Patent Description:
A technique of performing a wireless communication in a shield room by use of a leaky transmission line such as a leaky coaxial cable and a leaky waveguide is known. Herein, a shield room refers to a space where a wireless communication by use of an electromagnetic wave is difficult or impossible between inside and outside, such as a narrow space and a closed space. In addition, a wireless communication by an electromagnetic wave may be difficult or impossible in an internal space of a shield room as well. According to this techniques, a distribution of an electromagnetic wave in a narrow space can be made uniform by use of a leaky transmission line as an antenna connected to an access point, in a room, in a space inside a tunnel or the like.

On the other hand, there is a need for a wireless communication performed between a plurality of devices arranged inside one or more shield rooms. In particular, there is a need for a wireless communication performed directly and mutually between a plurality of devices without using any access point that may be a base unit.

For example, to perform a wired communication between two devices arranged at a front and a rear of a flying object, it is necessary to provide a communication line between them. At that time, the communication line may need to detour components arranged between them, such as a fuel tank or an engine, and the communication line may need to pass outside the flying object in this purpose. However, a surface of a flying object is exposed to high temperatures when the flying object is flying at high speed. In addition, the flying object is exposed outside itself to external electromagnetics noises as well. In addition, there is a case where, even though two devices try a wireless communication with each other, as a space where each device is arranged is covered with an electromagnetic wave reflector, the wireless communication cannot be performed.

In relation to the above, a description related to a wireless communication is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>). This wireless communication system is provided with a plurality of wireless stations provided in a structure with a radio wave shield arranged at a fixed position. This wireless communication system is characterized in that at least one of a pair of wireless stations having a radio channel same to each other and a pair of wireless stations having another radio channel adjacent to each other is arranged on both sides of the radio wave shield.

The wireless communication system in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) is a technology of optimizing arrangement of wireless stations considering electromagnetic wave reflectors and absorbers, in wireless communication inside an aircraft. In other words, in the Patent Literature <NUM>, a target thereof is limited to a wireless communication inside a single narrow space and no wireless communication across a plurality of closed spaces can be realized.

In addition, an invention related to a closed space transmitting apparatus is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>). This closed space transmitting apparatus is provided with and consists of a leaky coaxial cable, a first means, a second means and a third means. Herein, the first means inputs an input signal to one terminal of the leaky coaxial cable. The second means changes over time at least one among amplitude, frequency, phase and delay time of a signal outputted from the other terminal of the leaky coaxial cable. The third means inputs the signal obtained from the means that changes over time to the other end of the leaky coaxial cable. This closed space transmitting apparatus changes over time radiation characteristic or a radiation pattern of radio waves radiated from a leaky coaxial cable to inside a closed space surrounded by a radio wave reflector.

The closed space transmitting apparatus of the Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) is a technology for performing wireless communication by changing over time a radiation pattern of radio waves in a closed space so that no null point is generated due to an overlap of a direct wave and a reflected wave generated in the closed space. In other words, a target is a wireless communication in a narrow space and no wireless communication across a plurality of closed spaces can be realized.

In addition, an invention related to an electromagnetic wave propagation apparatus is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>). This electromagnetic wave propagation apparatus is provided with a plurality of planar propagation media, a planar dielectric spacer and a first interface. Herein, the planar dielectric spacer is arranged in order to separate the plurality of planar propagation media from each other. The first interface performs transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave between the planar propagation media and a transceiver. Each planar propagation medium is constituted by superposing at least one planar conductor and at least one planar dielectric, respectively. Each planar propagation medium is arranged so as to have a portion superposed to at least one other planar propagation medium. An electromagnetic wave combining means that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves between planar propagation media is provided to the planar conductor in the superposed portion. A slot is provided to the planar conductor in the superposed portion as at least one of electromagnetic combining means. A distance from an end surface positioned in a propagation direction of electromagnetic waves in the planar propagation medium to the slot is arranged so as to be <NUM>/<NUM> of an integer multiple of an efficient wavelength.

The electromagnetic wave propagation apparatus in the Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) is a technology of electromagnetic wave combination between propagation medium of electromagnetic waves by arrangement of propagation medium and shape and/or arrangement of slots. In other words, the Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) does not disclose or suggest any technical idea of electromagnetic wave combination between each antenna and propagation medium, and thus cannot realize a wireless communication in a shield room covered with an electromagnetic wave reflector.

In addition, a description related to a communication system between a mobile station and a fixed station is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>). This communication system has a mobile station, that has a wireless communication function and can move to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional position, and a plurality of fixed stations, that have a wireless communication function and are fixed to predetermined two-dimensional or three-dimensional positions, measures intensity of radio waves in wireless communication between the mobile station and the fixed stations, determines a relevant station based on a result thereof and gives related information.

