Systems and methods for configuring transmit power levels based on physical proximity

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for configuring a transmit power level based on body proximity. A first transmit power level is determined based on a radio frequency exposure limit value, and a second transmit power level is determined based on the first transmit power level and a detection probability of a body by a body proximity sensor, wherein an average usage of the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level over time is ensured not to exceed a transmit power limit value determined based on the radio frequency exposure limit value. A transmit power gain is determined based on a difference between the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level, based on the detection probability of the body by the body proximity sensor and a false alarm rate. The transmit power gain can be used as a performance indicator to select from a plurality of first transmit power gains and second transmit power gains. The first transmit power gain and the second transmit power gain corresponding to the selected transmit power gain can be stored and applied during transmission.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 272,807, filed October 28, 2021, entitled “Systems and Methods for Configuring Transmission Power Level Based on Body Proximity,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to the transmit power of user equipment. Background Technology

[0004] To transmit signals over greater distances and / or with less data loss, user equipment can use higher transmit power. However, to reduce the impact of radio frequency exposure on the user, transmit power may be limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following outlines some of the embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a concise overview of these particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover many aspects not set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, one or more non-transitory tangible computer-readable media store instructions that cause a processing circuit system to receive a probability of detection of a body by a body proximity sensor, receive a first transmit power level based on a radio frequency exposure limit, and determine a second transmit power level based on the first transmit power level and the probability of detection of the body by the body proximity sensor. The instructions also cause the processing circuit system to: cause a transmitter to transmit at the first transmit power level based on the detection of the body by the body proximity sensor, and cause the transmitter to transmit at the second transmit power level based on the failure of the body proximity sensor to detect the body.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a detection probability of a body by a body proximity sensor at a processing circuit system. The method further includes receiving a first transmit power level at the processing circuit system based on a radio frequency exposure limit. The method also includes determining a second transmit power level at the processing circuit system based on the first transmit power level and the detection probability of the body by the body proximity sensor. The method further includes storing the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level in a memory or storage device.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the user equipment includes: a body proximity sensor that detects a body with a detection probability; one or more antennas; and a transmitter that transmits a radio frequency signal at a first transmit power level via the one or more antennas based on the body proximity sensor detecting the body and the detection probability, and transmits a radio frequency signal at a second transmit power level via the one or more antennas based on the body proximity sensor not detecting the body and the detection probability.

[0009] Various modifications to the above-described features may exist with respect to various aspects of the invention. Other features may also be incorporated into these aspects. These modifications and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, various features discussed below relating to one or more illustrated embodiments may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above aspects of the invention. The brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with specific aspects and context of the embodiments disclosed herein and does not limit the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Various aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar figures refer to similar parts.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of user equipment according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the user equipment;

[0013] Figure 3 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the body proximity sensor on the user's equipment;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a timing diagram for configuring the transmit power based on body proximity sensor detection according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for determining and applying transmit power levels based on detection probability, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, while ensuring compliance with regulatory radio frequency (RF) exposure limits;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating a false alarm for reducing the average transmit power gain according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 It is used for detection probability (P) d ) and such Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining and applying transmit power levels based on the presence of a human target detected by a body proximity sensor, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits; and

[0018] Figure 8 It is used for detection probability (P) d ) and such Figure 3 The flowchart describes a method for determining and applying transmit power levels based on the detection frequency of human targets detected by body proximity sensors, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more specific implementations will be described below. To provide a brief description of these implementations, not all characteristics of the actual implementations are described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, decisions must be made specific to many implementations to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will still be routine work of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0020] When describing elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “an” and “the” are intended to refer to one or more of the elements present. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be included and to indicate the presence of additional elements besides those listed. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” of this disclosure is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments also incorporating the cited features. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. The use of the terms “generally,” “approaching,” “about,” “close to,” and / or “substantially” should be understood to mean including close to the target (e.g., design, value, quantity), such as within any suitable or conceivable margin of error (e.g., within 0.1% of the target, within 1% of the target, within 5% of the target, within 10% of the target, within 25% of the target, etc.). Furthermore, it should be understood that any exact values, figures, measurements, etc. provided herein may be envisioned as approximations of such exact values, figures, measurements, etc. (e.g., within limits of suitable or conceivable error).

[0021] Wireless devices, such as user equipment, can keep their radio frequency (RF) exposure within limits defined by regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). RF exposure to a person or part of a person depends on the distance between the transmitter of the user equipment and the human target.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a user equipment 10 (e.g., an electronic device) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Among other things, the user equipment 10 may include one or more processors 12 (collectively referred to herein as a single processor, which may be implemented in any suitable form of processing circuitry), memory 14, non-volatile storage device 16, display 18, input structure 22, input / output (I / O) interface 24, network interface 26, and power supply 29. Figure 1 The various functional blocks shown may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including machine-executable instructions), or combinations of hardware and software elements (which may be referred to as logic). Processor 12, memory 14, non-volatile storage device 16, display 18, input structure 22, input / output (I / O) interface 24, network interface 26, and / or power supply 29 may each be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to each other (e.g., via another component, communication bus, network) to transmit and / or receive data between them. It should be noted that... Figure 1 This is merely an example of a specific implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may exist in user equipment 10.

