Antenna modules, methods and devices for detecting temperature changes, and related applications.

Abstract

The present invention discloses an antenna module, a method for detecting temperature changes and related applications. The antenna module includes: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains an equal voltage with the antenna body; the first electrode and the second electrode can be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; when an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object. According to the change in the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, the present invention can obtain the part of the change in the antenna self-capacitance caused by temperature, so it can be truly judged whether the change in the antenna self-capacitance is caused by the proximity of the human body, thereby realizing precise control of the antenna transmission power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic circuits, and in particular to an antenna module, a method and device for detecting temperature changes, and related applications. Background Art

[0002] With the development of information technology and the electronics manufacturing industry, electronic devices that use wireless communication methods, such as mobile phones and tablet computers, are becoming more and more popular around the world. In recent years, many governments and telecommunications industry departments have issued industry standards on radio frequency and microwave radiation for the sake of user health, requiring electronic equipment manufacturers to keep the electromagnetic wave absorption ratio (SAR, Specific Absorption Rate, i.e., the electromagnetic power absorbed or consumed by a unit mass of the human body under the action of an external electromagnetic field) within a relatively low range. Therefore, when a human body approaches these electronic devices, the electronic devices should have a mechanism to detect the approach of the human body and actively reduce the antenna transmission power to meet the requirements of the standard.

[0003] In existing electronic devices, the common practice is to reuse antennas and detect changes in the antenna's self-capacitance to determine whether a human body is approaching. When a human body is detected approaching the electronic device, the antenna's transmission power can be reduced so that the mobile device's antenna transmission power can meet the SAR standard. Summary of the invention

[0004] The inventors have discovered that in the prior art, changes in the self-capacitance of an antenna may be affected by a variety of factors. For example, changes in factors such as temperature may also affect changes in the self-capacitance of the antenna, which may lead to misjudgment and thus have an adverse effect on the normal radio frequency function of the antenna of the electronic device. In order to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems existing in the prior art, the inventors have made the present invention, and through specific implementation methods, provide an antenna module that overcomes the above-mentioned problems or at least partially solves the above-mentioned problems, a method for preparing an antenna module, a method for detecting temperature changes, a method for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object, a method for detecting human proximity, and a method and device for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module and related applications.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna module, including: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is an antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains an equal voltage with the antenna body;

[0006] The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance;

[0007] When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second electrode is a metal sheet or a metal wire.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the second electrode, and a projection of the first electrode on a surface of the second electrode covers the second electrode.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is an excitation electrode and the second electrode is a sensing electrode; or the first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is an excitation electrode.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the first electrode or the second electrode is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof is kept constant.

[0012] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned antenna module, comprising:

[0013] Disposing a first electrode;

[0014] A second electrode is provided, and the first electrode and the second electrode can be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; and when an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

[0015] In one embodiment, a second electrode is provided, comprising:

[0016] Preparing a metal sheet or a metal wire on one side of the first electrode to form a second electrode; or

[0017] The metal sheet or metal wire on the circuit board at one side of the first electrode is reused as the second electrode.

[0018] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for detecting temperature changes, which is applied to the aforementioned antenna module, comprising:

[0019] Keeping the voltage of the first electrode constant, detecting the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, and monitoring whether the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes;

[0020] If it is monitored that the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes, the temperature change of the antenna module is determined according to the magnitude change of the mutual capacitance.

[0021] In one embodiment, determining the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change in the mutual capacitance includes:

[0022] The temperature change of the antenna module is calculated according to the change of the mutual capacitance and the temperature coefficient of the mutual capacitance.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature change detection device, which is used to detect the temperature change of the above-mentioned antenna module, including:

[0024] a mutual capacitance detection unit, configured to detect the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, and monitor whether the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes;

[0025] The temperature change determining unit is used to determine the temperature change amount of the antenna module according to the change in the magnitude of the mutual capacitance.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature detection system, comprising: the antenna module as described above and the temperature change detection device as described above.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining a capacitance change caused by an object approaching, which is used in the antenna module as described above, and includes:

[0028] Keeping the voltage of the first electrode constant, detecting the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode with the second electrode;

[0029] Detecting the magnitude of the self-capacitance formed between the first electrode and the ground;

[0030] If it is monitored that both the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have changed, determining the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change in the mutual capacitance;

[0031] Determining a change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by temperature according to the temperature change and the temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance;

[0032] The change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the approach of an object is obtained by subtracting the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the temperature from the change in the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground.

