Apparatus and method for managing communications

Abstract

An apparatus for managing communications is described that includes a sensor (254), first and second antennas (256, 258), and first and second shields (260, 262). The sensor (254) has a field of view and includes a first side and a second side, where the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The first antenna (256) is positioned off the first side of the sensor (254), and the second antenna (258) is positioned off the second side of the sensor (254). The first shield (260) is adjacent the first side of the sensor (254) and is a first distance from the first antenna (256), and the second shield (262) is adjacent the second side of the sensor (254) and is a second distance from the second antenna (258). The first shield (260) focuses the first antenna (256) toward the field of view, and the second shield (262) focuses the second antenna (258) toward the field of view.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of building management systems, and more specifically, to a sensor device for managing a plurality of wireless communications of a building management system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Building management systems include a variety of devices that facilitate monitoring and controlling various aspects of building operations. Building management systems (which can also be referred to herein as "building automation systems") include security systems, fire safety systems, lighting systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems. Lighting systems and HVAC systems are sometimes referred to as "environmental control systems" because they are capable of controlling environmental conditions within a building.

[0003] Elements of a building management system can be dispersed throughout a facility. For example, an HVAC system includes temperature sensors and ventilation damper controllers, among other elements that are actually located in each area of a facility. Similarly, a security system includes intrusion detection, motion sensors, and alarm actuators that are dispersed throughout a building, and a fire safety system includes smoke alarms and pull stations that are dispersed throughout a facility. Different areas of a building management system can have different environmental settings based on the use and personal preferences of the people in those areas, so the devices of the system frequently communicate with each other and with neighboring devices to determine optimal environmental settings.

[0004] Devices of a building management system are becoming technically more complex while the distribution and installation of such devices needs to be as easy as possible. Many devices include multiple sensors and / or communication components that are packaged within a simple housing. Due to potential interference and sensitivity of different communication technologies, each communication technology attempts to maximize its performance and coverage area, which can present problems with the design of these devices (packaging many features into a small form factor). SUMMARY

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present application, a method of communication management for a field device of a building management system is provided. The building management system can include a field device that integrates a sensor with a plurality of sensors, or more specifically, a field device that integrates a motion sensor with one or more radio frequency (RF) sensors. For example, a lighting device can include a passive infrared sensor that detects motion and a RF sensor that transmits and / or receives wireless signals. Each RF sensor can utilize an antenna to optimize communication, such as a Bluetooth (BLE) antenna, an IEEE 802.15.4 antenna, and / or an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna. The RF antennas can be strategically positioned around and offset from the sensor in order to maximize performance when integrated with the motion sensor within a small form factor. Moreover, a shield can be strategically positioned at a fixed length from each antenna to enhance the respective sensor's ability to focus on an area of interest and improve its communication range. For some embodiments, the shield can cooperate with other components, such as a portion of the sensor's outer surface or housing, to act as a Faraday cage or shield to enhance performance.

[0006] A circuit board of the field device, or more specifically, an edge of the circuit board (not a flat surface on either side) is positioned adjacent to the sensor such that the circuit board extends beyond a back end of the sensor, i.e., an end opposite the front end. The antennas of the RF sensors are coupled to the circuit board, as are the two shields, which are grounded to the circuit board. Wireless signals in communication with the antennas are concentrated on a field of view in front of the sensor, i.e., an area where a moving object is expected to be present.

[0007] The building management system can include a field device that switches between different sensors or antennas, where one sensor or antenna can focus in a first direction and a second sensor or antenna can focus in a second direction different from the first direction. For example, the circuitry of the circuit board can dynamically switch between the antennas based on a packet error rate (PER) associated with the performance of the antennas. For some embodiments, the field device can include a third antenna, where the second antenna can act as a shield for the third antenna, particularly when the second antenna is not radiating.

[0008] One aspect is a device for managing communication, including a sensor, first and second antennas, and first and second shields. The sensor has a field of view and includes a first side and a second side, where the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The first antenna is positioned offset from the first side of the sensor and the second antenna is positioned offset from the second side of the sensor. The first shield is adjacent to the first side of the sensor and a first distance from the first antenna and the second shield is adjacent to the second side of the sensor and a second distance from the second antenna. The first shield focuses the first antenna to the field of view and the second shield focuses the second antenna to the field of view.

