Communication device with antenna tuning based on edge display detection of hand position

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication device with antenna tuning based on edge display detection of hand position. A communication device, method, and computer program product achieve improved communication performance by switching or tuning antennas based on detecting touches on an edge display(s) of the communication device with at least one antenna positioned along an edge of a housing assembly. A controller monitors the edge display(s) of the communication device to determine a portion of the edge display(s) that is touched and associates at least one antenna in proximity to the touched portion of the edge display(s). The controller configures a radio frequency front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna to at least one of mitigate an adverse effect of the at least one antenna on antenna performance or remain within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to communication devices having multiple antennas supporting simultaneous communication channels, and more specifically to communication devices having a tactile display and multiple antennas supporting simultaneous communication channels. Background Technology

[0002] Antennas are a critical component of the radio frequency (RF) front end of communication devices that communicate via wireless links. Some handheld modern communication devices have as many as six (6) to eight (8) antennas, which need to be well tuned to maximize radio performance and enhance the user experience. To accommodate a large number of antennas and avoid interference between them, antennas are positioned around the perimeter of the communication device. In addition, some communication devices include antennas on the back, in addition to those integrated into the edge metal strip of the housing assembly. When a user grips the communication device tightly, one or more antennas are often blocked or detuned, resulting in communication performance degradation. To mitigate performance degradation, conventional communication devices can include antenna switching networks for switching to unblocked antennas and / or antenna tuning networks for tuning degraded antennas.

[0003] Switching or tuning antennas depends on accurately determining which antennas are affected. Traditional methods for antenna state detection and tuning compensation involve adding multiple antenna impedance sensors and require increased computational overhead, which can significantly increase the complexity and cost of communication equipment. The numerous possible combinations of hand size and grip position further complicate these traditional methods for antenna state detection and tuning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to a communication device, the communication device comprising: a housing assembly having a right lateral edge and a left lateral edge; at least one display device supported by the housing assembly and having a touch-sensitive right edge display and a left edge display extending along at least a majority of the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge, respectively; one or more antennas positioned along the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge; a radio frequency (RF) front end comprising: one or more transceivers; and an antenna switching and tuning network. An antenna switching and tuning network communicatively connects the one or more transceiver housings to the one or more antennas; a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one display device and the RF front end, and the controller: determines the portions of the left edge display and the right edge display that are being touched by an object; identifies at least one antenna that is close to the portions of the left edge display and the right edge display that are being touched; and configures the RF front end to switch or tune the at least one antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a method comprising: monitoring a left edge display and a right edge display of at least one display device extending at least a majority of the right and left lateral edges of a housing assembly of a communication device, the communication device having one or more antennas positioned along the right and left lateral edges; identifying a portion of at least one of the left edge display and the right edge display being touched by an object; identifying from the one or more antennas at least one antenna approaching the portion of the left edge display and the right edge display being touched; and configuring a radio frequency (RF) front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance or keeping it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising: a computer-readable storage device; and program code on the computer-readable storage device, which, when executed by a processor associated with the device, enables the communication device to provide the following functions: monitoring a left edge display and a right edge display of at least one display device extending at least a majority of the right and left lateral edges of a housing assembly of the communication device, the communication device having one or more antennas positioned along the right and left lateral edges; identifying a portion of at least one of the left edge display and the right edge display being touched by an object; identifying from the one or more antennas at least one antenna approaching the portion of the left edge display and the right edge display being touched; and configuring the radio frequency (RF) front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and remaining within regulatory limits on RF transmission exposure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, for simplicity and clarity, the elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are enlarged relative to others. Embodiments incorporated into the teachings of this disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:

[0008] Figure 1A A functional block diagram depicts a communication device with multiple antennas that operates in a communication environment and advantageously implements the features of this disclosure internally, according to one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1B A three-dimensional view depicting an example communication device having a single housing according to one or more embodiments;

[0010] Figure 1C A three-dimensional view depicting an example communication device having a configurable housing assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0011] Figure 1D Describing an antenna based on edge detection according to one or more embodiments Figure 1A A simplified communication diagram of the components of a communication device;

[0012] Figure 2A An end view of an example communication device having an edge display device held by a user, according to one or more embodiments;

[0013] Figure 2BAn end view of an example communication device according to one or more embodiments is depicted, the example communication device having a configurable housing in a closed position and having an edge display device that contacts the hand of a user holding the device;

[0014] Figure 2C Depicting a user holding a device according to one or more embodiments Figure 2B A front view of an example communication device;

[0015] Figure 3 Depicting, according to one or more embodiments, a method of gripping tightly with the thumb and three fingers in the right hand. Figure 2A A 3D front view of an example communication device;

[0016] Figure 4 Depicting a device held in a tight right-hand grip according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 A rear view of an example communication device;

[0017] Figure 5 Depicting a device held in a tight left-hand grip according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 A front view of an example communication device;

[0018] Figure 6 Depicting a device held loosely in the left hand according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 A front view of an example communication device;

[0019] Figure 7 The image depicts a grip held in a tight right-hand clenching manner using the thumb and four fingers, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 A front view of an example communication device;

[0020] Figure 8 Depicting a device held in a loose right-hand grip according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 A front view of an example communication device;

[0021] Figures 9A-9B Presenting a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments for improving communication performance by switching or tuning an antenna based on detecting hand grip affecting a particular antenna; and

[0022] Figure 10 A flowchart is presented, according to one or more embodiments, of a method for determining tuning codes for configuring a radio frequency (RF) front end based on edge information. Detailed Implementation

