Directional variable antenna device and operating method thereof

Abstract

A directional variable antenna device is disclosed. The directional variable antenna device comprises: a patch-type first antenna element to which a feed signal is applied; a patch-type second antenna element to which a ground signal is applied, and disposed to be spaced apart from the first antenna element; and a third antenna element disposed to be spaced apart from the first and second antenna elements.

Description

Directional variable antenna device and its operating method

[0001] The disclosed embodiment relates to a vehicle antenna device and an operating method thereof, and to an antenna device capable of changing directivity and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Recently, the provision of various communication and multimedia services for vehicles has been increasing. The development of autonomous vehicles is also driving the growing need for communication technologies that enable continuous communication with road infrastructure and vehicles, as well as the exchange or sharing of information about traffic conditions.

[0003] The vehicle may use an antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency (RF) signals containing voice signals or data (e.g., messages, pictures, videos, music files, or games).

[0004] As camping, travel, and outdoor activities using vehicles increase, the movement of users and vehicles is increasing even in areas where existing terrestrial networks are not available.

[0005] Communications also need to be provided in areas where communication services through base stations are not available.

[0006] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may include a patch-type first antenna element (331) to which a power supply signal is applied.

[0007] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a patch-type second antenna element (332) to which a ground signal is applied and which is spaced apart from the first antenna element (331).

[0008] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a third antenna element (333) spaced apart from the first and second antenna elements (332).

[0009] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment can form a first directional radiation pattern when no electrical signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

[0010] According to one embodiment, a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device can form a second directional radiation pattern different from the first directional radiation pattern when a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

[0011] A method of operating a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device including a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment may include a step of performing communication through a first network by applying a power supply signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332).

[0012] A method of operating a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device including a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment may include a step of performing communication through a second network by applying a power signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) when communication is impossible through the first network.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle having an antenna device installed according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle electronic device including an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first antenna element and a second antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5a is a top view of an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device of Fig. 5a.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 7a is a photograph of an antenna device manufactured according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7b is a simulation result of a radiation pattern when no electrical signal is applied to the third antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7c is a simulation result of the radiation pattern when a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a drawing of an antenna device with a third support member between a second antenna element and a third antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an antenna device in which a fourth support member is arranged between a chip module and a third antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a portion of an antenna device including a dummy antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a portion of an antenna device including a dummy antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna elements including holes according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a folded antenna element according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle electronic device including an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling driving of a vehicle using an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the cases where the parts are "directly connected" but also the cases where the parts are "electrically connected" with other elements intervening. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather includes other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0033] The appearances of phrases such as “in some embodiments” or “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0034] Some embodiments may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented by various hardware and / or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more processors or microprocessors, or by circuit configurations for performing the intended functions. Furthermore, for example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. The functional blocks may be implemented by algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the present disclosure may employ conventional techniques for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or data processing. Terms such as "module" and "configuration" may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

[0035] Additionally, the connecting lines or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary representations of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In an actual device, connections between components may be represented by various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that may be replaced or added.

[0036] Additionally, the description 'at least one of A, B, and C' means that it can be any one of 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'A and C', 'B and C', and 'A, B, and C'.

[0037] The vehicle, vehicle electronic device, vehicle antenna device, and method of operation of the vehicle electronic device according to the disclosed embodiment are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical components are depicted using identical drawing symbols. Furthermore, throughout the detailed description, identical components are described using identical terminology.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle (100) having an antenna device installed according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0039] The vehicle antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be placed outside or inside the vehicle (100). Referring to FIG. 1, an antenna device (not shown) may be installed in an area (H) on a panel (110) forming the exterior of the vehicle (100). For example, an area of ​​the upper panel (150) may be opened so that an antenna device coupled to the upper panel (110) may be placed therein. Additionally, the area (H) may be an opening in the upper panel (110).

[0040] In addition, in Fig. 1, an example is shown where the antenna device is installed in an area (H) on the upper part of the vehicle (100), but it can be installed anywhere as long as it is installed inside or outside the vehicle (100).

[0041] For example, the antenna device (not shown) may be installed in a lower area or inner area of ​​at least one of a bonnet panel (112), a door panel (113), a fender panel (114), a pillar panel (115), a bumper panel (116), and a trunk panel (117) of the vehicle.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle electronic device (200) including an antenna device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (200) may include a processor (210), a communication module (220), one or more antenna devices (231, 232, 233, 234), and one or more conductive lines (241, 242, 243, 244).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may include one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), or a baseband processor (BP) (or a communication processor (CP)). According to one embodiment, the processor (210) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or a system in package (SiP).