The communication system in the Patent Literature <NUM> (<CIT>) is a technology for realizing a wireless communication by measuring an intensity of electromagnetic wave in a narrow space, selecting a radio station and reducing influences due to reflection and diffraction. In other words, a target thereof is a wireless communication in a narrow space and no wireless communication across a plurality of closed spaces can be realized.

<CIT> discloses a multi-user wireless communication system for use in an enclosed space which includes a distributed aperture antenna having multiple apertures distributed along an outer shield of the antenna. The apertures allow radiated energy to leak from the antenna and form low-power, localized electric fields that can couple receivers to the antenna. The multiple electric fields ensure that the electric field strength is distributed evenly throughout the communication system. The low-power electric fields also reduce the likelihood of electric field leakage that may cause interference with other communication systems outside the enclosed space.

<CIT> discloses how to easily prevent someone from getting access to an indoor radio base station from the outside by a simple and inexpensive construction. This document suggests to provide a wall, ceiling, and floor of a room so as to be formed of general building materials, such as electro-conductive, flexible and moisture-resistant plaster boards, metal plate-backed OA floor panels, etc. to construct a radio security room. A desk is arranged at the center of the radio security room, and a leakage transmission line is arranged on the desk. The starting end of the leakage transmission line is connected to the radio base station, and its terminating end is connected to a terminator.

<CIT> discloses to provide a radio communication system for suppressing frequency interference and frequency disturbance between channels to each other even in the case of providing different services to small adjacent areas in a plurality of small areas divided within a target area. Therefore this document suggests a radio communication system for allocating a plurality of channels divided in each frequency to each radio terminal device to be used in a plurality of small areas divided within the target area electromagnetically screened from the outside to perform communication services is provided with leakage coaxial cables provided with an electromagnetic opening part at mutually different positions corresponding to each area; and a radio base station device connected to the leakage coaxial cables so as to allocate channels to small adjacent areas so as to prevent the channels from being continued to each other.

A wireless communication system, in that a wireless communication can be performed directly and mutually between a plurality of communication devices arranged inside one or more shield room forming sections, and a flying object using this wireless communication system will be provided. Other problems and new features will be clarified by descriptions of the present Specification and attached drawings.

According to the invention the above object is achieved by a wireless communication system according to claim <NUM>. The dependent claims are directed to different advantageous aspects of the invention.

According the invention, a wireless communication system, in that a direct two-way wireless communication can be performed between a plurality of communication devices respectively arranged inside one or more shield room forming sections by providing a leaky transmission line passing through one or more shield rooms, and a flying body using this wireless communication system can be realized.

Embodiments to carry out a wireless communication system and a flying object according to the present invention will be described below with reference to attached drawings. Herein, a flying object includes a manned or unmanned rocket, a missile, a manned or unmanned aircraft, an artificial satellite, and the like.

A device that performs wireless communication may be arranged in a shield room covered with an electromagnetic wave reflector that blocks wireless communication using electromagnetic wave. A container that covers an internal space as a shield room will be referred to as "shield room forming section" for convenience. It should be noted that a shape of the shield room forming section is arbitrary. In addition, the internal space as the shield room of the shield room forming section may be completely closed, may have some gaps, and furthermore may include a mesh structure sized to block specific communication frequencies. In the present embodiment of wireless communication system, a leaky transmission line is used as a two-way transmission line of electromagnetic waves. That is, for example, a leaky transmission line is provided so as to pass through two shield rooms and a direct two-way wireless communication is performed through the leaky transmission line between two devices arranged inside respective shield rooms. Herein, it is to be noted that performing a two-way wireless communication without using any access point that mediates two devices is expressed as "direct".

A configuration example of a wireless communication system <NUM> according to an embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a configuration example of a wireless communication system <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Components of the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. The wireless communication system <NUM> is provided with a shield room forming section <NUM>, a leaky transmission line <NUM>, a plurality of devices <NUM>, a power supply <NUM> and a power supply line <NUM>. Herein, the shield room forming section <NUM> is provided with a first shield room forming section 2A, a second shield room forming section 2B and a barrier wall <NUM>. The first shield room forming section 2A has a first internal space 20A inside. Similarly, the second shield room forming section 2B has a second internal space 20B inside. It should be noted that although a number of shield room forming sections 2A and 2B included in the shield room forming section <NUM> is two in the configuration example shown in <FIG>, it may be three or more. It is needless to say that those numbers are merely examples and do not limit the present embodiment.