[0023] For example, user equipment 10 may include any suitable computing device, including desktop or laptop computers (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). Pro, MacBook mini or Mac (in the form of) portable or handheld electronic devices such as wireless electronic devices or smartphones (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of a model), tablet computer (e.g., available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of a model), wearable electronic devices (e.g., those available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). (in the form of) or other similar equipment. It should be noted that Figure 1 The processor 12 and other related items may be embodied, in whole or in part, as software, hardware, or both. Furthermore, the processor 12 and... Figure 1 Other related items may be a single, independent processing module, or may be fully or partially integrated into any of the other elements within user equipment 10. Processor 12 may be implemented using a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), controller, state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machine, or any other suitable entity capable of performing computational or other manipulations of information. Processor 12 may include one or more application processors, one or more baseband processors, or both, and performs the various functions described herein.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In user equipment 10, processor 12 may be operatively coupled to memory 14 and non-volatile storage device 16 to execute various algorithms. Such programs or instructions executed by processor 12 may be stored in any suitable article of writing comprising one or more tangible computer-readable media. The tangible computer-readable media may include memory 14 and / or non-volatile storage device 16, individually or jointly, to store instructions or routines. Memory 14 and non-volatile storage device 16 may include any suitable article of writing for storing data and executable instructions, such as random access memory, read-only memory, rewritable flash memory, hard disk drive, and optical disk. Furthermore, programs (e.g., operating systems) encoded on such computer program products may also include instructions executable by processor 12 to enable user equipment 10 to provide various functions.

[0025] In some embodiments, display 18 may facilitate a user's viewing of images generated on user equipment 10. In some embodiments, display 18 may include a touchscreen that facilitates user interaction with the user interface of user equipment 10. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some embodiments, display 18 may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, or some combination of these and / or other display technologies.

[0026] The input structure 22 of the user equipment 10 enables a user to interact with the user equipment 10 (e.g., pressing a button to increase or decrease the volume level). As shown, the input structure 22 may include a body proximity sensor (BPS) 23. The BPS 23 may determine whether a body (such as a human target or a user) is within the close proximity range of the antenna of the user equipment 10 (e.g., within a threshold range, such as within one or more millimeters (mm), including within 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, etc.); or may determine whether no human target is present within the close proximity range. In additional or alternative embodiments, the BPS 23 may determine whether other objects (e.g., obstacles, trees, rocks, buildings, etc.) or non-human targets (e.g., dogs, cats, horses, livestock, etc.) are within the close proximity range of the antenna, or whether no other objects or non-human targets are within the close proximity range of the antenna.

[0027] Like network interface 26, I / O interface 24 enables user equipment 10 to interface with a variety of other electronic devices. In some embodiments, I / O interface 24 may include I / O ports for hardwired connections for charging and / or content manipulation using standard connectors and protocols such as the Lightning connector supplied by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or other similar connectors and protocols. Network interface 26 may include interfaces for, for example, one or more of the following: Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or... Network; Local Area Network (LAN) or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), such as a protocol using one of the IEEE 802.11x series protocols (e.g. Networks; and / or wide area networks (WANs), such as any standards related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including, for example, 3rd generation (3G) cellular networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 4th generation (4G) cellular networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Cellular networks, Long Term Evolution License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) cellular networks, 5G cellular networks and / or New Radio (NR) cellular networks, satellite networks, non-terrestrial networks, etc. Specifically, network interface 26 may include, for example, one or more interfaces for using the version 15 cellular communication standard of the 5G specification, which includes millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency ranges (e.g., 24.25 GHz to 300 GHz), and / or any other version of the cellular communication standard (e.g., version 16, version 17, any future version) that defines and / or implements frequency ranges for wireless communication. The network interface 26 of user equipment 10 may allow communication via the aforementioned networks (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi, LTE-LAA, etc.).

[0028] Network interface 26 may also include one or more interfaces for, for example, a broadband fixed wireless access network (e.g., Mobile broadband wireless network (mobile) Asynchronous digital subscriber lines (e.g., ADSL, VDSL) and digital video terrestrial broadcasting Network and its extensions DVB handheld Networks, ultra-wideband (UWB) networks, AC power lines, etc. As shown, network interface 26 may include transceiver 30. In some embodiments, all or part of transceiver 30 may be located within processor 12. Transceiver 30 may support transmitting and receiving various wireless signals via one or more antennas, and therefore may include both a transmitter and a receiver. The power supply 29 of user equipment 10 may include any suitable power source, such as a rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-poly) battery and / or an AC power converter.

[0029] Figure 2 It is based on the implementation scheme of this disclosure. Figure 1 The functional diagram of user equipment 10. As shown, processor 12, memory 14, BPS 23, transceiver 30, transmitter 52, receiver 54 and / or antenna 55 (shown as 55A to 55N, collectively referred to as antenna 55) can be directly or indirectly communicatively coupled to each other (e.g., through or via another component, communication bus, network) to transmit and / or receive data between each other.