[0033] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for determining a change in antenna capacitance caused by an approaching object, including:

[0034] a first detection unit, configured to maintain a constant voltage at the first electrode and detect a magnitude of a mutual capacitance formed by coupling between the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0035] A second detection unit, used to detect the size of the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground;

[0036] a temperature change determination unit, configured to determine a temperature change of the antenna module according to a change in the mutual capacitance if it is detected that both the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have changed;

[0037] a temperature-induced self-capacitance change determining unit, configured to determine a self-capacitance change caused by temperature according to the temperature change and a temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance;

[0038] The self-capacitance change determination unit caused by the approach of an object is used to subtract the self-capacitance change caused by the temperature from the self-capacitance change detected by the first detection unit to obtain the self-capacitance change caused by the approach of the object.

[0039] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system for determining a capacitance change caused by an approaching object, comprising: an antenna module as described above and a device for determining a capacitance change of an antenna caused by an approaching object as described above.

[0040] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module as described above, comprising:

[0041] According to the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of the object determined by the aforementioned method, it is determined whether there is a human body approaching the antenna module.

[0042] In one embodiment, judging whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object specifically includes:

[0043] If it is determined that the object is a human body, and the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna caused by the object approaching is greater than zero, it is determined that a human body is approaching the antenna module as described above.

[0044] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for determining whether a human body is approaching the antenna module as described above, including: a module for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object determined by the method described above.

[0045] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system for detecting human proximity, comprising: the antenna module as described above and the device for determining whether a human body is approaching the antenna module as described above.

[0046] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as described above, comprising:

[0047] Determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the judgment result obtained by the aforementioned method for judging whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module;

[0048] If it is determined that a human body is close to the antenna module, the transmission power of the antenna module is reduced.

[0049] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as described above, comprising:

[0050] A human body approach detection unit, used to determine whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module using the method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module as described above, and the obtained determination result;

[0051] The transmission power adjustment unit is used to reduce the transmission power of the antenna if the human body proximity detection unit detects that a human body is approaching the antenna module.

[0052] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna transmission power control system, including: an antenna module as described above and a transmission power adjustment device of the antenna module as described above.

[0053] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a capacitance detection chip, comprising: a memory and a processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the program is executed by the processor, it can implement the temperature change detection method as described above, or implement the capacitance change amount caused by the approach of an object as described above; or implement the method for determining whether there is a human body approaching the antenna module as described above, or implement the transmission power adjustment method of the antenna module as described above.

[0054] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising the antenna module as described above and the capacitance detection chip as described above;

[0055] The first electrode and the second electrode in the antenna module are connected to the capacitance detection chip.

[0056] In one embodiment, the second electrode is disposed on a side of the first electrode facing the interior of the electronic device.

[0057] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, can implement a method for detecting temperature changes as described above, or implement a method for determining a capacitance change caused by an object approaching as described above; or implement a method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module as described above, or implement a method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as described above.

[0058] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention include at least:

[0059] The antenna module, the temperature change detection method, the method for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object, the human body approach detection method and the transmission power adjustment method and device of the antenna module and related applications provided by the embodiments of the present invention can couple the first electrode and the second electrode to form a mutual capacitance. When an object (such as a human body) approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object. With such a design, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode will not be affected by the electric field of the foreign object, and can accurately reflect the influence of temperature, thereby achieving accurate measurement of temperature changes. On the basis of the measurement of temperature changes, the part caused by temperature changes can be excluded by detecting the self-capacitance of the antenna (first electrode), and the rest can be judged whether it is caused by the approach of the object, thereby achieving accurate judgment of the approach of the object, and on this basis, the transmission power of the antenna of the electronic device using the antenna can be more accurately controlled, so that the electronic device can meet the SAR standard while ensuring its good radio frequency function.

