Open-space calibration for antenna array modules

Abstract

An aspect relates to calibrating an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in open space. The antenna array module may be used as a proximity sensor to detect the proximity of an object to the antenna array module. An aspect includes displaying open-space calibration instructions on a display of the wireless communication device, transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module, measuring a value of a first signal received at the antenna array module in response to transmitting the proximity test signal, and storing the value of the first signal as an open-space calibration value of the antenna array module. The first signal may be measured at a cross-polarized antenna of the antenna array module. The value of the first signal may represent a perturbation of the proximity test signal at the cross-polarized antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This patent application claims the priority and benefit of non - provisional patent application No. 17 / 210,228, filed on March 23, 2021, and provisional patent application No. 62 / 994,257, filed on March 24, 2020, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification as if fully set forth herein in their entirety and for all applicable purposes.

[0002] The technology discussed below generally relates to wireless communication devices in a wireless communication network, and more particularly to the calibration of open space for an antenna array module in a wireless communication device.

Background Art

[0003] The fifth - generation wireless technology, or 5G, may utilize millimeter - wave (mmWave) frequency transmissions. Millimeter - wave (mmWave) is absorbed within the first 1 - 2 millimeters of human skin, and a thermal heating effect can occur when the power density of the wave exceeds 5 - 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW / cm 2 ). Therefore, for mmWave frequencies, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted maximum permissible exposure (MPE) constraints that limit the power density of transmitting antennas. An antenna array module of a wireless communication device may be configured as a sensor to assist in compliance with MPE. When using the antenna array module as a sensor, calibration of the antenna array module in open space (also referred to as open - space calibration) may be performed.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following outline provides a summary of one or more aspects of the Disclosure to give a basic understanding of such aspects. This outline is not a comprehensive overview of all intended features of the Disclosure, nor does it identify the main or important elements of all aspects of the Disclosure, nor does it define the scope of any or all aspects of the Disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the Disclosure in a form that serves as a prelude to more detailed explanations to be presented later.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method for open-space calibration of an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of a wireless communication device prompting a user to hold the wireless communication device during open-space calibration; transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measuring the value of a first signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and storing the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes an antenna array module, a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the antenna array module, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the antenna array module, the wireless transceiver, and the memory. In one example, the processor is configured to display an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device during open-space calibration, transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module, measure the value of a first signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, and store the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module.

[0007] These and other embodiments will be better understood by considering the modes for carrying out the inventions described below. Other features of the Art will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following descriptions of specific examples together with the accompanying drawings. Features may be discussed for some of the following examples and drawings, but all examples may include one or more of the advantageous features described herein. In other words, one or more examples may be described as having several advantageous features, but one or more of such features may also be used according to the various examples described herein. Similarly, examples of devices, systems, or methods may be described below, but it should be understood that such examples may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows examples of wireless radio access networks according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 2] This figure shows a wireless communication system that supports beamforming and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] This figure shows examples of wireless communication devices according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a wireless communication device, as described in this specification, located within a virtual hemisphere representing open space. [Figure 5] This figure shows a wireless communication device configured to detect the proximity of a human object to an antenna array module, or contact between a human object and an antenna array module, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of hardware implementations for wireless communication devices utilizing a processing system, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 7A] This figure shows a wireless communication device held in the user's hand, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 7B] This figure shows a wireless communication device held in the user's hand, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the open-space calibration process according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates another open-space calibration process according to some aspects described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The detailed descriptions below with respect to the attached drawings are intended to describe various configurations and are not intended to represent only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be put into practice. The detailed descriptions include specific details for the purpose of giving a complete understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in the form of block diagrams to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0010] While the embodiments and examples are described herein by illustrating several examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementation forms and use cases may arise in many different configurations and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, forms, sizes, and packaging configurations. For example, embodiments and / or applications may arise from integrated chip examples and other non-modular component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchasing devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices, etc.). Some examples may or may not specifically target use cases or applications, but a wide range of applicability of the innovations described may arise. Implementation forms may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementation forms, and even to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more embodiments of the innovations described. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the embodiments and features described may also necessarily include additional components and features for the implementation and practice of the claims and described embodiments. For example, wireless signal transmission and reception may necessarily include several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / analog adders, etc.). It is intended that the innovations described herein may be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed configurations, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and structures.

[0011] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided into various classes, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands are identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is above 6 GHz, it should be understood that FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and papers. A similar nomenclature issue can arise with respect to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and papers, even though it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz to 300 GHz) which is identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0012] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as intermediate band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating band for these intermediate band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz). The frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit the FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus the features of FR1 and / or FR2 may be effectively extended to the intermediate band frequencies. Furthermore, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR4-a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0013] With the above aspects in mind, unless otherwise specified, please understand that when used herein, terms such as “sub-6GHz” may broadly refer to frequencies that may be below 6GHz, within FR1, or include midband frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, please understand that when used herein, terms such as “millimeter wave” may broadly refer to frequencies that may include midband frequencies, within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1, and / or FR5, or within the EHF band. Millimeter wave (mmWave) transmissions can cause localized heating on the surface of the skin or eyes, thus posing a potential safety hazard. To protect people from this hazard, government regulators set limits on the maximum permissible mmWave power level per square centimeter. This limit is called the Maximum Permissible Dose (MPE). The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets MPE limits for all transmissions at frequencies above 3GHz. For transmissions between 30 and 300 GHz, for example, the FCC MPE is 1 mW / cm². 2 It is set to this.

[0014] MPE (Multiple Prescriptions) tightens the already stringent link budget for 5G mmWave uplink (UL) transmissions. One solution could be the use of proximity sensors that determine whether there is any human body part near the mmWave antenna array module. When the proximity sensor indicates open space, the wireless communication device can transmit at a higher power than when the proximity sensor indicates the presence of a human body part. If the proximity sensor indicates the presence of a human body part, the wireless communication device can reduce its UL transmit power to remain in compliance with MPE limits.

[0015] In various aspects of this disclosure, an end user may perform mmWave proximity sensor calibration (where the antenna array module of a wireless communication device is configured as a proximity sensor). The user may initiate a tool (or application) on the wireless communication device. The tool may guide the user on how to physically hold the wireless communication device during the open-space calibration process. The method and apparatus may have an internal mechanism for detecting when the user may not be adhering to the provided open-space calibration guidance.

[0016] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be implemented across a wide range of telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Referring now to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a radio access network 100 is provided as an illustrative, not limiting, example. The radio access network (RAN) 100 may implement one or more arbitrary suitable wireless communication technologies for providing radio connectivity. For example, RAN 100 may operate in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) New Radio (NR) specification, often referred to as 5G. As another example, RAN 100 may operate under a hybrid of 5G NR and the Evolutionary Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standard, often referred to as Long-Term Evolution (LTE). 3GPP® refers to this hybrid RAN as Next Generation RAN or NG-RAN. Naturally, many other examples may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] The geographical area covered by the wireless access network 100 can be divided into several cellular areas (cells) that can be uniquely identified by user equipment (UE) based on the identification information broadcast over the geographical area from a certain access point or base station. FIG. 1 shows cells 102, 104, 106, and cell 108, each of which may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-area of a cell. All sectors within one cell are served by the same base station. The radio links within a sector can be identified by a single logical identification information belonging to that sector. In a cell divided into sectors, the multiple sectors within the cell can be formed by a group of antennas, and each antenna is responsible for communicating with the UE in a part of the cell.

[0018] Generally, each base station (BS) serves each cell. Generally, a base station is a network element within a wireless access network that is responsible for wireless transmission and reception with UEs within one or more cells. A BS may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), an access point (AP), a Node B (NB), an eNode B (eNB), a gNode B (gNB), a transmission and reception point (TRP), or some other suitable term. In some examples, a base station may include two or more TRPs that may or may not be collocated. Each TRP may communicate at the same or different carrier frequencies within the same or different frequency bands. In an example where RAN 100 operates according to both LTE and 5G NR standards, one of the base stations may be an LTE base station and another base station may be a 5G NR base station.

[0019] In FIG. 1, two base stations 110 and 112 are shown within cells 102 and 104, and a third base station 114 that controls a remote radio head (RRH) 116 within cell 106 is shown. That is, a base station can have an integrated antenna or can be connected to an antenna or RRH by a feeder cable. In the example shown, since base stations 110, 112, and 114 support large-sized cells, cells 102, 104, and 106 may be referred to as macro cells. Further, a base station 118 is shown within cell 108, and this cell can overlap with one or more macro cells. In this example, since base station 118 supports a relatively small-sized cell, cell 108 may be referred to as a small cell (e.g., a micro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, a home base station, a home node B, a home e-node B, etc.). Cell sizing can be done according to system design as well as component constraints. It should be understood that the radio access network 100 can include any number of wireless base stations and cells. Further, relay nodes can be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of a given cell. Base stations 110, 112, 114, 118 provide a wireless access point to a core network for any number of mobile devices.

[0020] FIG. 1 further includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 120, such as a quadcopter or a drone, and the UAV 120 may be configured to function as a base station. That is, in some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographical area of a cell can move according to the location of a mobile base station such as the UAV 120.

[0021] Generally, a base station may include a backhaul interface for communication with the backhaul portion of the network (not shown). The backhaul may provide a link between the base station and the core network (not shown), and in some examples, the backhaul may provide interconnection between the respective base stations. The core network may be part of a wireless communication system and may be independent of the radio access technology used within the radio access network. Various types of backhaul interfaces may be available, such as direct physical connections or virtual networks using any suitable transport network.

[0022] RAN100 is indicated to support wireless communications for multiple mobile devices. Mobile devices are commonly referred to as user equipment (UE) in standards and specifications popularized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), but may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as mobile station (MS), subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal (AT), mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, terminal, user agent, mobile client, client, or any other preferred term. A UE may be a device that provides a user with access to network services.

[0023] In this book, a “mobile” device does not necessarily have to be capable of moving; it may be stationary. The term mobile device generally refers to a wide range of devices and technologies. For example, some non-exclusive examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide range of embedded systems, such as those related to the “Internet of Things” (IoT). In addition, mobile devices may include automobiles or other transport vehicles, remote sensors or actuators, robots or robotics devices, satellite radios, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, object tracking devices, drones, multicopters, quadcopters, remote control devices, consumer and / or wearable devices, such as eyewear, wearable cameras, virtual reality devices, smartwatches, health or fitness trackers, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, and game consoles. In addition, mobile devices may include digital home devices or smart home devices such as home audio, video, and / or multimedia devices, appliances, vending machines, intelligent lighting, home security systems, and smart meters. Furthermore, mobile devices may include smart energy devices, security devices, solar panels or solar arrays, urban infrastructure devices that control power (e.g., smart grids), lighting, water, industrial automation and enterprise devices, logistics controllers, and agricultural equipment. Moreover, mobile devices may provide support for connected healthcare or telemedicine, i.e., remote healthcare.Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth operation devices, and their communications may be given preferential treatment or preferential access over other types of information, for example, with respect to preferential access for the transport of critical service data and / or related QoS for the transport of critical service data.

[0024] Within RAN100, a cell may contain UEs that may communicate with one or more sectors of each cell. For example, UEs 122 and 124 may communicate with base station 110, UEs 126 and 128 may communicate with base station 112, UEs 130 and 132 may communicate with base station 114 via RRH116, UE 134 may communicate with base station 118, and UE 136 may communicate with mobile base station 120. Here, each base station 110, 112, 114, 118, and 120 may be configured to provide access points to the core network (not shown) for all UEs within their respective cells. In another example, a mobile network node (e.g., a quadcopter 120) may be configured to function as a UE. For example, a quadcopter 120 may operate within cell 102 by communicating with base station 110.

[0025] Wireless communication between RAN100 and UE (e.g., UE122 or UE124) may be described as using an air interface. Transmissions over the air interface from a base station (e.g., base station 110) to one or more UEs (e.g., UE122 and UE124) may be referred to as downlink (DL) transmissions. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the term downlink may refer to point-to-multipoint transmissions originating in a scheduling entity (e.g., base station 110, which will be described further below). Another way to describe this scheme may be to use the term broadcast channel multiplexing. Transmissions from a UE (e.g., UE122) to a base station (e.g., base station 110) may be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions. According to further aspects of this disclosure, the term uplink may refer to point-to-point transmissions originating in a scheduled entity (e.g., UE122, which will be described further below).