[0044] The processor (210) may include an internal memory (not shown) and at least one processor (not shown) that executes at least one stored program. Here, the internal memory (not shown) of the processor (210) may store one or more instructions. In addition, the processor (210) may execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the internal memory (not shown) to perform a predetermined operation.

[0045] For example, the processor (210) may include a RAM (not shown) used as a storage area for storing signals or data input from the outside or corresponding to various tasks performed in the antenna device, a ROM (not shown) storing a control program and / or a plurality of instructions for controlling the antenna device, and at least one processor (not shown).

[0046] Alternatively, the processor (210) may be implemented as a SoC (System On Chip) that integrates a core (not shown) and a GPU (not shown). Alternatively, the processor (210) may include multiple cores, more than a single core. For example, the processor (210) may include dual cores, triple cores, quad cores, hexa cores, octa cores, deca cores, dodeca cores, hexa multi-cores, etc.

[0047] The processor (210) may include components for implementing a hardware platform (e.g., an application processor (AP), memory, etc.) and components for implementing a software platform (an operating system (OS) program, software for controlling the phase of an electromagnetic wave signal output from an antenna (Automotive safety software), an application, etc.).

[0048] At least one of the operations performed in the processor (210) may be performed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the communication module (220) may support the establishment of a communication channel between the electronic device (200) and an external device, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (220) may operate independently from a processor (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support communication.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the communication module (220) may communicate with an external electronic device via a short-range communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a long-range communication network (e.g., a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). Alternatively, the communication module (220) may communicate with an external electronic device via a non-terrestrial network.

[0051] The communication module (220) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0052] The communication module (220) can be electrically connected to at least one of the first antenna device (231), the second antenna device (232), the third antenna device (233), or the fourth antenna device (234) using at least one of the first conductive line (241), the second conductive line (242), the third conductive line (243), or the fourth conductive line (244). For example, the communication module (220) can be electrically connected to the first antenna device (231), the second antenna device (232), the third antenna device (233), and the fourth antenna device (234) using the first conductive line (241), the second conductive line (242), the third conductive line (243), and the fourth conductive line (244).

[0053] The communication module (220) may include at least one of a baseband processor (BP), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the communication module (220) may include a processor (e.g., BP) separate from the processor (210) (e.g., AP). For example, if the processor (210) includes an AP and the communication module (220) includes a BP, the electronic device (200) may further include an RFIC or an IFIC as a separate module (not shown). In this case, the RFIC or IFIC may be electrically connected to the communication module (220), and the RFIC or IFIC may be electrically connected to the first antenna device (231), the second antenna device (232), the third antenna device (233), and the fourth antenna device (234) via the first conductive line (241), the second conductive line (242), the third conductive line (243), and the fourth conductive line (244).

[0055] For another example, the BP and RFIC or IFIC may be integrated into a single communication module (220). According to another embodiment, the processor (210) may include the AP and the BP, and the communication module (220) may include the IFIC or RFIC.

[0056] The first conductive line (241), the second conductive line (242), the third conductive line (243), and / or the fourth conductive line (244) may include, for example, a coaxial cable and / or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (510).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the communication module (220) may include at least one of a first communication module (221) (e.g., a first BP) or a second communication module (222) (e.g., a second BP). The electronic device (200) may further include at least one interface (e.g., an interprocessor communication channel) to support inter-chip communication between the first communication module (221) (e.g., the first BP) or the second communication module (222) (e.g., the second BP)) and the processor (210). The processor (210) and the first communication module (221) or the second communication module (222) may transmit or receive data using the at least one interface.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first communication module (221) or the second communication module (222) may provide an interface for communicating with other entities. The first communication module (221) may, for example, support wireless communication for a first network (not shown). The second communication module (222) may, for example, support wireless communication for a second network (not shown).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first communication module (221) or the second communication module (222) may form a single module with the processor (210). For example, the first communication module (221) or the second communication module (222) may be integrally formed with the processor (210).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the communication module (220) may be formed as a single communication module (e.g., BP). For example, the communication module (220) may include a single communication module capable of supporting wireless communication to a network.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the first communication module (221) or the second communication module (222) may be arranged in one chip or may be formed in the form of an independent chip. According to one embodiment, the processor (210) and at least one BP (e.g., the first communication module (221)) may be formed integrally in one chip (e.g., the SoC chip), and the other BP (e.g., the second communication module (220)) may be formed in the form of an independent chip.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first to fourth antenna devices (231, 232, 233, 234) can up-convert or down-convert frequencies. For example, the first antenna device (231) can up-convert an intermediate frequency (IF) signal received through the first conductive line (241). As another example, the first antenna device (231) can down-convert a signal received through an antenna (not shown) and transmit the down-converted signal to the communication module (220) using the first conductive line (241).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first to fourth antenna devices (231, 232, 233, 234) may directly transmit signals to or receive signals from the processor (210) via the first to fourth conductive lines (241, 242, 243, 244). For example, the communication module (220) may be omitted or integrated into the processor (210).