[0060] In the antenna module, the second electrode can reuse the relevant hardware parts of the existing electronic device, for example, the second electrode can be a metal wire or metal sheet on the PCB board near the first electrode, etc. This design can realize the above detection and precise control functions without adding new hardware, with low cost and compact overall structure of the electronic device.

[0061] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description, claims, and drawings.

[0062] The technical solution of the present invention is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first electrode and a second electrode in an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a mutual capacitance electric field provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for preparing an antenna module provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 4A flow chart of a method for detecting temperature changes provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for determining a capacitance change caused by an object approaching provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 6 A circuit diagram for measuring self-capacitance between a first electrode and ground provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature change detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus for determining a change in antenna capacitance caused by an approaching object provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of each antenna module in a mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0077] In order to solve the problem that when the existing electronic device uses the antenna self-capacitance detection to determine whether a human body is approaching, the self-capacitance changes caused by the temperature change of the antenna, resulting in the inability to distinguish whether the self-capacitance change is caused by the temperature or the self-capacitance change caused by the human body approaching, resulting in reduced judgment accuracy. The inventors found that if the part of the change caused by temperature is eliminated in the change of the antenna self-capacitance, the accuracy of human body approach detection can be further guaranteed, and the normal radio frequency function of the electronic device can be guaranteed. Based on this, the embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna module, a temperature change detection method, a human body approach detection method, and an antenna transmission power adjustment method and device. The specific implementation methods of the above-mentioned antenna module, temperature change detection method, human body approach detection method, and antenna transmission power adjustment method and device are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0078] An antenna module provided by an embodiment of the present invention refers to Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a first electrode 1 and a second electrode 2; the first electrode 1 is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; wherein:

[0079] The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can be coupled to form mutual capacitance (Mutual-Capacitance);

[0080] When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode 1 can shield the electric field between the second electrode 2 and the object.

[0081] In one embodiment, the second electrode 2 may be a metal sheet or a metal wire, a conductive non-metal sheet or a conductive non-metal wire.

[0082] The second electrode 2 can be an independently arranged metal sheet or metal wire, or can also reuse the metal wire in the existing circuit of the electronic device, for example, reuse a section of metal wire on the PCB circuit board near the antenna body. This design of reusing existing components can realize the above-mentioned detection and precise control functions without adding new hardware, with low cost, and also makes the overall structure of the electronic device compact.

[0083] The first electrode 1 is directly the antenna body itself, or is an electrode connected to the antenna body and grounded. The first electrode is also a metal sheet or a metal wire, a conductive non-metal sheet or a conductive non-metal wire.

[0084] The non-metallic sheet (or non-metallic wire) may be made of non-metallic conductive materials, including but not limited to graphene, etc. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit the conductive material used.

[0085] The first electrode 1 serves as a shielding electrode. In order to achieve a better shielding effect, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel, and the surface area of ​​the first electrode 1 is large enough so that the projection of the first electrode 1 on the surface of the second electrode 2 can completely cover the surface of the second electrode 2.

[0086] Substantially parallel may, for example, mean that the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are nearly parallel and form a certain angle with each other.

[0087] With such a configuration, when a human body approaches, the first electrode 1 can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the human body, which is described in detail below with reference to the specific drawings:

[0088] Reference Figure 2 The mutual capacitance electric field diagram is shown in Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , A is the second electrode, C is the first electrode, and B is an object (such as a human body) that may be close to the antenna module in the electronic device. The second electrode is disposed on one side of the first electrode. Figure 2 In the diagram, there is an electric field between AC, and the electric field lines between A and B are cut off by C (that is, shielded by C).

[0089] from Figure 2 It can be seen that in the electronic device, the second electrode 2 is arranged in the direction where the first electrode 1 is away from the outside of the electronic device, that is, the direction where the first electrode 1 is facing the inside of the electronic device. In terms of structural relationship, the first electrode 1 should be arranged between the second electrode 2 and the plane that can be touched by the human body. In specific implementation, for example, in the scenario of a specific electronic product such as a mobile phone, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are arranged in the mobile phone shell, and the second electrode 2 is arranged in the direction where the first electrode 1 is facing the inside of the mobile phone shell. What the human body can touch is the outer surface of the mobile phone shell, so that the first electrode 1 can play a role in shielding the electric field between the second electrode 2 and the human body, so that the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is not affected by external objects.