[0026] For example, DL transmission may include unicast or broadcast transmission of control information and / or traffic information (e.g., user data traffic) from a base station (e.g., base station 110) to one or more UEs (e.g., UEs 122 and 124), and UL transmission may include transmission of control information and / or traffic information originating at a UE (e.g., UE 122). Additionally, uplink and / or downlink control information and / or traffic information may be time-divided into frames, subframes, slots, and / or symbols. As used herein, a symbol may refer to a unit of time in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform that carries one resource element (RE) per subcarrier. A slot may carry seven or fourteen OFDM symbols. A subframe may refer to a duration of 1 ms. Multiple subframes or slots may be grouped together to form a single frame or radio frame. Naturally, these definitions are illustrative, and any suitable method for organizing the waveform may be used, and various time divisions of the waveform may have any suitable duration.

[0027] Channel coding may be used to achieve a low block error rate (BLER) for transmission over an air interface while still achieving extremely high data rates. That is, wireless communications can generally use suitable error-correcting block codes. In a typical block code, an informational message or sequence is divided into code blocks (CBs), and an encoder (e.g., a CODEC) in the transmitting device then mathematically adds redundancy to the informational message. This utilization of redundancy in the encoded informational message can improve the reliability of the message and allow for the correction of any bit errors that may be caused by noise.

[0028] Data coding can be implemented in multiple ways. In the initial 5G NR specification, user data is coded using pseudo-cyclic low-density parity check (LDPC) with two different base graphs: one base graph is used for large code blocks and / or high code rates, and the other for all other cases. Control information and physical broadcast channels (PBCHs) are coded using polar coding based on nested sequences. For these channels, puncturing, shortening, and iteration are used for rate matching.

[0029] Aspects of this disclosure may be implemented using any suitable channel code. Various implementations of base stations and UEs may include suitable hardware and capabilities (e.g., encoders, decoders, and / or CODECs) for utilizing one or more of these channel codes for wireless communication.

[0030] The air interface within RAN100 can enable simultaneous communication between various devices using one or more multiplexing and multiple access algorithms. For example, the 5G NR specification provides multiple access for UL or reverse link transmissions from UE122 and 124 to base station 110, and for multiplexing of DL or forward link transmissions from base station 110 to UE122 and 124 using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with cyclic prefixes (CP). In addition, for UL transmissions, the 5G NR specification provides support for discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) (also known as single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)) with CP. However, within the scope of this disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access may be provided using time-division multiple access (TDMA), code-division multiple access (CDMA), frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), sparse-code multiple access (SCMA), resource-spread multiple access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes, without being limited to the schemes described above. Furthermore, multiplexing DL transmissions from base station 110 to UEs 122 and 124 may be provided using time-division multiplexing (TDM), code-division multiplexing (CDM), frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse-code multiplexing (SCM), or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

[0031] Furthermore, the air interface in RAN100 may use one or more duplex algorithms. Duplex refers to a point-to-point communication link where both endpoints can communicate with each other in both directions. Full-duplex means that both endpoints can communicate with each other simultaneously. Half-duplex means that only one endpoint can send information to the other at a time. Half-duplex emulation is frequently implemented for wireless links using time-division duplex (TDD). In TDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from each other using time-division multiplexing. That is, at some time the channel is dedicated to transmission in one direction, while at other times the channel is dedicated to transmission in the opposite direction, in which case the direction can change very rapidly, for example, several times per slot. In wireless links, full-duplex channels generally rely on the physical separation of the transmitter and receiver, as well as suitable interference cancellation techniques. Full-duplex emulation is frequently implemented for wireless links by using frequency-division duplex (FDD) or spatial-division duplex (SDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions may operate at different carrier frequencies (e.g., within the paired spectrum). In SDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from each other using spatial division multiplexing (SDM). In another example, full-duplex communication may be implemented within the unpaired spectrum (e.g., within a single carrier bandwidth), where transmissions in different directions occur within subbands of different carrier bandwidths. This type of full-duplex communication is sometimes referred to herein as subband full-duplex (SBFD), also known as flexible duplex.

[0032] In RAN100, the ability of UEs to communicate independently of their locations while moving is called mobility. The various physical channels between the UE and the RAN are generally set up, maintained, and released under the control of the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). In some scenarios, the AMF may include the Security Context Management Function (SCMF) and the Security Anchor Function (SEAF) that enforces authentication. The SCMF can manage the security context for both control plane and user plane functionality, either entirely or partially.

[0033] In some examples, RAN100 may enable mobility and handover (i.e., the transfer of the UE's connection from one radio channel to another). For example, during a call with a scheduling entity, or at any other time, the UE may monitor various parameters of the signal from its serving cell, as well as various parameters of neighboring cells. Depending on the quality of these parameters, the UE may maintain communication with one or more of the neighboring cells. If, during this time, the UE moves from one cell to another, or if the signal quality from a neighboring cell exceeds the signal quality from the serving cell over a given period of time, the UE may undertake a handoff or handover from the serving cell to a neighboring (target) cell. For example, UE124 may move from the geographic area corresponding to its serving cell 102 to the geographic area corresponding to neighbor cell 106. If the signal strength or quality from neighbor cell 106 exceeds the signal strength or quality from its serving cell 102 over a given period of time, UE124 may send a reporting message indicating this condition to its serving base station 110. In response, UE124 may receive a handover command, and the UE may receive a handover to cell 106.

[0034] In various implementations, the air interface within RAN100 may use licensed, unlicensed, or shared spectra. Licensed spectra generally provide exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum by mobile network operators purchasing licenses from government regulatory bodies. Unlicensed spectra provide shared use of a portion of the spectrum without the need for government-granted licenses. Adherence to some technical rules is generally still required to access unlicensed spectra, but generally any operator or device can gain access. Shared spectra may fall between licensed and unlicensed spectra, and technical rules or restrictions may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrum can still be shared by multiple operators and / or multiple RATs. For example, a license holder for a portion of a licensed spectrum may provide authorized shared access (LSA) to share that spectrum with other parties, for example, with conditions determined by the license that is suitable for obtaining access.

[0035] In some examples, access to an air interface may be scheduled, and a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station) allocates resources for communication (e.g., time-frequency resources) among some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. As will be further discussed below within this disclosure, a scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, allocating, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities. That is, for scheduled communications, a UE or scheduled entity uses resources allocated by the scheduling entity.

[0036] A base station is not the only entity that can function as a scheduling entity. That is, in some examples, a UE can function as a scheduling entity, scheduling resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more other UEs). For example, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 138, 140, and 142) can communicate with each other using sidelink signals 137 without relaying their communication through a base station. In some examples, UEs 138, 140, and 142 may each function as a scheduling entity or transmitting sidelink device and / or a scheduled entity or receiving sidelink device, scheduling resources and communicating sidelink signals 137 between them, without relying on scheduling or control information from a base station. In other examples, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 126 and 128) within the coverage area of ​​a base station (e.g., base station 112) can communicate sidelink signals 127 over a direct link (sidelink) without relaying their communication through base station 112. In this example, base station 112 may allocate resources to UEs 126 and 128 for sidelink communication. In any case, such sidelink signaling 127 and 137 may be implemented in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, device-to-device (D2D) networks, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) networks, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) networks, mesh networks, or other suitable direct-link networks.

[0037] In some examples, a D2D relay framework may be included within the cellular network to facilitate the relaying of communications to and from base station 112 over D2D links (e.g., sidelinks 127 or 137). For example, one or more UEs (e.g., UE128) within base station 112's coverage area may act as relay UEs to extend base station 112's coverage, improve transmission reliability to one or more UEs (e.g., UE126), and / or to allow base station 112 to recover from a UE link that has failed due to interference or fading.

[0038] Two main technologies that may be used by V2X networks include dedicated short-range radio communication (DSRC) based on the IEEE 802.11p standard, and cellular V2X based on the LTE and / or 5G (New Radio) standard. Various aspects of this disclosure may relate to New Radio (NR) cellular V2X networks, which are referred to herein for simplicity. However, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein are not limited to any particular V2X standard and may apply to sidelink networks other than V2X networks.

[0039] According to one embodiment, scheduling entities and / or scheduled entities may be configured for beamforming and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. Figure 2 shows a wireless communication system 200 that supports beamforming and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication according to some embodiments described herein. In the MIMO system, the transmitter 202 includes a plurality of transmitting antennas 204 (e.g., N transmitting antennas), and the receiver 206 includes a plurality of receiving antennas 208 (e.g., M receiving antennas). Thus, there are N × M signal paths 210 from the transmitting antennas 204 to the receiving antennas 208. Each of the transmitter 202 and the receiver 206 may be implemented, for example, within a scheduling entity, a scheduled entity, or any other suitable wireless communication device.

[0040] The use of such multi-antenna technology enables the wireless communication system 200 to leverage spatial domains to support spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and transmit diversity. Spatial multiplexing, also known as layers, can be used to transmit different streams of data simultaneously on the same time-frequency resource. The data streams may be transmitted to a single wireless communication device to increase the data rate, or to multiple wireless communication devices to increase the overall system capacity, the latter being called multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). This is achieved by spatially precoding each data stream (i.e., multiplexing the data streams with different weightings and phase shifts), and then transmitting each spatially precoded stream downlink through multiple transmit antennas. The spatially precoded data streams arrive at the wireless communication devices with different spatial signatures, allowing each wireless communication device to reconstruct one or more data streams destined for it. On the uplink, each wireless communication device transmits a spatially precoded data stream, which allows the base station to identify the source of each spatially precoded data stream.

[0041] The number of data streams or layers corresponds to the transmission rank. Generally, the rank of a MIMO system (e.g., a wireless communication system 200 that supports MIMO) is limited by the smaller of the number of transmitting antennas 204 or the number of receiving antennas 208. In addition, other considerations such as the channel state in the wireless communication device and the available resources at the base station may also affect the transmission rank. For example, the rank (and therefore the number of data streams) assigned to a particular wireless communication device on the downlink may be determined based on a rank indicator (RI) transmitted from the wireless communication device to the base station. The RI may be determined based on the antenna configuration (e.g., the number of transmitting and receiving antennas) and the measured signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) for each of the receiving antennas. The RI may indicate, for example, the number of layers that can be supported under the current channel state. The base station may use the RI, along with resource information (e.g., available resources and the amount of data to be scheduled for the wireless communication device), to assign a transmission rank to the wireless communication device.

[0042] In a time-division duplex (TDD) system, UL and DL are reciprocal in that they each use different time slots of the same frequency bandwidth. Therefore, in a TDD system, a base station may assign a rank to a DL MIMO transmit based on UL SINR measurements (for example, based on a sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted from the UE, or other pilot signals). Based on the assigned rank, the base station may then transmit a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) with separate C-RS sequences for each layer to perform multilayer channel estimation. From the CSI-RS, the UE may measure channel quality across layers and resource blocks and feed back channel quality indicator (CQI) and rank indicator (RI) values ​​to the base station for use in updating the rank and assigning REs for future downlink transmits.

[0043] In its simplest form, as shown in Figure 2, rank 2 spatial multiplexing transmission in a 2x2 MIMO antenna configuration transmits one data stream from each of the transmitting antennas 204. Each data stream reaches each of the receiving antennas 208 along one of the different signal paths 210. The receiver 206 can then reconstruct the data stream using the received signals from each of the receiving antennas 208.

[0044] Beamforming is a signal processing technique that can be used in a transmitter 202 or receiver 206 to shape or steer an antenna beam (e.g., a transmit beam or a receive beam) along a spatial path between the transmitter 202 and the receiver 206. Beamforming can be performed by combining signals communicated through antennas 204 or 208 (e.g., antenna elements of an antenna array module) such that some signals undergo constructive interference and others undergo destructive interference. To create the desired constructive / destructive interference, the transmitter 202 or receiver 206 may apply amplitude and / or phase offsets to the signals transmitted or received from each of the antennas 204 or 208 associated with the transmitter 202 or receiver 206.

