MEANS FOR SUPPORTING WIRELESS FRESNEL LENS OVER A MOBILE DEVICE TO ENHANCE ANTENNAE RECEPTION OF RF SIGNALS

A Fresnel lens is adapted to be attached to a button associated with an expandable grip structure for a mobile device. The expandable grip structure can include a collapsible membrane formable into a conical shaped when expanded from a flat position to an expanded position, the button formed at one end of the collapsible membrane and having an outer perimeter and a surface, and a base formed at a second end of the collapsible membrane. The collapsible membrane can be expanded and moved by the base along a back surface of a mobile device to a location on the back surface that enables the Fresnel lens to enhance radio frequency reception by the mobile device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described herein are generally related to systems and methods for enhancing wireless communications by improving wireless gain. More particularly, the embodiments are related to an accessory for supporting a wireless Fresnel lens as a signal enhancement over a mobile device to improve reception of radio frequency signals transmitted from wireless communications equipment including.

BACKGROUND

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,384,614 B1 (“614 patent”), issued Feb. 26, 2013, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) inventors disclosed a means to address the need for improved signal communications systems and for an improved Fresnel lens to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) ratio in wireless communication links, thereby improving the range and performance of wireless devices. The '614 patent details how to solve address these needs using an improved Fresnel lens, which basically utilizes concepts of a Fresnel lens and incorporate them for use between wireless communications transmitters and receivers as an antenna enhancement to pass wanted signals while suppressing or eliminating unwanted signals. The '614 patent in incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its teaching.

NASA inventors found that portable, wireless communication devices often require an increased SNR. The need can arise from increased range, higher data rates, and compromised channels—e.g., RF interference and rain fade. Increased SNR can also be required in urban environments because of urban blockage, either on foot or in an automobile, where buildings and materials cause exacerbated fading conditions. Natural disasters can further diminish the operational effectiveness of traditional methods of communication thereby creating a need for increased SNR. For example, hurricanes and earthquakes can damage transmission links, such as mobile phone towers, requiring an increased range of communication for remaining undamaged communication links to maintain geographic coverage. Highly critical government communication applications can also require increased SNR. Individuals, such as boaters, hunters, campers, or stranded motorists, would benefit from an increase in the SNR of their wireless portable communication devices, such as radios, pagers, and mobile phones.

Despite the brilliant teachings of the '614 patent, a need still exists for improved means to effectively support the deployment of Fresnel lenses as an antenna transmission/receiving enhancement and improve the effectiveness of communications equipment, and thereby also improving the range and performance of wireless portable electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An apparatus and method for supporting a Fresnel lens over a mobile device, with the Fresnel lens operating as a passive enhancement for antennas associated with electronic communications devices and enhancing the gain of wireless signals by mobile device antennas, is described.

In a first embodiment, a Fresnel lens can be provided that is adapted to be attached to a button associated with an expandable grip structure for a mobile device. The expandable grip structure can include a collapsible membrane formable into a conical shaped when expanded from a flat position to an expanded position, the button formed at one end of the collapsible membrane and having an outer perimeter and a surface, and a base formed at a second end of the collapsible membrane. The collapsible membrane can be expanded and moved by the base along a back surface of a mobile device to a location on the back surface that enables the Fresnel lens to enhance radio frequency reception by the mobile device.

In accordance with another embodiment, a Fresnel lens-enhanced expandable grip structure for use with mobile devices can be provided that includes a collapsible membrane, a button formed at one end of the collapsible membrane, a base formed at a second end of the collapsible membrane and a Fresnel lens disposed on the outer perimeter and surface of the button. The collapsible membrane can be formed into a conical shaped when expanded from a flat position to an expanded position. The base can be moved along and attached to a backside of a mobile device and the collapsible membrane expanded to enable the Fresnel lens to enhance radio frequency reception by the mobile device.

In accordance with another embodiment, a suction cup can be attached to an outer surface of the base. The suction cup can be adapted for attachment to the back surface of the mobile device to thereby affix the Fresnel lens at select locations over the back surface of the mobile device.