[0009] Another aspect is a device for managing communications including a circuit board, a sensor, first and second antennas, and first and second shields. The circuit board has a first side and a second side, where the second side is substantially opposite the first side. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the circuit board and includes a body supported by the circuit board and a front end extending from the body. The first antenna is coupled to the first side of the circuit board and positioned proximate the front end of the sensor, offset from the first side of the circuit board. The second antenna is coupled to the second side of the circuit board and positioned proximate the front end of the sensor, offset from the second side of the circuit board. The first shield is adjacent to an outer surface of the sensor and a first distance from the first antenna. The second shield is adjacent to the outer surface of the sensor and a second distance from the second antenna.

[0010] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the claims when read in conjunction with the appended claims. While one or more of these or other advantageous features are desirable, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments beyond what is described by the words of the claims. That is, these teachings extend to other situations taken in conjunction with the words of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present application and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like objects in the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is an illustration of an environment that can be employed in an example implementation of the device and techniques described herein.

[0013] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of a device having device components enclosed within a translucent housing to protect the device components.

[0014] Figure 2B is an upper perspective view of a device of Figure 2A having device components selected.

[0015] Figure 3 is a top plan view of device components selected of Figure 2B the device.

[0016] Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of device components selected of Figure 2B the device.

[0017] Figure 5 is a block diagram of operational components of the device of Figure 2A .

[0018] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of example operations of the device of Figure 2A . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Various techniques related to systems and methods to facilitate managing communications for devices of a building management system will now be described with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The drawings discussed below and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present application in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the application can be implemented in any suitably arranged device. It should be understood that functions described as being performed by certain system elements can be performed by multiple elements. Similarly, for example, an element can be configured to perform functions described as being performed by multiple elements. Many innovative teachings presented herein will be described with reference to exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1 , a region 100 such as a room is shown that includes a building structure such as a wall 102 and / or fixtures such as a light fixture 104. The building structure and fixtures can support a building management system for detecting presence and / or movement of an occupant or asset 106. Figure 1 The illustrated example also shows a mobile device 108 associated with the occupant or asset 106. For example, the mobile device 108 can be carried, supported, or otherwise co-located with the occupant or asset 106 such that the location of the mobile device can be associated with the location of the occupant or asset. The building management system can include an array of field devices 110 and a controller 112 coupled to the field devices via wired or wireless links. The array of sensors can be distributed throughout the region 100 (e.g., ceiling, wall, floor, or other building structure) as well as other areas of the facility, so each sensor can be located at a building structure with an electrical fixture (such as the light fixture 104) or without an electrical fixture (such as at the wall 102).

[0021] Each field device 110, whether mounted to the wall 102, light fixture 104, or other structure, is configured to detect and / or track motion within a field of view 114 of the region 100. An example of a motion sensor is, but is not limited to, a passive infrared sensor. Each field device 110 is also configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices 108 over a radio frequency (RF) link 116. Examples of wireless technologies that can be used for each RF link 116 include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (BLE), IEEE 802.15.4, and / or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication technologies. The controller 112 represents any type of computing device or group of devices that can be used to receive data related to each field device and / or room, send controls to each field device, or otherwise operate and maintain each field device. Examples of the controller 112 include, but are not limited to, a field controller, panel, gateway, hub, server, desktop, tablet, mobile device, and combinations of these devices such as a cloud or server group.

[0022] refer to Figure 2A The figure shows a top perspective view of device 200, enclosed within translucent housings 202, 204 to support device components 206-212. Housings 202, 204 include a front housing 202 for supporting and protecting the sensor tip and a main housing 204 for supporting and protecting the sensor body. Device components 206-212 of device 200 include one or more exposed portions 206, 208, 210 exposed to the external environment and one or more internal portions 212 not exposed to the environment. As shown in the example in Figure 2, the sensor tip or a portion 206 may be exposed at the front housing 202, allowing the sensor to point towards its field of view with minimal interference. Similarly, a visual indicator 208 may be exposed at the front housing 202 to maximize visibility to any inhabitant 106 adjacent to device 200. Furthermore, an electrical connector 210 may be exposed at the main housing 204 to allow the sensor to be directly connected to a power source or appliance, such as a lamp 104. For embodiments including electrical connector 210, housings 202, 204 may include a rear end gap 214 to provide a passage to external cables or connectors for electrical connector 210.