[0045] In 5G new radio (NR) systems, beamformed signals may be used for most downlink channels, including physical downlink control channels (PDCCH) and physical downlink sharing channels (PDSCH), particularly for systems above 6 GHz or mmWave systems. Furthermore, broadcast control information, such as the Master System Information Block (MSIB), Slot Format Indicator (SFI), and paging information, may be transmitted in a beam-swept manner to enable all scheduled entities (UEs) within the coverage area of ​​a transmit / receive point (TRP) (e.g., gNB) to receive the broadcast control information. Additionally, for wireless communication devices configured with beamforming antenna array modules, beamformed signals may be used for uplink channels, including physical uplink control channels (PUCCH) and physical uplink sharing channels (PUSCH).

[0046] Figure 3 shows examples of wireless communication devices 300 in some embodiments described herein. The wireless communication device 300 may be a 5G wireless communication device configured to transmit and receive signals in the mmWave frequency band (e.g., height FR2 or higher). The wireless communication device 300 may include at least one antenna array module, but it should be understood that the wireless communication device 300 may include any number of antenna array modules. In the example of Figure 3, the wireless communication device 300 includes three antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. Each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 may be a 5G mmWave antenna array module, meaning that each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 can handle traffic, perform beamforming, and provide spatial coverage as may be specified in the 3GPP® specifications for 5G and 5G New Radio (NR) operating in the mmWave frequency band (e.g., height FR2 or higher).

[0047] The antenna array modules 304, 306, 308 (and associated signal and data processing circuit configurations) may be configured to perform beamforming towards a gNB (e.g., a scheduling entity, a base station) or another wireless communication device (e.g., a user device, a scheduled entity) during D2D or sidelink communication. These modules may be configured to adjust their radiated power to increase the amount of energy received at the gNB (or other wireless communication device) in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and enhance the throughput and quality of the link between the wireless communication device and the gNB (or other wireless communication device). In one embodiment, each antenna array module 630 may be configured to act as a proximity sensor to detect contact between one or more of the respective antenna array modules 304, 306, 308 and a human object (e.g., a finger, ear, cheek, or other body part or surface), or to detect the proximity of a human object to one or more of the respective antenna array modules 304, 306, 308. For the purposes of this specification, a human object may be illustrative.

[0048] The wireless communication device 300 may include a housing 302. The housing 302 may include a display 310 and a back surface 312. The wireless communication device 300 may correspond to any of the wireless communication devices (e.g., scheduled entities) shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0049] The antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 may be positioned within the housing 302 of the wireless communication device 300 so that each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308 can cover a portion of the sphere surrounding the wireless communication device 300. In particular, antenna array module 304 may be configured to generate multiple beams 314, antenna array module 306 may be configured to generate multiple beams 316, and antenna array module 308 may be configured to generate multiple beams 318. Each of the multiple beams 314, 316, and 318 may be directed to a different portion of the coverage area (e.g., of the sphere) of each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308. In one example, a wide beam 315 may be formed for transmission and / or reception, either additionally or as an alternative. Generally, a base station may use each pair of beams to communicate with the wireless communication device 300 in both downlink and uplink. Beam pair links (BPLs) for downlink and uplink may include beams from the same antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308, or from different antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308.

[0050] The number of beams 314, 316, 318 generated by each antenna array module 304, 306, 308 may depend, for example, on the number of antenna subarrays in each antenna array module 304, 306, 308. Generally, to meet the link budget requirements for downlink transmission (for example, from gNB to wireless communication device 300), each antenna array module 304, 306, 308 should support N beams for every N antenna subarrays in the module. For example, assuming there are two antenna subarrays (N=2) for each antenna array module 304, 306, 308, the wireless communication device 300 should support 2N (e.g., 2N=2*2=4) beams by each antenna array module, and a total of 6N (e.g., 3*2N=6N) beams. Therefore, for N=2, the wireless communication device 300 only needs to support a total of 12 beams (for example, four beams from each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308), as shown in the example in Figure 3. However, it should be understood that each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308 may support any appropriate number of beams.

[0051] On the uplink, each of the multiple mmWave beams 314, 316, and 318 generated from antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 is a directional beam that can propagate along a beam path extending outward from the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. Each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 concentrates the radio frequency (RF) radiation (e.g., measured by RF power density) generated from the mmWave beams into an area corresponding to the direction of the mmWave beam path.

[0052] The FCC imposes constraints on the maximum permissible dose (MPE) from such mmWave beams to human tissue. One method is to set the MPE power density threshold of the transmitting antenna array module to 1.0 mW / cm². 2 4.0 mW / cm² 2The following limitations may apply: Power density may be averaged over an averaging time (e.g., MPE time window), where the averaging time may depend on the transmission frequency. In one such example, the averaging time is shorter for higher frequencies. For example, the averaging time may be 30 seconds for frequencies between 6 GHz and 10 GHz, 14 seconds for frequencies between 10 GHz and 16 GHz, 8 seconds for frequencies between 16 GHz and 24 GHz, 4 seconds for frequencies between 24 GHz and 42 GHz, 2 seconds for frequencies between 42 GHz and 95 GHz, and so on. Compliance with the MPE standard may impose constraints on uplink transmissions in terms of both duty cycle and transmit power. As a result of these constraints, both cell coverage and user experience (e.g., call stability and throughput) may be reduced. Wireless communication devices may monitor and adjust power output over time to comply with exposure limits. Power output monitoring and adjustment may be based on the average exposure at a given radio frequency over a given period (e.g., an MPE time window).

[0053] RF radiation / power density attenuates at a high rate with distance from the transmitting antenna. Therefore, as a result of uplink transmission, exposure is significantly lower when human tissue is not in the beampath or is further away from the transmitting antenna. Thus, the use of the sensing or detection capability of the wireless communication device 300 to determine which antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 are near human tissue may help in compliance with FCC MPE regulations. As an addition or alternative, if the wireless communication device 300 adjusts the output power to limit exposure, the user may be prompted to keep human tissue (e.g., generally belonging to fingers, thumbs, and heads) away from the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308, by which future transmissions may be transmitted at higher power to improve uplink signal quality after the human tissue is no longer in close proximity to the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308.

[0054] The wireless communication device 300 may implement proximity detection to determine whether a hand (e.g., fingers, thumb, palm) is in close proximity to or covering any of the antenna array modules 304, 306, or 308. If a hand is in close proximity or covering a module, the wireless communication device 300 may, for example, warn the user to move their hand or reduce the transmitter power level to comply with MPE regulations.

[0055] Wireless communication devices may use physical parameter sensors such as thermal sensors, capacitive sensors, display touch sensors, infrared sensors, and cameras to implement proximity sensors. When implemented as proximity sensors, these physical parameter sensors may be called “external” proximity sensors even if they are located inside the housing of the wireless communication device. However, such external proximity sensor implementations can be bulky and require power. Furthermore, placing external sensors (not shown) adjacent to one or more antenna array modules 304, 306, 308 may increase the cost and complexity of the wireless communication device 300, occupying valuable volume within the housing of the wireless communication device 600 and valuable mounting area on the circuit board within the housing of the wireless communication device 300. Moreover, the inherent behavior of the mmWave frequency band ensures that the wireless communication device installs multiple mmWave antenna array modules. Therefore, to implement proximity detection, the wireless communication device may install an external proximity sensor next to each mmWave antenna array module. The negative aspects of using physical parameter sensors as external proximity sensors, as described above, make their use in mmWave-enabled wireless communication devices undesirable.

[0056] One alternative involves using a mmWave proximity sensor integrated into a wireless communication RF chip. In addition to the advantages of saving printed circuit board footprint and power consumption, integrated mmWave proximity sensors also enable faster rate sensing and higher reliability than external sensors.

[0057] However, integrated mmWave proximity sensors are extremely sensitive to the mechanical housing of the antenna array module. Higher mechanical tolerances, which can result from manufacturing variations, can significantly degrade the performance of integrated mmWave proximity sensors.

[0058] Factory open-space calibration of mmWave proximity sensors may be performed as an alternative. Factory open-space calibration can maintain high detection performance. However, factory open-space calibration may involve the use of an anechoic chamber, which can be large and costly to assemble, operate, and maintain. Also, factory open-space calibration may have limitations because such calibration does not take into account protective covers that end-users may install on the sides, back, and / or front of wireless communication devices. Protective covers can affect the accuracy of factory open-space calibration.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of the wireless communication device 300 of Figure 3, positioned within a virtual hemisphere representing open space, according to several embodiments described herein. The virtual hemisphere may allow visualization of the open space 400 surrounding the wireless communication device within the virtual hemisphere. Figure 4 shows a virtual hemisphere with a fixed open space boundary 402, simply for illustrative purposes.

[0060] The open space boundary 402 may extend over a predetermined distance 404 from the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. In some examples, the predetermined distance 404 may be approximately 30–60 cm or, more specifically, approximately 30–40 cm. In other examples, the predetermined distance may be approximately arm's length away from the antenna array modules. In other examples, each predetermined distance 404 may include the respective ranges of distance from each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308, or from the center of the wireless communication device 300. In one example, each predetermined distance 404 or range of distances may extend outward from the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 along the beampath of each antenna. In some examples, the range of distances may be variable, for example, based on the transmit power of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. Each predetermined distance or each range of the predetermined distances may differ from one another. These preceding descriptions of predetermined distances and ranges of distances are illustrative and non-limiting. For practical purposes, the open space boundary 402 may be an undefined rotating ellipse shape surrounding the wireless communication device 300.

[0061] In the examples described herein, for both open-space calibration and proximity detection, the wireless communication device 300 may radiate proximity test signals into the open space 400 from each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. Prior to being configured as proximity sensors, each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 may be calibrated to the open space 400. The volume of space within the open space 400 may be used for open-space calibration. The open space 400 may also be called a natural open space.

[0062] The wireless communication device 300 may configure at least one of the multiple antennas of each antenna array module 304, 306, 308 to transmit a proximity test signal from each antenna array module 304, 306, 308 into open space 400 (e.g., open space without objects). The wireless communication device 300 may configure at least two other cross-polarized antennas of each antenna array module 304, 306, 308 to receive versions of the proximity test signal (e.g., reflected, perturbed, unperturbed). The transmission of the proximity test signal and the reception of versions of the proximity test signal may occur simultaneously. According to some embodiments, the received version of the proximity test signal may be the unperturbed version of the transmitted proximity test signal when measured during open space calibration in compliance with open space calibration instructions (e.g., holding the wireless communication device about 30-60 cm away from any object, including human objects). According to some embodiments, the received version of the proximity test signal may be a perturbed version of the transmitted proximity test signal when each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308 is configured as a proximity sensor and an object is in close proximity to or covering each of the antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308.

[0063] The received version of the proximity test signal may, in this specification, be referred to as the first signal received at the cross-polarized antennas of the respective antenna array modules 304, 306, and 308. The first signal may be represented as a complex value for each of the cross-polarized receiving antennas. When measured in accordance with the open-space calibration command, the first signal received at the cross-polarized antennas may, in this specification, be referred to as the open-space calibration value. When measured during proximity sensor operation, the first signal received at the cross-polarized antennas may, in this specification, be referred to as the measured open-space value. These values ​​may be stored in the memory 610 of the wireless communication device 600. For example, in the memory 610 of the wireless communication device 600 in Figure 6, the open-space calibration value may be stored in the open-space calibration value register 631. The measured open-space value may be stored in the measured open-space value register 632. The words "value" and "values" may be used interchangeably. One or more complex numbers, real numbers and imaginary numbers, and / or one or more values ​​including magnitude and angle values ​​may be stored in any of the registers described herein, for example.