[0090] In order to achieve a better shielding effect, in addition to the surface area of ​​the first electrode 1 being large enough to shield the second electrode 2, the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 should also be much smaller than the distance between the first electrode 1 and an object outside the electronic device. Of course, the distance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can also affect the size of the mutual capacitance between the two. The smaller the distance between the two, the greater the mutual capacitance, and vice versa. In specific implementation, it can also be selected according to the required size of the mutual capacitance.

[0091] The second electrode 2 acts as a shielding electrode to shield the electric field between the first electrode 1 and an external object (such as a human body), thereby ensuring that the mutual capacitance formed by the coupling of the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 will not be affected by external objects, thereby truly reflecting the effect of temperature on the antenna self-capacitance.

[0092] In one embodiment, in the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 , the first electrode 1 is an excitation electrode and the second electrode 2 is a sensing electrode, or vice versa, the first electrode 1 is a sensing electrode and the second electrode 2 is an excitation electrode.

[0093] If the first electrode 1 is used as the excitation electrode, the change in the amplitude of the induction signal on the second electrode 2 side can reflect the change in the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. Therefore, by monitoring the change in the amplitude of the induction signal of the induction electrode, i.e., the second electrode 2, the change in the magnitude of the mutual capacitance can be obtained.

[0094] Conversely, if the second electrode 2 is used as an excitation electrode, the change in the magnitude of the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can also be obtained by monitoring the change in the amplitude of the sensing signal of the sensing electrode, ie, the first electrode 1 .

[0095] When the embodiment of the present invention is implemented, if an excitation signal is applied to the first electrode, the first electrode 1 acts as an excitation electrode. Due to the existence of mutual capacitance, the excitation signal can be sensed on the second electrode 2. The size and phase shift of the received signal are related to the size of the excitation signal and the mutual capacitance.

[0096] The excitation signal may be input by an excitation signal source. The specific circuit form of the excitation signal source may be designed according to different excitation signals. The specific implementation method may refer to the prior art.

[0097] In one embodiment, when the first electrode 1 or the second electrode 2 is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof remains constant. In other words, the excitation signal circuit outputs a constant voltage excitation signal to the first electrode 1 or the second electrode 2 .

[0098] Designed in this way, the first electrode 1 can effectively cut off the electric field between the second electrode 2 and external objects, thereby shielding the second electrode 2 and ensuring that the electric field between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is not affected by the approach of external objects.

[0099] Based on the structure of the above antenna module, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for preparing the antenna module. Figure 3 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0100] S31, setting a first electrode;

[0101] S32, setting a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode can be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; and when an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

[0102] In the above steps S31 and S32, setting refers to preparing or reusing components in an existing circuit. For example, the first electrode and the second electrode can be prepared independently, and a metal sheet or metal wire is prepared on one side of the first electrode to form the second electrode, ensuring that the two can be coupled to form a mutual capacitance, and when an object approaches, the first electrode can shield the second electrode. For another example, the first electrode can reuse the antenna itself, and / or the second electrode can reuse the metal sheet or metal wire near the self-capacitance detection sensor connected to the first electrode, such as a metal wire on a PCB board, etc. The setting method of the first electrode and the second electrode may not be limited to the above-mentioned methods, as long as the mutual capacitance can be formed and the first electrode shields the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

[0103] In the above preparation method, the first electrode and the second electrode need to be insulated to couple to form a mutual capacitance. When the first electrode and the second electrode are very close to each other, an insulating medium can be used between the two. The selection of the insulating medium can refer to the selection of mutual capacitance in the prior art, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] Based on the design of the aforementioned antenna module, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for detecting temperature changes, which can be applied to the aforementioned antenna module. Figure 4 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0105] S41, maintaining the voltage of the first electrode constant, detecting the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by the coupling of the first electrode and the second electrode, and monitoring whether the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes; if it is monitored that the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes, executing the following step S42;

[0106] S42: Determine a temperature change of the antenna module according to a change in the mutual capacitance.