[0064] For example, the operations of the communication module (220) described in the present disclosure may be performed by the processor (210) and / or the first to fourth antenna devices (231, 232, 233, 234).

[0065] The processor (210) can monitor the communication status of the first to fourth antenna devices (231, 232, 233, 234). If data transmission and reception are not performed through a specific antenna element for a certain period of time, the processor (210) can determine that the specific antenna element is in an unavailable state. Although the processor (210) monitors the communication status of the antenna element, the present invention is not limited thereto. The communication module (220) can monitor the communication status of the antenna element.

[0066] In a state where communication is impossible, the processor (210) can operate the specific conductive material as an antenna element by controlling a ground signal to be applied to the specific conductive material placed adjacent to the antenna element.

[0067] A vehicle electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may be placed on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). A plurality of antenna devices (331, 332, 333, 334), a communication module (220), and a processor (210) may be placed on one PCB or may be divided and placed on multiple PCBs.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment. The antenna device (300) can transmit or receive signals via an external device and a wireless network. Referring to FIG. 3, the antenna device (300) may include an antenna module (320) (e.g., RFIC) and one or more antenna elements (e.g., a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and / or a third antenna element (333)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The antenna device (300) may further include at least some functions of the processor (210) and the communication module (220) described in FIG. 2.

[0069] The antenna module (320) can be electrically connected to one or more antenna elements (331, 332, 333).

[0070] The antenna module (320) may include a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC, hereinafter referred to as 'RFIC') that processes a radio signal and transmits or receives a radio signal with an external device (e.g., a base station). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The antenna module (320) may also perform at least some functions of the processor (210) or the communication module (220) described above. For example, the antenna module (320) may further include at least one of a modem and an inter frequency integrated circuit (IFIC, hereinafter referred to as 'IFIC').

[0071] The antenna module (320) may be plural. According to one embodiment, the antenna module (320) may include a first antenna module (not shown) and a second antenna module (not shown). The first antenna module (not shown) and the second antenna module (not shown) may be configured to control signal processing and / or transmission / reception of different frequency bands. For example, the first antenna module (not shown) may be configured to control signal processing and / or transmission / reception of a signal of a first frequency band, and the second antenna module (not shown) may be configured to control signal processing and / or transmission / reception of a signal of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may differ in at least one of the frequency band ranges or center frequencies. For example, at least a portion of the first frequency band may not overlap with at least a portion of the second frequency band. In another example, the first frequency band may not overlap with the second frequency band.

[0073] The antenna module (320) may include a feed unit that applies a feed signal to the first antenna element (331), a ground unit (321) that applies a ground signal to at least one of the second and third antenna elements (332, 333), and a switching unit (323) that switches the ground signal to the third antenna element (333) on or off. The switching unit (323) may include at least one of an inductor and a capacitor.

[0074] Although FIG. 3 shows that the antenna module (320) includes a grounding unit (321) and a switching unit (323), the present invention is not limited thereto. The grounding unit (321) and the switching unit (323) may be placed outside the antenna module (320), and the processor (210) may directly control the switching unit (323).

[0075] When a feed signal is applied to the first antenna element (331) and a ground signal is applied to the second antenna element (332), the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) can be electrically coupled to form a first directional radiation pattern. The antenna device (300) can perform wireless communication through the first network with the first directional radiation pattern. At this time, the third antenna element (333) can be electrically open.

[0076] Meanwhile, when a feed signal is applied to the second antenna element (332) and a ground signal is applied to the second and third antenna elements (332, 333), the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) can be electrically coupled to form a second directional radiation pattern. The antenna device (300) can perform wireless communication through the second network with the second directional radiation pattern.

[0077] The second directional radiation pattern may have a different directivity than the first directional radiation pattern, and the second network may be a different network from the first network. However, this is not limited to this. The second directional radiation pattern may have the same directivity as the first directional radiation pattern but a different center frequency. Alternatively, the first directional radiation pattern and the second directional radiation pattern may be transmitted and received through the same network but have different directivities.

[0078] The antenna module (320) can ground or electrically open the third antenna element (333) depending on the communication status. The communication status can be divided into a communicable state in which wireless signals can be transmitted and received through the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) and a non-communicable state in which wireless signals cannot be transmitted and received through the first and second antenna elements (331, 332). If data transmission and reception is not performed through the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) for a certain period of time, the antenna module (320) can determine that the communication status is non-communicable.