[0064] The antennas of each antenna array module 304, 306, and 308, configured to receive a version of the proximity test signal during open-space calibration, should not receive any reflected proximity test signals transmitted to the open space 400. The absence of reflections is due to the fact that there are no objects in the open space 400 being calibrated from which a reflected or perturbed version of the proximity test signal should be received. Therefore, any signal received during open-space calibration (e.g., the first signal) may be due to leakage of an unperturbed proximity test signal from the transmitting antenna to the cross-polarized receiving antenna. Similarly, any signal received during proximity sensor operation may be due to leakage of a perturbed proximity test signal from the transmitting antenna to the cross-polarized receiving antenna. In both open-space calibration and proximity sensor operation, the proximity test signal may be transmitted at a level that is several tens of dB above the background noise and / or the receiver noise in the receiver chain of the cross-polarized antenna itself. The amplitude of the received signal at each of the cross-polarized antennas may correspondingly be above the noise and may be in the linear region of the amplifiers in the receiver chain. Therefore, wireless communication devices may use the signal received during open-space calibration as a threshold level or value. The difference (e.g., in amplitude and phase) between the proximity test signal received at the cross-polarized antenna and the version of the proximity test signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna is due to an object occupying space adjacent to or in contact with the antenna array module (in open space). Such objects include those having human tissue, including fingers, thumbs, palms, and heads. For ease of reference, these tissue-containing features of human body structures may generally be referred to as human objects in this specification.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a wireless communication device 500 configured to detect the proximity of a human object to antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508, or contact of a human object with those antenna array modules, according to several embodiments described herein. The wireless communication device 500 includes a housing 502. The housing 502 may be partially enclosed within and coupled to a protective cover 512. The wireless communication device 500 includes three antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 within the housing 502. The antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 are positioned within the housing 502 along the left, top, and right sides of the wireless communication device 500, and adjacent to and at least partially covered by the protective cover 512. The wireless communication device 500 includes a display 510 in the XY plane. The back of the wireless communication device 500 is concealed. The protective cover 512 may enclose the (hidden) back and at least some portion of the sides of the wireless communication device 500. One or more additional antenna array modules (not shown) may be mounted adjacent to the back (not shown) of the wireless communication device 500 within the housing 502 of the wireless communication device, and adjacent to the protective cover 512.

[0066] In the example in Figure 5, antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 are each configured as antenna array module proximity sensors. To configure antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 as antenna array module proximity sensors, at least one antenna of each given antenna array module 504, 506, and 508 may be configured to transmit a proximity test signal. At least two other cross-polarized antennas of the given antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 may be configured to receive leakage from the transmitting antenna in the form of a cross-polarized version of the proximity test signal. The cross-polarized received version of the proximity test signal may be non-perturbed (e.g., during open-space calibration) or perturbed (during proximity sensor operation when an object is close to or covering each antenna array module 504, 506, and 508). Using antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 as proximity sensors eliminates the need to use one or more separate physical parameter sensors, such as the physical parameter sensor 624 in Figure 6, as proximity sensors. Nevertheless, physical parameter sensors may be used for other purposes.

[0067] According to embodiments described herein, for the purpose of proximity detection, it is not necessary to indicate that contact with an object (e.g., a human object or a protective cover) has occurred, nor is it necessary to establish a specific distance between the object and a given antenna array module 504, 506, 508. For the purpose of proximity detection, it may be sufficient to detect the proximity of a protective cover above the antenna array modules 504, 506, 508, or the proximity of a human object to the antenna array modules 504, 506, 508.

[0068] In Figure 5, for ease of explanation, the display 510 of the wireless communication device 500 and the front of the user's face are in parallel or nearly parallel XY planes. The user's viewing axis may be along the Z axis perpendicular to the XY plane. This orientation is merely an example, and it should be understood that other orientations may be used by the processes or apparatus described herein.

[0069] In Figure 5, the user's left hand is gripping the wireless communication device 500 such that the user's middle finger covers at least a portion of the antenna array module 508. The user's index finger is adjacent to the antenna array module 508. The user's left thumb is close to the antenna array module 504. In this orientation, the user's thumb is within the open space 400 described in Figure 4. The position of the user's fingers and thumb should be sufficient to ensure that the cross-polarization perturbations of the proximity test signals received at the left antenna array module 504 and the right antenna array module 508 are different from the open-space cross-polarization perturbations measured beforehand (without the user's fingers and thumb being close to any of the antenna array modules 504, 506, or 508).

[0070] In one example, in the antenna array module 504, two receiving antennas, one with different polarizations relative to the other (e.g., cross-polarized), may receive a proximity test signal (e.g., the electromagnetic field of the proximity test signal) transmitted from at least one transmitting antenna of the antenna array module 504. During open-space calibration, the wireless communication device 500 transmits the proximity test signal into open space. There are no objects in the open space that could perturb the proximity test signal. For example, in an open-space environment, even if there is only a small amount of reflected energy, it may be received by the two receiving antennas, and the radiated transmission near the two receiving antennas may not be perturbed by any object in the open space. On the other hand, when an object (e.g., a thumb) is in the area defined as open space or in contact with the antenna array module 504, the presence of the object perturbs the transmitted proximity test signal. The perturbation causes the value representing the received proximity test signal at the cross-polarized receiving antenna to be different from that measured in the open-space environment (e.g., during open-space calibration).

[0071] An example of antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 may have four antenna elements. The ports of each antenna element may be either horizontally polarized or vertically polarized. Thus, in a four-antenna configuration, two antennas may have vertical polarization and two antennas may have horizontal polarization. Larger or smaller numbers of antenna array modules, different numbers of antennas per antenna array module, different distributions of antenna polarization, and even diverse types and combinations of polarization, such as vertical, horizontal, and circular polarization, are within the scope of this disclosure. In the embodiments described herein, a proximity test signal may be transmitted from at least one antenna of each respective antenna array module 504, 506, and 508. The proximity test signal may be received by at least two other cross-polarized antennas of each respective antenna array module 504, 506, and 508. Cross-polarization means, for example, that the first antenna may be horizontally polarized and the second antenna may be vertically polarized.

[0072] As described above, in order to comply with MPE limits, the wireless communication device 500 may need to know (e.g., detect, determine) whether an object (e.g., a human object) is in close proximity to or covering at least one of the antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508. If an object is in close proximity to or covering at least one of the antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508, the wireless communication device 500 may need to reduce the transmitter output power to remain within the MPE limits. By complying with MPE limits, the health of users can be protected by preventing any user organization from being exposed to excessive power in the mmWave frequency band (e.g., above FR2).

[0073] In some examples, when the wireless communication device 500 is brought online (e.g., started up, turned on, or activated), the wireless communication device 500 may initiate antenna array module proximity sensor calibration in an open space (e.g., an open space calibration process similar to the open space calibration process 800 or 900 in Figure 8 or 9) to calibrate the antenna array modules 504, 506, and 508 for use as antenna array module proximity sensors.

[0074] In other examples, the wireless communication device 500 may initiate an open-space calibration process when it receives input from a user (for example, via the user interface 616 in Figure 6) indicating, for example, and not limited to, a change to a protective cover model number, or a command to perform an open-space calibration process. Upon receiving these exemplary instructions or any other instructions related to user input regarding open-space calibration, which are driven by user input, the wireless communication device 500 may initiate an open-space calibration process.

[0075] In another example, the wireless communication device 600 may initiate an open-space calibration process in response to detecting the coupling, placement, or replacement of the protective cover with or on the wireless communication device 500, or otherwise receiving an instruction that the protective cover may be placed on the wireless communication device.

[0076] The wireless communication device 500 may detect in several ways that a protective cover is placed on it. For example, the wireless communication device 500 may be provided with open space calibration data (or a conversion to convert the bare phone signature of the wireless communication device to that of the wireless communication device with a given cover) that approximates the expected open space signature of the wireless communication device 500 (e.g., a so-called "bare phone") or the expected open space signature of a given cover. The provided open space calibration data may be obtained from the characterization of many wireless communication devices of the same model (e.g., tens, hundreds, or thousands of averaged characterizations). The provided open space calibration data may be referred to herein as a characterized open space calibration value. The characterized open space calibration value may be stored, for example, in a characterized open space calibration value register (e.g., 634 in Figure 6). The factory-provided open space calibration value may be useful in detecting when the cover is coupled to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may use a factory-provided characteristic open-space calibration value for comparison with a user-measured open-space calibration value. The wireless communication device may detect that a new protective cover has been coupled to the wireless communication device if the factory-provided characteristic open-space calibration value and the user-measured open-space calibration value differ from each other by a predetermined value.

[0077] Another method for detecting the presence of a new cover or the replacement of a cover on a wireless communication device may be implemented by a radio automatic identification (RFID) device integrated into the wireless communication device (for example, the RFID device 618 in Figure 6). In such an embodiment, the RFID device can read an RFID tag affixed to or embedded in a protective cover when the protective cover is coupled to the wireless communication device. Reading the RFID tag associated with the protective cover may enable the wireless communication device to perform an open-space calibration process, such as the open-space calibration process 800 or 900 in Figure 8 or 9. Other methods for initiating, initializing, or triggering an open-space calibration process are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0078] When calibrated for open space, the antenna array module (configured as an antenna array module proximity sensor) may be capable of detecting the presence of a human object in contact with or in close proximity to the antenna array module. Detection can be facilitated by understanding that a perturbation received in the cross-polarized receiving antenna of the antenna array module is larger than, for example, a perturbation measured (and recorded) during the open-space calibration of the wireless communication device 500, if induced by a finger placed on the antenna array module.

[0079] Figure 6 shows examples of hardware implementations of a wireless communication device 600 utilizing the processing system 602, according to some embodiments described herein. For example, the wireless communication device 600 may be any user device or scheduled entity shown and described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5.

[0080] The wireless communication device 600 may be implemented using a processing system 602 that includes one or more processors 604. Examples of processors 604 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the wireless communication device 600 may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. That is, when used within the wireless communication device 600, the processor 604 may be used to implement one or more of the processes and procedures described below.

[0081] In this example, the processing system 602 may be implemented in a bus architecture generally represented by bus 608. Bus 608 may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 602. Bus 608 links various circuits together, including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 604), memory 610, and computer-readable media (generally represented by computer-readable media 612). Bus 608 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0082] The bus interface 614 provides an interface between the bus 608 and the transceiver 628. The transceiver 628 provides means for communicating with various other devices via a transmitting medium (e.g., an air interface). The transceiver 628 may be further coupled to one or more antenna array modules 630. In some examples, the transceiver 628 and the antenna array modules 630 may be configured to transmit and receive in the mmWave frequency band (e.g., FR2) using directional beamforming (e.g., using a single beam or beam pair link (BPL) in both the uplink and downlink, respectively). The bus interface 614 further provides an interface between the bus 608 and the user interface 616 (e.g., a keypad, display, touchscreen, speaker, microphone, control knob, etc.).

[0083] One or more antenna array modules 630 of the wireless communication device 600 may be configured as antenna array module proximity sensors. One or more antenna array modules 630 may be configured to transmit and receive proximity test signals. Proximity test signals may be perturbed by human objects in an open space defined for the wireless communication device 600. The perturbation may be measured by the wireless communication device 600 and used to detect the proximity of human objects to one or more antenna array modules 630. In some examples, one or more antenna array modules 630 may correspond to antenna array modules 304, 306, 308 shown in Figures 3 and 4 or antenna array modules 504, 506, 508 shown in Figure 5.

[0084] Bus 608 may link various peripheral devices. Peripheral devices may include a radio automatic identification (RFID) device 618. The RFID device 618 may be used with a protective cover having a coupled RFID tag. When the protective cover with the RFID tag is coupled to the wireless communication device 600, the RFID device 618 may detect the RFID tag and signal to the processing system 602 to instruct the processing system 602 that the protective cover may be coupled to the wireless communication device 600. According to some examples, the signal may also convey information, for example, about the manufacturer and model number of the protective cover. The open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 of the processor 604 of the processing system 602 may use this information to modify, correct, or convert open-space calibration values ​​measured during the open-space calibration process. The proximity circuit configuration 643 of the processor 604 of the processing system 602 may use this information to modify, correct, or convert measured open-space values ​​measured during proximity sensor operation.

[0085] Peripheral devices may include a vibration device 620. The vibration device 620 may be configured to cause vibration of the wireless communication device 600. The vibration may constitute haptic feedback provided to the user by the wireless communication device 600. For example, during open-space calibration, the wireless communication device 600 may display a command instructing the user to change how they hold the wireless communication device 600. This command may instruct the user to hold the wireless communication device 600 below a line displayed on the display of the wireless communication device 600. The wireless communication device 600 may detect (for example, using a capacitive touch-sensitive feature associated with the display) that the user's fingers are above the line. In this situation, the wireless communication device 600 may vibrate the vibration device 620 and thus alert the user to non-compliance with the displayed command.