[0023] According to aspects of this disclosure, communication devices, computer program products, and methods achieve improved communication performance by switching or tuning the antennas of the communication device using a touch-sensitive edge display. Antenna switching or tuning can be performed using conventional techniques. Antenna switching includes switching a transceiver chain to an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving in an assigned communication band and not being touched. Antenna tuning compensates for antennas with antenna impedance that changes (detuning) due to electromagnetic coupling with an object near the antenna. The communication device includes a housing assembly having left and right lateral edges. At least one display device is supported by the housing assembly. At least one display device includes a touch-sensitive right edge display and a left edge display. In one or more embodiments, the edge display is a touchscreen that detects capacitance changes due to touch. The right edge display and the left edge display extend at least a substantial portion along the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge, respectively. One or more antennas are positioned along the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge. The radio frequency (RF) front end of the communication device includes one or more transceivers and an antenna switching and tuning network communicatively connecting the one or more transceivers to the one or more antennas. A controller of the communication device is communicatively coupled to at least one display device and the RF front end. The controller identifies the portions of the left and right edge displays that are being touched by a hand holding the communication device. The controller determines when the touch affects a particular antenna. The controller identifies at least one antenna that is near the portions of the left and right edge displays being touched. The controller configures the RF front end to switch or tune at least one antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigating adverse effects on the antenna performance of at least one antenna and keeping it within regulatory limits for RF transmission exposure.

[0024] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the antennas are present substantially around all the top, bottom, and side edges of the housing assembly, increasing the likelihood that a user holding the communication device will obstruct one or more antennas with a tight grip. This likelihood increases the need for improved antenna switching and tuning. Conventional antenna tuning involves accessing antenna sensor measurements that support a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) algorithm to detect which antennas are adversely affected. In response, antenna tuning or switching compensates for degraded transmission and reception. Antenna tuning or switching can also be used to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects on the antenna performance of at least one antenna and keeping within regulatory limits on RF transmission exposure. This disclosure provides an economical and accurate touch detection method to replace or enhance antenna impedance sensing. This disclosure also provides closed-loop control for antenna switching for antennas that cannot be practicably monitored using impedance sensors. For example, some antennas may only be used for receiving. This disclosure can detect touch without having to add transmit capability to a receive-only antenna as required by impedance sensing.

[0025] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, using an edge display to detect hand position is particularly beneficial for receive-only antennas such as Wi-Fi / GPS antennas, or transmit antennas where impedance measurement is impractical, where impedance measurement is unavailable. The edge display provides high-resolution detection of hand grip positions on the edge of the housing assembly, even for light grips that provide poor capacitance changes for capacitive sensors. By incorporating geometric recognition patterns for grips of different sizes for right and left hands, robust detection of antenna proximity is possible, even for antennas on the back of the housing assembly. Detecting user interactions with the communication device and associating different tuning states for each interaction improves the overall performance of the antenna.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, this disclosure provides for detecting a thumb on a lateral edge to easily determine whether it is a left or right hand grip. Furthermore, the position of the thumb can provide a fair estimate of the hand size and grip type. For example, if the thumb is located on the right edge of the display and below or above the center, two different tuning states can be selected. Direct or indirect detection of portions of the hand, including the palm and index finger, can detect proximity of the antenna along the edges and back of the communication device, thereby eliminating detection ambiguity. This disclosure facilitates closed-loop tuning of the affected antenna or switching to an unaffected antenna. In one or more embodiments, edge detection can detect user contact on one or more of the top, right, bottom, and left edges of the communication device that may affect the antenna. The grip state can be directly mapped to antenna tuning and switching states.

[0027] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which various aspects of this disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and logical, architectural, procedural, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Within the description of the different views of the figures, similar elements are given names and reference numerals similar to those in the preceding figures. Specific reference numerals assigned to elements are provided only to aid description and are not intended to indicate any limitation (structural or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiments. It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are enlarged relative to others.

[0028] It should be understood that the use of names of specific components, devices, and / or parameters as described herein, as well as names of operational utilities, logic, and / or firmware, is merely illustrative and not intended to indicate any limitation on the described embodiments. Embodiments can therefore be described using different nomenclature and / or terms utilized to describe components, devices, parameters, methods, and / or functions herein, without limitation. References to any particular protocol or proprietary name in describing one or more elements, features, or concepts of an embodiment are provided only as examples of an implementation and do not limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments utilizing different element, feature, protocol, or concept names. Therefore, given the context in which each term utilized herein is used, that term will be given its broadest interpretation.

[0029] As further described below, embodiments that provide the functional features of the present disclosure described herein within a processing device and / or structure, and that can involve the use of a combination of hardware, firmware, and several software-level constructs (e.g., program code and / or program instructions and / or pseudocode) to provide specific utilities for a device or specific functional logic. The presented figures illustrate both hardware components and software and / or logic components.

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hardware components and basic configurations depicted in the figures can vary. The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather representative to highlight essential components used to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example, other devices / components may be used to supplement or replace the depicted hardware and / or firmware. The examples depicted are not intended to indicate any architectural or other limitation with respect to the embodiments and / or the general invention currently described. The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments incorporated into the teachings of this disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein.

[0031] Figure 1AThis is a functional block diagram of an electronic device, and more specifically, a functional block diagram of a communication device 100 managed by a controller 101 within an operating environment that advantageously implements the features of this disclosure. The controller 101 monitors and responds to peripheral touches detected by the edge display device 102 to improve the communication performance of the communication subsystem 103. The communication device 100 can be one of a variety of different types of devices, including but not limited to mobile cellular phones, satellite phones or smartphones, laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks, connected smartwatches, or connected sports / exercise watches and / or tablet computing devices, or similar devices that can include wireless and / or wired communication capabilities. As an electronic device supporting wireless communication, the communication device 100 can be used as, and is also referred to as, a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), mobile object, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent, user equipment, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer workstation, handheld device with wireless connectivity, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. The communication device 100 includes a housing assembly 104 which has a single “candybar” shape factor or a configurable “flip” shape factor.