[0030] User equipment 10 may include transmitters 52 and / or receivers 54 that enable the transmission and reception of data between electronic device 10 and external devices via, for example, a network (including a base station) or a direct connection. As shown, transmitters 52 and receivers 54 may be combined into transceiver 30. User equipment 10 may also have one or more antennas 55A-55N electrically coupled to transceiver 30. Antennas 55A-55N may be configured in omnidirectional or directional configurations, single-beam, dual-beam, or multi-beam arrangements, etc. Each antenna 55 may be associated with one or more beams and various configurations. In some embodiments, multiple antennas in antennas 55A-55N of an antenna group or module may be communicatively coupled to a respective transceiver 30 and each transmits radio frequency signals that can be advantageously and / or destructively combined to form a beam. User equipment 10 may include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and / or multiple antennas suitable for various communication standards. In some embodiments, transmitters 52 and receivers 54 may transmit and receive information via other wired or wired systems or devices.

[0031] As shown in the figure, various components of user equipment 10 can be coupled together via bus system 56. Bus system 56 may include, for example, a data bus, as well as power buses, control signal buses, and status signal buses in addition to the data bus. Components of user equipment 10 can be coupled together or use some other mechanism to accept or provide input to each other.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of BPS 23 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. BPS 23 can determine the direction and / or distance between user equipment 10 and individual 102 (e.g., a human target, a user). BPS 23 can help meet the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of RF waves defined for user equipment 10. Specifically, BPS 23 can determine the direction and / or distance of individual 102 within the range of user equipment 10, which can be used to determine the RF exposure from user equipment 10 to individual 102. BPS 23 may include a first oscillator 104, a first interface 106, a first antenna 108, a second oscillator 109, a second interface 110, a second antenna 112, and / or a signal processing circuitry system 114. In some embodiments, the first oscillator 104, the first interface 106, the first antenna 108, the second oscillator 109, the second interface 110, the second antenna 112, and / or the signal processing circuitry system 114 may be implemented within the user equipment 10 and may be coupled to one or more other components within the user equipment 10. For example, in some embodiments, the first oscillator 104 and the second oscillator 109 may each include or share a local oscillator of the user equipment 10, and the first antenna 108 and the second antenna 112 may be included in, for example, a local oscillator of the user equipment 10. Figure 2In the antenna 55 shown, and / or the signal processing circuit system 114 can be as follows: Figure 2 The part of processor 12 shown in the image.

[0033] In operation, the first oscillator 104 and / or the second oscillator 109 may each receive signals (as shown in frequency profiles 116A and 116B) output by another component of the user equipment 10, and may output signals having frequencies defined by the signals received from the other components of the user equipment 10. For example, the voltage and / or current of the signals received from the other component may define the frequency of the signals output by the oscillators 104 and 109. The oscillators 104 and 109 may each output (by generating or modifying a signal) a signal having a defined frequency. In some embodiments, the oscillators 104 and 109 may share a single input signal (e.g., 116A or 116B).

[0034] The first interface 106 can receive a signal output by the first oscillator 104 and output a signal to be output by the first antenna 108 based on the signal received from the first oscillator 104. For example, the first interface 106 can receive a signal output by the first oscillator 104 and output a signal having the frequency of the signal output by the first oscillator 104. The signal output by the first interface 106 can be in a format conducive to wireless transmission of the signal by the first antenna 108. Specifically, in response to receiving a signal from the first interface 106, the antenna 108 can wirelessly transmit the signal to an area surrounding the user equipment 10. In some embodiments, the signal transmitted by the antenna 108 can have a lower power spectral density and a wider bandwidth. The wireless transmission of the signal by the first antenna 108 can be part of BPS operation for determining the direction and / or distance between the user equipment 10 and the individual 102.

[0035] A portion of the signal emitted by the first antenna 108 may encounter the individual 102. This portion of the signal that encounters the individual 102 may be reflected from the individual 102. Due to encountering the individual 102, the characteristics of the reflected portion of the signal may differ from those of the signal emitted by the first antenna 108. For example, the reflected portion of the signal may have a lower amplitude than the signal emitted by the first antenna 108.

[0036] The second antenna 112 can receive a portion of the signal reflected back from the individual 102 and provide a portion of the signal to the second interface 110. The second interface 110 can output an electrical signal for signal processing based on a portion of the signal received from the second antenna 112. The second interface 110 can receive a signal output by the second oscillator 109 and generate a signal based on the signal received from the second oscillator 109. For example, the second interface 110 can receive a signal output by the second oscillator 109 and output a signal having the frequency of the signal output by the second oscillator 109. The signal output by the second interface 110 based on the signal received from the second oscillator 109 can be equal to or at least similar to the signal output by the first interface 106 based on the signal received from the first oscillator 104.

[0037] The second interface 110 may provide the signal processing circuitry system 114 with a signal generated based on a reflected signal received by the second antenna 112 and a signal generated based on the output signal of the second oscillator 109. The signal processing circuitry system 114 may process the signal generated based on the reflected signal and the signal generated based on the output signal of the second oscillator 109 to determine the direction and / or distance between the user equipment 10 and the individual 102. For example, the signal processing circuitry system 114 may include one or more filters, one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), one or more fast Fourier transform (FFT) circuits, and / or other circuitry for performing signal processing to determine the direction and / or distance between the user equipment 10 and the individual 102.