[0023] Reference Figure 2B It shows that there is no Figure 2A The diagram shows a top perspective view of the selected device components of device 250, including housings 202 and 204. Device 250 includes a circuit board 252, a sensor 254, multiple antennas 256 and 258, and multiple shielding elements 260 and 262. Circuit board 252 has a first side 264 and a second side 266, wherein the second side is substantially opposite to the first side. The upper portion of circuit board 252 is defined by extensions 268 and 270 at the lateral side edges and a cut-off portion at the upper center edge of circuit board 252 (as shown below). Figure 4 (As shown) and resembles a Y-shaped outline.

[0024] The circuitry of circuit board 252, or more specifically, the circuitry of the circuit board, is connected to a first front-end antenna 256 and a second front-end antenna 258. The first front-end antenna 256 may be connected to a first extension 268 on the upper portion of circuit board 252, and the second front-end antenna 258 may be connected to a second extension 270 on the circuit board. For example, the first front-end antenna 256 may be connected to a first solder contact 272 at the first extension 268, while the second front-end antenna 258 may be connected to a second solder contact 273 at the second extension 270.

[0025] The sensor 254 of device 250 has a field of view that can be identified by the focusing direction of sensor 254 (by...). Figure 1field of view 114 (as represented by the field of view 114 of the sensor 254). Examples of the sensor 254 include, but are not limited to, a motion sensor such as a passive infrared sensor. The sensor 254 includes a front end 274 extending from a body (or a remainder) of the sensor 254, where the body can be supported by the circuit board 252. By extending from the body, the front end 274 of the sensor 254 is pointed in a focal direction relative to the body. Accordingly, the front end 274 of the sensor 254 and its subparts (e.g., a sensor lens) face a field of view of the sensor 254.

[0026] Further, the sensor 254 is positioned adjacent to the circuit board 252, and more particularly, adjacent to an upper edge of the circuit board 252, and extends laterally beyond the planar surface on either side 264, 266 of the circuit board 252. For some embodiments, the sensor 254 is mounted to the upper edge of the circuit board 252 and extends symmetrically beyond the first and second sides 264, 266 of the circuit board. The front end 274 of the sensor 254 can include a sensor lens oriented away from the circuit board 252 and toward the field of view in a direction parallel to the first and second sides 264, 266 of the circuit board 252.

[0027] The first front end antenna 256 and the second front end antenna 258 are focused in a first direction similar to the focal direction of the sensor 254, such that they are pointed toward the field of view of the sensor 254. The first front end antenna 256 can be coupled to a first extension 268 of the circuit board 252, and the second front end antenna 258 can be coupled to a second extension 270 of the circuit board 252. The first front end antenna 256 is coupled to a first side of the circuit board 252 and located proximate to the front end of the sensor 254, and similarly, the second front end antenna 258 is coupled to a second side of the circuit board 252 and located proximate to the front end of the sensor 254.

[0028] The first and second front end antennas 256, 258 operate for different wireless technologies, even though they are focused in similar directions. Examples of wireless technologies include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (including BLE), Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi Direct), Ultra-Wideband, IEEE 802.15.4, Z-Wave, 6LOWPAN, Near Field Communication, other types of electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency waves, light-based communication (including infrared), acoustic communication, and any other type of peer-to-peer technology. For example, the first front end antenna 256 can operate for BLE, and the second front end antenna 258 can operate for IEEE 802.15.4.