[0079] For the convenience of explanation, when data transmission and reception are not performed through the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), it is said that the communication is not possible, but it is not limited thereto. When data transmission and reception are not performed through all antenna elements arranged in the vehicle, it can be said that the communication is not possible. Alternatively, a state in which a specific preset antenna element is not capable of communication can also be said to be a communication is not possible. Here, the specific antenna element may be an antenna element capable of transmitting and receiving the same type of data as the data transmitted and received through the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333).

[0080] When communication is not possible, the switching unit (323) can electrically turn on the ground unit (321) and the third antenna element (333). Then, the antenna device (300) can transmit and / or receive a wireless signal through the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333).

[0081] For example, the antenna module (320) can apply a feed signal to the first antenna element (331) and apply a ground signal to the second and third antenna elements (332, 333), so that the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) are electrically coupled to form a radiation pattern. The third antenna element (333) can be coupled to the first antenna element (331) via the second antenna element (332). For example, the third antenna element (333) can be electrically coupled to the second antenna element (332), and the second antenna element (332) can be electrically coupled to the first antenna element (331). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The third antenna element (333) can be electrically coupled to the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) simultaneously.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first antenna element (331) and a second antenna element (332) according to one embodiment.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be patch-shaped. The patch-shaped antenna elements may have upper and / or lower surfaces (hereinafter, referred to as surfaces) that are larger than their thicknesses. The first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be combined to be referred to as a dipole antenna. The surfaces of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be arranged to face the same direction. For example, the first antenna element (331) and the second antenna element (332) may be arranged parallel in a first direction, for example, a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332) (for example, the y-axis direction).

[0084] The first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be spatially spaced apart. The separation distance (d1) between the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be a distance at which the first antenna element (331) and the second antenna element (332) can be coupled. For example, the separation distance (d1) between the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be about 5 mm or less.

[0085] The first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may have a symmetrical structure. The first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may also be symmetrical with respect to the center axis (X) of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332). Even if the similarity of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) is 80% or more, it can be called a symmetrical structure. This is because the structures of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be slightly different for adaptive impedance matching to the external environment.

[0086] The first antenna element (331) may include first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) having different dimensions. The dimensions of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may correspond to a quarter-wavelength radio signal resonating in each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a).

[0087] The first region (410a) has a first area, and the second region (420a) is spatially spaced from the first region (410a) and may have a second area different from the first area. The third region (430a) is positioned between the first region (410a) and the second region (420a) and may have a third area. One end of the third region (430a) may be in contact with the first region (410a), and the other end may be in contact with the second region (420a).

[0088] Each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may have a polygonal shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may have a polygonal, oval, circular, or a modified shape thereof. Each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may have a length (l) and a width (W) within a similar range. For example, the widths (W1, W2, W3) for the lengths (l1, l2, l3) of each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may be 0.5 to 2. That is, each of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) may be a patch type.

[0089] Meanwhile, the width (W3) of the third region (430a) may be smaller than the width (W1) of the first region (410a) and the width (W2) of the second region (420a). Thus, since the distinction between the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a) is clear, it is possible to implement a wideband antenna device by resonating various frequency bands in the antenna element (20).

[0090] The operating frequency may vary depending on the length (l1, l2, l3), width (W1, W2, W3), material, etc. of the first to third regions (410a, 420a, 430a).

[0091] The second antenna element (332) may also include first to third regions (410b, 420b, 430b) having different numerical values. The first region (410b) has a first area, and the second region (420b) is spatially spaced from the first region (410b) and may have a second area. The third region (430b) is disposed between the first region (410b) and the second region (420b) and may have a third area. One end of the third region (430b) may be in contact with the first region (410b), and the other end may be in contact with the second region (420b). The second antenna element (332) has a symmetrical structure with respect to the first antenna element (331), and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Since the antenna elements as described above include regions of various dimensions, radio signals of various frequencies can resonate. For example, radio signals can resonate in the first region (410a, 410b), the second region (410a, 420b), the third region (430a, 430b), the sum of the first and third regions (410a, 410b, 430a, 430b), the sum of the second and third regions (420a, 420b, 430a 430b), and the sum of the first to third regions (410a, 410b, 420a, 420b, 430a, 430b).

[0093] In Fig. 4, the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) are described as including three regions of different sizes, but this is not limited thereto. Each of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may include one region, or may include two regions of different sizes. Alternatively, each of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may include four or more regions of different sizes. The shapes of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be designed based on the center frequency and frequency band.

[0094] FIG. 5a is a top view of an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device (300) of FIG. 5a.

[0095] As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be placed on a PCB (510). The first and second antenna elements (331, 332) have been described in FIG. 4, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The PCB (Printed Circuit Board, hereinafter referred to as PCB) (510) may be an RPCB (rigid PCB), an FPCB (Flexible PCB), or an RFPCB (rigid flexible PCB).

