WO2019138161A1

WO2019138161A1 - Radio communication apparatus and system for establishing radio communicaton through metallic enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2019138161A1
Application number: PCT/FI2019/050013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tanja LISKI; Herkko SOININEN
Original assignee: Foodfox Oy
Priority date: 2018-01-12
Filing date: 2019-01-10
Publication date: 2019-07-18

Abstract

Disclosed is a radio communication apparatus (100, 200) for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure (202).The apparatus comprises a baseband module (102) operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information; a radio frequency module (104) communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals; an antenna (106) communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module; a switch (108) operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna; and a switch controller (110) operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency to enable communication of the radio signals through the metallic enclosure.

Description

RADIO COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING RADIO COMMUNICATON THROUGH METALLIC ENCLOSURE

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to radio communication; and more specifically, to systems and apparatuses for establishing radio communication through metallic enclosures.

BACKGROUND

For over a century, radio communication has been employed for various general purpose applications involving transmission of information. Typically, radio communication devices employ a transmitter and a receiver (or a transceiver) for transmitting and receiving radio signals respectively between various devices. Subsequently, the devices convert the radio signals into a form that is usable by users of the radio communication devices. Generally, the transceiver (such as a unit capable of combining functions of the transmitter and the receiver) includes an antenna that is used to transmit and receives the radio signals. The radio signals travel through a particular medium, such as air, to communicate the information contained therein with other radio communication devices. It will be appreciated that such transmission of the radio signals will be more effective when the medium comprises a minimum number of barriers that can interfere with the transmission of the radio signals. For example, when the medium comprises a solid barrier, such as a metallic barrier, the transmission and/or reception of the radio signals by the transceiver is substantially hindered, thus, causing a loss of signal strength and a decrease in signal quality of the radio signals during transmission thereof. Usually, the radio communication devices are required to be portable and lightweight and are therefore manufactured to have a small form factor. Furthermore, the transceiver used in such radio communication devices (having the small form factor) employ a small antenna therein, thus providing radio signals having weak signal strength. Furthermore, when the radio signals communicated via the small antenna is obstructed by a solid barrier, such as a metallic barrier, the radio communication that is allowed by the radio communication devices will not be as effective and/or reliable as they should be. Therefore, establishing radio communication through the metallic barrier, such as, through metallic cabinets, metallic boxes, hermetically sealed metallic containers, and suchlike, is achieved by providing an external antenna outside the metallic barrier.

Flowever, performing the radio communication through the metallic barriers by employing the external antenna, suffers from various problems. For example, the metallic barrier, such as a metallic enclosure, may require an opening to be provided for arrangement of the external antenna outside the enclosure. Flowever, it may not be feasible to provide such an opening and/or the opening may compromise a functionality of the metallic enclosure. For example, if the metallic enclosure is a hermetically sealed metallic container, it may not be possible to incorporate the opening into the container while maintaining proper functionality thereof. Furthermore, arrangement of the external antenna may require modification of the metallic enclosure (such as modification of size, shape, design, dimensions and so forth). Such a modification may not correspond to an optimal design of the enclosure, such as for manufacturing thereof. Moreover, the arrangement of the external antenna outside the metallic enclosure may subject the antenna to damage and/or misuse thereof, thereby, compromising a functionality of the external antenna and the metallic enclosure. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with establishing radio communication through metallic barriers, such as a metallic enclosure. SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a radio communication apparatus for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a radio communication system for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems associated with establishing radio communication through metallic enclosures. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art, and provides the radio communication apparatus and the radio communication system for establishing communication through metallic enclosures.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a radio communication apparatus for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, the radio communication apparatus comprising: - a baseband module operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information;

- a radio frequency module communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals;

- an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module; - a switch operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna; and

- a switch controller operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a radio communication system for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, the system comprising:

- a metallic enclosure;

- at least one functional element arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the at least one functional element is operable to perform a function;

- a radio communication apparatus arranged within the metallic enclosure, the radio communication apparatus comprising:

- a baseband module operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information;

- a radio frequency module communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals; - an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module; - a switch operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna; and

- a switch controller operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure; and - a processing arrangement arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the processing arrangement is operatively coupled to the at least one functional element and the radio communication apparatus, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the at least one functional element to perform the function in response to receiving the digital information associated with the baseband signals.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enable effective and reliable radio communication through metallic enclosures. Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a radio communication apparatus for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a radio communication system for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the radio communication system of FIG. 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

- an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module;

- a switch operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna; and

- a metallic enclosure; - at least one functional element arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the at least one functional element is operable to perform a function;

- a radio communication apparatus arranged within the metallic enclosure, the radio communication apparatus comprising : - a baseband module operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information;

- an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module;

The present disclosure provides the apparatus and the system for effectively establishing radio communication through metallic enclosures. The present disclosure provides the radio communication apparatus comprising the baseband module, the radio frequency module, the antenna, the switch and the switch controller. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the radio communication system comprising the metallic enclosure, the at least one functional element, the radio communication apparatus and the processing arrangement. The radio communication apparatus comprises the switch controller that is operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to close the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle. The switch is closed (i.e. providing connection) to enable communication between the radio frequency module and the antenna for a specific time period. Subsequently, the switch is opened (i.e. disconnecting) to isolate the radio frequency module from the antenna for the following specific time period. Furthermore, performing such a sequence of connection, followed by the disconnection of the switch by the switch controller enables communication (such as transmission or reception) of radio signals through the metallic enclosure. It will be appreciated that enabling such radio communication through the metallic enclosure eliminates a need to modify the metallic enclosure, such as, for introducing holes or incorporating an external antenna therein. Such elimination of the need to modify the metallic enclosure enables to maintain structural integrity and intended functionality thereof, such as, when the metallic enclosure is implemented as a hermetically sealed container. Furthermore, the radio communication system can employ the aforementioned radio communication apparatus, to provide one or more functionalities within the metallic enclosure that employ communication of radio signals therein, such as, for locking or unlocking a lock associated with the metallic enclosure.

The radio communication system comprises a metallic enclosure. The metallic enclosure can be a container that is used for storing one or more items. Such items can comprise perishable items, valuable items, personal items and suchlike, including but not limited to, food items, medicine, jewellery, paper and so forth. Furthermore, the metallic enclosure can be fabricated using a metal such as aluminium, copper, iron, steel, stainless steel and so forth. In one embodiment, the metallic enclosure is associated with at least one of a refrigerator, a portable refrigerator, a safety deposit box, a mailbox, a storage container, or a metallic cabinet. For example, the metallic enclosure is a portable refrigerator that is used to ship perishable items, such as food items, medicine and so forth, to various users located at one or more locations. In another example, the metallic enclosure is fabricated using up to three layers of stainless steel (such as AISI 304 stainless steel), wherein each layer is associated with a thickness of 0.7 mm. The thickness of each layer, selected independently, can be for example up to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 mm. In an embodiment the metallic enclosure, when closed, does not have holes, slots or other non metallic areas i.e the metallic enclosure is a closed metallic enclosure. The closed metallic enclosure can be considered in some embodiment to form a Faraday cage.

The system comprises at least one functional element arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the at least one functional element is operable to perform a function. The at least one functional element can be an integral part of the metallic enclosure. Alternatively, the at least one functional element is arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the at least one functional element enables operation of the metallic enclosure. In an example, when the metallic enclosure is associated with a refrigerator, the at least one functional element may be associated with a cooling arrangement, a lighting arrangement, a locking arrangement and suchlike of the refrigerator. In another example, when the metallic enclosure is associated with a safety deposit box, the at least one functional element is an alarm device and/or a locking device that enables operation of the safety deposit box. According to an embodiment, the functional element is at least one of an electronic lock, an electromechanical lock, an electromagnetic lock. For example, the at least one functional element is an electronic lock arranged within the safety deposit box, wherein the electronic lock is operable to provide access to the metallic enclosure, such as, subsequent to being provided an instruction to open the electronic lock.