[0029] As described above, the device 250 includes a first shield 260 and a second shield 262. The first and second shields 260, 262 are grounded, i.e., coupled to the ground of the circuit board 252, and the first and second shields 260, 262 direct the first and second front-end antennas 256, 258, respectively, toward the field of view of the sensor 254. The first and second shields 260, 262 are positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the sensor 254. The first shield 260 is positioned adjacent to the first side of the sensor 254 and a first distance 276 from the first front-end antenna 256, and the second shield 262 is positioned adjacent to the second side of the sensor 254 and a second distance 278 from the second front-end antenna 258. For some embodiments, the first and second distances 276, 278 are substantially similar. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second shields 260, 262 can be parallel and lie within a common two-dimensional plane.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3 FIG. 3, a top plan view of select device components of the device 300 is shown. Figure 3 A transverse axis 302 (see Figure 2B here represented by the transverse axis 302) is shown that is parallel to the planar surface of the circuit board 252 and that distinguishes a first side of the circuit board 252 from a second side of the circuit board 252. The circuit board 252 is represented by a first extension 304 and a second extension 306. The transverse axis 302 also effectively distinguishes a first side 308 of the sensor 254 from a second side 310 of the sensor 254 (see Figure 2B here represented in part by the first side 308 and the second side 310).

[0031] The first and second extensions 304, 306 of the circuit board 252 provide contact points 312, 314 for a first front-end antenna 316 and a second front-end antenna 318, respectively. The first front-end antenna 316 of the device 300 is positioned offset from the first side 308 of the sensor 254 and offset from the first side 308 of the circuit board 252 (represented by the transverse axis 302). Similarly, the second front-end antenna 318 of the device 300 is positioned offset from the second side 310 of the sensor 254 and offset from the second side 310 of the circuit board 252 (represented by the transverse axis 302). The offset of the second front-end antenna 318 from the second side 310 of the sensor 254 is substantially similar to the offset of the first front-end antenna 316 from the first side 308 of the sensor 254.

[0032] The first and second front end antennas 316, 318 are similar in shape, but extend in opposite directions in structure. For example, the first front end antenna 316 has a corner portion 320 near its contact point 312 with the circuit board 252, extends linearly through its middle portion, and has a wide curved end 322, and the second front end antenna 318 has a corner portion 324 near its contact point 314 with the circuit board 252, extends linearly through its middle portion, and has a wide curved end 326. For this example, as shown in Figure 3 the first front end antenna 316 has a contact point 312 near the right side of the figure and extending left, while the second front end antenna 318 has a contact point 314 near the left side of the figure and extending right.

[0033] The outer perimeters of the first and second shields 328, 330 align with the shapes of the first and second front end antennas 316, 318, and the outer perimeters of the first and second sides 308, 310 of the sensor. As noted above, the first side 308 of the sensor is substantially opposite the second side 310 of the sensor. The first shield 328 can have a first inner edge 332 adjacent a first portion of the outer surface of the first side 308, and the second shield 330 can have a second inner edge 334 adjacent a second portion of the outer surface of the second side 310. A substantial portion of the first front end antenna 316 follows a first outer boundary 336 of the first shield 328 (and vice versa), while a substantial portion of the second front end antenna 318 follows a second outer boundary 338 of the second shield 330 (and vice versa). For example, a smoothly curved edge 340 of the first shield 328 aligns with the wide curved end 322 of the first front end antenna 316, while a smoothly curved edge 342 of the second shield 330 aligns with the wide curved end 326 of the second front end antenna 318. On the other hand, the first and second front end antennas 316, 318 need not follow the first and second outer boundaries 336, 338 of the first and second shields 328, 330 completely. For example, the corner portions 320, 324 of the first and second front end antennas 316, 318 do not align with respective portions 344, 346 of their first and second shields 328, 330, and particular inner edges 348, 350 of the first and second shields do not align with other portions of the outer surfaces of the first and second sides 308, 310 of the sensor. Each of the first and second shields 328, 330 includes a ground contact 352, 354, and thus is grounded to the circuit board 252 during portions or all of its operation. It should be understood that the design of the outer perimeters of the first and second shields 328, 330 can vary depending on performance requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the broadest form of the invention.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4FIG. 4B shows a lower perspective view of select device components of the device 400. The device 400 includes a circuit board 402, a first diversity antenna 404, a second diversity antenna 406, and one or more third antennas 408. For some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first diversity antenna 404 can correspond to one of the first or second front end antennas 256, 258, 316, 318, and the second diversity antenna 406 can correspond to one of the first or second shields 260, 262, 328, 330. For example, a device for managing communications can operate the first and second front end antennas 256, 258, 316, 318 and the first and second shields 260, 262, 328, 330. As another example, a device for switching communications can operate the first diversity antenna 404, the second diversity antenna 406, and a third antenna, where the second diversity antenna switches between acting as a separate diversity antenna and a shield for a front end antenna. Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4B, the second diversity antenna 406 can correspond to one of the first or second shields 260, 262, 328, 330, and the third antenna 408 can correspond to one of the first or second front end antennas 256, 258, 316, 318. For example, a device for managing communications can operate the first and second front end antennas 256, 258, 316, 318 and the first and second shields 260, 262, 328, 330. As another example, a device for switching communications can operate the first diversity antenna 404, the second diversity antenna 406, and a third antenna, where the second diversity antenna switches between acting as a separate diversity antenna and a shield for a front end antenna.