The leaky transmission line <NUM> is provided with a plurality of leakage parts <NUM>, two ends and two line terminations <NUM> and <NUM>. In other words, two ends of the leaky transmission line <NUM> are terminated by two line terminations <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Herein, the plurality of leakage parts <NUM> include a first leakage part 30A, a second leakage part 30B and a third leakage part 30C. However, when these leakage parts 30A, 30B and 30C are not distinguished, they may be simply referred to as leakage part(s) <NUM>. It should be noted that the leaky transmission line <NUM> may further have a non-leakage part from where no electromagnetic wave leaks.

Each of the plurality of devices <NUM> is provided with an antenna <NUM> and a wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. The plurality of devices <NUM> includes a first device <NUM>, a second device <NUM> and a third device <NUM>. The first device <NUM> is provided with a first antenna <NUM> and a first wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. Similarly, the second device <NUM> is provided with a second antenna <NUM> and a second wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. In addition, the third device <NUM> is provided with a third antenna <NUM> and a third wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. However, when these devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are not distinguished, they may be simply referred to as device(s) <NUM>. Similarly, when these antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are not distinguished, they may be simply referred to as antenna(s) <NUM>. In addition, when these wireless power receiving units <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are note distinguished, they may be simply referred to as wireless power receiving unit(s) <NUM>.

The power supply line <NUM> is provided with a plurality of wireless power supply units <NUM>. The plurality of wireless power supply units <NUM> includes a first wireless power supply unit 51A, a second wireless power supply unit 51B and a third wireless power supply unit 51C. However, when these wireless power supply units 51A, 51B and 51C are not distinguished, they may be simply referred to as wireless power supply unit(s) <NUM>. It should be noted that although there is a variety of power transmitting methods for wireless power supply, such as magnetic field coupling type, electric field coupling type and microwave type, the present embodiment is not limited by them and may be of any type of them. In addition, the power supply line <NUM> may be a single path or may be branched into a plurality of branch portions.

Connections and arrangement of components of the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. In the configuration example in <FIG>, the first shield room forming section 2A and the second shield room forming section 2B are connected by sharing a part of their respective outer walls. These shared outer walls are the barrier wall <NUM>. In other words: the barrier wall <NUM> is provided inside the shield room forming section <NUM> to divide the internal space in the shield room forming section <NUM> into two spaces; a part of the shield room forming section <NUM> and the barrier wall <NUM> that covers the first internal space 20A as a first shield room that is one of the divided internal space is referred to as the first shield room forming section 2A; and a remaining part thereof that covers the second internal space 20B as a second shield room is referred to as the second shield room forming section 2B.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, as a premise, each of the first internal space 20A covered by the first shield room forming section 2A and the second internal space 20B covered by the second shield room forming section 2B is a shield room blocked from electromagnetic waves and no wireless communication can be performed from one internal space to another internal space. Thus, the shield room forming section <NUM>, the first shield room forming section 2A, the second shield room forming section 2B and the barrier wall <NUM> may be constituted of electromagnetic wave reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves. At least, the first internal space 20A and the second internal space 20B that are covered by the first shield room forming section 2A and the second shield room forming section 2B, respectively, are preferably covered by electromagnetic wave reflector. In addition, in this sense, the first shield room forming section 2A and the second shield room forming section 2B are not necessarily integrated and may exist separately and independently from each other. Furthermore, a combination of a plurality of shield room forming sections that are integrated and a combination of a plurality of shield room forming sections that are separated and independent from each other may simultaneously exist. At that time, the leaky transmission line <NUM> may have leakage parts <NUM> of a same number as the shield room forming sections 2A and 2B or more leakage parts <NUM> and may have branches. It is needless to say that all ends are preferably terminated by line terminations, respectively, even if the leaky transmission line <NUM> includes branches.

The leaky transmission line <NUM> may be constituted as a leaky waveguide or may be constituted as a leaky coaxial cable. In any case, a part of the leaky transmission line <NUM> is arranged inside the first shield room forming section 2A, that is, in a range of the first internal space 20A, and another part of the leaky transmission line <NUM> is arranged inside the second shield room forming section 2B, that is, in a range of the second internal space 20B. At that time, the leaky transmission line <NUM> may be arranged so as to penetrate through the barrier wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the leaky transmission line <NUM> may be arranged so as to detour the barrier wall <NUM>. In addition, there may be a section of non-leakage part that does not radiate electromagnetic waves between each leakage part <NUM>. The section of non-leakage part may be constituted as a waveguide or may be constituted as a coaxial cable.