[0097] A first support member (520) may be disposed between the PCB (510) and the first and second antenna elements (331, 332). The first support member (520) may be formed of an insulating material. The first support member (520) may support the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) so that the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) are maintained at a predetermined interval on the PCB (510). A plurality of conductive lines (not shown) may be disposed on the PCB (510). When the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) form a radiation pattern, the first support member (520) may have a predetermined thickness or more so as not to be electrically coupled with the conductive lines disposed within the PCB (510). For example, the thickness of the first support member (520) may exceed approximately 5 mm.

[0098] If the surface of the PCB (510) is coated with an insulating material and the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) are not electrically coupled with the conductive material within the PCB (510), the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may of course be placed in contact with the surface of the PCB (510).

[0099] The third antenna element (333) may be disposed on the second antenna element (332). The third antenna element (333) may be spaced apart from the second antenna element (332) so as to be electrically coupled thereto. For example, the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) may be spaced apart by about 5 mm or less.

[0100] The surfaces of the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) may be arranged to face the same direction as the first surface of the PCB (510). For example, the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) may be arranged parallel in the second direction (z-axis direction), for example, in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332), and the thickness direction of the PCB (510) and the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332) may be parallel.

[0101] The third antenna element (333) may overlap with the second antenna element (332) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332) and may not overlap with the first antenna element (331). More than half of the second antenna element (332) may overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332). Thus, the third antenna element (333) may be easily electrically coupled with the second antenna element (332).

[0102] The third antenna element (333) may be a heat dissipation member that radiates heat to the outside. For example, the third antenna element (333) may be a vapor chamber, a cooling plate, or the like. The vapor chamber may include a plurality of thin, plate-shaped conductive plates with a large surface area. The vapor chamber is a cooling system in which the state of the internal liquid continuously changes and circulates through three wicks: a condensation wick, a vaporization wick, and a transportation wick. That is, the vapor chamber can radiate heat generated in the PCB (510) or the chip module (540) described below to the outside (in the space in the opposite direction of the PCB (510) and the chip module (540)) in a manner in which the internal liquid circulates to gas and the gas circulates back to liquid. Meanwhile, since the vapor chamber is formed of a conductive material, it can operate as the third antenna element (333) only when an electrical signal is applied. If the cooling plate is also formed of a metal with high thermal conductivity, it can operate as a third antenna element (333) when a ground signal is applied.

[0103] The third antenna element (333) is a component of a vehicle electronic device that includes a conductive material in addition to a heat dissipation member, and may be any conductive material capable of electrical coupling with at least one of the first and second antenna elements when a ground signal is applied.

[0104] A second support member (530) may be further arranged between the third antenna element (333) and the PCB (510). One end of the second support member (530) may be in contact with the PCB (510), and the other end may be in contact with the third antenna element (333). The second support member (530) may support the third antenna element (333) so that the third antenna element (333) maintains a certain distance from the second antenna element (332).

[0105] The second support member (530) may be formed of an insulating material. If the third antenna element (333) also functions as a heat dissipation member, it may be formed of a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) that can effectively transmit heat generated from the PCB (510) to the third antenna element (333). For example, the second support member (530) may include at least one of thermal grease, thermal tape, thermal pad, and phase change material (PCM).

[0106] A chip module (540) may be further arranged on the first surface of the PCB (510). The chip module (540) may be an antenna module (320) that may be electrically connected to each of the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The chip module (540) may include at least a portion of the configuration of the processor (210) or the communication module (220) described in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. Alternatively, it may be an antenna module that is electrically connected to an antenna element other than the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333).

[0107] The chip module (540) may be arranged to overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the second antenna element (332). For example, the entire area of ​​the chip module (540) may overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332). That is, a part of the third antenna element (333) may overlap with the second antenna element (332) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332), and another part of the third antenna element (333) may overlap with the antenna module (320).

[0108] The third antenna element (333) can receive heat generated from the PCB (510) and / or the chip module (540) and distribute and radiate it to the outside, regardless of whether an electrical signal is applied. Although one chip module (540) is illustrated in the drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of chip modules (540) may be arranged. Alternatively, a module (e.g., a sensor) included in a vehicle electronic device and generating heat may be arranged to overlap the third antenna element (333).

[0109] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment.

[0110] The antenna module (320) can determine whether communication is possible using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) (S610). The antenna module (320) can cause the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) to form a radiation pattern by applying a feed signal to the first antenna element (331) and a ground signal to the second antenna element (332). If data transmission and reception are performed through the above-described radiation pattern, the antenna module (320) can determine that communication is possible using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332).