[0086] Peripheral devices may include a power source 622, but this is well known in the field and will not be explained further.

[0087] Peripheral devices may include physical parameter sensors 624 such as thermal sensors, capacitive sensors, display touch sensors, infrared sensors, and cameras. Physical parameter sensors 624 are well known in the art and will not be described further.

[0088] Peripheral devices may also include one or more motion sensors 626 (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope). The motion sensors 626 may be used to determine changes in acceleration and angular acceleration along each of the six degrees of freedom of the wireless communication device 600. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication device 600 may use the motion sensors 626 to determine whether the user is holding the wireless communication device in compliance with the open-space calibration command. The motion sensors 626 may be used to detect movement of the wireless communication device 600 during the calibration process. A wireless communication device showing a lack of movement during the open-space calibration process indicates non-compliance with the open-space calibration command. Movement may include minute movements induced by the user's heartbeat and detected by the antenna array module 630 when the user's finger or thumb covers the antenna array module 630.

[0089] Processor 604 is responsible for managing bus 608 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium 612. Software is broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. When executed by processor 604, the software causes processing system 602 to perform various functions described below for any particular device. Computer-readable medium 612 and memory 610 may also be used to store data that can be manipulated by processor 604 when the software is executed.

[0090] The computer-readable medium 612 may be a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The non-temporary computer-readable medium may store computer executable code (e.g., software) in the wireless communication device 600, which includes code for performing various functions described below for any particular device. The non-temporary computer-readable medium includes, as an example, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital multipurpose discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 612 may reside within the processing system 602, be outside the processing system 602, or be distributed across multiple entities including the processing system 602. The computer-readable medium 612 may be embodied in a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may include the computer-readable medium within its packaging material. In some examples, the computer-readable medium 612 may be part of memory 610. Depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system, the best way to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0091] In one embodiment, the processor 604 may include circuit configurations configured for various functions. For example, the processor 604 may include a communication and processing circuit configuration 641 configured to communicate with a base station. In some examples, the communication and processing circuit configuration 641 may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure for performing processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) and signal processing (e.g., processing of received signals and / or processing of signals for transmission). In some examples, the communication and processing circuit configuration 641 may be configured to generate an uplink signal and transmit it at mmWave frequency via a transceiver 628 and an antenna array module 630. Furthermore, the communication and processing circuit configuration 641 may be configured to receive and process downlink mmWave signals via the antenna array module 630 and the transceiver 628. The communication and processing circuit configuration 641 may further be configured to run communication and processing software 651 stored on a computer-readable medium 612 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0092] The processor 604 may further include an open-space calibration circuit configuration 642. The open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may be used by the wireless communication device 600 to perform or operate the open-space calibration process in order to record open-space calibration values ​​(e.g., measures of cross-polarization perturbation) measured during the execution of the open-space calibration process. In one embodiment, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module 630 into the open space. In response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may measure the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module 630. In response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may obtain the value of a first signal (e.g., measures of cross-polarization perturbation) received in a pair of cross-polarized antennas in the antenna array module 630. The open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may store the value of the first signal as an open-space calibration value in the open-space calibration value register 631 of the memory 610. The first signal may represent the received unperturbed version of the transmitted proximity test signal in a cross-polarized antenna, and the absence of perturbation is due to the absence of objects (including, for example, human objects) in the open space associated with the wireless communication device. The open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 may further be configured to run open-space calibration software 652 stored on a computer-readable medium 612 in order to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0093] The processor 604 may further include a proximity circuit configuration 643 configured to determine whether an object (e.g., a human object) is in the open space defined and described in relation to Figure 4. The proximity circuit configuration 643 may further be configured to determine whether an object (e.g., a human object or a protective cover) may be covering the antenna array module 630. Furthermore, the proximity circuit configuration 643 may be configured to determine whether open space calibration may be performed, for example, in consideration of the first installation of a protective cover on the wireless communication device 600, the replacement of a protective cover on the wireless communication device 600, or a command from a user.

[0094] In some examples, the proximity circuit configuration 643 may be configured to acquire measurements of cross-polarization perturbations received by multiple cross-polarization receiving antennas of the antenna array module 630, and to store the measured values ​​of the cross-polarization perturbations in the measured open-space value register 632 or elsewhere in memory 610. Measured open-space values ​​may be acquired during open-space calibration or proximity sensor operation. For the purposes of this specification, open-space values ​​acquired during the open-space calibration process may be referred to as open-space calibration values. In contrast, open-space values ​​acquired during proximity sensor operation may be referred to as open-space values.

[0095] In another example, a factory may measure an open-space value for a given wireless communication device model without a protective cover. This open-space value may be referred to herein as the default open-space value. The factory may pre-store the default open-space value in, for example, the default open-space value register 633 or in another location in memory 610.

[0096] In another example, the factory may characterize the open-space performance of a given model of wireless communication devices (such as wireless communication device 600). Characterization may be obtained, for example, by averaging multiple open-space calibration values ​​collected from tens or hundreds of wireless communication devices of the same model. The factory may pre-store the characterized open-space calibration values ​​for a given model of wireless communication device 600 in the characterized open-space calibration value register 634 or elsewhere in memory 610 of the wireless communication device 600. Open-space calibration values ​​obtained by the user during the open-space calibration process may be compared to factory-provided default open-space values ​​and / or factory-provided characterized open-space calibration values ​​to determine whether the user-obtained open-space calibration values ​​are consistent with factory-provided open-space values. Characterization may be performed on associated pairings of wireless communication device models coupled to a protective cover.

[0097] The proximity circuit configuration 643 may further be configured to compare a newly measured value of cross-polarization perturbation with a previously stored open-space calibration value. For example, comparing a newly measured open-space value with a previously stored measured open-space value may be used to ensure the consistency of measurements over time. Lack of consistency may indicate that (for example, when a previously stored measured open-space value or open-space calibration value was obtained with a protective cover) a protective cover may be missing. Alternatively, lack of consistency may indicate that a new protective cover has replaced a previously used protective cover, that an open-space calibration instruction has not been followed, or that there has been damage to the wireless communication device.

[0098] A comparison of a newly measured open space value for a wireless communication device with a protective cover and the default open space value (for each wireless communication device model without a protective cover) may be used to determine the presence of a protective cover. A comparison of a newly measured open space value for a wireless communication device without a protective cover and the default open space value (for each wireless communication device model without a protective cover) may be used to measure the degree of consistency between the current state of the wireless communication device and the new factory state of each wireless communication device model. A comparison of a newly measured open space value for a given antenna array module and the characteristic open space calibration value for a given model of each antenna array module (as seen in the wireless communication device under test) may be used to determine whether one or more antenna array modules are damaged.

[0099] The proximity circuit configuration 643 may further be configured to execute proximity software 653 stored on a computer-readable medium 612 in order to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0100] The processor 604 may further include a motion detection circuit configuration 644. The motion detection circuit configuration 644 may use input from the motion sensor 626. The motion detection circuit configuration 644 may be configured to measure the motion (e.g., acceleration, rotation) and orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal orientation) of the wireless communication device 600 during open-space calibration of the antenna array module 630. The motion of the wireless communication device 600 may be used to determine whether the user has complied with the open-space calibration command or any other command associated with proximity sensor operation. For example, if the user places the wireless communication device on the top surface of a table and performs the open-space calibration process, the open-space calibration process will return a unique set of open-space calibration values ​​that differ from both the default open-space calibration values ​​and the characterized open-space calibration values ​​because the wireless communication device and the table are in close proximity. The deviation from the expected result may be used to conclude (e.g., determine) that the open-space calibration command may not have been complied with by the wireless communication device in relation to the motion measurement indicating a stationary wireless communication device. The motion detection circuit configuration 644 may further be configured to execute motion detection software 654 stored on a computer-readable medium 612 in order to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0101] The processor 604 may further include a user interaction circuit configuration 645. The user interaction circuit configuration 645 may be used by the wireless communication device 600 to display an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display (for example, a display included with the user interface 616) prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device 600 during open-space calibration of the wireless communication device 600. In some embodiments, the user interaction circuit configuration 645 may be used to display a command to grasp the wireless communication device 600 without covering the antenna array module 630 and to ensure that no object is within a given distance of the wireless communication device 600 in each of several directions from the wireless communication device 600. The user interaction circuit configuration 645 may further be configured to run user interaction software 655 stored on a computer-readable medium 612 in order to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0102] Generally, the memory 610 of the wireless communication device 600 may include an open-space calibration value register 631, a measured open-space value register 632, a default open-space value register 633, and a characterized open-space calibration value register 634. Each of the values ​​stored in the registers may be one or more complex numbers and may represent the cross-polarization perturbations of the proximity test signal in horizontal and vertical polarization. The above values ​​were described above in relation to Figure 6. For brevity, the description will not be repeated.

[0103] Memory 610 may also include a motion sensor algorithm register 635. The motion sensor algorithm stored in the motion sensor algorithm register 635 may use metrics such as variance, autocorrelation, or higher-order moments to quantify and / or detect motion in open-space calibration data (e.g., in perturbation data values ​​over time). The time period for determining variance, autocorrelation, or higher-order moments may be as short as several hundred milliseconds or as long as several minutes. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication device may perform variance, autocorrelation, higher-order moments, or a combination of other statistical operations during the open-space calibration process and while the proximity sensor is operating. The motion sensor algorithm may evaluate its input and indicate whether the user has complied with instructions based on statistical operations, which may include one or more of variance, autocorrelation, and higher-order moments. If instructions are not complied with, additional instructions may be displayed that allow the user to repeat the open-space calibration process.

[0104] Figures 7A and 7B show a wireless communication device 700 in the user's hand in several embodiments described herein. In both figures, the wireless communication device 700 is housed in (e.g., coupled to) a protective cover 712. The protective cover 712 may be coupled to the wireless communication device 700, for example, before the user initializes the wireless communication device 700. Initialization may occur when the wireless communication device 700 is brought online after purchase by the user, or immediately thereafter. Initialization may occur, for example, within minutes or hours of purchase. Alternatively, the protective cover 712 may be coupled to the wireless communication device 700, for example, as a replacement for a previous protective cover. Alternatively, the protective cover 712 may be coupled to the wireless communication device 700 following the initial initialization of the wireless communication device 700 and / or approximately the same amount of time after the first or most recent open-space calibration process, for example, for hours, days, weeks, months, or years.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, in Figures 7A and 7B, the wireless communication device 700 is facing the user. The display 710 of the wireless communication device 700 and the front of the user's face may be parallel or nearly parallel. The user's line of sight may be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to these planes. This orientation is merely an example, and it should be understood that other orientations may be used by the processes or apparatus described herein. The wireless communication device is shown in the orientations of Figures 7A and 7B for illustrative purposes.

[0106] In Figure 7A, the user's left hand is holding the wireless communication device 700. The user's middle finger covers at least a portion of the antenna array module 708. The user's index finger is directly adjacent to the antenna array module 708. The user's left thumb is close to the antenna array module 704. In this orientation, the user's thumb is within the open space volume associated with at least one antenna array module 704. Thus, the position of the user's fingers and thumb may be sufficient to cause the cross-polarization perturbations of the signals received by the left antenna array module 704 and the right antenna array module 708 to differ from the cross-polarization perturbations that have been previously acquired (e.g., acquired during the open space calibration process) or both have been pre-stored by the factory in either the default open space value register 633 or the characterized open space calibration value register 634 in Figure 6. Alternatively, if the acquired open-space values ​​are obtained during proximity sensor operation, the positioning of the user's fingers and thumb will also cause the measured open-space values ​​to differ from the open-space calibration values ​​stored in the open-space calibration value register 631, the default open-space value register 633, and the characterized open-space calibration value register 634. This difference may cause the wireless communication device to determine that there is an error in the new open-space calibration process, or that an object (e.g., a human object) is in close proximity to or covering the antenna array module 630 in open space. The wireless communication device 700 may determine that the value associated with the cross-polarization measurement differs from the expected value, and therefore may determine what action to take in response to having determined the difference.