[0032] Within the description of the remaining figures, references to similar components presented in the previous figures are provided with the same reference numerals across different figures. Where named components are presented with different features or functions, different reference numerals or reference numerals with subscripts are provided (e.g., 100a instead of 100). Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of a communication device 100a is depicted, the communication device 100a including a housing assembly 104 having a single "canvas" shape element. The housing assembly 104 has a top edge 105, a right edge 106, a bottom edge 107, and a left edge 108. An edge display device 102 provides touch-sensitive top, right, bottom, and left edge displays 102a-102d.

[0033] Figure 1CA three-dimensional view of a communication device 100b including a housing assembly 104 having a configurable "flip phone" shape factor is depicted. The housing assembly 104 has an upper edge 105, a right edge 106, a lower edge 107, and a left edge 108. An edge display device 102 provides touch-sensitive upper, right, lower, and left edge displays 102a-102d. The housing assembly 104 is configurable and has at least first and second housing portions 104a-104b, which are connected at corresponding first and second proximal sides 109a-109b for relative movement between an open position and a closed position. In one or more embodiments, the first and second housing portions 104a-104b are respectively the base and flip portion of the housing assembly 104. The upper edge 105 is the distal side of the second housing portion 104b. The right edge 106 includes the lower right edge portion 106a of the first housing portion 104a and the upper right edge portion 106b of the second housing portion 104b. The lower edge 107 is the distal edge of the first housing portion 104a. The left edge 108 includes the lower left edge portion 108a of the first housing portion 104a and the upper left edge portion 108b of the second housing portion 104b.

[0034] Refer again Figure 1AThe communication device 100 comprises specific components and associated functions. A controller 101 is communicatively coupled to a housing position sensor 110, which detects when the housing assembly 104 is in: (i) a closed position; and (ii) a position at least partially open or fully open. The controller 101 configures the communication subsystem 103 at least in part based on the position of the housing assembly 104. The housing position sensor 110 can be one of: (i) two binary positions that detect a closed position and any other position considered partially open (i.e., not a closed position); (ii) a multi-position switching of discrete values; or (iii) a continuous distance sensor. The at least partially open position of the housing assembly 104 can be one or more positions between 1° and 179°, defined as a pivot angle between the first and second housing portions 103a-103b. In each implementation, the housing position sensor 110 detects the partially open position based on a predetermined distance or degree of separation between the two housing portions from each other (e.g., 30° or 45°). Distances or degrees can be determined empirically to correspond to when the antennas are sufficiently separated for a specific operating mode of the communication device 100. As an example, the defined pivot angle can be based on one or more considerations, such as: (i) the capability of the housing position sensor 110; (ii) the mechanically available position of the housing assembly 104; (iii) the availability of the user interface assembly; and (iv) the spatial coverage of the antennas 137a-137d as a function of the pivot angle. As an example, the housing assembly 104 can have a pivot mechanism stable in three positions: (i) fully closed; (ii) open at 90°; and (iii) fully open. The at least partially open position can be based on a pivot position of at least 45°, corresponding to the pre-activation display device in preparation for observation at 90° or fully open. As another example, certain pivot positions affect the ability to communicate in certain spatial directions. Detecting one or more positions of the housing assembly 104 can be used to select the antennas 137a-137d for spatial diversity. The housing position sensor 110 can detect a specific pivoting amount from a closed position to a partially open position sufficient to alter the operating characteristics of the communication device 100b. For example, the partially open position is sufficient to allow the edge display device 102 to be observed, prompting the controller 101 to activate the edge display device 102. As another example, the partially open position is sufficient to fully separate two or more antennas located on the first and second housing portions 104a-104b respectively, so that they can operate independently without compromising antenna efficiency. Regarding antenna operation, the partially open position can be substantially the same as the fully open position.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the communication device 100 includes a device memory 112, a communication subsystem 103, a data storage subsystem 113, and an input / output (I / O) subsystem 114. The device memory 112 and each subsystem (103, 113, and 114) are managed by a controller 101. The device memory 112 includes program code and applications, such as an antenna control application 115, a communication application 116, and other applications 117 using communication services. The device memory 112 also includes an operating system (OS) 118, a firmware interface 119 such as a Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) or a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), and firmware 120. The device memory 112 includes antenna configuration data 121, an antenna tuning truth table 122, or other computer data 123 used by the antenna control application 115.

[0036] The processor subsystem 124 of controller 101 runs program code to provide operational functions for communication device 100. Software and / or firmware modules have varying functions when their corresponding program code is run by the processor subsystem 124 or auxiliary processing device within communication device 100. According to one embodiment, the processor subsystem 124 of controller 101 is capable of running program code for antenna control application 115 to configure communication subsystem 103.

[0037] I / O subsystem 114 includes multiple image capture devices 126. I / O subsystem 114 includes user interface devices such as an edge display device 102, a motion detection sensor 128, a touch / haptic control 129, a microphone 130, and multiple audio output devices 131. I / O subsystem 114 also includes an I / O controller 132. In one or more embodiments, the motion detection sensor 128 is capable of detecting the orientation and movement of the communication device 100, instructing the communication device 100 to activate the edge display device 102 or to vertically reorient visual content presented on the edge display device 102. In one or more embodiments, the motion detection sensor 128 is used for functions other than user input, such as detecting an impending ground impact. I / O controller 132 is connected to internal devices 133 within housing assembly 104 and to peripheral devices 134 outside housing assembly 104 of the communication device 100, such as external speakers. Examples of internal devices 133 are computing, storage, communication, or sensing components depicted within housing assembly 104. I / O controller 132 supports the necessary configuration of connectors, power, communication protocols, and data buffers to act as an interface to internal devices 133 and peripheral devices 134 to other components of communication device 100 that use different configurations for input and output.