[0111] If it is determined that communication is possible using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) (S610 - Yes), the antenna module (320) can perform communication using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) (S620). Specifically, the antenna module (320) can apply a feed signal to the first antenna element (331) and apply a ground signal to the second antenna element (332). On the other hand, the switching unit (323) can maintain an open state for the electrical signal between the ground unit (322) and the third antenna element (333). Then, the first antenna element (331) and the second antenna element (332) can be electrically coupled to generate a first directional radiation pattern. The first directional radiation pattern can have a maximum intensity at a theta of 60 or more and 90 or less. The first directional radiation pattern can be a radiation pattern of a first frequency band. For example, the center frequency of the first frequency band may be included in a range of about 300 MHz to 5000 MHz.

[0112] The antenna module (320) can communicate via a first network using first and second antenna elements (331, 332). The first network may be a terrestrial network. A terrestrial network is a network or a segment of a network located on the surface of the Earth, and may be a network capable of wireless communication via a base station installed on the ground, etc.

[0113] If it is determined that communication is not possible using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) (S610-No), the antenna module (320) can apply a ground signal to the third antenna element (333). Specifically, for example, if no data transmission or reception is performed with an external device for a certain period of time using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), the antenna module (320) can determine that communication is not possible. Then, the switching unit (323) can electrically connect the ground unit (322) and the third antenna element (333) under the control of the antenna module (320).

[0114] And, the antenna module (320) can perform communication using the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) (S640). Specifically, the antenna module (320) can apply a feed signal to the first antenna element (331) and apply a ground signal to the second and third antenna elements (332, 333). Then, the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) can be electrically coupled to generate a second directional radiation pattern. The second directional radiation pattern may have a different directivity from the first directional radiation pattern. For example, the second directional radiation pattern may have a maximum intensity at theta of 0 or more and 30 or less. The second directional radiation pattern may be a radiation pattern of a second frequency band. For example, the center frequency of the second frequency band may be included in a range of about 1 GHz to 10 GHz.

[0115] The antenna module (320) can perform communication through a second network using the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333). The second network may be a different network from the first network. A frequency band that can be communicated in the second network may be different from a frequency band that can be communicated in the first network. Alternatively, the second network may be a non-terrestrial network. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network or network segment that uses radio frequency (RF) resources mounted on a satellite (e.g., a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, etc.) (or an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platform).

[0116] An antenna device (300) according to one embodiment performs communication via a non-terrestrial network using the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) when communication via a terrestrial network is difficult using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), thereby reducing the white area of ​​communication.

[0117] An antenna device according to one embodiment may be referred to as a directivity-changing antenna, as its directivity changes depending on whether a third antenna element is used.

[0118] Since the conductive material placed in the vehicle is utilized as the third antenna element (333), the number of antenna elements can be reduced, and the size of the vehicle electronic device can be prevented from increasing.

[0119] An antenna device according to one embodiment may be referred to as a directionality-changing antenna, as its directionality changes depending on whether a third antenna element is used.

[0120] FIG. 7a is a photograph of an antenna device manufactured according to one embodiment, FIG. 7b is a simulation result of a radiation pattern when no electrical signal is applied to a third antenna element according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7c is a simulation result of a radiation pattern when a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, the first antenna element and the second antenna element may be arranged parallel to each other on the PCB, and the third antenna element may be arranged to overlap the second antenna element. The third antenna element may be a vapor chamber containing a conductive material. The third antenna element may be arranged so as not to overlap the first antenna element.

[0122] When no electrical signal is applied to the third antenna element, it can be confirmed that the first and second antenna elements form a first directional radiation pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 7b. The first directional radiation pattern may have the greatest intensity at a theta of 60 or more and 90 or less.

[0123] When a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element, it can be confirmed that the first to third antenna elements form a second directional radiation pattern, as illustrated in Fig. 7c. The third directional radiation pattern may have the greatest intensity at a theta of 0 or more and 30 or less.

[0124] As described above, an electronic device including antenna elements can generate multiple radiation patterns with different directivities by adjusting the number of grounded antenna elements. Although it has been described that the electronic device generates a radiation pattern communicable in a terrestrial network using two antenna elements and generates a radiation pattern communicable in a non-terrestrial network using three antenna elements, the present invention is not limited thereto. Since the directivity of the radiation pattern may vary depending on the shape, size, etc. of the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333), it is also possible to design antenna elements to generate a radiation pattern communicable in a non-terrestrial network using two antenna elements and to generate a radiation pattern communicable in a terrestrial network using three antenna elements.

[0125] In addition, although it has been said that the antenna module (320) determines whether communication is possible, it is not limited thereto. Whether communication is possible may be determined by the processor (210) or the communication module (220), or the processor (210) or the communication module (220) may directly control the switching unit (323).

[0126] An antenna device according to one embodiment may further include a support member for maintaining a constant spacing between antenna elements.