[0107] In one embodiment, in the above step S42, the temperature change of the antenna module is determined according to the change in the magnitude of the mutual capacitance. In specific implementation, the following method can be used to achieve this:

[0108] The temperature change of the antenna module is calculated based on the change in the mutual capacitance and the temperature coefficient of the mutual capacitance.

[0109] Optionally, the temperature coefficient of mutual capacitance can be measured in advance when designing the antenna module of the electronic device, and pre-stored in the memory of the electronic device for later use by the processor of the electronic device for calculation.

[0110] In one embodiment, the change in the magnitude of the mutual capacitance can be obtained, for example, by detecting the change in the output voltage of the mutual capacitance front-end detection circuit connecting the first electrode and the second electrode, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above detection method, and any method that can detect the change in mutual capacitance is acceptable.

[0111] Based on the design of the antenna module described above, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for determining the capacitance change caused by the proximity of an object. The method is applied to the antenna module of the above embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0112] S51, maintaining a constant voltage at the first electrode, and detecting a magnitude of a mutual capacitance formed by coupling between the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0113] S52, detecting the size of the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground; if it is monitored that the sizes of the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have both changed, executing the following step S53;

[0114] S53, determining a temperature change of the antenna module according to a change in the mutual capacitance;

[0115] S54, determining the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the temperature according to the temperature change and the temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance;

[0116] S55 , subtract the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by temperature from the change in the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground, to obtain the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the approach of the object.

[0117] Optionally, the temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground can similarly be measured in advance when designing the antenna module of the electronic device, and pre-stored in the memory of the electronic device for later use by the processor of the electronic device for calculation.

[0118] There are many ways to measure the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground, for example, Figure 6The circuit shown is implemented, wherein an antenna (i.e., a first electrode) is connected to two filter paths; the upper first filter path (high-frequency filter path) includes a capacitor C2 and an inductor L3, one end of the capacitor C2 is connected to the first electrode, the other end is connected to a radio frequency transceiver unit (RF TRX), and is grounded through the inductor L3; through the first filter path, low-frequency signals are filtered out, and high-frequency signals (functional signals) can pass through, and the output end P3 of the first filter path is connected to the radio frequency transceiver unit; the lower second filter path (low-frequency filter path) includes an inductor L1, a resistor R1, and a capacitor C1, one end of the inductor L1 is connected to the first electrode, and the other end is connected in series with the resistor R1, and is grounded through the capacitor C1; one end of the resistor R1 is connected in series with the inductor L1, and the other end is connected to a self-capacitance detection circuit; through the second filter path, high-frequency signals are filtered out, and low-frequency signals can pass through, and the output end P1 of the second filter path is connected to a self-capacitance detection circuit, such as a capacitive proximity sensor (CAP Sensor).

[0119] The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above detection method, and any method that can realize the self-capacitance between the first electrode and the ground is acceptable.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned objects include but are not limited to various charged objects, such as any part of the human body and the like.

[0121] The above steps S51 to S53 are similar to the implementation steps of the aforementioned temperature change detection method, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] In step S54, the following formula may be used to calculate the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by temperature.

[0123] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the aforementioned antenna module. The method can be applied to the antenna module of the aforementioned embodiment. The method includes the following steps: determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module based on the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object determined according to the aforementioned method.

[0124] Specifically, when it is determined that the object is a human body, it is judged whether the value of the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of the object is greater than zero. If it is greater than zero, it is determined that there is a human body approaching the antenna module. Otherwise, it is considered that there is no human body approaching the antenna module.

[0125] There are many ways to determine whether an approaching object is a human body. You can refer to the existing technology, such as various sensors (such as infrared sensors), to identify whether the object is a human body. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0126] In the process of determining whether there is an object approaching and causing a change in the antenna self-capacitance, the influence of temperature on the change in self-capacitance can be better avoided, reflecting the influence of external charged objects on the antenna self-capacitance, thereby achieving the purpose of accurately controlling the antenna transmission power.

[0127] Based on this, the embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module, referring to Figure 7 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0128] S71, determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the determination result obtained by the aforementioned method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module; if it is determined that a human body is currently approaching the antenna module, executing the following step S72;

[0129] S72. Reduce the transmission power of the antenna module.