The system comprises a radio communication apparatus arranged within the metallic enclosure. The radio communication apparatus arranged within the metallic enclosure enables communication, such as transmission or receipt, of radio signals therefrom (or thereto) to devices that may be located outside the metallic enclosure. It will be appreciated that such devices will be capable of communicating, such as transmitting and/or receiving, radio signals to or from the radio communication apparatus respectively. The radio communication apparatus comprises a baseband module operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information. The baseband module is operable to communicate, such as transmit and/or receive, the baseband signals. Such baseband signals can be signals that are associated with a low frequency (such as a near-zero frequency). Furthermore, the baseband signals can be associated with digital information, such that the digital information comprises one or more instructions or messages. For example, the baseband module may be communicatively coupled with a digital device and consequently, the baseband signals are used for transmission of digital signals from or to the digital device. Additionally or alternatively, the baseband module is operable to extract digital information from baseband signals. For example, a digital device communicatively coupled to the baseband module may be operable to transmit baseband signals to the baseband module. In such an example, the baseband module is operable to process the received baseband signals to extract digital information contained in the baseband signals.

Furthermore, the radio communication apparatus comprises a radio frequency module communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals. The radio frequency module is operable to receive the baseband signals from the baseband module and subsequently, convert them into radio frequency signals. For example, the radio frequency module is operable to use a radio frequency mixer to convert the baseband signals into corresponding radio frequency signals. Additionally or alternatively, the radio frequency module is operable to convert radio frequency signals into baseband signals, to be provided to the baseband module. For example, the radio frequency module is operable to convert the radio frequency signals into baseband signals, to enable the baseband module to extract digital information therefrom. In such an example, the radio frequency module can employ Band Pass Filtering (BPF) to convert the radio frequency signals into corresponding baseband signals.

The radio communication apparatus comprises an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module. The antenna is used to receive the radio signals from the radio frequency module and/or transmit the radio signals to the radio frequency module. For example, the antenna is a Bluetooth^® antenna that is communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module. In such an example, the radio frequency module is operable to receive the baseband signals from the baseband module and thereafter, convert the baseband signals to Bluetooth signals. Furthermore, the antenna is operable to receive the Bluetooth signals from the radio frequency module and transmit the Bluetooth signals further (such as, to one or more devices in a piconet of the radio communication apparatus) . Additionally or alternatively, the antenna is operable to receive Bluetooth signals (such as, from one or more devices in the piconet of the radio communication apparatus) and subsequently, provide the received Bluetooth signals to the radio frequency module. The radio communication apparatus comprises a switch operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna. The switch is arranged between the radio frequency module and the antenna such that coupling of the switch completes a connection from the radio frequency module to the antenna. Furthermore, completing the connection between the radio frequency module and the antenna enables communication of radio signals therebetween. Alternatively, the switch can be opened (disconnected) to isolate the radio frequency module from the antenna by controlling the switch . In one example, the switch is implemented using a solid state relay.

The radio communication apparatus comprises a switch controller operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure. The switch controller is operable to close the switch to complete the connection from the radio frequency module to the antenna for a specific time period within the duty cycle. Subsequently, the switch controller is operable to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna for the following specific time period within the duty cycle. In an embodiment, the switch is open for the time period in a range of 1 nanosecond to 100 nanoseconds, within each period.