[0035] The first and second diversity antennas 404, 406 and the third antenna 408 are each coupled to the circuit board 402, where each antenna is focused in a particular direction and based on a particular wireless technology. The first and second diversity antennas 404, 406 are based on the same wireless technology, but are focused in different directions. Examples of wireless technologies include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (including BLE), Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi Direct), Ultra-Wideband, IEEE 802.15.4, Z-Wave, 6LOWPAN, Near Field Communication, other types of electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency waves, light-based communications (including infrared), acoustic communications, and any other type of peer-to-peer technology. For example, depending on whether the first diversity antenna 404 is in operation, the second diversity antenna 406 is in operation, or both, the first and second diversity antennas 404, 406 can switch back and forth between operating Ultra-Wideband communications in different focused directions. For some embodiments, the first diversity antenna 404 is focused in a first direction, the second diversity antenna 406 is focused in a second direction, and the first and second directions are substantially orthogonal. For some embodiments, the first direction is substantially parallel to one or both of the first and second planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board 402, and the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board 402.

[0036] The third antenna 408 operates based on a wireless technology that is different from the wireless technologies of the first and second antennas 404, 406, regardless of the direction in which the third antenna is focused. Examples of wireless technologies include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (including BLE), Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi Direct), Ultra-Wideband, IEEE 802.15.4, Z-Wave, 6LOWPAN, Near-Field Communication, other types of electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency waves, light-based communication (including infrared), acoustic communication, and any other type of peer-to-peer technology. For example, the first and second diversity antennas 404, 406 can operate based on Ultra-Wideband communication, while the third antenna 408 can operate based on BLE or IEEE 802.15.4 communication. As described above, the second diversity antenna 406 can act as a shield for the third antenna 408.

[0037] The sensor 414 is positioned at an edge of the circuit board 402 and extends laterally beyond one or both of the planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board. The circuit board 402 includes a cutout 416 at the edge to accommodate the outer profile of the sensor 414. The circuit board 402 includes circuitry configured to switch operation of the first wireless technology between the first diversity antenna 404 and the second diversity antenna 406 based on performance of the first and second diversity antennas. The circuitry can also be configured to switch the second diversity antenna 406 between an active operating state and a passive grounded state. The circuitry maintains the second diversity antenna 406 in the passive grounded state when operating the third antenna 408, in which the second diversity antenna acts as a shield to direct the third antenna 408 toward the field of view. The circuitry operates the second diversity antenna 406 based on the first wireless technology when the second diversity antenna 406 is in the active state.