[0038] Based on a determined direction and / or distance between user equipment 10 and individual 102, one or more operations of user equipment 10 can be adjusted. For example, an MPE limit can be defined for transmission from antenna 55 (e.g., based on individual 102 being within close proximity to user equipment 10). That is, based on a determined direction and / or distance between user equipment 10 and individual 102 or a portion thereof, user equipment 10 can improve certain operations from standard operation to meet the MPE limit. In some embodiments, if the distance between user equipment 10 and individual 102 is less than a threshold distance, the operating characteristics of the transmission can be adjusted from a standard value or setting. In some embodiments, the transmission of user equipment 10 adjusted from standard transmission can be a transmission directed toward individual 102. Specifically, the transmission power of transmitter 52 can be reduced from a standard transmission power level to meet the MPE limit.

[0039] Based on the detection of a human target by BPS 23 within close proximity to antenna 55 (e.g., within a threshold range, such as within one or more millimeters (mm), including within 1 mm, within 2 mm, within 3 mm, within 5 mm, within 10 mm, within 20 mm, etc.), user equipment 10 can adjust the transmit power of transmitter 52 to ensure RF exposure compliance. Figure 4 This is a timing diagram of the BPS 23 detection-based transmission power configuration according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown, when BPS 23 does not detect a human target or a human target is not closely approaching antenna 55, such as during time period 130, user equipment 10 may transmit at a higher or higher transmission power level (e.g., the transmission power level of X1). That is, because the human target is beyond the RF exposure critical or threshold distance, transmitting at the higher transmission power level of X1 may not cause any human target to exceed the RF exposure limit. User equipment 10 may operate using the higher transmission power level X1 until the next BPS 23 detection. The higher transmission power level X1 may be at or above the limit set by a regulatory agency (such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)). For example, X1 may be equal to 21 dBm or greater, 22 dBm or greater, 23 dBm or greater, 26 dBm or greater, 28 dBm or greater, etc.

[0040] When BPS 23 detects a human target closely approaching antenna 55 (such as during time period 132), because a higher transmit power level X1 may result in higher RF exposure to the human target, user equipment 10 may apply a lower or even lower transmit power level (e.g., a reduced transmit power level X2) to maintain RF exposure within regulatory limits. The lower transmit power level X2 may be at or below limits set by regulatory agencies (such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)). For example, X2 may be equal to 21 dBm or less, 20 dBm or less, 19 dBm or less, 18 dBm or less, etc. User equipment 10 may operate using the lower transmit power level X2 until the next BPS 23 detection. User equipment 10 may also operate using the lower transmit power level X2 if BPS 23 may be deactivated or disconnected.

[0041] However, BPS 23 may not be 100% accurate and may sometimes detect the presence of individual 102 when it is not present (e.g., false alarm) or fail to detect individual 102 when it is present (e.g., missed detection). The detection probability or ratio of correctly detecting a human target (e.g., individual 102) when the human target is very close to BPS 23 can be characterized as the detection probability (P). d The detection probability can be calculated using the following equation 1.

[0042]

[0043] The false alarm rate (FAR) is applicable to scenarios where no human targets are present and can be calculated using the following equation 2:

[0044]

[0045] According to at least some regulations, RF exposure limits can be enforced not only at a specific point in time but also over a time domain. That is, user equipment 10 can ensure that the average RF exposure over a certain time range also meets the RF exposure limits. As discussed above, if BPS 23 does not detect a human target within close proximity of antenna 55, user equipment 10 can cause transmitter 52 to transmit at a higher transmit power level X1. However, in the event of a missed detection (e.g., a human target is present within close proximity of antenna 55, but BPS 23 does not detect it), the human target may be exposed to a higher transmit power level X1, which could exceed the regulatory RF exposure limits. On the other hand, each correct BPS 23 detection generates a transmit power level set to a lower transmit power level X2, exposing the human target to a momentary lower RF exposure below the regulatory limits. If a sufficient number of higher power transmissions are exposed to the human target due to missed detections by BPS 23 over a period of time, the human target may be exposed to RF exposure exceeding the regulatory limits (e.g., average RF exposure) over said period.

[0046] The currently disclosed implementation scheme is based on the BPS detection probability (P d This determines and applies transmit power levels (e.g., X1 and X2) while taking into account regulatory RF exposure limits. When operating with BPS 23, X1 and X2 can be determined or optimized to achieve the maximum average transmit power gain (e.g., over a period of time) while ensuring that the maximum RF exposure generated throughout the transmit period does not exceed regulatory limits.