[0038] The communication subsystem 103 of the communication device 100 enables wireless communication with an external communication system 135. The communication subsystem 103 includes an antenna subsystem 136 having lower-band antennas 137a-137m and higher-band antenna array modules 138a-138n that can be attached to different parts / locations of the housing assembly 104. The communication subsystem 103 includes a radio frequency (RF) front-end 139 and a communication module 140. The RF front-end 139 includes transceivers(s) 141, which include transmitters(s) 142 and receivers(s) 143. The RF front-end 139 also includes modems(s) 144. The RF front-end 139 includes an antenna feed / source network 145, an antenna switching network 146, antenna impedance sensors(s) 147, and antenna matching networks(s) 148. The communication module 140 of the communication subsystem 103 includes a baseband processor 149 that communicates with the controller 101 and the RF front-end 139. Baseband processor 149 operates within the baseband frequency range to encode data for transmission and decode received data according to a communication protocol. Multiple modems 144 modulate baseband-encoded data from communication module 140 onto a carrier signal to provide a transmitted signal amplified by multiple transmitters 142. Multiple modems 144 demodulate each signal received from external communication system 135 and detected by antenna subsystem 136. The received signals are amplified and filtered by multiple receivers 143, which demodulate the received encoded data from the received carrier signal. Antenna feed / source network 145 transmits or receives from specific portions of antenna subsystem 136 and is capable of adjusting the phase between specific portions of antenna subsystem 136. Antenna switching network 146 is capable of connecting specific combinations of antennas (137a-137m, 138a-138n) to multiple transceivers 141. The controller 101 is capable of monitoring antenna impedance changes detected by the antenna impedance sensors(s)147 to determine the blocked portions of the antenna subsystem 136. Multiple antenna matching networks 148 are connected to specific lower-band antennas 137a-137m to individually tune the impedance of the lower-band antennas 137a-137m to match the impedance of the transceiver 141. The multiple antenna matching networks 148 can also be used to detune the impedance of the lower-band antennas 137a-137m to mismatch the impedance of the transceiver 141, thereby electromagnetically isolating specific antennas.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, controller 101 performs various types of over-the-air (OTA) communication with network node 150 of external communication system 135 via communication subsystem 103. A particular network node 150 may be part of a communication network 151 that provides a connection to a common old-style telephone system (POTS) 152 for voice calls and a wide area network (WAN) 153 for data sessions. WAN 153 may include the Internet and other data networks. A particular network node 150 may be a cell 154, such as a base station or base node that uses a RAT as part of a radio access network (RAN) to support cellular OTA communication. Unlike earlier cellular services that used different RATs to handle voice and data, both are now integrated with voice, which is considered a form of data communication. Typically, broadband, packet-based transmission of text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia communications is provided using fourth-generation (4G) RATs (known as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) with Evolved UTMS Radio Access (E-UTRA), but some cellular data services are still provided by third-generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS). Fifth-generation (5G) RATs (known as 5G New Radio (5G NR)) are being deployed to at least utilize the increased data transmission capabilities to extend the capabilities of 4G LTE. Development of sixth-generation (6G) RATs and more advanced RATs continues. As the radio spectrum appears to expand, additional antennas 137a–137m are being incorporated to support newer radio access technologies (RATs) and multi-band operation. Dual-low-band (2L) or quad-low-band (4L) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation specifies that multiple antennas communicate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, network node 150 can be access node(s) 155 supporting wireless OTA communication. Communication subsystem 103 can receive OTA communication from location services such as those provided by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites 156. Communication subsystem 103 communicates with cell 154 via OTA communication(s) 158a. Communication subsystem 103 communicates with access node 155 via wireless communication(s) 158b. In one or more specific embodiments, access node 155 uses one or more IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) protocols to support communication. Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 standard family, commonly used between user equipment and network devices providing Internet access. For example, the Wi-Fi 6e standard is a new requirement that extends the upper frequency range of Wi-Fi to 7.1 GHz. Wi-Fi 6e complements previous versions of Wi-Fi antennas covering 2.3–2.4 GHz and 5.0–6.0 GHz. In one or more specific embodiments, the communication subsystem 103 communicates with one or more local networking devices 159 via a wired or wireless link 158c provided by the access node 155. The communication subsystem 103 receives downlink broadcast channels 158d from GPS satellites 156 to obtain geospatial location information.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, controller 101 performs various types of over-the-air (OTA) communication with local communication system 160 via communication subsystem 103. In one or more embodiments, local communication system 160 includes a wireless headset 161 and a smartwatch 162 coupled to communication device 100 to form a personal access network (PAN). Communication subsystem 103 communicates with headset 161 via multiple low-power wireless communication channels 158e. Communication subsystem 103 communicates with smartwatch 162 via multiple secondary low-power wireless communication channels 158f, such as Bluetooth. In one or more specific embodiments, communication subsystem 103 communicates with multiple other communication devices 163 via wireless link 158g to form an ad hoc network.

[0042] The data storage subsystem 113 of the communication device 100 includes multiple data storage devices 166. The controller 101 is communicatively connected to the multiple data storage devices 166 via a system interconnect 167. The data storage subsystem 113 provides applications, program code, and data stored in non-volatile memory accessible to the controller 101. For example, the data storage subsystem 113 can provide a range of program code and applications, such as an antenna control application 115, a location service application 116, and multiple other applications 117 using communication services. These applications can be loaded into device memory 112 for execution by the controller 101. In one or more embodiments, the multiple data storage devices 166 can include hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disk drives, and / or solid-state drives (SSDs), etc. The data storage subsystem 113 of the communication device 100 can include multiple removable storage devices (RSDs) 169 received in an RSD interface 170. The controller 101 is communicatively connected to the RSDs 169 via the system interconnect 167 and the RSD interface 170. In one or more embodiments, RSD 169 is a non-transitory computer program product or a computer-readable storage device. Controller 101 is able to access RSD 169 or data storage device(s) 166 to supply program code, such as antenna control application 115 and other applications 117, to communication device 100. When run by controller 101, the program code enables or configures communication device 100 to provide multi-transceiver operation functionality using the configurable housing assembly 104 described herein.