As an example a duration of one period is 1/500 seconds (2.0 milliseconds) (i.e the frequency is 500Hz). Duty ratio can be calculated by dividing the time period with the duration of the period. For example, if the time period is 1 nanosecond, 2.3 nanoseconds, 12 nanoseconds, 23.8 nanoseconds, 86 nanoseconds, 99.1 nanoseconds or 100 nanoseconds, duty ratios are (1 nanosecond/2 milliseconds), (2.3 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds), (12 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds), (23.8 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds), (86 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds), (99.1 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds) or (100 nanoseconds/2 milliseconds) respectively. As further example, when the time period is 1 nanosecond, the switch controller is operable to cause opening of the switch for 1 nanosecond, followed by causing closing of the switch for remaining time of the the period i.e. 2 millisecond minus 1 nanosecond in a given example. Subsequently, the switch controller is operable to again cause the opening of the switch for 1 nanosecond, followed by again causing the closing of the switch for reminding time of the period. In one embodiment, the time period is 1.6 nanoseconds. The time period can be for example from 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 30, 40, 55, 60, 70, 80 or 85 nanoseconds up to 5, 10, 30, 40, 55, 60, 70, 80, 85, 92 or 100 nanoseconds.

Furthermore, the switch controller is operable to cause such opening and closing of the switch, based on a specific frequency. In one embodiment, the specific frequency is in a range of 500 Hz to 700 Flz. For example, the specific frequency can be 500 Hz, 510 Hz, 623 Hz, 691 Hz, 700 Hz and so forth. The specific frequency can be for example from 500, 510, 550, 570, 600, 620, 650 or 680 Hz up to 510, 550, 570, 600, 620, 650, 680 or 700 Hz. A duration of a period in said examples is 1/500, 1/510, 1/550, 1/570, 1/600, 1/620, 1/650, 1/680 or 1/700 seconds It will be appreciated that when the specific frequency is 500 Hz, the switch controller is operable to enable each of the opening and closing of the switch 500 times per second, with a specific duty cycle. In one embodiment, the specific frequency is 622 Hz. Such a opening and closing of the switch enables improved communication of the radio frequency signals through the metallic enclosure.

Table I below illustrates some examples related to frequency and open times for switch within each period for a first setup.

Table I. Examples

Further it has been found that best communication behaviour is when switch open time is 1.6 nsec for opening / closing frequency of 622Hz.

Table II below shows results of a second experiment. In the experiment radio transmitter was placed in closed metallic enclosure with 0.7 mm thick walls for first set of tests. The tests were repeated with one additional layer of metal around the metallic enclosure and with two additional layers of metal around the metallic enclosure (total of 3 layers of metal). It was found out surprisingly that when the used switch open time was 1 nanosecond and frequency 177Hz the radio signal was able to penetrate from the enclosure(s).

Table II. A other set of examples (lnsec switch open time)

Table III. Detailed range measurements

Further a test was conducted using 172Hz and 174Hz on a range of radio communication. It was found out that signal was very good up to 50 meters. At 60 meters it was good, 80 meters some problems was found on video transmission, 100 meters no connectivity.

Over all based on the above experiments it seems that, surprisingly, if radio communication antenna is switched off for a short period of time with different frequencies a communication can be formed from closed metallic enclosure. At least above frequencies and switch open times have been found to be operative.

According to an embodiment, the specific frequency is at least one of a predetermined frequency, or a user-defined frequency. For example, the switch controller is configured with the predetermined frequency, such as, at a time of manufacturing the system, to control the switch based on the predetermined frequency and a duty cycle. Alternatively, a user of the system may define the specific frequency, such as during operation of the system, to enable the switch controller to control the switch based on the user-defined frequency. Additionally or alternatively, during manufacturing of the system switch open times might need to be adjusted. In further embodiment during a setup phase a set of switch open times and frequencies are scanned to find working operating parameters. Based on an embodiment a frequency range of 100Hz to 1000Hz is scanned and switch open times of O. lnsec to lOOnsec are scanned to determine the specific frequency and duty cycle. Thus for example if a desired level radio signal penetration is found during the scanning to be best at frequency of 172Hz and switch open time as lsec the specific frequency will be set as 172Hz. For the set frequency of 172Hz duration of period is l/172Hz = 5,814msec. As in the example the switch open time lnsec then duty cycle is determined as (lnsec : (5.814msec- lnsec)) . Basically in the embodiment the specific frequency and duty cycle are determined for a system by scanning a frequency range of 100Hz to 1000Hz and scanning switch open times of O. lnsec to lOOnsec. During the scanning a radio communication signal strength is recorded to find which combination is suitable to be used.