[0127] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an antenna device (300a) with a third support member (550) between a second antenna element (332) and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment.

[0128] Comparing FIG. 5b with FIG. 8, the antenna device (300a) of FIG. 8 may have a third support member (550) positioned between the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333). The third support member (550) may be formed of an insulating material. The thickness of the third support member (550) may be 5 mm or less.

[0129] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an antenna device (300b) in which a fourth support member (560) is arranged between a chip module (540) and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment.

[0130] Comparing FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the antenna device (300b) of FIG. 9 may have a fourth support member (560) disposed between the chip module (540) and the third antenna element (333). The fourth support member (560) may be formed of an insulating material. The fourth support member (550) may be formed of a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) that transfers heat generated in the chip module (540) to the third antenna element (333). For example, the fourth support member (550) may include at least one of thermal grease, thermal tape, thermal pad, and phase change material (PCM).

[0131] When the fourth support member (560) is arranged in FIG. 9, the second support member (530) illustrated in FIG. 5b may not be arranged. Alternatively, the third support member (550) and the fourth support member (560) of FIG. 9 may be formed as a single support member.

[0132] An antenna device according to one embodiment may further include a dummy antenna element, wherein the dummy antenna element is not supplied with a feed signal and a ground signal, but is electrically coupled with an antenna element supplied with a feed signal and / or an antenna element supplied with a ground signal to form a radiation pattern.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a portion of an antenna device including a dummy antenna element (334) according to one embodiment.

[0134] Comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, the antenna device of FIG. 10 may further include a substrate (340) supporting the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) and a dummy antenna element (334) disposed on the substrate (340).

[0135] The substrate (340) may be formed of a dielectric material. The thickness of the substrate (340) may be such that the dummy antenna element (334) can be coupled to the antenna element (20). For example, the thickness of the substrate (340) may be about 5 mm or less.

[0136] At least a portion of the dummy antenna element (334) may overlap with the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) in the thickness direction of the substrate (340). In FIG. 1, the dummy antenna element (334) may be arranged to overlap with the entire second region (410a, 420b) of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), overlap with a portion of the third region (430a, 430b) of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), and not overlap with the first region (410a, 410a) of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332). It goes without saying that the degree of overlap between the dummy antenna element (334) and the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) may be adjusted to alleviate signal imbalance.

[0137] The dummy antenna element (334) may include a first dummy region (441) overlapping the first antenna element (331), a second dummy region (442) overlapping the second antenna element (332), and a third dummy region (443) disposed between the first dummy region (441) and the second dummy region (442). The first dummy region (441) may overlap the entire second region (420a) of the first antenna element (331) in the thickness direction of the substrate (340), and the second dummy region (442) may overlap the entire second region (420b) of the second antenna element (332) in the thickness direction of the substrate (340). However, the third dummy region (443) may not overlap with either the first region (410a) of the first antenna element (331) or the first region (410b) of the second antenna element (332).

[0138] The first dummy area (441) and the second dummy area (442) may also have a symmetrical structure with respect to the central axis (X) of the first and second antenna elements (331, 332). The first and second dummy areas (441, 442) may be completely symmetrical with respect to the central axis (X), but they may also be referred to as symmetrical if the similarity between the first dummy area (441) and the second dummy area (442) is 80% or more.

[0139] The third dummy region (443) may be positioned between the first dummy region (441) and the second dummy region (442), and may be connected to the first dummy region (441) at one end and to the second dummy region (442) at the other end. The third dummy region (443) may connect the first and second dummy regions (441, 442) to facilitate current flow. The third dummy region (443) may be defined as a region that does not overlap the first and second antenna elements (331, 332).

[0140] Meanwhile, the dummy antenna element (334) may further include one or more slots (444, 445). For example, the dummy antenna element (334) may include a first slot (444) that is arranged on the central axis (X) to separate the first dummy region (441) from the second dummy region (442), and a second slot (445) that is arranged between the first slot (444) and the third dummy region (443).

[0141] One end of the first slot (444) may be open at the edge of the dummy antenna element (334), and the other end of the first slot (444) may be connected to the second slot (445). The side end of the second slot (445) is connected to the first slot (444), and both ends of the second slot (445) may be closed by the first and second dummy regions (441, 442). The size of the second slot (445) may vary depending on the resonant frequency.

[0142] Meanwhile, in order for the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) to be smoothly coupled with the dummy antenna element (334), the separation distance between the second region (420a) of the first antenna element (331) and the second region (420b) of the second antenna element (332) may be greater than the separation distance (d1) between the third region (430a) of the first antenna element (331) and the third region (430a) of the second antenna element (332). Thus, the current may flow from the second region (420a) of the first antenna element (331) to the first dummy region (441) by coupling, and may flow through the third dummy region (443) and the second dummy region (442) to the second region (34b) of the second antenna element (332) by coupling.