[0043] Controller 101 includes a processor subsystem 124, which includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) depicted as data processor 172. Processor subsystem 124 may include one or more digital signal processors 173 integrated with or communicatively coupled to data processor 172, such as baseband processor 149 of communication module 140. Controller 101 may include one or more application processors (“sensor hubs”) 174 to monitor sensors or controls such as housing position sensor 110 and antenna switching network 146. In one or more embodiments not depicted, controller 101 may further include distributed processing and control components, such as I / O subsystem 114, peripherally or remotely to housing assembly 104 or grouped with other components. Data processor 172 is communicatively coupled to device memory 112 via system interconnect 167. In one or more embodiments, controller 101 of communication device 100 is communicatively coupled to communication subsystem 103, data storage subsystem 113, and input / output subsystem 114 via system interconnect 167. System interconnection 167 refers to internal components that facilitate internal communication via one or more shared or dedicated internal communication links, such as internal serial or parallel buses. As utilized herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that information signals can be transmitted via various interconnections between components, including wired and / or wireless links. Interconnections between components can be direct interconnections involving conductive transmission media or indirect interconnections involving one or more intermediate electrical components. Although in Figure 1A The diagram illustrates some direct interconnections (interconnection 167), but it should be understood that more, fewer, or different interconnections may exist in other embodiments. Interconnection 167 communicatively connects components in the first housing portion 103a to components in the second housing portion 103b. The power distribution system 168 provides power to the components in the first housing portion 103a and to the components in the second housing portion 103b.

[0044] The controller 101 manages, and in some cases directly controls, various functions and / or operations of the communication device 100. These functions and / or operations include, but are not limited to, application data processing, communication with other communication devices, navigation tasks, image processing, and signal processing. In one or more alternative embodiments, the communication device 100 may use hardware component equivalents for application data processing and signal processing. For example, the communication device 100 may use dedicated hardware, a dedicated processor, a general-purpose computer, a microprocessor-based computer, a microcontroller, an optical computer, an analog computer, a dedicated processor, and / or dedicated hardwired logic.

[0045] Figure 1DA simplified communication diagram of the components of a communication device 100 that tunes antennas 137a-137m based on edge detection is depicted. In one or more embodiments, the RF front end 139 includes a tuner controller 176 communicatively coupled to control antenna tuners 178a-178m that respectively tune antennas 137a-137m. According to one or more embodiments, when the processor subsystem 124 of the controller 101 ( Figure 1A During execution, the Edge Display Hand Grip Detection and Mitigation (EDHDM) application 115 is able to tune antennas 137a-137m using truth tables 122122. Multiple edge display devices 102 provide edge information 180 to the EDHDM application 115, which is executed by controller 124. Based on the detected hand grip pattern, the EDHDM application 115 determines the corresponding tuning code 182 in the truth table 122 stored in device memory 112. Controller 101 configures tuner control 176 with the tuning code 182.

[0046] Figure 2A An end view of an example communication device 100 with an edge display device 102 held by a user's right hand 201a is depicted. The thumb 202a touches the right edge 106 of the housing assembly 104 and the right edge display 102b of the edge display device 102. At least the little finger and ring finger 204a-205a touch the left edge 108 of the housing assembly 104 and the left edge display 102d of the edge display device 102. In one or more scenarios, the middle finger 206a, index finger 207a, and / or palm 208a can also contact the edge display device 102. The thumb 202a is close to the antenna 137a, and the ring finger 205a is close to the antenna 137b, both of which affect antenna performance. Human tissue is a lossy dielectric that absorbs RF transmissions and affects the impedance of antennas 137a-137b. Antennas 137a-137b are connected to the RF front end 139 (…). Figure 1A Impedance mismatch between the two components reduces antenna performance.

[0047] Figure 2B An end view of an example communication device 100a is depicted, the example communication device 100a having a configurable housing assembly 104 in a closed position and held by the user's right hand 201a. Figure 2C Depicting held by the user's right hand 201a Figure 2B A front view of an example communication device 100a. (Special Reference) Figure 2BThe communication device 100a includes a right-edge display device and a left-edge display device 102e-102f respectively located on the right and left edges 106a and 108a of the first housing portion 104a. The edge display devices 102b and 102d are visible and can be activated when the housing assembly 104 is in the closed position. A lower display device 102g is located on the front 111a of the first housing portion 104a. An upper display device 102h is located on the front 111b of the second housing portion 104b. When the housing assembly 104 is in the closed position, the lower and upper display devices 102g-102h are hidden and can be inactive. Antennas 137a-137b are located on the right and left edges 106b and 108b of the second housing portion 104b, respectively. At least the little finger and ring finger 204a-205a touch the left edge 108a-108b of the housing assembly 104 and the left edge display 102d of the edge display device 102d. In one or more scenarios, the middle finger 206a, index finger 207a, and / or palm 208a can also contact the edge display device 102d. The thumb 202a is close to the antenna 137a, while the ring finger 205a is close to the antenna 137b, both of which affect antenna performance. When the housing assembly 104 is in the closed position, the features of this disclosure, including antenna tuning and switching features, are also applied to the communication device 100a, wherein the edge display devices 102e-102f are physically affected by a portion of the hand 201a of the user holding the communication device 100a and thus detect the presence of that portion.

