiving signals from the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13are input in the broadcasting signal input16through the connectors14and15respectively. The input broadcasting waves are supplied to the frequency arranger17, which in turn arranges the broadcasting waves of the VHF/UHF band on a high frequency band. Outputs from the frequency arranger17are supplied to the millimeter wave transmitter120through the connectors58and59. The radio waves of current frequency arrangement, which is shown inFIG. 3B, can be up-converted by the up converter18in the millimeter wave transmitter120as such, and can be transmitted indoors through the transmitter19and the millimeter wave antenna25.

Thus, the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13can be connected to the millimeter wave transmitter120through a single coaxial cable when connected to the repeater500, and the broadcasting waves can be up-converted and transmitted as such on the side of the millimeter wave transmitter120since frequency arrangement has already been completed on the side of the repeater500.

At this time, the millimeter wave transmitter120supplies DC power for the repeater500from the DC power supply20to the connector59in response to a control signal from the millimeter wave receiver obtained from the receiver22while transmitting necessary control signals to the repeater500through the control signal transmitter60. In this case, the control signals include a signal for controlling the DC power for the repeater500itself and a control signal for selectively supplying DC power to the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13.

The repeater500receives these superposed signals and the DC power from the connector58in the control signal receiver57and the DC power receptor56respectively, and the control signal receiver57controls the DC power supplies20and21in response to the control signals for controlling supply of DC power to the CS antenna13and the BS antenna12. When all apparatuses stored in the memory24require no receiving, the DC power controller23can cut off DC power to unnecessary blocks such as the broadcasting signal input16and the frequency arranger17.

While the repeater500up-converts the signals from the VHF/UHF antenna11, the BS antenna12and the CS antenna13set on the roof of the house to millimeter waves and connects the same to the indoor millimeter wave transmitter120through a single coaxial cable in the second embodiment, the millimeter wave transmitter100shown inFIG. 1itself may be set on the roof of the house for directly transmitting millimeter waves from the millimeter wave antenna25to the millimeter wave receiver120set indoors.

When employing such a setting method, no coaxial cable may be wired indoors from the roof. While it is difficult to transmit millimeter waves indoors from above the roof through roofing tiles, the millimeter waves can readily pass through a skylight or the like provided on the roof for readily implementing wireless transmission indoors. When providing the millimeter wave transmitter on the roof, power of a solar battery or the like may be utilized so that no DC power cable may be wired in addition to the coaxial cable. Thus, it is also possible to transmit broadcasting waves from various antennas indoors in a completely wireless manner.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 15is a block diagram showing the structure of an electronic apparatus310having a millimeter wave receiving function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, the electronic apparatus310includes a millimeter wave antenna27, an amplifier28, a down converter29, an inverse frequency arranger30, a mixer/switch31, a DC power controller32, a transmitter35, a connector40and a broadcasting signal receiver41.

Signals from general antennas for terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting and CS broadcasting are input from the connector40, so that the electronic apparatus310storing a millimeter wave receiver is connected to the general antennas without through the millimeter wave receiver. Millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter wave transmitter are received by the millimeter wave antenna27and amplified by the amplifier28. The amplified receiving signals are down-converted by the down converter29and finally converted to the original broadcasting frequency band by the inverse frequency arranger30. The converted signals and the signals input from the connector40are mixed or switched/selected in the mixer/switch31, so that either signals are supplied to the broadcasting signal receiver41in response to the condition of the user.

When the electronic apparatus310is turned on or a channel for using the millimeter wave transmitter/receiver is selected in response to which channel the user transmits through the millimeter wave transmitter/receiver, the broadcasting signal receiver41turns on the DC power controller32for supplying DC power to blocks such as the amplifier28, the down converter29and the inverse frequency arranger30necessary for millimeter wave receiving. At this time, the broadcasting signal receiver41transmits information on application of DC power, information on which broadcasting channel is transmitted etc. to the millimeter wave transmitter through the transmitter35, for transmitting broadcasting waves of the necessary band.

Thus, it is possible to switch the broadcasting channel subjected to millimeter wave transmission from that for BS broadcasting to that for CS broadcasting or cut off the DC power for the millimeter wave transmitter with a control signal from the millimeter wave receiver or a signal from a remote control transmitter of a TV receiver. When two TV receivers or VTRs utilize the outputs from the millimeter wave receiver and the two TV receivers or VTRs are in OFF states, the millimeter wave transmitter receiving information indicating this state can automatically cut off supply of DC power to unnecessary transmission parts. Thus, wasteful power consumption in the millimeter wave transmitter can be prevented with no intentional operation of the user.

The millimeter wave transmitter, which is connected to a connector provided in a living room or the like for up-converting broadcasting waves obtained from the connectors to millimeter waves and radiating the millimeter waves indoors, may be mounted on or stored in the electronic apparatus represented by the TV receiver45. In other words, a connector set on a wall and the TV receiver45are connected with each other by a conventional coaxial cable or the like for radiating millimeter waves from the millimeter wave transmitter mounted on or stored in the TV receiver45to another indoor TV receiver. In this case, wireless transmission to another indoor TV receiver such as a liquid crystal TV is enabled although the TV receiver45itself does not receive the broadcasting waves in a wireless manner. A general house has an existing TV receiver and generally requires no intentional change of this portion. Therefore, it is extremely effective that an antenna for a newly purchased liquid crystal TV or the like can be connected in a wireless manner. When providing the millimeter wave transmitter on the TV receiver45which is generally large-sized to some extent, a vertical position convenient for transmission can be naturally attained for reducing crosstalk in the millimeter wave transmission path. When mounting the millimeter wave transmitter on the TV receiver45as an adapter, a general input connector of the TV receiver45is provided on a lower portion of the back surface of the TV receiver45while providing a connector with the millimeter transmitter on an upper portion of the TV receiver45, so that the millimeter wave transmitter can be mounted on a high position.

In particular, it is possible to regard the TV receiver45provided with or storing the millimeter wave transmitter as a main TV and turn on/off the millimeter wave transmitter in association with the switch of the main TV or through a remote controller for the main TV. In this case, the millimeter wave receiver having the control signal receiver34described with reference to the first embodiment may be provided on a sub TV such as a liquid crystal TV.

It is also conceivable to set the millimeter wave transmitter on a wall connector. In general, broadcasting waves may be directly transmitted to the TV receiver45close to the connector through millimeter waves while millimeter waves may be transmitted toward the ceiling from the millimeter wave transmitter for transmitting the millimeter waves to another indoor TV receiver through reflected waves reflected by a reflector set on the ceiling or the ceiling itself. The millimeter waves can be reflected by a ceiling board material employed in a general house. When setting the millimeter wave receiver mounted on or stored in the TV receiver45on a lower portion of the back surface of the TV receiver45, millimeter waves from the millimeter wave transmitter set on the wall connector can be effectively received.

The millimeter wave communication system according to the present invention is not restricted to the structures directly described with reference to the first to third embodiments but can be properly combined with the millimeter wave transmitter, the millimeter wave receiver, the electronic apparatus and the repeater mentioned above.