A more specific configuration example of a case in which the leaky transmission line <NUM> is a leaky waveguide will be described. A general waveguide is a tubular metallic pipe able to propagate electromagnetic waves in longitudinal direction thereof and frequencies of electromagnetic waves with low propagation loss differ in accordance with cross-sectional shape, sizes or the like of the waveguide. A leaky waveguide is a waveguide provided with leakage parts on sides thereof and can radiate a part of electromagnetic waves propagating inside to outside through the leakage parts. Conversely, a leaky waveguide can propagate electromagnetic waves, that penetrates through a leakage part from outside to inside, along a longitudinal direction. In general, a leakage part of a leaky waveguide is a long and narrow hole opened to penetrate through a side of a metallic pipe and is also referred to as a slot. Frequencies, radiation directions and the like of electromagnetic waves that easily comes inside or goes outside a leaky waveguide through a leakage part differ in accordance with shape, sizes and the like of the leakage part. It should be noted that in many cases a plurality of slots is provided to a leaky waveguide. In addition, in this sense, it may be considered that leakage parts of a leaky waveguide function as a plurality of antennas provided along the leaky waveguide.

A more specific configuration example of a case in which a leaky transmission line <NUM> is a leaky coaxial cable will be described. A general coaxial cable is a cable able to propagate electromagnetic waves in a longitudinal direction thereof, in which a circumference of a linear center conductor is covered by a cylindrical dielectric and a circumference of this dielectric is covered by a cylindrical external conductor. The external conductor is preferably further covered by a cylindrical jacket constituted of insulator. A leaky coaxial cable is a coaxial cable provided with leakage parts on external conductor thereof and can radiate a part of electromagnetic waves propagating inside to outside through leakage parts. Conversely, a leaky coaxial cable can propagate electromagnetic waves, that penetrates through leakage parts from outside to inside, along the longitudinal direction. In general, a leakage part of a leaky coaxial cable is a long and narrow hole opened to penetrate through the external conductor and is also referred to as a slot. It should be noted that in many cases a plurality of slots is provided to a leaky coaxial cable. In addition, as another configuration example, a leaky coaxial cable with an external conductor wound in spiral with gap around the dielectric also exists. In this case, the gap opened between the spiral external conductor functions as a leakage part. At that time, although the gap is actually constituted in a shape of one spiral, it looks like a plurality of external conductors and a plurality leakage parts arranged alternatively from any point of view and the leaky coaxial cable functions such that a plurality of leakage parts actually exists. In addition, in this sense, it can be also considered that leakage parts of a leaky coaxial cable function as a plurality of antennas provided along the leaky coaxial cable.

In the configuration example in <FIG>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> penetrates through the barrier wall <NUM> and partially penetrates inside the first shield room forming section 2A and inside the second shield room forming section 2B, respectively. The first device <NUM> including the first antenna <NUM> is further arranged inside the first shield room forming section 2A. Similarly, the second device <NUM> including the second antenna <NUM> is further arranged inside the second shield room forming section 2B, as well.

A device <NUM> is provided with an antenna <NUM> and a wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. It should be noted that this means that, as described above, the devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are provided with the antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and the wireless power receiving units <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Herein, in each device <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> is connected to a communication circuit that is not illustrated. On the other hand, in each device <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> is coupled with any one(s) of the plurality of leakage parts <NUM> that the leaky transmission line <NUM> has, by electromagnetic waves. Herein, a coupling by electromagnetic waves means that the antenna <NUM> and the leakage section <NUM> are configured and arranged so as to be wirelessly communicable with each other. Herein, a leakage part <NUM> in electromagnetic wave coupling with the antenna <NUM> of the first device <NUM> will be referred to as a first leakage part 30A. Similarly, a second leakage part 30B and a third leakage part 30C are in electromagnetic wave coupling with the antenna <NUM> of the second device <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> of the third device <NUM>, respectively. In the configuration example in <FIG>, the first leakage part 30A and the third leakage part 30C of the leaky transmission line <NUM> are arranged inside the first shield room forming section 2A and at least the second leakage part 30B is arranged inside the second shield room forming section 2B.

The power supply line <NUM> is connected to the power supply <NUM> on one hand and is connected to the wireless power supply unit <NUM> on the other hand. Although in the configuration example in <FIG> the power supply <NUM> is arranged inside the second shield room forming section 2B, that is, in the second internal space 20B, this is merely a configuration example and does not limit the present embodiment. The power supply <NUM> may be arranged inside the first shield room forming section 2A, that is, in the first internal space 20A, or may be arranged outside the shield room forming section <NUM>.