[0048] Figure 3 A front three-dimensional view of an example communication device 100 depicted in a tightly clenched right hand grip. Figure 4 Depicting a tight grip with the right hand. Figure 3 Rear view of example communication device 100. (Special Reference) Figure 3 Based on the detection of higher touches on the communication device 100, such as above the center pixel reference line 301 and / or the detection of a palm touch 208a, a grip can be considered tight. In one or more of the described embodiments, based on the detection of lower touches on the communication device 100 and / or the absence of a palm touch 208a, a grip can be considered loose. The communication device 100 uses the longitudinal distance from the center pixel reference line 301 to the touch detected on the right edge display 102b to estimate the hand size. The communication device 100 detects the thumb 202a of the right hand 201a contacting the first edge region 311 above the center pixel reference line 301. Antenna 137a-137m ( Figure 1APerformance in the first edge region 311 can be adversely affected. The communication device 100 detects a palm 208a at least abutting the right edge display 102b at the second edge region 312. The communication device 100 detects the little finger 204a and ring finger 205a abutting the left edge display 102d at the third edge region 313 below the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 detects the middle finger 206a abutting the left edge display 102d at the fourth edge region 314 above the center pixel reference line 301. Based on the detected touch pattern, the communication device 100 recognizes a right-hand grip. (See also: Special Reference) Figure 4 The communication device 100 recognizes that the index finger 207a is not touching the left edge of the display 102d. The communication device 100 can indirectly detect that the index finger 207a is touching the fifth touch area 415 near the rear antenna 137a.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the communication device 100 detects respectively in Figure 5-8 At least four specific hand grip states 501-504 are depicted. Each hand grip state corresponds to a defined antenna switching and tuning configuration. Figure 5 A front view of an example communication device 100 depicting a first hand grip 501 with the left hand 201b tightly clenched. The communication device 100 detects the thumb 202b of the left hand 201b contacting the first edge region 511 on the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 detects the palm 208b at least abutting the left edge display 102d at the second edge region 512. The communication device 100 detects the little finger 204b and ring finger 205b abutting the right edge display 102b at the third edge region 513 below the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 detects the middle finger 206b and index finger 106b abutting the right edge display 102b at the fourth edge region 514 above the center pixel reference line 301.

[0050] Figure 6A front view of an example communication device 100 depicting a second hand grip state 502, characterized by a loose left-hand grip 201b. According to this disclosure, and as presented in one or more embodiments, the reference to a loose grip is associated with a device that detects a portion of the hand holding the communication device 100, without any contact between the palm 208b and the hand. In contrast, a tight grip is associated with a device that detects the entire palm and fingers in contact with the communication device 100. The communication device 100 detects the thumb 202b of the hand 201b contacting the left edge display 102d at a first edge region 611 below the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 does not detect the palm 208b. The communication device 100 detects the little finger 204b, ring finger 205b, middle finger 206b, and index finger 106b contacting the right edge display 102b in a second touch region 612 below the center pixel reference line 301.

[0051] Figure 7 A front view of an example communication device 100 depicting a third hand grip state 503 with the right hand clenched tightly in right hand 201a. The communication device 100 detects the thumb 202a of the right hand 201a abutting against the right edge display 102b at the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 detects the palm 208a at least abutting against the right edge display 102b. The communication device 100 detects the little finger 204a and ring finger 205a abutting against the left edge display 102d below the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 detects the middle finger 206a and index finger 106a abutting against the left edge display 102d above the center pixel reference line 301. Figure 8 A front view of an example communication device 100 depicting a fourth hand grip state 504, with the right hand 201a loosely clenched and the right hand tightly clenched. The communication device 100 detects the thumb 202a of the hand 201a abutting the right edge display 102b below the center pixel reference line 301. The communication device 100 does not detect the palm 208a. The communication device 100 detects the little finger 204a, ring finger 205a, middle finger 206a, and index finger 106a abutting the left edge display 102d below the center pixel reference line 301. In one or more embodiments, the communication device 100 is capable of identifying right and left hand grips, and loose or tight grips, based on different subsets of the detected fingers 204a-207a or 204b-207b. As an example, the communication device 100 detects... Figure 7-8 The fingers in question are 204a-207a. Communication equipment 100 detection. Figure 3-4 Fingers 204a-206a are used in the third hand grip state 503. Figure 7 ) Specific variants.

[0052] Figures 9A-9BA flowchart of a method 900 for improving communication performance by switching or tuning an antenna based on detecting hand grip affecting a specific antenna using a detection edge display is presented. The description of method 900 is generally referenced in the foregoing. Figure 1A-1C The specific components illustrated in Figures 2-8 are provided. In at least one embodiment, the communication device 100 managed by the controller 101 uses an edge display device 102 ( Figure 1A The controller 101 executes method 900 by detecting the hand-grip state and configuring the RF front-end 139 to mitigate the detected hand-grip state. The controller 101 executes EDHDM application 115. Figure 1A This provides the multi-transceiver communication functionality of method 900. Specific components described in method 900 can be the same as or similar to components with the same names used to describe the aforementioned Figures 1-1B and 2-8. Reference Figure 9A Method 900 includes monitoring the left and right edge displays of at least one display device of the communication device (block 902). In one or more embodiments, method 900 includes additionally monitoring one or more of the upper and lower edge displays of at least one display device (block 903). The left, right, and lower edge displays extend at least a majority of the right and left lateral edges and the lower edge of the housing assembly of the communication device, respectively. Method 900 includes determining portions of the left, right, and lower edge displays touched by a hand gripping the communication device (block 904). Method 900 includes identifying a plurality of touch patterns on the right, left, and lower edge displays (block 906). Method 900 includes comparing the plurality of touch patterns with two or more predefined patterns of gripping by the right and left hands (block 908). In one or more embodiments, method 900 includes determining that a pattern of multiple touches is one of: (i) a first state having a right hand grip without palm contact; (ii) a second state having a right hand grip with palm contact; (iii) a third state having a left hand grip without palm contact; or (iv) a fourth state having a left hand grip with palm contact (block 916). In one or more embodiments, method 900 includes identifying a right hand grip from a left hand grip by detecting two or more touches on one lateral side and one touch on another lateral side. In one or more embodiments, method 900 includes identifying a tight hand grip from a loose hand grip by determining a higher or lower touch on the communication device, respectively. Method 900 includes associating antenna switching and tuning configuration based on one of the determined first, second, third, or fourth states (block 912).