In accordance with another embodiment, the base can include a slidable clip. The slidable clip can be adapted to attach to and slide along slots formed in sides of a mobile device protective cover to thereby move the Fresnel lens over the back surface of the mobile device.

In accordance with another embodiment, the Fresnel lens can further include an adhesive backside. The adhesive backside can be adapted to attach the Fresnel lens to a surface of the button.

In accordance with another embodiment, the Fresnel lens can further include a carrier. The carrier can be adapted to attach to at least one of the button or expandable membrane.

In accordance with another embodiment, a combination of expanding the collapsible membrane and movement of the expandable grip structure and the Fresnel lens along the back surface of a mobile device can enable finding a location on the back surface that provides improved signal reception from transceivers with respect to an internal antenna associated with the mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference to “Fresnel lens” throughout this detailed description should be interpreted to refer to a passive enhancement for antennas associated with electronic communications devices and enhancing the gain of wireless signals received by the antennas, such as the Fresnel lens taught by the '614 patent, which is hereby incorporated by reference for its teaching.FIGS.1-7provide background on the Fresnel lens and its operation.FIGS.8-10describe improvements for effective deployment and use of the Fresnel lens, in accordance with one or more of the embodiments of the invention.

Referring toFIG.1, labeled as prior art, depicted is a front view of an illustrative Fresnel lens or Fresnel zone plate100. As used herein, the term “lens” can refer to any three-dimensional structure, through which electromagnetic waves can pass and that uses either refraction or diffraction to control the exiting aperture distribution as a function of its position and shape. As used herein, the terms “Fresnel lens” or “Fresnel zone plate” can refer to a type of lens that produces focusing and imaging of electromagnetic waves using diffraction, rather than refraction. It is noted that a lens and hence, a Fresnel lens, are not antennas. An antenna is a transducer that transmits or receives electromagnetic waves. Conversely, a Fresnel lens does not transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. A Fresnel lens operates more like a filter when it comes to wireless electromagnetic waves. As stated above and as will be discussed in more detail supra, electromagnetic waves are passed through a Fresnel lens wherein said electromagnetic waves may be focused into Fresnel zone regions.

The Fresnel lens100can include one or more screens150. As used herein, the term “screen” refers to a monolithic body, sheet, or membrane having a thickness that is less than its length and width. The screen150can have any shape or combination of geometrical shapes. The shape of the screen150can be symmetric or asymmetric. Illustrative shapes can include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, circular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, other polygonal shapes, non-uniform shapes, or a combination thereof. The screen150shown inFIG.1is rectangular, which has a length longer than its width, a width longer than its length. If provided in the form of a square, the width and length can be equal. The screen150in this prior art Fresnel lens is formed of a deformable and/or flexible material or fabric. As used herein, the term “deformable” refers to the ability of the material or fabric to twist, bend, flex, turn, and/or change shape. The screen150can have one or more electrically conductive regions130and one or more non-conductive regions (two are shown160,161). The one or more electrically conductive regions130can be disposed adjacent to at least one of the non-conductive regions160,161. The one or more electrically conductive regions130is shown as a ring shaped conductive region disposed between an inner non-conductive region161and an outer non-conductive region160. As used herein, the term “conductive” is used interchangeably with the term “electrically conductive.” The electrically conductive region130can be formed by disposing an electrically conductive material or layer on a surface of the screen150, attaching the electrically conductive material or layer to the surface of the screen150, embedding the electrically conductive material at least partially within the screen150, or any combination thereof.

The outer non-conductive region160and the inner non-conductive region161can be formed by disposing a non-conductive material or layer on the surface of the screen150, attaching a non-conductive or insulating material to the surface of the screen150, embedding the non-conductive material at least partially within the screen150, or any combination thereof, where the screen150is non-conductive. Alternatively, the outer non-conductive region160and the inner non-conductive region161can be or can include the portion of the screen150that does not include the electrically conductive region130.