[0038] As described above, the circuitry of the circuit board 402 is configured to switch the second diversity antenna 406 between a second direction that is different from a first direction in which the first diversity antenna 404 is focused and operating as a shield for the third antenna 408. For some embodiments, the first direction can be substantially parallel to at least one of the planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board 402, and the second direction can be substantially orthogonal to the planar surfaces of the circuit board. For some embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown, the first diversity antenna 404 can be located at the circuit board 402, and the second diversity antenna 406 can be offset from the circuit board, in which the second diversity antenna can include a breakout board 418 coupled to the circuit board at a contact point 420. For example, the first diversity antenna 404 can be mounted to one or both sides of the circuit board 402, or be an electrical trace on or within the circuit board 402. The third antenna 408 or antenna is coupled to the circuit board 402 and can be focused in a third direction. The third direction can be similar to the first direction or the second direction, or the third direction can be independent of the first and second directions. Figure 4

[0039] ​The circuit board 402, or more specifically, the circuitry of the circuit board, can switch operation of the first wireless technology between the first diversity antenna 404 and the second diversity antenna 406 based on the performance of the first and second diversity antennas. For example, the circuitry of the circuit board 402 can switch operation based on a packet error rate associated with the performance of the first and second diversity antennas 404, 406.

[0040] Figure 5 An example device component 500 of the device 110, 200 according to the communication management and / or handover method for device operation is represented. The device component 500 of the device 110, 200 includes a communication bus 502 for directly or indirectly interconnecting the other device components, one or more communication components 504 for communicating with other entities via wired or wireless networks, one or more processors 506, and one or more memory components 508. The communication components 504 can utilize wireless technologies for communication, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth (including BLE), Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi Direct), Ultra-Wideband, Zigbee, Z-Wave, 6LOWPAN, Near-Field Communication, other types of electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency waves, light-based communication (including infrared), acoustic communication, and any other type of peer-to-peer technology.

[0041] The one or more processors 506 can execute code and process data received at the other components of the device component 500, such as information received at the communication components 504 or stored at the memory components 508. Code associated with the building automation system and stored by the memory components 508 can include, without limitation, operating systems, applications, modules, drivers, and the like. An operating system includes executable code that controls basic functions of the device 110, 200, such as interactions between the various components of the device component 500, communications with external devices via the communication components 504, and the storage and retrieval of code and data to and from the memory components 508. Each application includes executable code that provides specific functionality to the processor 506 and / or the remaining components of the device 110, 200. Examples of applications that can be executed by the processor 506 include, without limitation, a motion sensing module 510 configured to determine occupancy of a person or asset within a particular area based on detected motion and a location determination module 512 configured to determine a location of a person or asset within a particular area based on detected communication signals. Data is information that can be referenced and / or manipulated by the operating system or applications for performing the functions of the device 110, 200. Examples of data associated with the device 110, 200 and stored by the memory components 508 can include, without limitation, motion data 514 associated with objects moving in proximity to a motion sensor and location data 516 associated with objects communicating information.

[0042] The device components 500 of each device 110, 200 can also include one or more input components 518 and / or one or more output components 520. The input and output components 518, 520 of the device components 500 can include a user interface 522 for interacting with a user of the device 110, 200. The user interface 522 can include a combination of hardware and software to provide a desired user experience to the user. For example, the user interface 522 can include one or more input components that allow a user to input information and one or more output components that provide information to the user. The input and output components 518, 520 of the device components 500 can include one or more visual, audio, mechanical, and / or other components. Examples of input components 518 can include, but are not limited to, an infrared sensor 524 (such as a passive infrared sensor), an ultrasonic sensor 526, a microwave sensor 528, a tomographic sensor 530, and combinations of sensing technologies. Examples of output components 520 can include, but are not limited to, a display 532, a visual indicator 534, an audio speaker 536, a mechanical actuator 538, and combinations of output technologies.

[0043] It should be appreciated, Figure 5 The examples provided to represent the device components 500 of the devices 110, 200 are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be a complete diagram of the various components that the devices can utilize. Thus, the devices 110, 200 can include Figure 5 various other components not shown in FIG. 4, can include combinations of two or more components, or divide a particular component into two or more separate components, and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, Figure 6 a flow diagram of example operations 600 of the devices 110, 200 is shown. The circuit board 402, or more specifically the circuit of the circuit board, can control 602 the operation of the first antenna 404, the second antenna 406, and the third antenna 408 of the devices 110, 200. The operation of the antennas 404, 406, 408 includes transmitting and / or receiving wireless communications in specified directions based on one or more wireless technologies. For example, the first antenna 404 can be focused in a first direction and based on a first wireless technology, while the second antenna 406 is focused in a second direction and based on the first wireless technology, where the second direction is different than the first direction. Further, the third antenna 408 can be focused in a third direction and based on a second wireless technology, where the second wireless technology is different than the first wireless technology. For some embodiments, the first and second directions can be substantially orthogonal. For some embodiments, the first direction can be substantially parallel to one or both of the planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board 402, and the second direction can be substantially orthogonal to the planar surfaces of the circuit board.