[0130] When the antenna structure and the relative positions of the electronic device using the antenna and the human body are constant, the greater the antenna output power, the higher the electric field strength formed in the human body, and the greater the radio frequency radiation power absorbed by the human body. Therefore, in the above step S72, the specific value of the transmit power to be reduced can be considered according to the standard value of SAR and the current transmit power value of the antenna, and a corresponding control signal is sent to the antenna transmit power control circuit (such as a power amplifier) ​​to achieve control of the antenna transmit power.

[0131] The embodiment of the present invention is based on the detection of the change in the antenna self-capacitance caused by temperature in the antenna module, thereby achieving accurate detection of whether a human body is close to the antenna module, thereby further achieving precise control of the antenna transmission power when a human body is close, so that the electronic device using the antenna can meet the SAR standard while ensuring its good radio frequency function.

[0132] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a temperature change detection device, a device for determining the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object, a device for judging whether a human body is close to an antenna such as the aforementioned antenna module, a device for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module and related systems, a capacitance detection chip, an electronic device and a computer-readable storage medium. Since the principles of the problems solved by these devices, systems and equipment are similar to the aforementioned temperature change detection method, the method for determining the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object, the method for judging whether a human body is close to an antenna such as the aforementioned antenna module, and the method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module, the implementation of the device, system and equipment can refer to the implementation of the aforementioned method, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0133] The embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature change detection device for detecting the temperature change of the above-mentioned antenna module, referring to Figure 8 As shown, including:

[0134] A mutual capacitance detection unit 81, configured to detect the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, and monitor whether the magnitude of the mutual capacitance changes;

[0135] The temperature change determination unit 82 is used to determine the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change of the mutual capacitance.

[0136] In one embodiment, the temperature change determination unit 82 is specifically configured to calculate the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change in the mutual capacitance and the temperature coefficient of the mutual capacitance.

[0137] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a temperature detection system, comprising: the antenna module as described above and the temperature change detection device as described above.

[0138] The embodiment of the present invention provides a device for determining the change in antenna capacitance caused by an object approaching. Fig. 9 As shown, including:

[0139] A first detection unit 91 is used to keep the voltage of the first electrode constant and detect the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by the coupling between the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0140] A second detection unit 92, used to detect the size of the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground;

[0141] A temperature change determination unit 93 is used to determine the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change in the mutual capacitance if it is detected that both the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have changed;

[0142] A temperature-induced self-capacitance change determining unit 94 is used to determine the amount of self-capacitance change caused by temperature according to the amount of temperature change and the temperature coefficient of self-capacitance;

[0143] The self-capacitance change determination unit 95 caused by the approach of an object is used to subtract the self-capacitance change caused by temperature from the self-capacitance change detected by the first detection unit to obtain the self-capacitance change caused by the approach of the object.

[0144] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a system for determining a capacitance change caused by an approaching object, comprising: the antenna module as described above and the device for determining a capacitance change of an antenna caused by an approaching object as described above.

[0145] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a device for determining whether a human body is approaching the antenna module as described above, the device comprising: a module for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module based on the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object determined by the method described above.

[0146] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a system for detecting human proximity, comprising: the antenna module as described above and the device for determining whether a human body is approaching the antenna module as described above.

[0147] The embodiment of the present invention provides a device for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module, referring to Fig.10 As shown, including:

[0148] A human body approach detection unit 101 is used to use the above method to determine whether a human body is currently approaching the above antenna module, and the obtained judgment result determines whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module;

[0149] The transmission power adjustment unit 102 is used to reduce the transmission power of the antenna if the human body proximity detection unit detects that a human body is approaching the antenna module.

[0150] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an antenna transmission power control system, comprising: the antenna module as described above and a transmission power adjustment device of the antenna module as described above.

[0151] An embodiment of the present invention provides a capacitance detection chip, comprising: a memory and a processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the program is executed by the processor, it can implement the aforementioned temperature change detection method, or implement the aforementioned method of determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object; or implement the aforementioned method of determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module, or implement the aforementioned method of adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module.

[0152] An electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig.11 As shown, it includes the aforementioned antenna module and the aforementioned capacitance detection chip 3;

[0153] The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 in the antenna module are connected to the capacitance detection chip 3 .