The electrically conductive material used in the electrically conductive region130can be made of or include an electrically conductive fabric, which can include any kind of electronic textile or “e-textile”. E-textiles can include any textile that can be applied to the physical manipulation of electrical or electromagnetic signals or radiation; most often, this is associated with devices that incorporate one or more electronic devices. Electronic textiles can provide several advantages for portable Fresnel lenses and applications thereof. Electronic textiles are often lightweight with low mass. In addition, they can be both foldable and flexible. E-textiles may be constructed from materials that are resistant to the elements and/or extreme environments. For example, NOMEX®, having excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance, can be used as a base nonconductive e-textile material element. As such, when electrically conductive region130includes e-textiles, the Fresnel lens100can be lightweight, low mass, foldable, flexible, and/or resistant to the elements. Metals that can be used in the construction of electronic textiles can include, but are not limited to, copper, nickel, gold, silver, steal, zinc, tin, tungsten, iron, iridium, aluminum, alloys thereof, or other conductive elements. Metalized fiber strands can include polymers coated with metal. Other conducting fabric strands can include electrically conducting polymers or plastics. Electronic textiles can include multiple metalized fibers wrapped together to form electrically conductive strands. Electronic textiles can include nano-tubes or other nano-particles that have advanced electronic function. In another embodiment, the electrically conductive region130can be made using metal meshes, such as a copper wire or gold wire mesh.

The conductivity of the electrically conductive region130and conductivity of the non-conductive region160can be reversed. For example, the electrically conductive region130can be a non-conductive region made of non-conductive fabric, and the non-conductive regions160,161can be conductive regions made of all or mostly conductive fabric. The non-conductive regions can also be the same material with the conductive region affixed near the center of the material defining the non-conductive regions after its placement.

FIG.2, labeled as prior art, depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative communication link300utilizing the Fresnel lens100depicted inFIG.1, according to one or more embodiments.

The communication link300can include both a transmitting or transmission source301and a receiver302, with a transmission path303formed therebetween. In operation, the Fresnel lens100through its one or more screens can cancel or block at least a portion of an out-of-phase radiated field produced by the transmission source301, at any instant of time, passing through a planar cut that is orthogonal to the transmission path303. The cancellation of the out-of-phase radiation can be accomplished by insertion of the electrically conductive region130of the Fresnel lens′100one or more screens, such that it blocks or covers one or more Fresnel zone regions (four Fresnel zone regions are shown305,306,311,312) at a predetermined distance307from the transmission source301in the transmission path303. The shape and location of four Fresnel zone regions are depicted diagrammatically as305,306,311, and312. Fresnel zones are inherent to all wireless communication links. Any transmission from a source or transmitter, such as the transmission source301, can produce both in-phase and out-of-phase radiation defined by Fresnel zones. Fresnel zones can be concentric ellipsoids of revolution that define volumes of in-phase and out-of-phase radiation from the transmission source301.

The in-phase radiation can be defined by a first Fresnel zone region305and a third Fresnel zone region311, and the out-of-phase radiation can be defined by a second Fresnel zone region306and a fourth Fresnel zone region312. As shown, the first Fresnel zone region305can bound in-phase radiation and the second Fresnel zone region306can bound out-of-phase radiation. Placing the Fresnel lens100at the predetermined distance307and at a predetermined angle308relative to a transmission or receiver source can result in gain enhancement, focusing of radiated energy from the transmission source301, signal improvement at the receiver302relative to that of a communication link without the Fresnel lens100, or any combination. This result can be accomplished, at least in part, by cancelling the out-of-phase radiation in Fresnel zone region306. The predetermined angle308may be any angle whereby the Fresnel lens100is orthogonal to the transmission path. For example, the electrically conductive region130can diffract, reflect, interfere with, block, or cancel out the out-of-phase radiation in Fresnel zone306to enhance transmission gain and improve SNR in the communication link300. As such, the Fresnel lens100does not require a direct wired connection to the transmission source301nor a source of power, i.e., a plug or battery, to perform gain enhancement in the communication link300.