A part of the power supply line <NUM> is arranged inside the first shield room forming section 2A, that is, in the first internal space 20A. Another part of the power supply line <NUM> is arranged inside the second shield room forming section 2B, that is, in the second internal space 20B. At that time, the power supply line <NUM> may be arranged so as to penetrate through the barrier wall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the power supply line <NUM> may be arranged so as to detour the barrier wall <NUM>.

The plurality of wireless power supply units <NUM> and the plurality of wireless power receiving units <NUM> are arranged so that the latter ones can receive wireless power supply from the first ones, respectively. In other words, a positional relationship between the first wireless power supply unit 51A and the first wireless power receiving unit <NUM> is preferably determined so as to enable wireless power supply between them. Similarly, a positional relationship between the second wireless power supply unit 51B and the second wireless power receiving unit <NUM> is preferably determined so as to enable wireless power supply between them. In addition, a positional relationship between the third wireless power supply unit 51C and the third wireless power receiving unit <NUM> is preferably determined so as to enable wireless power supply between them. It should be noted that it is needless to say that the wireless power supply unit <NUM> is preferably arranged inside the electromagnetic wave reflector, that is, inside the shield room forming section <NUM>.

Operations of components of the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. At first, the power supply <NUM> generates a power to transmit to the wireless power supply unit <NUM> through the power supply line <NUM>. Each wireless power supply unit <NUM> performs wireless power supply to the wireless power receiving units <NUM> arranged in a position enabling the wireless power supply. The wireless power receiving units <NUM> supply the power wirelessly supplied from the wireless power supply units <NUM> to internal circuits of the devices <NUM> that are not illustrated. These internal circuits include communication circuits. The internal circuits of the devices <NUM> that are not illustrated start to operate by the power supplied from the wireless power receiving units <NUM>. It should be noted that it is preferable that the devices <NUM> are further provided with rechargeable batteries, that are to be charged with the power supplied by the wireless power receiving units <NUM> and supply the charged power to the communication circuits, and charge-discharge circuits. The devices <NUM> in operation perform, as necessary, transmission and reception of signal via the antennas <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> enable two-way communication with other devices <NUM> via the leakage parts <NUM> in electromagnetic wave coupling with themselves and the leaky transmission line <NUM>.

Herein, it is to be noted that when performing wireless communications between a plurality of devices <NUM>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> functions as a mere two-way propagation path. That is, in a conventional method of using a leaky transmission line <NUM>, when performing wireless communication between a plurality of devices <NUM> in electromagnetic wave coupling with leakage parts <NUM> of a leaky transmission line <NUM>, it was common that an access point connected to the leaky transmission line <NUM> by wire mediates this wireless communication. In other words, at first, one device <NUM> performs communication with the access point and then the access point performs communication with another device <NUM>, and thus both devices <NUM> could perform communication with each other. However, in the present embodiment, even if two or more devices <NUM> are arranged in a same internal space <NUM> or even if two or more devices <NUM> are arranged in a plurality of different internal spaces <NUM>, respectively, a wireless communication can be performed directly between both devices <NUM>. Specifically, in the configuration example in <FIG>, a wireless communication can be performed directly even between a first device <NUM> arranged in the first internal space 20A and the second device <NUM> arranged in the second internal space 20B. In addition, a wireless communication can be directly performed between the first device <NUM> and the third device <NUM> that are arranged in the same first internal space 20A, as well.

It should be noted that it is needless to say that although a wireless power supply is used in the above description, a similar wireless communication can be performed by supplying the devices <NUM> with power by wire, as well. However, by realizing both wireless communication and wireless power supply, installation of the devices <NUM> in the shield room forming sections <NUM>, assembly of the wireless communication system <NUM>, and the like can be greatly simplified. This leads to improvement of productivity. In addition, by commonizing interfaces of wireless communication and wireless power supply between the plurality of devices <NUM>, improvement in degree of freedom in combination of devices <NUM>, expandability and the like can be expected as well.

A variation example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows another configuration example of a wireless communication system <NUM> according to an embodiment. In the variation example shown in <FIG>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> and the power supply line <NUM> are integrated to the shield room forming section <NUM>. In addition, in <FIG>, illustrations of devices <NUM> is omitted for a better visual recognition.

The leaky transmission line <NUM> in <FIG> is integrated to the shield room forming section <NUM>, as described above. More specifically, the leaky transmission line <NUM> in <FIG> is a leaky waveguide and its metallic pipe is integrated to the shield room forming section <NUM>. Therefore, it is preferable that the entire shield room forming section <NUM> is made of metal. It should be noted that if the whole is non-metallic, a metal film may be formed on a surface inside or outside the leaky waveguide. Herein, the leakage parts <NUM> are constituted as slots that penetrate through the shield room forming section <NUM> so that a hollow part of the leaky waveguide is connected to the internal space <NUM>. Such a structure can be relatively easily manufactured by using techniques of so-called three-dimensional printers, for example.