[0154] The second electrode 2 is located in a region that can be electromagnetically shielded by the first electrode 1 in at least one direction;

[0155] The capacitance detection chip 3 can be connected to the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 through wires respectively; the capacitance detection chip 3, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can all be arranged inside the housing 3 of the electronic device.

[0156] In one embodiment, the second electrode 2 is disposed on a side of the first electrode 1 facing the inside of the electronic device.

[0157] The second electrode 2 is arranged on the side of the first electrode 1 facing the inside of the electronic device. When a human body approaches the electronic device, it approaches the first electrode 1. Due to the shielding effect of the first electrode 1 on the second electrode 2, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 is insensitive to the approaching human body, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the final detection.

[0158] Take the electronic device as a mobile terminal as an example, refer to Fig.12 As shown, the mobile terminal includes multiple antenna modules such as a main antenna module, a diversity antenna module, a GPS antenna module, an FM headphone jack antenna module, a Wifi BT (Bluetooth) antenna module, etc., wherein the GPS antenna module and the Wifi BT antenna module are located at the upper end of the mobile terminal, the diversity antenna module is located on the side of the mobile terminal, and the main antenna module is located at the lower end of the mobile terminal.

[0159] Different from the conventional antenna modules, the antenna modules in the embodiments of the present invention further have a second electrode disposed inside the antenna body, for example Fig.12 As shown, in the main antenna module, diversity antenna module, GPS antenna module, and Wifi BT antenna module, the antenna body serves as the first electrode, and a metal sheet is disposed inside the antenna body as the second electrode. Fig.12 The metal sheet can be shielded by the corresponding antenna body, and when a human body approaches the mobile terminal (for example, touching, holding, etc.), the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode is not affected by the human body. Fig.12 From the structure shown, the above design improvement has little impact on the overall structure of the mobile terminal and is relatively easy to implement.

[0160] A computer-readable storage medium is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, on which computer instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed by a processor, they can implement the temperature change detection method as described above, or implement the capacitance change amount caused by the approach of an object as described above; or implement the method of judging whether there is a human body approaching the antenna module as described above, or implement the transmission power adjustment method of the antenna module as described above.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0162] The present invention is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0163] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0164] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process in the computer or other programmable device. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0165] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for determining a capacitance change caused by an object approaching, for use in an antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; The method comprises: maintaining the voltage of the first electrode constant, and detecting the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling of the first electrode and the second electrode; Detecting the magnitude of the self-capacitance formed between the first electrode and the ground; If it is monitored that both the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have changed, determining the temperature change of the antenna module according to the change in the mutual capacitance; Determining a change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by temperature according to the temperature change and the temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance; The change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the approach of an object is obtained by subtracting the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna body caused by the temperature from the change in the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground.

2. A device for determining the change in antenna capacitance caused by an object approaching, characterized in that: The device is used in an antenna module; The antenna module comprises a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains an equal voltage with the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; The device comprises: a first detection unit, configured to keep the voltage of the first electrode constant and detect the magnitude of the mutual capacitance formed by coupling of the first electrode and the second electrode; A second detection unit, used to detect the size of the self-capacitance formed by the first electrode and the ground; a temperature change determination unit, configured to determine a temperature change of the antenna module according to a change in the mutual capacitance if it is detected that both the mutual capacitance and the self-capacitance have changed; a temperature-induced self-capacitance change determining unit, configured to determine a self-capacitance change caused by temperature according to the temperature change and a temperature coefficient of the self-capacitance; The self-capacitance change determination unit caused by the approach of an object is used to subtract the self-capacitance change caused by the temperature from the self-capacitance change detected by the first detection unit to obtain the self-capacitance change caused by the approach of the object.

3. A system for determining a change in capacitance caused by an approaching object, characterized in that: include: An antenna module and a device for determining a change in antenna capacitance caused by an approaching object as claimed in claim 2; The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

4. The system for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The second electrode is a metal sheet or a metal wire.

5. The system for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The first electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the second electrode, and a projection of the first electrode on a surface of the second electrode covers the second electrode.

6. The system for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: In the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is an excitation electrode and the second electrode is a sensing electrode; or the first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is an excitation electrode.