[0047] Figure 5 It is an embodiment of the present disclosure for use based on detection probability (P) dThis is a flowchart of method 140 for determining and applying transmit power levels while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits. Method 140 can be executed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that controls components of user equipment 10 (such as processor 12). In some embodiments, method 140 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 14 or storage device 16. For example, method 140 can be executed at least in part by one or more software components (such as the operating system of user equipment 10, one or more software applications of user equipment 10, etc.). While method 140 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0048] In processing block 142, processor 12 receives an RF exposure limit. For example, the RF exposure limit may be set by a regulatory entity such as the FCC. In some embodiments, the RF exposure limit may be received from a base station or communication network and / or may vary across geographical areas. In processing block 144, processor 12 determines a lower transmit (TX) power level X2 relative to the RF exposure limit. In some embodiments, processor 12 may set (or cause antenna 55 to emit) the lower transmit power level X2 to the RF exposure limit. In additional or alternative embodiments, an exposure buffer or margin may be implemented when defining the lower transmit power level X2. That is, the lower transmit power level X2 may be defined by the sum of the RF exposure limit and the exposure buffer. This exposure margin may correspond to a transmit power backoff to be applied relative to the RF exposure limit to ensure regulatory compliance. The transmit power backoff may be fixed and may include 1 dBm or less, 1.5 dBm or less, 2 dBm or less, 5 dBm or less, etc. Specifically, transmit power backoff may include compensating for any suitable value of factors that may change the transmit power (e.g., and thus cause the transmit power to exceed the RF exposure limit), such as RF damage due to temperature changes and / or transmit power changes.

[0049] In processing block 146, processor 12 determines the BPS detection probability and false alarm rate. This can be performed, for example, during the manufacturing or testing phase of user equipment 10 (e.g., before shipping or delivering user equipment 10 to a customer or consumer). Specifically, a human target or phantom (e.g., an object simulating a human target) may be in close proximity to antenna 55 of user equipment 10 (e.g., within a threshold range, such as within one or more millimeters (mm), including within 1 mm, within 2 mm, within 3 mm, within 5 mm, within 10 mm, within 20 mm, etc.). Processor 12 is operable with BPS 23 to detect the target, and for each BPS detection attempt, processor 12 determines whether the target was detected. Based on the total number of detection attempts and the number of correct detections, processor 12 can determine the detection probability (e.g., using Equation 1 above).

[0050] Processor 12 can also determine the false alarm rate of BPS 23. Similarly, processor 12 can operate BPS 23 (e.g., this time without a human target or phantom closely approaching antenna 55), and for each BPS detection attempt, processor 12 determines whether a target was detected (e.g., a false alarm) or not detected (e.g., a correct detection result). Based on the total number of detection attempts and the number of false alarms, processor 12 can determine the false alarm rate (e.g., using Equation 1 above).

[0051] In processing block 148, processor 12 determines a higher transmit power level X1 based on the detection probability. Specifically, processor 12 may have already determined the BPS detection probability in processing block 146 and may have already determined a lower transmit power level X2 relative to an RF exposure limit in processing block 144. Processor 12 can then determine a transmit power level difference (e.g., X1-X2) between the higher and lower transmit power levels, which is used to simulate the RF exposure of the BPS detection probability based on these inputs without exceeding the RF exposure limit. That is, processor 12 can determine the transmit power level difference X1-X2 and thus determine the higher transmit power level X1 to ensure that it does not exceed (e.g., over time) the RF exposure limit, while increasing or maximizing the transmit power difference (e.g., increasing or maximizing the high transmit power level X1 to ensure excellent communication performance).

[0052] For example, processor 12 can determine the transmit power difference by assuming that a human target is closely approaching for 100% of a given time period (e.g., a regulatory average period). The regulatory average period can be any suitable time period for measuring RF exposure values, such as 1 second or less, 4 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, 30 seconds or less, etc. Processor 12 can then average the lower transmit power level X2 for the time when the BPS 23 correctly detects a human target based on the BPS detection probability, and average the higher transmit power level X1 for the time when the BPS 23 misses detecting a human target based on the BPS detection probability, ensuring that the average values ​​are within the RF exposure limit. Processor 12 can then determine the transmit power level difference X1-X2. For example, if the BPS detection probability is 70%, processor 12 can apply the lower transmit power level X2 for 70% of the applicable time range and the higher transmit power level X1 for 30% of the applicable time range, ensuring that the average transmit power over the applicable time range is within the RF exposure limit. Processor 12 can then determine the transmit power level difference X1-X2.

[0053] In some cases, simulations can be performed for different values ​​of the higher transmit power level X1 to find transmit power differences (e.g., increased or maximum transmit power differences) that still maintain RF exposure compliance. For example, the simulation may include performing BPS23 detection to generate target detection results at fixed intervals, and applying the detection probability determined in processing block 146. Based on the BPS detection results, transmit power levels and / or RF exposure values ​​are selected and recorded. Specifically, if no target is detected, a higher transmit power level X1 is selected, and the corresponding RF exposure is stored for time-domain averaging of the RF exposure. Conversely, if a target is detected, a lower transmit power level X2 is selected, and the corresponding RF exposure is stored for time-domain averaging of the RF exposure.