[0045] The circuitry of the circuit board 402 can determine 604 whether to operate in a first mode or a second mode of the device 110, 200. For the first mode, the circuitry can manage the interaction or cooperation of the first diversity antenna 404 and the second diversity antenna 406. In particular, the circuitry can determine 606 whether the performance of the other antenna is better than or will be better than the currently operating antenna. If the performance of the other antenna, such as the second diversity antenna 406, is better than the currently operating antenna, such as the first diversity antenna 404, the circuitry can switch 608 the operation of the device 110, 200 to the other antenna. Thus, the circuitry can switch 608 the operation of the first wireless technology between the first diversity antenna 404 and the second diversity antenna 406 based on the performance of the first and second diversity antennas. For example, the operation of the first wireless technology can switch 608 between the first and second diversity antennas 404, 406 based on the packet error rate associated with the performance of the first and second diversity antennas. In response to switching 608 the operation, the circuitry can return to the planned operation 602 of operating the device 110, 200. On the other hand, if the performance of the other antenna will not be better than the currently operating antenna, the circuitry will continue 602 the currently operating antenna to operate the device 110, 200.

[0046] For the second mode, the circuitry can manage 610 the operation of the second diversity antenna 406 (i.e., the second shield 260, 262, 328, 330) based on whether the operating state of the third antenna 408 (i.e., the first and second front-end antennas 256, 258, 316, 318) changes. If the operating state of the third antenna 408 changes, the circuitry can switch 612 the state of the second diversity antenna 406 between the active operating state and the passive grounded state based on the operating state of the third antenna. In particular, the circuitry can be configured to switch 612 the second diversity antenna 406 between focusing in the second direction and operating as a shield of the third antenna 408. In response to switching 612 the operation, the circuitry can return to the planned operation 602 of operating the device 110, 200. If the operating state of the third antenna 408 does not change, the circuitry can maintain 614 the state of the second diversity antenna 406 in the passive grounded state while operating the third antenna and return to the planned operation 602 of operating the device 110, 200.

[0047] For some embodiments, the sensor 414 can be assembled to the circuit board 402 prior to controlling 602 the operation of the first antenna 404, the second antenna 406, and the third antenna 408 of the device 110, 200. In particular, the sensor 414 can be positioned 616 at the edge of the circuit board 402 such that the sensor extends laterally beyond one or both of the planar surfaces 410, 412 of the circuit board. The circuit board 402 includes a cutout portion 416 at the edge to accommodate the outer profile of the sensor 414 such that the sensor can be positioned to the circuit board.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will realize that the complete structure and operation of all data processing systems suitable for use with the present application are not necessary described or shown herein for simplicity and clarity reasons. Additionally, the various features or methods described herein should not be construed as being essential, necessary, or required in any or all embodiments. Various features can be omitted or duplicated in various embodiments. The various processes described can be omitted, repeated, performed sequentially, in parallel, or in a different order. The various features and processes described herein can be combined in other embodiments as described in the claims.

[0049] It is important to note that while the present application includes descriptions of the preferred embodiments in the context of fully functional systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least portions of the mechanism of the present application are capable of being distributed in the form of instructions contained in a machine-usable, computer-usable, or computer-readable medium. Furthermore, it is common in the art for human operators to supply pieces of equipment in the form of appropriate instructions for implementing software logic. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any system which integrates service provision and management functionality can be constituted by a variety of means for providing such functionality, including those means already described and those developed in the future. Any such means can be used by either the service provider or the service consumer to provide the functionality of the present application. It is therefore imperative that any system which integrates service provision and management functionality be considered as a machine-usable, computer-usable, or computer-readable medium for the purposes of the present application. Examples of machine-usable / readable or computer-usable / readable media include non-volatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs), and user-recordable type mediums such as floppy disks, hard drives, and compact disks read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0050] While example embodiments of the application have been described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements can be made to what is disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application in its broadest form.