FIG.3, labeled as prior art, depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative wireless device340placed proximate to a Fresnel lens100or in a predetermined Fresnel zone region to enhance the gain of a signal transmitted from the wireless mobile device340(e.g., a cellular phone, smartphone, tablet, laptop, IoT device) as well as to enhance the gain of a signal received by the wireless device1001which has been transmitted by one or more transceivers330(e.g., a cell phone tower, a wireless router, etc.), according to one or more embodiments. As described infra, placing the Fresnel lens100at a predetermined distance and at a predetermined angle relative to a transmission or receiver source can result in gain enhancement, focusing of radiated energy from the transmission source, signal improvement at the receiver relative to that of a communication link without the Fresnel lens, or any combination.FIG.7also illustrates the distinction that the Fresnel lens100is not an antenna. Antennas are operably integrated on the one or more wireless mobile devices340and the one or more transceivers330.FIG.3also illustrates the fact that no direct wire connection(s) are required between the Fresnel lens100and the one or more wireless devices340. The Fresnel lens100can be used to enhance the signal gain of one or more wireless devices340transmitted to one or more transceivers330. Further, the Fresnel lens100can be used to enhance the signal gain of one or more transceivers330transmitted to one or more wireless devices340. The wireless devices340can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smartphones, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDA), cameras, global positioning systems (GPS), wireless adapters or PCI cards for computing devices (e.g., Bluetooth® or 802.11 devices), radios, transmitters, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or any combination thereof.

As mentioned in the description with respect toFIG.2, placing the Fresnel lens100at the predetermined distance307and at a predetermined angle308relative to a transmission or receiver source can result in gain enhancement, focusing of radiated energy from the transmission source301, signal improvement at the receiver302relative to that of a communication link without the Fresnel lens100, or any combination. The predetermined angle308may be any angle whereby the Fresnel lens100is orthogonal to the transmission path. What is now needed are means to achieve optimal placement of the Fresnel lens100with regards to the predetermined distance and location over an antenna460disposed within a mobile device340(seeFIG.5A, e.g., a wireless communications-enabled smartphone or tablet). What is also needed are means to manipulate orientation of the Fresnel lens100in scenarios wherein location of the antennae varies according to the type of mobile device being used. Manipulating the orientation of the Fresnel lens100over, e.g., a mobile device340can be done by the users of a wireless devices until the user is satisfied with the signal strength being obtained by the wireless device340via signal enhancement provided the Fresnel lens100.

Grips for use together with a protective case for mobile devices such as Smartphones are in wide use. An example of such grips is described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,149,902, issued Oct. 19, 2021 to David B. Barnett, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other related patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,841,410 and 10,742,251, also incorporated herein by reference. The patents related to products produced and sold by Popsockets LLC, of Bolder Colorado. The grip is provided in the form of an expandable accessory for attachment to a mobile electronic device that includes a base, a collapsible membrane, and a bottom. The membrane includes a plurality of linear wall segments. The membrane is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and when the membrane is in the expanded position, the plurality of linear wall segments area arranged in a common conical plane.

Referring toFIG.4, illustrated are top front perspective view of an expandable grip structure400that includes a Fresnel lens401formed around a perimeter of a button410, according to an embodiment. Note that Fresnel lens401is once again depicted in the shape of a circle and can be attached or integrated with a button410. The button410of the grip structure400is supported by a collapsible membrane415. A base420is disposed on the collapsible membrane415opposite the button410and Fresnel lens401. The base420can include a suction cup425for attaching the expandable grip structure400onto the rear of a mobile device340(seeFIG.5A). Attachment onto the rear surface of a mobile device (which is typically flat and smooth) can be adjusted according to which location increases signal receipt of mobile device340.