[0054] The RF exposure values ​​recorded during the simulation can be set relative to RF exposure limits. For example, a lower transmit power level X2 may have been determined relative to an RF exposure limit, as discussed above. Therefore, for the lower transmit power level X2, the RF exposure can be determined using the following Equation 3:

[0055]

[0056] The higher transmit power level X1 may have been determined based on simulations relative to the lower transmit power level X2, where simulations were performed for different transmit power differences X1-X2, as discussed above. Therefore, for the higher transmit power level X1, the RF exposure can be determined using the following Equation 4:

[0057]

[0058] Based on the BPS detection-dependent RF exposure value determined through simulation, processor 12 can determine the time-domain average RF exposure value (e.g., according to regulatory average time periods). For each combination of transmit power level differences X1-X2, processor 12 can determine the time-domain RF exposure (e.g., the maximum RF exposure over time). Processor 12 can then determine the transmit power difference X1-X2 value (e.g., the maximum transmit power difference X1-X2 value), where the RF exposure is within regulatory limits for said value. This determined maximum RF exposure compliance transmit power difference X1-X2 value limits the net transmit power gain used for BPS operation when a human target is close to antenna 55.

[0059] In processing block 150, processor 12 determines the transmit power gain based on a lower transmit power, a higher transmit power, and a false alarm rate. That is, processor 12 determines the transmit power gain achievable due to the operation of BPS 23 over time. Processor 12 can determine the transmit power gain by applying the false alarm rate corresponding to a false alarm, where a human target is detected close to antenna 55 when no actual human target is detected close to antenna 55. During these false alarms, transmitter 52 can transmit using a lower transmit power level X2 (e.g., instead of an appropriate higher transmit power level X1). Thus, the false alarms also reduce the average achievable transmit power gain.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating the reduction of the average transmit power gain for false alarms according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, BPS 23 determines that there is no human target closely approaching antenna 55 for certain time periods 160. During these time periods 160, processor 12 prompts the transmitter to transmit using a higher transmit power level X1. However, for other time periods 162, BPS 23 also falsely determines the presence of humans when no humans are present, thus causing false alarms. During these time periods 162, processor 12 prompts the transmitter to transmit using a lower transmit power level X2. As a result, the average transmit power 164 is reduced due to false alarms, and the average transmit power gain 166 (e.g., as measured based on or according to the lower transmit power level X2) is also reduced. Processor 12 can determine the average transmit power gain 166 using the following equation 5, where b is the false alarm rate as determined in equation 2 above:

[0061] Realizable TX power gain with BPS (dB) = X1×(1-b) + X2×b (Equation 5)

[0062] In processing block 152, processor 12 selects and / or stores a higher transmit power level X1 and a lower transmit power level X2 based on the average transmit power gain 166 and / or the detection rate. Specifically, processor 12 may select a larger or maximum average transmit power gain 166 and store the higher transmit power level X1 and the lower transmit power level X2 corresponding to the larger or maximum average transmit power gain 166 (e.g., in memory 14 and / or storage device 16). That is, the transmit power gain 166 can be used as a performance indicator of the pair of higher transmit power levels X1 and lower transmit power levels X2. In processing block 154, processor 12 applies the stored higher transmit power X1 and lower transmit power level X2 during transmission based on the desired transmit power gain (e.g., the desired average transmit power gain 166). Specifically, processor 12 may apply a higher transmit power X1 in response to BPS 23 detecting the absence of a human target and apply a lower transmit power level X2 in response to BPS 23 detecting the presence of a human target. In this way, method 140 enables user equipment 10 to determine and apply transmit power levels based on the BPS 23 detection probability, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits.

[0063] In additional or alternative implementations, as shown in processing block 144, instead of determining a lower transmit power level X2 relative to the RF exposure limit, processor 12 may determine the lower transmit power level X2 based on other factors, such as the presence of a human target detected by BPS 23. Figure 7 It is used for detection probability (P) d The flowchart describes a method 170 for determining and applying transmit power levels based on the presence of a human target detected by BPS 23, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits. Method 170 can be executed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that controls components of user equipment 10, such as processor 12. In some embodiments, method 170 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 14 or storage device 16. For example, method 170 can be executed at least in part by one or more software components, such as the operating system of user equipment 10, one or more software applications of user equipment 10, etc. Although method 170 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that the described steps may be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0064] In decision block 172, processor 12 determines whether an indication of a detected human target has been received from BPS 23. If so, in processing block 174, processor 12 applies a reduced lower transmit power level X2 (e.g., exceeding the limit). Figure 5 The processor 12 may reduce the lower transmission power level X2 to account for missed detections, since the human target is exposed to a higher transmission power level X1 in the case of missed detection. That is, because the human target is exposed to a higher transmission power level X1 in the case of missed detection, the processor 12 may reduce the lower transmission power level X2 to drive a decrease in the average transmission power over time to compensate for the exposure to the higher transmission power level X1. The reduced lower transmission power level X2 may be stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16, or the processor 12 may reduce the lower transmission power level X2 stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16. It should be understood that the lower transmission power level X2 may be used... Figure 5 The method 140 shown in the figure determines the reduced lower transmit power level X2 and / or the reduced lower transmit power level X2 by the processor 12, which can be determined based on the BPS detection probability and false alarm rate as described in method 140.