It should be noted that in case of constituting the leaky transmission line <NUM> in the present variation example with a leaky coaxial cable, following modification may be made, for example. The external conductor of the leaky coaxial cable is considered to be integrated to the shield room forming section <NUM> and the center conductor is arranged in a hollow part of the leaky waveguide in <FIG> so as not to be conductive with the shield room forming section <NUM>. Furthermore, a remaining space of the hollow part between the center conductor and the shield room forming section <NUM> is filled with dielectric.

Detailed description about power supply line <NUM> is omitted because it is a well-known technique. It should be noted that in the configuration example in <FIG>, since the shield room forming section <NUM> is made of metal, it can be used as a ground.

In the configuration example in <FIG>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> and the power supply line <NUM> are arranged so as to protrude outside the shield room forming section <NUM> in order to make a shape of the internal space <NUM> cylindrical. However, this is a mere example and is not to limit a shape of the wireless communication system <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the configuration of the wireless communication system <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be applied to a configuration of a flying object. Although it is a repetition of the above described "Background Art", a configuration example of a flying object according to a related art will be described with reference to <FIG> at first for a better understanding of the present embodiment. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a configuration example of a flying object <NUM> according to a related art.

Components of the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. The flying object <NUM> in <FIG> is provided with a body <NUM>, a fuel tank <NUM>, a first device 14A, a second device 14B, a wire harness <NUM> and a protective cover <NUM>.

Connection relationships and positional relationships of the components of the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. The fuel tank <NUM> is arranged inside the body <NUM>. In the flying object <NUM>, the existence of the fuel tank <NUM> is very important and in many cases a central part of the body <NUM> is occupied by the fuel tank <NUM>. In addition, a high symmetry is required for the shape of the fuel tank <NUM>. Specifically, it is preferable that the shape of the fuel tank <NUM> is almost cylindrical. As a result, the internal space of the body <NUM> is physically divided by the fuel tank <NUM> into a first internal space 120A of the front and a second internal space 120B of the rear. Thus, a part of the body <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> that covers the first internal space 120A can be considered as a pseudo first shield room forming section 12A. Similarly, a part of the body <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> that covers the second internal space 120B can be considered as a pseudo second shield room forming section 12B. At that time, the first device 14A is arranged in the first internal space 120A and the second device 14B is arranged in the second internal space 120B.

The first device 14A and the second device 14B are electrically connected via the wire harness <NUM>. The wire harness <NUM> that connects the first device 14A and the second device 14B is arranged outside the body <NUM> in order to detour the fuel tank <NUM>. The protective cover <NUM> to protect the wire harness <NUM> is provided on the outer surface of the flying object <NUM>. This is because when the flying object <NUM> flies at high speed high heat is generated on the outer surface of the body <NUM> due to aerodynamic heating and the wire harness <NUM> needs to be protected from this high heat. In addition, a performance of protecting the wire harness <NUM> from outside electromagnetic wave noises is also required to the protective cover <NUM>.

Next, a flying object <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a configuration example of a flying object <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Components of the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. The flying object <NUM> in <FIG> is provided with a body <NUM>, a fuel tank <NUM>, a leaky transmission line <NUM>, a first device <NUM>, a second device <NUM>, a power supply <NUM>, a power supply line <NUM>, a first wireless power supply unit 151A and a second wireless power supply unit 151B. The leaky transmission line <NUM> is provided with leakage parts 130A and 130B and line terminations <NUM> and <NUM>. The first device <NUM> is provided with a first antenna <NUM> and a first wireless power receiving unit <NUM>. Similarly, the second device <NUM> is provided with a second antenna <NUM> and a second wireless power receiving unit <NUM>.

Connection relationships and positional relationships of components of the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. Similar to the case in <FIG>, the fuel tank <NUM> is arranged inside the body <NUM> and the internal space of the body <NUM> is physically divided by the fuel tank <NUM> into the first internal space 120A of the front and the second internal space 120B of the rear. In addition, a part of the body <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> that covers first internal space 120A can be considered as a pseudo first shield room forming section 12A. Similarly, a part of the body <NUM> and the fuel tank <NUM> that covers the second internal space 120B can be considered as a pseudo second shield room forming section 12B. At that time, the first device <NUM> is arranged in the first internal space 120A and the second device <NUM> is arranged in the second internal space 120B.