Referring toFIGS.5A-5B, depicted are perspective views of a mobile device utilizing an expandable grip structure incorporating Fresnel lens technology. The expandable grip structure400is shown attached to the back surface455of a mobile device340. Although the expandable grip structure400is shown centered on the back surface455of the mobile device340, it should be appreciated that the suction cup425can provide flexibility in selection of a location along the back surface455of the mobile device450for placement of the grip structure400and the Fresnel lens401. In circumstances where a weak signal is being experienced by the mobile device user, the grip structure400can be expanded at its collapsible membrane415by pulling outward on the button410. If the signal has not improved, the expandable grip structure400can be removed and then replaced at a location over the back surface455that improves radio frequency signal reception of the embedded antenna460from remote telecommunications transceivers330. Once the best location is found, the grip structure400can once again be adhered to the back surface455by pressing down on the suction cup415at the base420. A combination of expanding the collapsible membrane415and movement of the expandable grip structure400can provide the best signal strength from remote data transmitters330via movement of the Fresnel lens401(as illustrated by the two arrows near the expandable grip structure400) and its location with respect to the internal antennae460that would typically be located within the mobile device450.

Referring toFIGS.6A-6C, depicted are back left (FIG.9A,FIG.9B) and back right (FIG.9C) perspectives of a mobile phone case and grip system600incorporating Fresnel Lens401technology, in accordance with another embodiment. A protective case610can be provided to enclose the back surface and sides of a mobile device340. The protective case610can be provided in a plastic material and can incorporate a magnetically attached wireless power transfer module630embedded therein on its back surface. The protective case can also include appropriate access portals650for cameras and buttons typically found on many mobile devices. A slidable clip structure620can also be provided for clip and slide attachment to the protective case610at slots605and606formed at the sides of the protective case610. The collapsible membrane415opposite button410and Fresnel lens401described as part of the expandable grip structure400described inFIGS.5A-5Bcan attached to the slidable clip structure620. Not needed in this embodiment would be a suction cup425formed at a base420. Instead, the end of the collapsible membrane415(where base420shown inFIG.5Awould be attached) can be directly attached to the slidable clip structure620, with the slidable clip structure620now serving as the “base”. However, this configuration enables a user to manipulate the slidable clip structure620up and down along the protective case610within slots605and606to achieve best placement of the Fresnel lens401over the back surface of the mobile device340in order to optimize radio frequency receipt by the embedded antenna460. The button410also continues to serve as a handle (or grip) for holding the mobile device340. Additionally, the slidable grip can also be slid out of the way of the of the wireless power transfer module630when it must be accessed and used to recharge the mobile device. It may be preferred that slots605and606be formed along the entire side of the protective case610in order to provide additional movement of the Fresnel lens401along the back surface655of the protective case610(and mobile device) for optimum RF signal receipt.

Referring toFIG.7, illustrated is a Fresnel lens401for attachment to a button410integrated with a collapsible membrane415. It should be appreciated that the Fresnel lens401can be adhered to an outer surface417and perimeter417of the button410using an adhesive419formed or placed on the backside of the Fresnel lens401, thereby creating an adhesive backside419. The adhesive backside419(not shown) can be provided as part of the Fresnel lens401(e.g., on its back surface, like a sticker). What is important is that the Fresnel lens401be made of material described herein that can enhance RF signal receipt by mobile devices. Providing the Fresnel lens in a configuration similar to a sticker can allow Fresnel lens technology as described herein to be utilized on various after market or already existing grip designs.

Referring toFIG.8, the Fresnel lens401can also be provided with a carrier810that can be temporarily attached to grip structures400for the purpose of improving RF signal gain. Attachment can be achieved by adhesive, clips, for plastic formations that enable the carrier (and Fresnel lens401) to be held onto the outer surface417of the button associated with a grip structure400. The carrier810can be of a larger size (diameter) than a button on an existing grip button thereby also enabling the Fresnel lens401to be larger in overall size than the button. It should also be appreciated that a collapsible membrane415can be provided that is longer416when deployed than currently existing grip structures provide. This would allow for more distance from the mobile device, which can also enhance signal gain when adjusted.