[0053] refer to Figure 9BMethod 900 includes configuring the radio frequency (RF) front end of a communication device to switch or tune one of at least one antenna based on antenna switching and tuning configuration (block 914). In one or more embodiments, method 900 includes determining a reference line between the right and left lateral sides based on the longitudinal position of a plurality of touch patterns (block 916). Method 900 includes determining the palm position of a hand based on the reference line (block 918). Method 900 includes determining whether a plurality of touch patterns indicate that the index finger of the hand is positioned near a rear antenna (determination block 920). In response to determining that the index finger is positioned near a rear antenna, method 900 includes configuring the RF front end to switch or tune one of the rear antennas positioned at the rear surface of the housing assembly (block 922). In response to determining that the index finger is not positioned near a rear antenna or after block 922, method 900 returns to block 902 (block 902). Figure 9A ).

[0054] Figure 10 A flowchart is presented for a method 1000 for determining tuning codes for configuring an RF front end based on edge information. This utilizes the aforementioned... Figure 1A A general reference is provided for the description of method 1000 for specific components illustrated in –1C, 2-8, and 9A–9B. In at least one embodiment, the communication device 100 managed by the controller 101 uses an edge display device 102 ( Figure 1A The controller 101 executes method 1000 by detecting the hand-grip state and configuring the RF front-end 139 to mitigate the detected hand-grip state. The controller 101 executes EDHDM application 115. Figure 1A This provides the multi-transceiver communication functionality of method 1000. The specific components described in method 1000 are capable of communicating with those used to describe the aforementioned... Figure 1A-1C The components with the same names as those in 2-8 and 9A-9B are identical or similar. Method 1000 includes monitoring edge information received from the edge display devices(s) for a period of time (e.g., 1 second) (box 1002). A sufficiently long time period can be selected to reduce computational overhead and ignore brief touches (e.g., 2 seconds). A sufficiently short time period can be selected to mitigate antenna performance degradation (e.g., 0.5 seconds). For clarity, method 1000 monitors edge information. In one or more embodiments, the edge information can be combined with other information sources that sense or infer touch on the communication device. For example, an impedance sensor can detect impedance changes in a particular antenna.

[0055] return Figure 10Method 1000 includes receiving frequency information from a modem (box 1001). Each antenna has a frequency as a function of the change in input impedance. Determining the appropriate tuning code for the antenna requires knowing the frequency being used. Method 1000 includes determining whether a change in edge information has occurred (decision box 1004). In response to determining in box 1004 that a change in edge information has occurred, method 1000 includes comparing the edge information with the following defined hand grip patterns: (i) tight right hand grip; (ii) tight left hand grip; (iii) loose right hand grip; (iv) loose left hand grip; (v) tight indeterminate grip; (vi) loose indeterminate grip (box 1006). As an example, an indeterminate grip could be a pattern of thumb and fingers that is insufficient to determine whether the right or left hand grips. Method 1000 includes determining whether the edge information matches one of the defined hand grip patterns (decision box 1008). In one or more embodiments, a tight, indeterminate grip can use the same tuning code as a tight right-hand grip, while a loose, indeterminate grip can use the same tuning code as a loose right-hand grip. Due to right-hand dominance, the likelihood of using the right hand is greater than that of using the left hand. In one or more embodiments, when touchscreen use is detected, a tight, indeterminate grip can use the same tuning code as a tight left-hand grip, and a loose, indeterminate grip can use the same tuning code as a loose left-hand grip. Due to right-hand dominance, the likelihood of using the touchscreen is greater than that of using the left hand. In response to determining a mismatch between edge information and one of the defined grip patterns in box 1008, method 1000 includes configuring the RF front end using a default tuning code (box 1010). After box 1010, method 1000 returns to box 1002. In response to determining a match between edge information and one of the defined grip patterns in box 1008, method 1000 includes determining the tuning code associated with the matching grip pattern using a truth table (box 1012). Method 1000 includes configuring the RF front end using tuning codes (box 1014). After box 1014, method 1000 returns to box 1002.

[0056] Aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / behaviors specified in one or more flowchart illustration and / or block diagram blocks.

[0057] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, embodiments of this invention can be embodied as systems, devices, and / or methods. Therefore, embodiments of this invention can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments or embodiments combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which are generally referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

[0058] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and equivalents can replace its elements. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed for implementing the present invention, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc., does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” when used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0060] All means or steps in the following claims, along with corresponding structures, materials, behaviors, and equivalents of the functional elements, are intended to encompass any structure, material, or behavior for performing a function in conjunction with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of this invention has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Embodiments have been chosen and described to best illustrate the principles and practical application of this invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this invention with respect to various embodiments having various modifications as suited to the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A communication device, the communication device comprising: A housing assembly having a right lateral edge and a left lateral edge; At least one display device, the at least one display device being supported by the housing assembly and having a touch-sensitive right edge display and a left edge display, the right edge display and the left edge display extending along at least a majority of the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge, respectively; More than one antenna, wherein the more than one antenna is positioned along the right lateral edge and the left lateral edge respectively; A radio frequency (RF) front end, the radio frequency (RF) front end comprising: One or more transceivers; and An antenna switching and tuning network, wherein the antenna switching and tuning network communicatively connects the one or more transceiver housings to the more than one antenna; A controller, communicatively coupled to the at least one display device and the RF front end, and the controller: Identify the portions of the left and right edge displays that are being touched by the object; At least one antenna is identified as being near the portion of the left edge display and the right edge display that is being touched; and Configure the RF front end to switch or tune the at least one antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigate the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keep within regulatory limits on RF transmission exposure.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller: The pattern of multiple touches is identified on at least one of the right edge display and the left edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; Determine which of the multiple touch patterns corresponds to the right-hand grip and the left-hand grip; as well as Based on a selectively associated antenna switching and tuning configuration determined by either the right-hand grip or the left-hand grip.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein: The more than one antenna includes a rear-facing antenna positioned on the back of the housing assembly; and The controller: The pattern of the multiple touches indicates that the finger is positioned close to the rear antenna; as well as In response to determining that the finger is positioned close to the rear antenna, the RF front end is configured to switch or tune the rear antenna to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping within regulatory limits on RF transmission exposure.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing assembly has a lower edge; The at least one display device includes a lower edge display, the lower edge display being touch-sensitive and extending at least a majority of the lower edge; At least one base antenna of the more than one antenna is positioned at the lower edge; as well as The controller: Determine when at least a portion of the lower edge display is touched by the object; The at least one base antenna is identified as being close to at least a portion of the lower edge display that is being touched by the object; as well as The RF front end is configured to switch or tune the at least one base antenna located at the lower edge in order to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The controller: The patterns of multiple touches are identified on the right edge display, the left edge display, and the bottom edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; The determination of the multiple touch patterns indicates one of the following: (i) a first state including a right hand clenched without palm contact; (ii) a second state including a right hand clenched with palm contact; (iii) a third state including a left hand clenched without palm contact; or (iv) a fourth state including a left hand clenched with palm contact. Based on one of the first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state, the antenna switching and tuning configuration are selectively associated.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein, The controller: A reference line between the right and left lateral sides is determined based on the vertical position of the multiple touch patterns; as well as The position of the hand's palm is determined based on the reference line.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The left edge display and the right edge display include portions of the front display device of the at least one display device.