The leaky transmission line <NUM> and the power supply line <NUM> are integrated to the body <NUM>. As the positional relationship of the body <NUM>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> and the power supply line <NUM> in <FIG> is similar to the positional relationship of the shield room forming section <NUM>, the leaky transmission line <NUM> and the power supply line <NUM> shown in <FIG>, further detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The first leakage part 130A is provided so as to penetrate through a part of the body <NUM> that is sandwiched between the leaky transmission line <NUM> and the first internal space 120A. The first antenna <NUM> is arranged near the first leakage part 130A so as to be able to be in electromagnetic wave coupling with the first leakage part 130A, so as to enable a wireless communication between the first antenna <NUM> and the first leakage part 130A in other words.

Similarly, the second leakage part 130B is provided so as to penetrate through a part of the body <NUM> that is sandwiched between leaky transmission line <NUM> and the second internal space 120B. The second antenna <NUM> is arranged near the second leakage part 130B so as to be able to be in electromagnetic wave coupling with the second leakage part 130B, so as to enable a wireless communication between the second antenna <NUM> and the second leakage part 130B, in other words.

The power supply <NUM> is connected to the first wireless power supply unit 151A and the second wireless power supply unit 151B via the power supply line <NUM>. Although the first wireless power supply unit 151A and the second wireless power supply unit 151B are integrated to the body <NUM> in the configuration example in <FIG>, this is merely one configuration example and does not limit configurations of the present embodiment. That is, the power supply <NUM> may be arranged in any of the first internal space 120A and the second internal space 120B. In addition, the first wireless power supply unit 151A and the second wireless power supply unit 151B may be arranged in the first internal space 120A and the second internal space 120B, respectively. In any case, the first wireless power supply unit 151A is arranged near the first wireless power receiving unit <NUM> so as to be able to wirelessly supply power to the first wireless power receiving unit <NUM> of the first device <NUM>. Similarly, the second wireless power supply unit 151B is arranged near the second wireless power receiving unit <NUM> so as to be able to wirelessly supply power to the second wireless power receiving unit <NUM> of the second device <NUM>.

Operations of the components of the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> will be described. Similar to the case of the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG>, at first, the power supply <NUM> generates power to transmit to the wireless power supply units 151A and 151B via the power supply line <NUM>. Wireless power supply units 151A and 151B perform wireless power supply to the wireless power receiving units <NUM> and <NUM> that are arranged at positions where wireless power supply is possible. The wireless power receiving units <NUM> and <NUM> supply the power that is wirelessly supplied from the wireless power supply units 151A and 151B to internal circuits of the devices <NUM> and <NUM> that are not illustrated. Those internal circuits include communication circuits. The internal circuits of the devices <NUM> and <NUM> that are not illustrated start and operate with the power supplied by the wireless power receiving units <NUM> and <NUM>. It should be noted that it is preferable that the devices <NUM> and <NUM> are further provided with rechargeable batteries, that are to be charged with the power supplied by the wireless power receiving units <NUM> and <NUM> and supply the charged power to the internal circuits, and charge-discharge circuits. The devices <NUM> and <NUM> in operation perform, as necessary, transmission and reception of signals via antennas <NUM> and <NUM>. The antennas <NUM> and <NUM> enable two-way communication between other devices <NUM> and <NUM> via the leakage parts 130A and 130B, that are in electromagnetic wave coupling, and the leaky transmission line <NUM>.

Moreover, further detailed descriptions will be omitted in that leaky transmission line <NUM> functions as two-way propagation path, that an access point to mediate is not necessary when a wireless communication is performed between the first device <NUM> and the second device <NUM>, that power supply to the first device <NUM> and the second device <NUM> may be performed by wire, and the like, because it is similar to the case of the first embodiment.

As effects obtained in the present embodiment, it can be mentioned that, in addition to effects obtained in the first embodiment, the problem in that outer part of the flying object <NUM> is exposed to high heat, electromagnetic noises and the like is resolved because the wire harness <NUM> of the related art shown in <FIG> is no longer necessary. As a result, the design of the flying object <NUM> as a whole becomes easier. In addition, a reliability of the flying object <NUM> as a whole is improved because external factors can be reduced.

In the first and second embodiments, it was described that an access point to mediate is not necessary when a wireless communication is performed between a plurality of devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. In the present embodiment, it will be described that an access point may be added and that functions can be added by adding an access point.