[0107] For example, the wireless communication device 700 may determine that the difference may be a result of a human object (e.g., a user's finger) being near or on one or more of the antenna array modules 704, 708, and that higher radiated output power from the antenna array modules 704, 708 may be required to achieve, for example, the promised signal reliability. However, the wireless communication device 700 may not be able to increase the output power while the human object is on or near the antenna array modules 704, 708, because the increased power level would exceed the MPE. In this situation, the wireless communication device 700 may alert / warn / request the user to reposition their hand (e.g., thumb and fingers) away from the antenna array modules 704, 708 before the wireless communication device can safely increase the transmit power. However, differences in cross-polarization perturbations (such as between a previously measured and stored value and a newly measured value in the memory of the wireless communication device 700) may be due to the addition or modification of the protective cover 712 on the wireless communication device 700. In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 700 may require the user to implement (for example, perform) a new open-space calibration.

[0108] According to one exemplary implementation of a new open-space calibration, the wireless communication device 700 may trigger the display of message 714 on the display 710 of the wireless communication device 700. In the example shown in Figures 7A and 7B, message 714 reads, “Hold the phone with one hand below the top line and away from nearby objects.” Figure 7B shows the compliant grip, where the thumb on the front of the wireless communication device and the fingers on the back of the wireless communication device 700 are below the thick line displayed on the display 710. Once compliance with message 714 is verified, the wireless communication device may perform an open-space calibration process (e.g., by operating) and open-space calibration data may be collected. Figure 7B graphically shows the open space 720 to the left, top, and right of the wireless communication device 700.

[0109] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an open-space calibration process (e.g., a method) according to several embodiments described herein. The process may be an open-space calibration process for an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device may be, for example, any of the wireless communication devices or scheduled entities shown in Figures 1 to 7. Some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of this disclosure, as described below, and some illustrated features may only be used for implementations of certain embodiments. In some examples, this method may be carried out by the wireless communication device 600 described above and shown in Figure 6, by a processor or processing system, or by any preferred means for performing the described function.

[0110] In block 802, the wireless communication device may display an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device during open-space calibration. In some embodiments, displaying an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display may further include displaying a command to ensure that the user grasps the wireless communication device without covering the antenna array module and that there are no objects within a given distance of the wireless communication device in each of several directions from the wireless communication device. In one example, the given distance may be between approximately 30 cm and 60 cm. In another example, the given distance may be between approximately 30 cm and 40 cm. In some embodiments, displaying an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display may further include providing a visualization on the wireless communication device's display of where the user should grasp the wireless communication device. For example, the user interaction circuit configuration 645 and user interface 616 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for displaying an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display.

[0111] In block 804, the wireless communication device may transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module. According to some embodiments, transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module and measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal may also include transmitting a proximity test signal from at least one antenna of the antenna array module and measuring the value of the first signal in two other antennas of the antenna array module that are cross-polarized relative to each other. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, transceiver 628, and antenna array module 630 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module.

[0112] In block 806, the wireless communication device may measure the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of a proximity test signal. In one embodiment, measuring the value of the first signal received in the antenna array module may include measuring the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations. In another embodiment, measuring the value of the first signal received in the antenna array module may include measuring the received version of the proximity test signal as a cross-polarization perturbation of the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of a proximity test signal. As another example, if the wireless communication device configures the antenna array module 630 as a proximity sensor, the proximity circuit configuration 643 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of a proximity test signal. In both examples, the transceiver 628 and antenna array module 630 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for transmitting and receiving the proximity test signal and the first signal, respectively.

[0113] In block 808, the wireless communication device may store the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module. For example, the open-space calibration value register 631 of the memory 610 of the processing system 602, as shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, and the antenna array module 630 may provide means for storing the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module.

[0114] Following the memory in block 808, the wireless communication device may perform at least one of the following actions: start open-space calibration of the antenna array module during startup of the wireless communication device; start open-space calibration of the antenna array module in response to detection of coupling of a protective cover to the wireless communication device; start open-space calibration of the antenna array module in response to determining that the difference between a characterized open-space calibration value and a preceding open-space calibration value stored in the memory of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold; or start open-space calibration of the antenna array module in response to receiving a command to calibrate the antenna array module.

[0115] In some embodiments, the open-space calibration process 800 may further include configuring an antenna array module as an antenna array module proximity sensor by a wireless communication device; transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measuring a second value of a second signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and determining that an object is covering at least a portion of the antenna array module or is within a predetermined distance from the antenna array module when the second value of the second signal is different from the value of the first signal.

[0116] In another embodiment, the open-space calibration process 800 may further include comparing the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module with a characterized open-space calibration value stored in the memory of the wireless communication device, and verifying that the antenna array module is not covered during the measurement of the value of the first signal when the difference in the variance between the open-space calibration value and the characterized open-space calibration value is less than a predetermined amount.

[0117] In some examples, the open-space calibration process 800 may further include measuring the magnitude of motion of the wireless communication device and verifying that the user is complying with the open-space calibration command when the magnitude of motion of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold. In other examples, the open-space calibration process 800 may further include transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module while displaying the open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display.

[0118] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an open-space calibration process 900 (e.g., a method) for open-space calibration of an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication network, according to several embodiments described herein. The wireless communication device may be, for example, any of the wireless communication devices or scheduled entities shown in Figures 1 to 8. Some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in certain implementations within the scope of this disclosure, as described below, and some illustrated features may only be used for implementations of certain embodiments. In some examples, this method may be carried out by the wireless communication device 600 described above and shown in Figure 6, by a processor or processing system, or by any preferred means for performing the described function.

[0119] In block 902, the wireless communication device may determine whether it is permissible to initiate an open-space calibration of the wireless communication device (for example, whether it is possible that an open-space calibration of an antenna array module configured as a proximity detector may be initiated). For example, the wireless communication device may decide to initiate an open-space calibration based on at least one of the following: that it is permissible to start up the wireless communication device; that the attachment of a protective cover to the wireless communication device may be detected; that an existing open-space calibration may be inaccurate; or that a command to calibrate the antenna array module of the wireless communication device may be received. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide a means for determining whether it is permissible to initiate an open-space calibration of the wireless communication device.

[0120] In some examples, a wireless communication device may decide to initiate open-space calibration by transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module, measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, and determining that the value of the first signal may differ from a pre-stored open-space calibration value, when the antenna array module can be configured as an antenna array module proximity sensor. Measuring the value of the first signal may further include determining the cross-polarization perturbation between the pair of cross-polarized antenna elements of the antenna array module that received the first signal.

[0121] In another embodiment, the wireless communication device may determine whether an open-space calibration trigger event has occurred. According to some embodiments, one trigger event is the installation of a first cover on the wireless communication device (for example, the installation of the first protective cover after purchasing the wireless communication device) or the detection of such installation. Another trigger event may be a cover replacement event, that is, the installation of a replacement cover on the wireless communication device or the detection of such installation (for example, reinstallation or replacement of the protective cover). Another trigger event may be the reception of an open-space calibration command in the processor of the wireless communication device. The open-space calibration command may be input to the wireless communication device (for example, by a user). If the wireless communication device determines in block 902 that no trigger event has occurred, the wireless communication device may return to block 902. In other words, the wireless communication device may cycle through block 902 (e.g., enter and exit) until a trigger event occurs. If a trigger event has occurred in block 902, the wireless communication device may proceed to block 904.

[0122] In block 904, the wireless communication device may display an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display. Displaying an open-space calibration command on the wireless communication device's display may include displaying a command to physically hold the wireless communication device so as not to cover any of the wireless communication device's antenna array modules. For example, the command may instruct the user to hold the wireless communication device so as to ensure that no object (e.g., a human object, finger, thumb, etc.) partially or completely covers the antenna array modules of the wireless communication device. In some examples, the command may ensure that no object can be within a given distance of the wireless communication device in each of several directions from the wireless communication device. The multiple directions may include directions relative to the left, right, top, front, and / or back of the wireless communication device. The given distance may correspond to the open-space distance. The given distance may be about 30 to 60 cm, or more specifically about 30 to 40 cm. For example, the user interaction circuit configuration 645 and user interface 616 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for displaying open-space calibration commands on the display of a wireless communication device.

[0123] An open-space calibration command may include, for example, message 714 in Figure 7, i.e., “Hold the phone with one hand below the upper line and away from nearby objects.” In another embodiment, an exemplary message can be read as “Hold the phone with one hand below the upper line, away from nearby objects, at arm length from your face.” In one embodiment, only one message may be provided. Specific movement or reorientation of the wireless communication device in space during the open-space calibration process 900 may be unnecessary. The user may move the wireless communication device in open space as long as the user adheres to the open-space distance parameter (e.g., keeping the wireless communication device about 30-60 cm, or more specifically about 30-40 cm, away from objects including the user’s head and body). A motion detection circuit configuration 644, together with a motion sensor 626, may measure the movement and instruct the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 in Figure 6, for example, to perform the movement.

[0124] Holding a wireless communication device such that no object can be within a given distance from its left, right, above, in front, and / or behind may be a way to establish the functional open space required for open space calibration. Functional open space may approximate true open space, which may be an essentially static environment. In this context, the word “true” may mean “actual” or “actual representation of.” “True” does not necessarily mean ideal or absolute.

[0125] In some examples, nothing enters the inherently static environment of true open space that would perturb the proximity test signal. Since there is no movement, nothing perturbs the reception of the transmitted proximity test signal at the cross-polarized receiving antenna. Any perceived perturbation in true open space can be due to noise at the proximity sensor's receiver. Detection of a perturbation different from those measured during open-space calibration may indicate the presence of an object, such as a human object, close to the antenna array module proximity sensor (composed of the antennas of the antenna array module). In some examples, a wireless communication device may use a motion sensor algorithm (e.g., stored in the motion sensor algorithm register 635 in Figure 6) to quantify and / or detect perturbations in the transmitted / received proximity test signal.

[0126] In block 906, the wireless communication device may wait to verify that it is ready and oriented in space for open-space calibration. For example, the wireless communication device may verify, by receiving instructions from the user, that the user may be holding the wireless communication device as required for open-space calibration. For example, the user may perform a rapid rotation of the wireless communication device, shake the wireless communication device, hold an open palm in front of the user's face, or do any other way in which the user can communicate that the wireless communication device is ready in space for the open-space calibration process. The wireless communication device may use the statistical calculations described above to detect tremors, for example, before or during the open-space calibration process. Detection of tremors may be one indicator for the wireless communication device to determine whether the user may be complying with the open-space calibration instructions. For example, the wireless communication device may exhibit tremors if it is held tightly in the user's hand. The user's heartbeat may be transmitted to the wireless communication device and cause tremors in the wireless communication device. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 and motion sensor 626 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for waiting for the wireless communication device to verify that it is ready and oriented in the space for open-space calibration.

[0127] If, in block 906, it is determined that the wireless communication device may be oriented for open-space calibration, the wireless communication device may return to block 906. In other words, the wireless communication device may cycle through block 906 (e.g., enter and exit) until it receives or derives a signal verifying that the wireless communication device is positioned (e.g., oriented) in space according to a displayed message. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 and motion sensor 626 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide means for determining that the wireless communication device may be oriented for open-space calibration.

[0128] In block 908, the wireless communication device may perform open-space calibration and collect open-space calibration data. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device may transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module to an open space without objects. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module while displaying an open-space calibration command. Transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module and measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module may further include transmitting a proximity test signal from at least one antenna of the antenna array module and receiving the first signal in two other antennas of the antenna array module that are cross-polarized with respect to each other. The received proximity test signal may be unperturbed (for example, if received while no objects are present in the open space). If the open space without objects is indeed free of objects, the received proximity test signal may be perturbed by any objects in the area defined for the open space. For example, various registers, including the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, memory 610, and open-space calibration value register 631 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, may provide means for a wireless communication device to perform open-space calibration and collect open-space calibration data.