The system comprises a processing arrangement arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the processing arrangement is operatively coupled to the at least one functional element and the radio communication apparatus, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the at least one functional element to perform the function in response to receiving the digital information associated with the baseband signals. In one example, the metallic enclosure is associated with a refrigerator and the at least one functional element is an electronic lock of the refrigerator. In such an example, the processing arrangement is arranged within the refrigerator and operatively coupled to the electronic lock and radio communication apparatus (such as the baseband module) of the refrigerator. Furthermore, the function comprises an instruction to open the electronic lock of the refrigerator. In such an instance, the processing arrangement is operable to receive digital information comprising the instruction to open the electronic lock, from the radio communication apparatus (such as the baseband module) . Subsequently, the processing arrangement that is operatively coupled to the electronic lock, instructs the electronic lock to open the lock, to enable access to a user to contents of the refrigerator. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a server arrangement communicatively coupled to the processing arrangement, wherein the server arrangement is operable to provide a signal to the processing arrangement, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the at least one functional element in response to the received signal. The server arrangement can be communicatively coupled to the processing arrangement via a communication network, including but not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wireless LANs (WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs), Wireless MANs (WMANs), the Internet, second generation (2G) telecommunication networks, third generation (3G) telecommunication networks, fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks, fifth generation (5G) telecommunication networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) networks and suchlike. Furthermore, the provided signal can comprise a permission to enable a user to open the metallic enclosure. For example, when the metallic enclosure is a mailbox, such as a residential mailbox, the provided signal can comprise a permission to enable a user (such as a resident of a home associated with the residential mailbox and/or a postman) to open the mailbox to access contents thereof. According to an embodiment, the system comprises a portable computing device communicatively coupled to the server arrangement and the radio communication apparatus, wherein the portable computing device is operable to generate a request for the server arrangement to provide the signal to the processing arrangement. The portable computing device can be implemented using at least one of a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) and suchlike. Furthermore, the portable computing device can be communicatively coupled to the server arrangement via the communication network, as described hereinabove. In one embodiment, the portable computing device is communicatively coupled to the radio communication apparatus via a short-range communication network. Such a short-range communication network enables communication of the portable computing device with the radio communication apparatus when the portable computing device is located within a vicinity of the system. In an embodiment, the short-range communication network is implemented as a Bluetooth network. Moreover, a user can use the portable computing device to generate the request for the server arrangement, wherein the request can comprise a password, an access code, a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and so forth. In such an instance, the server arrangement is operable to authenticate the request to authorize the user of the portable computing device to access contents of the metallic enclosure. Subsequently, the server arrangement is operable to provide the signal, such as the permission, to the processing arrangement to allow the user to access the contents of the metallic enclosure.

In an exemplary implementation, the metallic enclosure is associated with a portable refrigerator that is used by a user, such as a delivery person, to deliver medicine to a customer. However, the portable refrigerator may be locked using an electronic lock, to prevent damage or misuse of the medicine en route to the customer. Furthermore, the electronic lock is communicatively coupled to a processing arrangement that is arranged within the portable refrigerator. Moreover, the processing arrangement is operatively coupled to a radio communication apparatus comprising a baseband module, a radio frequency module operable to communicate Bluetooth signals, an antenna, a switch and a switch controller, as explained in detail hereinbefore. Furthermore, when the delivery person reaches the location of the customer, the delivery person is operable to generate a request to open the portable refrigerator to deliver the medicine to the customer. The request can be generated using a smartphone associated with the delivery person (such as using a software application or "app" installed thereon). Subsequently, the request is provided to a server arrangement associated with a company responsible for sale of the medicine. Such a request may comprise an access code that is provided in advance to the customer by the company, to enable delivery of the medicine to the correct customer. Furthermore, subsequent to successful authorization, the smartphone of the delivery person generates an instruction comprising permission to open the portable refrigerator. The instruction is provided as a Bluetooth signal to the antenna of the portable refrigerator and thereafter, the Bluetooth signal is received by the radio frequency module. Subsequently, the Bluetooth signal is converted to a baseband signal and the information associated with the permission to open the portable refrigerator is extracted from the baseband signal. Thereafter, the information is provided to the processing arrangement operatively coupled to the electronic lock and consequently, the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the electronic lock to be opened.