[0065] If processor 12 determines that it has not yet received an indication of human detection from BPS 23, then in processing block 176, processor 12 applies an increased higher transmit power level X1 (e.g., exceeding...). Figure 5 The processor 12 uses the transmit power level determined in processing block 144 to compensate for the reduced lower transmit power level X2 applied in processing block 174. In practice, in some embodiments, the processor 12 may set a higher transmit power level X1 to meet RF exposure limits, such that no exposure margin is applied. In additional or alternative embodiments, the processor 12 may apply a default higher transmit power level X1 (e.g., the transmit power level determined in processing block 144). Figure 5 The transmit power level determined in processing block 144). As with the reduced lower transmit power level X2 applied in processing block 174, the increased higher transmit power level X1 may be stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16, or the processor 12 may reduce the default higher transmit power level X1 stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16. It should be understood that... Figure 5 Method 140, as shown, determines the increased higher transmit power level X1 and / or the default increased higher transmit power level X1 added by processor 12, which can be determined based on the BPS detection probability and false alarm rate as described in method 140. In this way, method 170 enables user equipment 10 to determine and apply the transmit power level based on the BPS 23 detection probability and the presence of human targets detected by BPS 23, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processor 12 may store multiple pairs of higher and lower transmit power levels (X1, X2) in memory 14 and / or storage device 16 to select or use based on, for example, the frequency or ratio of human targets detected by BPS 23. Figure 8 It is used for detection probability (P) d The flowchart describes a method 190 for determining and applying transmit power levels based on the detection frequency of human targets detected by BPS 23, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits. Method 190 can be executed by any suitable device (e.g., a controller) that controls components of user equipment 10 (such as processor 12). In some embodiments, method 190 can be implemented by using processor 12 to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium such as memory 14 or storage device 16. For example, method 190 can be executed at least in part by one or more software components (such as the operating system of user equipment 10, one or more software applications of user equipment 10, etc.). Although method 190 is described using a specific order of steps, it should be understood that the steps described herein are contemplated to be performed in a different order than shown, and that some described steps may be skipped or not performed at all.

[0067] In processing block 192, processor 12 receives the detection rate or frequency of human targets by BPS 23. Specifically, BPS 23 may detect human targets for at least a portion of a time window (e.g., 1 second or less, 4 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, 30 seconds or less, etc.), and processor 12 may determine the detection rate within the time window (e.g., between 0 and 100% of the time window). In decision block 194, processor 12 determines whether the detection rate exceeds a threshold. That is, processor 12 may determine whether the detection rate indicates that human targets are being detected more frequently. The threshold detection rate may include 30% or more, 50% or more, 70% or more, or any other suitable detection rate indicating that human targets are being detected more frequently.

[0068] If so, then in processing box 196, processor 12 applies a reduced lower transmit power level X2 (e.g., exceeding). Figure 5 The transmit power level determined in processing block 144) and the increased higher transmit power level X1 (e.g., exceeding) Figure 5The processor 12 may apply a reduced lower transmit power level X2 to ensure that regulatory RF exposure limits are met and / or not exceeded because a human target is detected that may be exposed more frequently to the RF signal emitted by antenna 55. Furthermore, because the reduced lower transmit power level X2 may drive a decrease in the average transmit power of transmitter 52, the processor 12 may apply an increased higher transmit power level X1 to compensate. Advantageously, human targets may not be exposed to the increased higher transmit power level X1, as this transmit power level can be implemented when BPS 23 detects the absence of a human target.

[0069] The reduced lower transmit power level X2 and the increased higher transmit power level X1 can be stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16, or the processor 12 can reduce the lower transmit power level X2 stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16 and increase the higher transmit power level X1. It should be understood that... Figure 5 The method 140 shown in the figure determines the reduced lower transmit power level X2 and / or the reduced lower transmit power level X2 by the processor 12, and the increased higher transmit power level X1 and / or the increased higher transmit power level X1 by the processor 12, which can be determined based on the BPS detection probability and false alarm rate as described in method 140.

[0070] If processor 12 determines that the detection rate does not exceed a threshold, then in processing block 198, processor 12 applies an increased lower transmit power level X2 (e.g., exceeding the threshold). Figure 5 The transmit power level determined in processing block 144) and the reduced higher transmit power level X1 (e.g., exceeding) Figure 5 (The transmit power level determined in processing block 144). That is, because it is detected that human targets may be exposed to the RF signal emitted by antenna 55 less frequently, processor 12 may apply an increased lower transmit power level X2. Furthermore, because the increased lower transmit power level X2 can drive up the average transmit power of transmitter 52, processor 12 may apply a reduced higher transmit power level X1 to compensate.

[0071] The increased lower transmit power level X2 and decreased higher transmit power level X1 can be stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16, or the processor 12 can increase the lower transmit power level X2 stored in memory 14 and / or storage device 16 and decrease the higher transmit power level X1. It should be understood that... Figure 5Method 140, as shown, determines an increased lower transmit power level X2 and / or a lower transmit power level X2 increased by processor 12, and a decreased higher transmit power level X1 and / or a higher transmit power level X1 decreased by processor 12, which can be determined based on the BPS detection probability and false alarm rate as described in method 140. In this way, method 170 enables user equipment 10 to determine and apply transmit power levels based on the BPS 23 detection probability and the detection frequency of human targets detected by BPS 23, while ensuring compliance with regulatory RF exposure limits.