[0129] A wireless communication device may measure the value of a first signal received in an antenna array module while transmitting a proximity test signal. Measuring the value of the first signal may include measuring the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations. In another embodiment, measuring the value of the first signal may include measuring the received version of the proximity test signal as the value of the cross-polarization perturbation of the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations. In some embodiments, the open-space calibration data may include cross-channel perturbation data for each wireless communication device antenna array module. In one embodiment, each cross-channel perturbation may be a scalar value. In another embodiment, each cross-channel perturbation may be a vector value. In yet another embodiment, each cross-channel perturbation may be represented as an array of values.

[0130] The proximity test signals may be transmitted simultaneously or sequentially. Receivers associated with the cross-polarized receiving antennas in each antenna array module may receive a version of the proximity test signal that leaks and / or is reflected back to their respective cross-polarized receiving antennas. The cross-polarized perturbation of the electromagnetic field in the receiving antennas may then be measured and stored either as an open-space calibration value (if the proximity test signal is transmitted during open-space calibration of the antenna assembly module) or as a proximity test result (if the proximity test signal is transmitted during proximity testing of the antenna assembly module).

[0131] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may further verify that the antenna array module may be covered by a human object while measuring the value of the first signal. In some embodiments, verifying that the antenna array module may be covered by a human object while measuring the value of the first signal may include comparing the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module with a characterized open-space calibration value (e.g., a factory-derived open-space calibration value) stored in the memory of the wireless communication device. In other embodiments, verifying that the antenna array module may be covered by a human object while measuring the value of the first signal may further include determining whether data collected from at least one of a gyroscope or accelerometer indicates a lack of movement of the wireless communication device during the open-space calibration process. Any lack of movement may indicate, for example, that a user placed the wireless communication device on a table during the open-space calibration process. As a result of placing the wireless communication device on a table, the object (table) is in open space (e.g., the table is within millimeters of the wireless communication device antenna array module, rather than within approximately 30-60 cm or, more specifically, within approximately 30-40 cm). The wireless communication device may move in space during open-space calibration, provided that it does not violate the open-space calibration distance parameters (for example, as long as a distance of approximately 30–60 cm, or more specifically approximately 30–40 cm, can be maintained between the wireless communication device and objects, including the user's head and body). The absence of any movement detected by the gyroscope or accelerometer following a period in which movement was detected may indicate a change in the user's grip on the wireless communication device and that the wireless communication device may no longer be held in open space.

[0132] In block 909, the wireless communication device may use a motion sensor algorithm (also called a motion detection algorithm) to verify user compliance with the instructions given in block 904. The motion sensor algorithm may, for example, consider perturbation values ​​associated with one or more antenna assembly modules during the open-space calibration process. Changes in perturbation values ​​during open-space calibration (e.g., rapid fluctuations) may indicate that the user was, for example, shaking their hand or fingers around the area of ​​one or more antenna array modules. Such behavior is inconsistent with the instructions and may indicate that the user did not comply with the open-space calibration instructions. In some embodiments, the motion sensor algorithm may further use motion sensor data (e.g., from motion sensor 626 in Figure 6) to determine, for example, whether the wireless communication device did not move during the open-space calibration process. Lack of movement may indicate that the wireless communication device was placed on the table for the duration of the open-space calibration process. Placing the wireless communication device on a table during the open-space calibration process would indicate a non-compliance with the open-space calibration instruction that may require the user to hold the wireless communication device at approximately 30-60 cm from any object, or more specifically, at approximately 30-40 cm from any object. For example, the memory 610 storing the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, motion sensor 626, and motion sensor algorithm register 635, as shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, may provide a means for the wireless communication device to use the motion sensor algorithm (also called the motion detection algorithm) to verify user compliance with the instruction given in block 904.

[0133] In block 910, the wireless communication device may optionally use characterized open space calibration values ​​stored in a characterized open space calibration register similar to the characterized open space calibration register 634 in the memory 610 of the wireless communication device 600 in Figure 6. The characterized open space calibration values ​​may be pre-stored in the wireless communication device or otherwise acquired. The factory may provide characterized open space calibration values. Characterized open space calibration values ​​may be derived by collecting and averaging multiple open space calibration values ​​from tens, hundreds, or more wireless communication devices of the same model. The sample size (e.g., tens, hundreds, or more) is illustrative and non-limiting. Characterized open space calibration values ​​may be compared to user-measured open space calibration values ​​to quantify how two values ​​correspond. Open space calibration values ​​(whether they are user-measured or provided by factory-characterized open space calibration values) may appear as a grouping of points on an I / Q coordinate system (e.g., a cross-polarization coordinate system). The center of a grouping may be determined based on the average location of all sample points on the I / Q coordinate grid. The diameter of the grouping may have a given standard deviation or variance. Various groupings (e.g., based on user-measured open-space calibration values ​​or factory-provided characterized open-space calibration values) may have centers at various locations in the I / Q coordinate grid, but all groupings may have approximately the same diameter (e.g., the same standard deviation or variance). User-measured open-space calibration values ​​and characterized open-space calibration values ​​(measured in open space by the factory) may be accurate if their diameters are approximately similar (regardless of the location of the center of the grouping on the I / Q grid). For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642 and the memory 610 storing the characterized open-space calibration values ​​in the characterized open-space calibration value register 634, shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, provide a means for a wireless communication device to use the characterized data stored in the characterized open-space calibration value register 634, for example. You may do so.

[0134] However, if the user improperly performs the open-space calibration process by failing to comply with the instruction to hold the wireless communication device at a distance of approximately 30-60 cm, or more specifically, approximately 30-40 cm, from an object including a human object, the groupings may have approximately the same diameter. The wireless communication device may use a motion sensor to determine whether the user is complying with the open-space calibration instruction. For example, if the groupings have approximately the same diameter (e.g., approximately the same standard deviation or variance), but the motion sensor determines that the wireless communication device was approximately stationary (e.g., on a table), the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, which implements the motion sensor algorithm stored in the motion sensor algorithm register 635, may conclude that the user may not be complying with the open-space calibration instruction. As a result, the wireless communication device may display a prompt on the wireless communication device's display indicating that the user should repeat the open-space calibration process.

[0135] The open-space calibration process may fail if user-measured open-space calibration values ​​are not present in any group but are scattered across one or more quarters of the I / Q grid. This result may occur when objects are in open space during the open-space calibration process. The scattering may be due to perturbations of the received proximity test signal in the cross-polarized antennas of the antenna array module. The perturbations may be due to objects in open space. Similar to non-compliant test results, the wireless communication device may re-display a prompt on the wireless communication device's display indicating that the user should repeat the open-space calibration process.

[0136] In block 910, the wireless communication device may, in addition or alternatively, collect data from external sensing devices of the wireless communication device to detect compliance with instructions, for example, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a touch sensor below the screen of the wireless communication device, a front and / or rear camera, and / or an infrared sensor (for example, for specific absorption rate (SAR)). As a result of not complying with instructions, the user may be asked to perform open-space calibration again. For example, a memory 610 storing the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, physical parameter sensor 624, and characterized open-space calibration value register 634, shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, may provide the wireless communication device with means for collecting data from external sensing devices of the wireless communication device, in addition or alternatively.

[0137] In block 912, the wireless communication device may examine whether the measured open-space calibration value, proximity data, and / or wireless communication device motion data are consistent with the characterized open-space calibration value, expected proximity data, and / or expected wireless communication device motion data. If, in block 912, the wireless communication device determines that the measured and expected results are consistent, the wireless communication device may store the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module in block 914. The wireless communication device may use the stored data in further processing. The wireless communication device may then terminate the process after block 914. However, if, in block 912, the wireless communication device determines that the measured and expected results are not consistent, the wireless communication device may proceed to block 916. For example, the open-space calibration circuit configuration 642, the motion detection circuit configuration 644, and the memory 610 having various registers 631-635, as shown and described above in relation to Figure 6, may provide a means for the wireless communication device to determine whether the measured open-space calibration data, proximity data, and / or wireless communication device motion data are consistent with the characterized open-space calibration values, expected proximity data, and / or expected wireless communication device motion data.

[0138] In block 916, the wireless communication device may determine whether a predefined number of open-space calibration attempts have been made. The predefined number, i.e., N, may be set according to preference or experience. In block 916, if the number of open-space calibration attempts is less than N, the wireless communication device may return to block 904 and retry the open-space calibration process. However, if the number of open-space calibration attempts is equal to N in block 916, in block 918, the wireless communication device may use its display to deliver a prompt to the user. The prompt may ask the user whether they want to use a previous open-space calibration value (for example, whether they want to retain a previous open-space calibration value). The user may then respond to the prompt (for example, by indicating yes or no), thereby commanding the wireless communication device to use or not use a previous open-space calibration value. The wireless communication device may determine, based on the user's response to the prompt on the wireless communication device's display, whether a command to use a pre-stored open-space calibration value can be received. For example, the communication and processing circuit configuration 641 shown and described above in relation to Figure 6 may provide a means for a wireless communication device to determine whether a predetermined number of open-space calibration trials have been performed.

[0139] If the wireless communication device receives a response (input) indicating a user decision not to use a previous open-space calibration (for example, not using the open-space calibration value stored in the open-space calibration value register 631, the default open-space value stored in the default open-space value register 633, the characterized open-space calibration value stored in the characterized open-space calibration value register 634, or the measured open-space value stored in the measured open-space value register 632), in block 920, the wireless communication device may set the proximity detection flag to "true". The proximity detection flag value may be stored, for example, in the flag value register 636 in Figure 6. When the proximity detection flag is set to true, the wireless communication device may continuously report proximity detection. In response to the proximity detection report, the wireless communication device controls transmission to maintain the transmit power level within the MPE limit. This power level limit may mean that the wireless communication device may not be able to increase the transmit power (which may affect the quality of service provided by the wireless communication device). The proximity detection flag value may be stored, for example, in the flag value register 636 or elsewhere in memory 610 in Figure 6. By setting the proximity detection flag to true, the proximity sensor can be configured to report proximity detection until a successful open-space calibration is completed.

[0140] However, if the wireless communication device receives a response indicating the user's decision to use the previous open-space calibration (for example, an instruction that the pre-stored open-space calibration value should remain untouched and unchanged), the wireless communication device may terminate the process.

[0141] In one embodiment, a wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network may include means for displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device during open-space calibration; means for transmitting a proximity test signal from an antenna array module; means for measuring the value of a first signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and means for storing the value of the first signal as an open-space calibration value of the antenna array module. The means described above may be a processor 604 shown in Figure 6, configured to perform the functions enumerated by the means described above. In addition or alternatively, in any of the embodiments described above, the means described above may be a circuit or any device configured to perform the functions enumerated by the means described above.

[0142] Naturally, in the above example, the circuit configuration included in processor 604 is merely illustrative. Other means for performing the described functions may be included in various aspects of this disclosure, including, but not limited to, instructions stored in the computer-readable medium 612 in Figure 6 or any other suitable device or means described in any one of Figures 1 to 7, such as the methods, processes, and / or algorithms described herein in relation to Figures 8 to 9.

[0143] The following provides an overview of this disclosure.

[0144] Embodiment 1: A method for open-space calibration of an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication network, comprising the steps of: displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device during open-space calibration; transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measuring the value of a first signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and storing the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module.

[0145] Embodiment 2: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the step of measuring the value of a first signal received in an antenna array module includes the step of measuring a received version of a proximity test signal in each of two polarizations.

[0146] Embodiment 3: The method of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the step of measuring the value of a first signal received in an antenna array module includes the step of measuring a received version of a proximity test signal as a cross-polarization perturbation of the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations.

[0147] Embodiment 4: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising at least one of the following steps: starting open-space calibration of an antenna array module while a wireless communication device is being started; starting open-space calibration of an antenna array module in response to detection of coupling of a protective cover to the wireless communication device; starting open-space calibration of an antenna array module in response to determination that the difference between a characterized open-space calibration value and a preceding open-space calibration value stored in the memory of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold; or starting open-space calibration of an antenna array module in response to receiving a command to calibrate the antenna array module.

[0148] Embodiment 5: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the step of displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device further includes the step of holding the wireless communication device without covering the antenna array module and displaying a command to ensure that there are no objects within a given distance of the wireless communication device in each of a plurality of directions from the wireless communication device.

[0149] Embodiment 6: The method of Embodiment 5, wherein the given distance is between 30 cm and 60 cm.