Claims

1. An apparatus for managing communications, comprising: a sensor having a field of view, the sensor including a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite the first side; a first antenna positioned offset from the first side of the sensor; a second antenna positioned offset from the second side of the sensor; a first shield positioned adjacent the first side of the sensor and a first distance from the first antenna, the first shield directing the first antenna toward the field of view, wherein the first shield is configured to cause wireless signals in communication with the first antenna to be concentrated on the field of view in front of the sensor; and a second shield positioned adjacent the second side of the sensor and a second distance from the second antenna, the second shield directing the second antenna toward the field of view, wherein the second shield is configured to cause wireless signals in communication with the second antenna to be concentrated on the field of view in front of the sensor, wherein the apparatus further comprises a circuit board having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, wherein an upper portion of the circuit board includes a first extension and a second extension on lateral side edges, wherein the first antenna is couplable to the first extension and the second antenna is couplable to the second extension, and the sensor is positioned at an edge of the circuit board and extends laterally beyond planar surfaces of the first and second sides of the circuit board.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The offset of the second antenna from the second side of the sensor is similar to the offset of the first antenna from the first side of the sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first distance and the second distance are similar; and the first shield and the second shield are located in a common two-dimensional plane.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, the first antenna and the second antenna are similar in shape but extend in opposite directions in structure.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first shield has a first inner edge adjacent a first portion of an outer surface of the sensor, and the second shield has a second inner edge adjacent a second portion of the outer surface of the sensor, the second portion being opposite the first portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a substantial portion of the first antenna follows an outer boundary of the first shield, and a substantial portion of the second antenna follows an outer boundary of the second shield.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a circuit coupled to the sensor, the first antenna, and the second antenna, and a ground coupled to the first shield and the second shield, wherein, the sensor is a motion sensor.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first antenna and the second antenna work for different wireless technologies.

9. An apparatus for managing communications, comprising: a circuit board having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite the first side; a sensor positioned adjacent the circuit board, the sensor including a body supported by the circuit board and a front end extending from the body; a first antenna coupled to the first side of the circuit board and positioned proximate the front end of the sensor and offset from the first side of the circuit board; a second antenna coupled to the second side of the circuit board and positioned proximate the front end of the sensor and offset from the second side of the circuit board; a first shield positioned adjacent an outer surface of the sensor and a first distance from the first antenna, wherein the first shield is configured to cause wireless signals in communication with the first antenna to be concentrated on a field of view forward of the sensor; and a second shield positioned adjacent the outer surface of the sensor and a second distance from the second antenna, wherein the second shield is configured to cause wireless signals in communication with the second antenna to be concentrated on the field of view forward of the sensor, wherein an upper portion of the circuit board includes a first extension and a second extension on a lateral side edge, wherein the first antenna is couplable to the first extension and the second antenna is couplable to the second extension, and the sensor is positioned at an edge of the circuit board and extends laterally beyond the planar surfaces of the first and second sides of the circuit board.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the offset of the second antenna from the second side of the circuit board is similar to the offset of the first antenna from the first side of the circuit board.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the first distance and the second distance are similar; and the first shield and the second shield are in a common two-dimensional plane.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the first antenna and the second antenna are similar in shape but extend in opposite directions in structure.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, the first shield has a first inner edge adjacent a first portion of the outer surface of the sensor and the second shield has a second inner edge adjacent a second portion of the outer surface of the sensor, the second portion being opposite the first portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, a substantial portion of the first antenna follows an outer boundary of the first shield and a substantial portion of the second antenna follows an outer boundary of the second shield.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, a ground is coupled to the first shield and the second shield.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the sensor is mounted at an edge of the circuit board and extends symmetrically beyond the first and second sides of the circuit board; and the front end of the sensor includes a sensor lens oriented away from the circuit board in a direction parallel to the first and second sides of the circuit board.

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