8. A method for a communication device, comprising: A left-edge display and a right-edge display of at least one display device that monitors at least a majority of the right and left lateral edges of a housing assembly of a communication device, the communication device having more than one antenna positioned along the right and left lateral edges, respectively. Identify a portion of at least one of the left edge display and the right edge display that is being touched by an object; At least one antenna from the more than one antenna is identified as being close to the portion of the left edge display and the right edge display that is being touched; as well as Configure the radio frequency (RF) front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna in order to provide at least one of the following: mitigate the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance or keep it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The pattern of multiple touches is identified on at least one of the right edge display and the left edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; Determine which of the multiple touch patterns corresponds to the right-hand grip and the left-hand grip; as well as Based on a selectively associated antenna switching and tuning configuration determined by either the right-hand grip or the left-hand grip.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The pattern of the multiple touches indicates that the fingers of the hand are positioned close to the rear antenna; as well as In response to determining that the finger is positioned close to the rear antenna, the RF front end is configured to switch or tune the rear antenna positioned at the rear surface of the housing assembly to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Monitor the lower edge display of the at least one display device that extends at least a majority of the lower edge of the housing assembly; Determine when at least a portion of the lower edge display is touched by the object; Identify at least one base antenna of the more than one antenna as being close to at least a portion of the lower edge display that is being touched; as well as The RF front end is configured to switch or tune the at least one antenna located at the lower edge in order to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping RF transmission exposure within regulatory limits.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The patterns of multiple touches are identified on the right edge display, the left edge display, and the bottom edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; The determination of the multiple touch patterns indicates one of the following: (i) a first state including a right hand clenched without palm contact; (ii) a second state including a right hand clenched with palm contact; (iii) a third state including a left hand clenched without palm contact; or (iv) a fourth state including a left hand clenched with palm contact; and Based on one of the first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state, the antenna switching and tuning configuration are selectively associated.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: A reference line between the right and left lateral sides is determined based on the vertical position of the multiple touch patterns; as well as The position of the hand's palm is determined based on the reference line.

14. A computer program product comprising: Computer-readable storage device; as well as The program code on the computer-readable storage device, when executed by a processor associated with the communication device, enables the communication device to provide the following functions: A left-edge display and a right-edge display of at least one display device that monitors at least a majority of the right and left lateral edges of a housing assembly of a communication device, the communication device having more than one antenna positioned along the right and left lateral edges, respectively. Identify a portion of at least one of the left edge display and the right edge display that is being touched by an object; At least one antenna from the more than one antenna is identified as being close to the portion of the left edge display and the right edge display that is being touched; as well as Configure the radio frequency (RF) front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna in order to provide at least one of the following: mitigate the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keep within regulatory limits on RF transmission exposure.

15. The computer program product according to claim 14, wherein, The program code enables the communication device to provide the following functions: The pattern of multiple touches is identified on at least one of the right edge display and the left edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; Determine which of the multiple touch patterns corresponds to the right-hand grip and the left-hand grip; as well as Based on a selectively associated antenna switching and tuning configuration determined by either the right-hand grip or the left-hand grip.

16. The computer program product according to claim 15, wherein, The program code enables the communication device to provide the following functions: The pattern of the multiple touches indicates that the fingers of the hand are positioned close to the rear antenna; as well as In response to determining that the finger is positioned close to the rear antenna, the RF front end is configured to switch or tune the rear antenna positioned at the rear surface of the housing assembly to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping it within regulatory limits of RF transmission exposure.

17. The computer program product according to claim 14, wherein, The program code enables the communication device to provide the following functions: Monitor the lower edge display of the at least one display device that extends at least a majority of the lower edge of the housing assembly; Determine when at least a portion of the lower edge display is touched by the object; Identify at least one base antenna of the more than one antenna as being close to at least a portion of the lower edge display that is being touched; as well as The RF front end is configured to switch or tune the at least one antenna located at the lower edge in order to provide at least one of the following: mitigating the adverse effects of the at least one antenna on antenna performance and keeping RF transmission exposure within regulatory limits.

18. The computer program product according to claim 17, wherein, The program code enables the communication device to provide the following functions: The patterns of multiple touches are identified on the right edge display, the left edge display, and the bottom edge display; The multiple touch patterns are compared with two or more predefined patterns for right-hand grip and left-hand grip; The determination of the multiple touch patterns indicates one of the following: (i) a first state including a right hand clenched without palm contact; (ii) a second state including a right hand clenched with palm contact; (iii) a third state including a left hand clenched without palm contact; or (iv) a fourth state including a left hand clenched with palm contact; and Based on one of the first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state, the antenna switching and tuning configuration are selectively associated.

19. The computer program product according to claim 18, wherein, The program code enables the communication device to provide the following functions: A reference line between the right and left lateral sides is determined based on the vertical position of the multiple touch patterns; and The position of the hand's palm is determined based on the reference line.

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