[0150] Embodiment 7: The method of Embodiment 5, wherein the given distance is between 30 cm and 40 cm.

[0151] Embodiment 8: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the step of displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device further includes the step of providing on the display of the wireless communication device a visualization of where the user should grasp the wireless communication device.

[0152] Embodiment 9: A method of any embodiment 1 to 8, wherein the steps of transmitting a proximity test signal from an antenna array module and measuring the value of a first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of a proximity test signal further include the steps of transmitting a proximity test signal from at least one antenna of the antenna array module and measuring the value of the first signal in two other antennas of the antenna array module that are cross-polarized with respect to each other.

[0153] Embodiment 10: A method of any embodiment 1 to 9, further comprising the steps of: configuring an antenna array module as an antenna array module proximity sensor using a wireless communication device; transmitting a proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measuring a second value of a second signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and determining that an object is covering at least a portion of the antenna array module or is within a predetermined distance from the antenna array module when the second value of the second signal is different from the value of the first signal.

[0154] Embodiment 11: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising the steps of comparing an open-space calibration value of an antenna array module with a characterized open-space calibration value stored in the memory of a wireless communication device, and verifying that the antenna array module is not covered during measurement of the value of a first signal when the difference in variance between the open-space calibration value and the characterized open-space calibration value is less than a predetermined amount.

[0155] Embodiment 12: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising the steps of measuring the magnitude of movement of a wireless communication device and verifying that the user is complying with an open-space calibration command when the magnitude of movement of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0156] Embodiment 13: Any method of Embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising the step of transmitting a proximity test signal from an antenna array module while displaying an open-space calibration command on the display of a wireless communication device.

[0157] Embodiment 14: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising an antenna array module, a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the antenna array module, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the antenna array module, the wireless transceiver, and the memory, wherein the processor is configured to: display an open-space calibration command on the display of the wireless communication device prompting the user to grasp the wireless communication device during open-space calibration; transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measure the value of a first signal received by the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal; and store the value of the first signal as the open-space calibration value of the antenna array module.

[0158] Embodiment 15: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to Embodiment 14, wherein the processor is configured to measure the value of a first signal received in an antenna array module, by further configuring the processor to measure a received version of a proximity test signal in each of two polarizations.

[0159] Embodiment 16: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the processor is configured to measure the value of a first signal received in an antenna array module, by further configuring the processor to measure the received version of the proximity test signal as a cross-polarization perturbation of the received version of the proximity test signal in each of the two polarizations.

[0160] Embodiment 17: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 16, further configured to perform at least one of the following: starting open space calibration of an antenna array module while the wireless communication device is being started; starting open space calibration of an antenna array module in response to detection of coupling of a protective cover to the wireless communication device; starting open space calibration of an antenna array module in response to determination that the difference between a characterized open space calibration value and a preceding open space calibration value stored in the memory of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold; or starting open space calibration of an antenna array module in response to receiving a command to calibrate the antenna array module.

[0161] Embodiment 18: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 17, wherein the processor is configured to display an open-space calibration instruction on the display of the wireless communication device, by further configuring the processor to display an instruction to ensure that there are no objects within a given distance of the wireless communication device in each of a plurality of directions from the wireless communication device, without covering the antenna array module.

[0162] Embodiment 19: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to Embodiment 18, wherein a given distance is between 30 cm and 60 cm.

[0163] Embodiment 20: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to Embodiment 18, wherein the given distance is between 30 cm and 40 cm.

[0164] Embodiment 21: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 20, wherein the processor is configured to display open-space calibration instructions on the display of the wireless communication device, by further configuring the processor to provide on the display of the wireless communication device a visualization of where the user should grasp the wireless communication device.

[0165] Embodiment 22: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 21, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module and to measure the value of the first signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, by further configuring the processor to transmit a proximity test signal from at least one antenna of the antenna array module and to measure the value of the first signal received in the antenna array module.

[0166] Embodiment 23: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 22, further configured to configure an antenna array module as an antenna array module proximity sensor, transmit a proximity test signal from the antenna array module, measure a second value of a second signal received in the antenna array module in response to the transmission of the proximity test signal, and determine that an object is covering at least a portion of the antenna array module or is within a predetermined distance from the antenna array module when the second value of the second signal is different from the value of the first signal.

[0167] Embodiment 24: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 23, further configured to compare the open-space calibration value of an antenna array module with a characterized open-space calibration value stored in the memory of the wireless communication device, and to verify that the antenna array module is not covered during measurement of the value of a first signal when the difference in variance between the open-space calibration value and the characterized open-space calibration value is less than a predetermined amount.

[0168] Embodiment 25: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 24, further configured to measure the scale of movement of the wireless communication device and to verify that the user is complying with an open space calibration instruction when the scale of movement of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0169] Embodiment 26: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, according to any embodiment 14 to 25, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit proximity test signals from an antenna array module while displaying open-space calibration instructions on the display of the wireless communication device.

[0170] Embodiment 27: A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising at least one means for carrying out any one of the methods of Embodiments 1 to 13.

[0171] Embodiment 28: A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer-executable code, which includes code for causing a device to perform any one of the methods described in Embodiments 1 to 13.

[0172] Several embodiments of wireless communication networks are presented with reference to exemplary implementations. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure can be extended to other telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0173] For example, various embodiments may be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP®, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced Packet Systems (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS), and / or Global Systems for Mobile (GSM). These embodiments may also be extended to systems defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP® 2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems utilizing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunications standards, network architectures, and / or communication standards used will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0174] In this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the described features, advantages, or modes of operation. The term “joined” is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect joining between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, objects A and C may still be considered joined to each other even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, an object may be joined to an object second even if the first object is not in any direct physical contact with the second object. The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” are used broadly and are not limited to the type of electronic circuit, but include both hardware implementations and conductors of electrical devices that, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described herein, as well as software implementations of information and instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described herein.

[0175] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown in Figures 1 to 8 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components shown in Figures 1 to 8 may be configured to carry out one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may be efficiently implemented in software and / or incorporated into hardware.

[0176] The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method should be understood as illustrating an exemplary process. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method may be rearranged based on design preferences. The attached method claims present elements of various steps in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented therein unless otherwise specified.

[0177] The foregoing explanations are provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may apply to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not limited to the embodiments shown herein and should be given the maximum extent consistent with the language of the claims, and references to elements in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "one unique" unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, the term "several" refers to one or more. The phrase "at least one of" in an enumeration of items refers to any combination of those items containing a single member. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, and a, b and c. The structure "A and / or B" is intended to cover A or B, or A and B. All structural and functional equivalents to elements of various aspects described herein, known to those skilled in the art or to be known thereafter, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein, whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims or not, will be made public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 100 Wireless Access Networks (RANs) 102 cells, serving cells 104 cells 106 cells, neighbor cells 108 cells 110 base station 112 Base Station 114 Third base station 116 Remote Wireless Head (RRH) 118 Base Station 120 Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mobile base stations, base stations, quadcopters 122 UE 124 UE 126 UE 127 Side Link Signaling 128 UE 130 UE 132 UE 134 UE 136 UE 137 Sidelink Signaling 138 UE 140 UE 142 UE 200 Wireless Communication Systems 202 Transmitter 204 Transmitting antenna, antenna 206 Receiver 208 Receiving antenna, antenna 210 Signaling Path 300 Wireless Communication Devices 302 enclosures 304 Antenna Array Module 306 Antenna Array Module 308 Antenna Array Module 310 displays 312 Back side 314 Beam 315 Wide beam 316 Beam 318 Beam 400 Open Space 402 Open Space Boundary 404 predetermined distance 500 Wireless Communication Devices 502 enclosure 504 Antenna Array Module, Left Antenna Array Module 506 Antenna Array Module 508 Antenna Array Module, Right Antenna Array Module 510 displays 512 Protective Cover 600 Wireless Communication Devices 602 Processing System 604 Processor 608 Bus 610 memory 612 Computer-readable media 614 Bus Interface 616 User Interface 618 Radio Automatic Identification (RFID) Devices 620 Vibration Devices 622 Power Source 624 Physical Parameter Sensors 626 Motion Sensor 628 Transceiver 630 Antenna Array Module 631 Open Space Calibration Register, Register 632 Measured open-space value register, register 633 Default open-space value register, register 634 Characterized open-space calibration register, register 636 Flag Value Register 635 Motion sensor algorithm register, register 641 Communication and Processing Circuit Configurations 642 Open-space calibration circuit configuration 643 Proximity Circuit Configuration 644 Motion detection circuit configuration 645 User Interaction Circuit Configuration 651 Communication and Processing Software 652 Open Space Calibration Software 653 Proximity Software 654 Motion detection software 655 User Interaction Software 700 Wireless Communication Devices 704 Antenna Array Module, Left Antenna Array Module 708 Antenna Array Module, Right Antenna Array Module 710 displays 712 Protective Cover 800 Open Space Calibration Process 900 Open Space Calibration Process

Claims

1. 1. A method for open space calibration of an antenna array module of a wireless communication device in a wireless communication network, comprising: displaying open space calibration instructions on a display of the wireless communication device prompting a user to hold the wireless communication device without covering the antenna array module during the open space calibration and to ensure that no objects are within a given distance of the wireless communication device in each of a plurality of directions from the wireless communication device; configuring, by the wireless communication device, the antenna array module as an antenna array module proximity sensor; transmitting a first proximity test signal from the antenna array module when the wireless communication device is held in accordance with the open space calibration instructions; measuring a value of a first signal received at the antenna array module in response to transmitting the first proximity test signal; storing the value of the first signal as an open space calibration value for the antenna array module; transmitting a second proximity test signal from the antenna array module; measuring a second value of a second signal received at the antenna array module in response to transmitting the second proximity test signal; determining that an object is covering at least a portion of the antenna array module or is within a predefined distance of the antenna array module when the second value of the second signal is different from the value of the first signal; A method comprising:

2. Measuring the value of the first signal received at the antenna array module comprises: The method of claim 1 , comprising measuring a received version of the proximity test signal in two respective polarizations.

3. Measuring the value of the first signal received at the antenna array module comprises: The method of claim 1 , comprising measuring a received version of the near-field test signal as a cross-polarization perturbation of the received version of the near-field test signal in two respective polarizations.

4. initiating the open space calibration of the antenna array module during power-up of the wireless communication device; initiating the open space calibration of the antenna array module in response to detecting coupling of a protective cover to the wireless communication device; initiating the open-space calibration of the antenna array module in response to determining that a difference between a characterized open-space calibration value stored in a memory of the wireless communication device and a prior open-space calibration value is greater than a predetermined threshold; or initiating the open space calibration of the antenna array module in response to receiving a command to calibrate the antenna array module. The method of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of:

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the given distance is between 30 cm and 60 cm.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the given distance is between 30 cm and 40 cm.

7. displaying the open space calibration instructions on the display of the wireless communication device, 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, on the display of the wireless communication device, a visualization of where the user should grab the wireless communication device.

8. the steps of transmitting the proximity test signal from the antenna array module and measuring the value of the first signal received at the antenna array module in response to transmitting the proximity test signal, transmitting the proximity test signal from at least one antenna of the antenna array module; measuring the value of the first signal at two other antennas of the antenna array module that are cross-polarized with respect to each other; The method of claim 1, further comprising:

9. comparing the open space calibration value of the antenna array module with a characterization open space calibration value stored in a memory of the wireless communication device; verifying that the antenna array module was not covered during the measurement of the value of the first signal when a difference in variance of the open-space calibration value and the characterized open-space calibration value is less than a predetermined amount; The method of claim 1, further comprising:

10. measuring a magnitude of movement of the wireless communication device; verifying that the user is complying with the open space calibration instructions when the magnitude of the movement of the wireless communication device is greater than a predetermined threshold; The method of claim 1, further comprising:

11. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting the proximity test signal from the antenna array module while displaying the open space calibration instructions on the display of the wireless communication device.

12. 1. A wireless communication device for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising: an antenna array module; a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the antenna array module; Memory, A processor communicatively coupled to the antenna array module, the wireless transceiver, and the memory, the processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11; A wireless communication device comprising:

13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer executable code comprising code for causing an apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

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