Moreover, subsequent to retrieving the medicine from the portable refrigerator, the processing arrangement can update a status of the delivery to the server arrangement. In such an instance, digital information associated with the delivery, such as information associated with opening of the electronic lock (including but not limited to, date, time, location and so forth) is provided by the processing arrangement to the baseband module, and corresponding baseband signals are provided from the baseband module to the radio frequency module. Furthermore, the switch is closed (such as, by alternatively causing connection, followed by disconnection thereof) by the switch controller, for example, in a specific frequency of 622 Hz (or 622 times per second) and a duty cycle. Moreover, open time of the switch (i.e antenna is disconnected) is associated with a time period of 1.6 nanoseconds and close time of the switch (i.e. antenna is connected) is 1/622 sec minus 1.6 nanosecond = 1606,1 nanoseconds. I.e the duty cycle is 1/1607,7. Subsequently, the information is transmitted via the Bluetooth network to the smartphone of the delivery person. Thereafter, the information is transmitted via the communication network (such as a 4G communication network) from the smartphone of the delivery person to the server arrangement associated with the company. Alternatively, the switch is closed (such as, by alternatively causing connection, followed by disconnection thereof) by the switch controller, for example, in a specific frequency of 172 Hz (or 172 times per second) and a duty cycle. Moreover, open time of the switch (i.e antenna is disconnected) is associated with a time period of 1.0 nanoseconds and close time of the switch (i.e. antenna is connected) is 1/172 sec minus 1.0 nanosecond = 5812,95 nanoseconds. I.e the duty cycle is 1/5812,95.

Alternatively to opening a switch to disconnect antenna from the radiofrequency model similar effect it can be done for example by having a control signal turning amplification of radiofrequency output (transmit side) to zero for a duration of time with a frequency. For example amplification can be turned to zero for 1 nanoseconds and turned back to normal for reminding time of a period of 1/622 seconds. Similarly receiver circuits can be turned on / off to have similar effect as having the switch between antenna and radio frequency modules. Further and alternatively baseband logic can be controlled to cause interruption of radio frequency signal for the time period and for the frequency as with the switch

According to an alternative embodiment a radio communication apparatus for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, the radio communication apparatus comprising :

- an antenna communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module;

- a controller operatively coupled to the radiofrequency model, wherein the controller is operable to control the output of the radiofrequency model in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure. The output can be controlled by at least one of: controlling amplifiers of the radio frequency module, controlling clock signal of the radio frequency module, turning on/off some of the components in the radio frequency module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a radio communication apparatus 100 for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radio communication apparatus 100 comprises a baseband module 102 and a radio frequency module 104 communicatively coupled to the baseband module 102 via a digital interface. Furthermore, the radio communication apparatus 100 comprises an antenna 106 communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module 104. As shown, the radio communication apparatus 100 comprises a switch 108 operatively coupled between the radio frequency module 104 and the antenna 106, and a switch controller 110 operatively coupled to the switch 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic diagram of a radio communication system 200 for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the radio communication system 200 comprises a metallic enclosure 202, wherein the metallic enclosure 202 comprises a door 204. Furthermore, the radio communication system 200 comprises a functional element 206 arranged within the metallic enclosure, such as, an electronic lock for allowing access into the metallic enclosure 202 by allowing the door 204 to be opened. Moreover, the radio communication system 200 comprises the radio communication apparatus 100 (shown in FIG. 1). As shown, the radio communication system 200 comprises a processing arrangement 208 arranged within the metallic enclosure 202, wherein the processing arrangement 208 is operatively coupled to the functional element 206 and the radio communication apparatus 100 (via the baseband module 102). Optionally, the processing arrangement 208 is operatively coupled to the switch controller 110.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic diagram of the radio communication system 200 of FIG. 2, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The radio communication system 200 further comprises a server arrangement 302 communicatively coupled to the processing arrangement 208 via a portable computing device 304. As shown, the portable computing device 304 is communicatively coupled to the server arrangement 302 using a communication network (such as a cloud network) 306. The communication network 306 is established between the antenna 310 of the portable computing device 304 and the server arrangement 302. Furthermore, the portable computing device 304 is communicatively coupled to the processing arrangement 208 using a short-range communication network that is established between the antenna 106 of the radio communication apparatus 100, and an antenna 308 of the portable computing device 304.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non^¬ exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. A radio communication apparatus (100, 200) for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure (202), the radio communication apparatus comprising : - a baseband module (102) operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information;