[0072] In some implementations, when the detection rate of human targets within the threshold range of antenna 55 is between a lower threshold time percentage (e.g., 20% or less, 30% or less, 40% or less, etc.) and a higher threshold time percentage (e.g., 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, etc.), there may be a default or medium pair of higher and lower transmit power levels (X1, X2) that can be stored, selected, and / or applied by processor 12 (e.g., where the default lower transmit power level is between a decreasing lower transmit power level and an increasing lower transmit power level, and the higher transmit power level is between a decreasing higher transmit power level and an increasing higher transmit power level).

[0073] The specific embodiments described above have been illustrated by way of example, and it should be understood that various modifications and alternatives are permissible. It should also be understood that the claims are not intended to limit us to the specific forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the substance and scope of this disclosure.

[0074] The techniques described herein and protected by the claims are referenced and applied to specific examples of physical and practical nature, which significantly improve the technical field and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]..." or "steps for [performing] [function]...", those elements shall be interpreted in accordance with 35U.SC112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, those elements shall not be interpreted in accordance with 35U.SC112(f).

[0075] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A device used to receive the probability of detection of the body; A means for determining the false alarm rate of the device for receiving the detection probability of the body; A device for receiving a first transmit power level based on a radio frequency exposure limit; A means for determining a second transmission power level based on a first transmission power level and the detection probability of the body, wherein the second transmission power level is greater than the first transmission power level; A means for causing a transmitter to transmit at the first transmission power level based on the error alarm rate and an indication that the body has been detected; as well as A means for causing the transmitter to transmit at the second transmission power level based on the error alarm rate and the absence of the indication that the body has been detected.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the error alarm rate is determined based on multiple incorrect detection attempts and multiple overall detection attempts.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising means for determining a transmit power gain based on the first transmit power level, the second transmit power level, and the level of the error alarm rate.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the electronic device includes means for storing the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level based on the transmit power gain.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein determining the detection probability of the body is based on multiple correct detection attempts and multiple overall detection attempts.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, the electronic device comprising means for causing the transmitter to transmit at the first transmission power level based on the detection of the body.

7. A method comprising: The probability of body detection by the body proximity sensor is received at the processing circuit system; The false alarm rate of the body proximity sensor is determined at the processing circuit system. The first transmit power level is received at the processing circuit system based on a radio frequency exposure limit; At the processing circuit system, a second transmission power level is determined based on the first transmission power level and the detection probability of the body by the body proximity sensor, wherein the second transmission power level is greater than the first transmission power level; as well as The second transmit power level is applied at the transmitter based on the false alarm rate and the absence of an indication that the body has been detected by the body proximity sensor.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises: At the processing circuit system, the difference between the first transmission power level and the second transmission power level is determined based on the detection probability of the body by the body proximity sensor. Based on the difference, the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level are stored in a memory or storage device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein storing the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level in the memory or the storage device is based on the error alarm rate.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method comprises: The transmission power gain is determined at the processing circuit system based on the difference between the first transmission power level and the second transmission power level and the false alarm rate of the body by the body proximity sensor, wherein the first transmission power level and the second transmission power level are stored in the memory or the storage device based on the transmission power gain.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the method includes applying the first transmission power level at the transmitter based on the body being detected by the body proximity sensor.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the first transmit power level includes the radio frequency exposure limit.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the first transmit power level includes the sum of the radio frequency exposure limit and the exposure buffer.

14. A user equipment comprising: A body proximity sensor, configured to detect a body with a detection probability; One or more antennas; A transmitter configured to transmit radio frequency signals at a first transmit power level or a second transmit power level via one or more antennas; as well as Processing circuitry system, the processing circuitry system being configured to Determine the false alarm rate of the body proximity sensor; The transmitter is prompted to transmit at the first transmission power level based on the detection probability, the false alarm rate, and the received indication that the body has been detected by the body proximity sensor; as well as The transmitter is prompted to transmit at a second transmission power level, which is greater than the first transmission power level, based on the detection probability, the false alarm rate, and the absence of an indication that the body has been detected by the body proximity sensor.

15. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to select a first stored transmit power level and a second stored transmit power level from a plurality of stored transmit power levels based on a desired transmit power gain.

16. The user equipment of claim 15, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to adjust the first stored transmit power level and the second stored transmit power level based on the body proximity sensor detecting the body, to generate the first transmit power level and the second transmit power level.

17. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to determine the detection frequency of the body by the body proximity sensor, and to apply a first transmit power level and a second transmit power level from a plurality of pairs of first transmit power levels and second transmit power levels based on the detection frequency of the body by the body proximity sensor.

18. The user equipment of claim 17, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to select, from the plurality of pairs of first transmit power levels and second transmit power levels, based on the detection frequency of the body by the body proximity sensor being within a threshold range of the detection frequency.

Images