A wireless communication system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows a configuration example of a wireless communication system <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view that shows another configuration example of a wireless communication system <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The wireless communication system <NUM> according to the configuration example in <FIG> is equivalent to the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG> added with a connection <NUM>, a branch <NUM> and a line termination <NUM>. That is, in <FIG>, the connection <NUM> is added between the first line termination <NUM> and the second line termination <NUM> of the leaky transmission line <NUM>. This connection <NUM> is a branch point of the leaky transmission line <NUM>. Herein, for convenience, a part of the leaky transmission line <NUM> from the connection <NUM> to the first line termination <NUM> will be referred to as a first branch <NUM>, a part from the connection <NUM> to the second line termination <NUM> will be referred to as a second branch <NUM> and a part from the connection <NUM> to the third line termination <NUM> will be referred to as a third branch <NUM>. In other words, downstream of the third branch <NUM>, there is a third end terminated by the third line termination <NUM>. A part of the third branch <NUM> that includes an end connected to the connection <NUM> is arranged inside the shield room forming section <NUM>, while a remaining part including the third line termination <NUM> penetrates through the shield room forming section <NUM> and is arranged outside the shield room forming section <NUM>. The end of the third branch <NUM> that is arranged outside the shield room forming section <NUM> may be referred to as an external end. Similarly, the third line termination <NUM> may be referred to as an external line termination.

The wireless communication system <NUM> according to the configuration example in <FIG> is equivalent to the wireless communication system <NUM> in <FIG> without the third line termination <NUM> removed from the third branch <NUM> and added with an access point <NUM> connected to an end of the third branch <NUM> instead. In other words, the third line termination <NUM> is detachably attached to the end of the third branch <NUM> and can be replaced to the access point <NUM>. The access point <NUM> is provided with an antenna <NUM>. The access point <NUM> and its antenna <NUM> are arranged outside the shield room forming section <NUM>. In other words, the access point <NUM> can perform a wireless communication with an arbitrary communication device existing outside the wireless communication system <NUM> via the antenna <NUM> thereof. On the other hand, the access point <NUM> can perform a wireless communication with the device <NUM> arranged in the shield room forming section <NUM> via the leaky transmission line <NUM>.

In other words, in the wireless communication system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a contactless wireless communication can be performed between a device <NUM> existing in an internal space 20A or 20B shielded by an electromagnetic wave reflector and an arbitrary communication device existing outside the shield room forming section <NUM>. The wireless communication system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described as a specific example when applied to the flying object <NUM> in <FIG> in this regard.

In general, a flying object <NUM> may be subjected to a test before being used. When performing a test, by connecting a relay device corresponding to the access point <NUM> to the leaky transmission line <NUM>, a wireless communication can be performed between an arbitrary checking device, that is prepared outside the flying object <NUM> and connected to the relay device, and the devices <NUM> and <NUM> via the relay device. As a result, function check, program update and the like can be performed to the devices <NUM> and <NUM> without physically manipulating the devices <NUM> and <NUM> inside the body <NUM>.

It should be noted that after the test is completed the relay device corresponding to the access point <NUM> can be removed from the leaky transmission line <NUM> and an arbitrary terminating device corresponding to the line termination <NUM> can be connected instead.

Claim 1:
A wireless communication system comprising:
a shield room forming section (<NUM>) configured to form a first internal space (20A) and a second internal space (20B) with an electromagnetic wave reflector so as to block wireless communication from outside to each of the first internal space (20A) and the second internal space (20B) and block wireless communication between the first internal space (20A) and the second internal space (20B);
a leaky transmission line (<NUM>) arranged inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of leakage parts (<NUM>);
a plurality of antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and configured to be wirelessly communicable with the plurality of leakage parts (<NUM>); and
a plurality of communication devices (<NUM>) arranged inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and having the plurality of antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the plurality of antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a first antenna (<NUM>) arranged in the first internal space (20A) inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and configured to be wirelessly communicable with a first leakage part (30A) included in the plurality of leakage parts (<NUM>);
a second antenna (<NUM>) arranged in the second internal space (20B) inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and configured to be wirelessly communicable with a second leakage part (30B) included in the plurality of leakage parts (<NUM>); and
wherein the plurality of communication devices (<NUM>) comprises:
a first device (<NUM>) arranged in the first internal space (20A) inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and having the first antenna (<NUM>); and
a second device (<NUM>) arranged in the second internal space (20B) inside the shield room forming section (<NUM>) and having the second antenna (<NUM>), wherein the leaky transmission line (<NUM>) is configured as a two-way transmission line such that a direct two-way communication is performed between the first device (<NUM>) and the second device (<NUM>), and
wherein a number of the plurality of leakage parts (<NUM>) is greater than a number of the plurality of antennas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).