7. The system for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: When the first electrode or the second electrode is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof is kept constant.

8. A method for determining whether a human body is close to an antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; According to the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object determined by the method as claimed in claim 1, it is determined whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that According to the change in the antenna capacitance caused by the object approaching, it is judged whether there is a human body approaching the antenna module, specifically including: If it is determined that the object is a human body, and the change in the self-capacitance of the antenna caused by the object approaching is greater than zero, it is determined that a human body is approaching the antenna module.

10. A device for determining whether a human body is close to an antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; A module for judging whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the change in antenna capacitance caused by the approach of an object determined by the method of claim 1.

11. A system for detecting human proximity, characterized in that: include: An antenna module and a device for determining whether a human body is close to the antenna module as claimed in claim 10; The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

12. The human body approach detection system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The second electrode is a metal sheet or a metal wire.

13. The human body approach detection system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The first electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the second electrode, and a projection of the first electrode on a surface of the second electrode covers the second electrode.

14. The system for detecting human proximity as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: In the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is an excitation electrode and the second electrode is a sensing electrode; or the first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is an excitation electrode.

15. The human body approach detection system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: When the first electrode or the second electrode is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof is kept constant.

16. A method for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; Determine whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to the judgment result obtained by the method for judging whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module as claimed in claim 8 or 9; If it is determined that a human body is close to the antenna module, the transmission power of the antenna module is reduced.

17. A device for adjusting the transmission power of an antenna module, characterized in that: The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; A human body approach detection unit, used to use the method for judging whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module according to claim 8 or 9, and obtain a judgment result to determine whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module; The transmission power adjustment unit is used to reduce the transmission power of the antenna if the human body proximity detection unit detects that a human body is approaching the antenna module.

18. An antenna transmission power control system, characterized in that: include: An antenna module and a device for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as claimed in claim 17; The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object.

19. The antenna transmission power control system according to claim 18, characterized in that: The second electrode is a metal sheet or a metal wire.

20. The antenna transmission power control system according to claim 18, characterized in that: The first electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the second electrode, and a projection of the first electrode on a surface of the second electrode covers the second electrode.

21. The antenna transmission power control system according to claim 18, characterized in that: In the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is an excitation electrode and the second electrode is a sensing electrode; or the first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is an excitation electrode.

22. The antenna transmission power control system according to claim 21, characterized in that: When the first electrode or the second electrode is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof is kept constant.

23. A capacitance detection chip, characterized in that: include: A memory and a processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, can implement the method for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as described in claim 1; or implement the method for determining whether a human body is currently approaching the antenna module as described in claim 8 or 9, or implement the method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as described in claim 16.

24. An electronic device, characterized in that: comprising an antenna module and a capacitance detection chip as claimed in claim 23; The antenna module comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode; the first electrode is the antenna body or is connected to the antenna body and maintains the same voltage as the antenna body; The first electrode and the second electrode may be coupled to form a mutual capacitance; When an object approaches the antenna module, the first electrode can shield the electric field between the second electrode and the object; The first electrode and the second electrode in the antenna module are connected to the capacitance detection chip.

25. The electronic device according to claim 24, characterized in that The second electrode is a metal sheet or a metal wire.

26. The electronic device according to claim 24, characterized in that The first electrode is arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel with the second electrode, and a projection of the first electrode on a surface of the second electrode covers the second electrode.

27. The electronic device according to claim 24, characterized in that In the mutual capacitance formed by coupling the first electrode and the second electrode, the first electrode is an excitation electrode and the second electrode is a sensing electrode; or the first electrode is a sensing electrode and the second electrode is an excitation electrode.

28. The electronic device according to claim 27, characterized in that When the first electrode or the second electrode is used as an excitation electrode, the voltage of the excitation signal thereof is kept constant.

29. The electronic device according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that: The second electrode is arranged on a side of the first electrode facing the inside of the electronic device.

30. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the method for determining the capacitance change caused by the approach of an object as described in claim 1; or implement the method for determining whether there is a human body currently approaching the antenna module as described in claim 8 or 9, or implement the method for adjusting the transmission power of the antenna module as described in claim 16.

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