- a radio frequency module ( 104) communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals;

- an antenna ( 106) communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module;

- a switch (108) operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna ; and

- a switch controller (110) operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure.

2. A radio communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific frequency is at least one of: a predetermined frequency, a user- defined frequency.

3. A radio communication apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the specific frequency is in a range of 500 Hz to 700 Hz.

4. A radio communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific frequency is 622 Hz or 172 Hz.

5. A radio communication apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch (108) is open for a time period in a range of 1 nanosecond to 100 nanoseconds, within each period.

6. A radio communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the time period is 1.6 nanoseconds or 1 nanoseconds.

7. A radio communication system for establishing radio communication through a metallic enclosure, the system comprising: - a metallic enclosure (202);

- at least one functional element (206) arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the at least one functional element is operable to perform a function;

- a radio communication apparatus ( 100, 200) arranged within the metallic enclosure, the radio communication apparatus comprising :

- a baseband module (102) operable to communicate baseband signals associated with digital information;

- a radio frequency module (104) communicatively coupled to the baseband module via a digital interface, wherein the radio frequency module is operable to communicate radio signals associated with the baseband signals;

- an antenna (106) communicatively coupled to the radio frequency module;

- a switch (108) operatively coupled between the radio frequency module and the antenna, wherein the switch is operable to be closed to connect the radio frequency module with the antenna and the switch is operable to be opened to disconnect the radio frequency module from the antenna; and

- a switch controller (110) operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the switch controller is operable to control the switch in a specific frequency and a duty cycle, to enable communication of the radio signals via the antenna, through the metallic enclosure; and

- a processing arrangement (208) arranged within the metallic enclosure, wherein the processing arrangement is operatively coupled to the at least one functional element and the radio communication apparatus, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the at least one functional element to perform the function in response to receiving the digital information associated with the baseband signals.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the functional element is at least one of: an electronic lock, an electromechanical lock, an electromagnetic lock.

9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a server arrangement (302) communicatively coupled to the processing arrangement (208), wherein the server arrangement is operable to provide a signal to the processing arrangement, and wherein the processing arrangement is operable to instruct the at least one functional element (206) in response to the received signal.

10. A system according to claim 9, further comprising a portable computing device (304) communicatively coupled to the server arrangement (302) and the radio communication apparatus (100, 200), wherein the portable computing device is operable to generate a request for the server arrangement to provide the signal to the processing arrangement (208).

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the portable computing device (304) is communicatively coupled to the radio communication apparatus (100, 200) via a short-range communication network (306).

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the short-range communication network (306) is implemented as a Bluetooth network.

13. A system according to any of the claims 7 to 10, wherein the metallic enclosure (202) is associated with at least one of: a refrigerator, a portable refrigerator, a safety deposit box, a mailbox, a storage container, or a metallic cabinet.

14. A system according to any of the claims 7 to 13, wherein a frequency range of 100Hz to 1000Hz is scanned and switch open times of O. lnsec to lOOnsec are scanned to determine the specific frequency and duty cycle.