[0143] The above-described dummy antenna element (334) can resolve signal imbalance by facilitating current flow between the first antenna element (331) and the second antenna element (332). In addition, the dummy antenna element (334) can be arranged to overlap the first and second antenna elements (331, 332) on the substrate (340), thereby enabling the antenna device to be implemented compactly.

[0144] To resolve signal imbalance, the dummy antenna element (334) can be overlapped more with the first and second antenna elements (331, 332).

[0145] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a portion of an antenna device including a dummy antenna element according to one embodiment. Comparing FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the dummy antenna element (334a) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be positioned to overlap the entire second antenna element (332). Specifically, the dummy antenna element (334a) may overlap the entire second region (420a) of the first antenna element (331). Since the second dummy region (34a) overlaps the entire second antenna element (332), signal imbalance may be further alleviated.

[0146] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating first and second antenna elements (331a, 332a) including a hole (h) according to one embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the first and second antenna elements (331a, 332a) may include one or more holes (h). The holes (h) may be circular or elliptical. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the holes (h) may be polygonal, elliptical, circular, or a combination thereof. The holes may alleviate signal imbalance.

[0147] An antenna according to one embodiment may include a folded antenna element. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a folded antenna element according to one embodiment. The first and second antenna elements (331b, 332b) may be folded one or more times. As illustrated in FIG. 13, among the first and second antenna elements (331b, 332b), the first region (410a, 410b) may be folded and arranged perpendicular to the third region (430a, 430b). The overall dimensions of the antenna device can be adjusted by bending the first and second antenna elements (331b, 332b). In addition, the bending of the antenna device can improve communication performance.

[0148] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle electronic device (700) including an antenna device according to one embodiment.

[0149] The vehicle electronic device (700) of FIG. 14 may include the vehicle electronic device described in FIG. 2. In addition, the vehicle electronic device (700) may be integrated with a vehicle antenna device (300) and may represent a computing device that can be installed within a vehicle (100).

[0150] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle electronic device (700) may include a processor (720), an input / output unit (730), and a communication unit (740). Specifically, the vehicle electronic device (700) includes a vehicle antenna device, and the vehicle antenna device may be formed in a form integrated with a communication unit (740), which is a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) that performs communication within the vehicle (100).

[0151] In addition, the vehicle electronic device (700) may be an electronic device for implementing in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) technology. For example, the vehicle electronic device (700) may provide customized services, information, and / or content to a specific user based on user location information. Specifically, the vehicle electronic device (700) may perform communication between the vehicle (100) and an external device, and may be used to obtain information necessary for driving or using the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the vehicle electronic device (700) may perform communication between the vehicle (100) and an external device, and may provide services, information, and / or content to the user.

[0152] The processor (720) and the input / output unit (730) included in the vehicle electronic device (700) may be collectively referred to as an IVI head unit. In addition, the vehicle electronic device (700) may be placed between the central front of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat in the vehicle (100). In this case, the antenna element included in the vehicle electronic device (700) may be installed at a position spaced apart from other components included in the vehicle electronic device (700), and the antenna element may be connected to other components of the vehicle electronic device (700) via a wired communication interface, such as a wired cable, or may be interconnected via a wireless communication interface.

[0153] Additionally, the communication unit (740) may be referred to as a TCU (Telematics Control Unit).

[0154] Here, the TCU is a configuration that controls the transmission and reception of data within the vehicle (100), and can be responsible for communication between the vehicle (100) and an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a mobile device, etc.).

[0155] The processor (720) may be formed of components (841) for implementing a hardware platform (e.g., an application processor (AP), memory, etc.) and components (850) for implementing a software platform (an operating system (OS) program, automotive safety software, applications, etc.).

[0156] Specifically, the configurations implementing the hardware platform (840) may include at least one application processor (AP) (841) and memory (842). Here, the case where the memory (842) is included in the H / W platform (840) is described as an example. In addition, the memory (420) may not be included in the H / W platform (840) but may be included as a separate configuration included in the vehicle electronic device (700).

[0157] In addition, the hardware platform (840) may further include a USB module (not shown), an FM / DMB tuner (not shown), etc., as components implementing the hardware platform. Here, the USB module (not shown) can read data within the inserted USB, including a USB insertion portion (not shown). In addition, the FM / DMB tuner (not shown) can selectively receive an FM / DMB broadcast signal. Specifically, the FM / DMB tuner (not shown) can select and tune only the frequency of a channel to be received by the vehicle electronic device (700) among many electromagnetic wave components through amplification, mixing, resonance, etc. of a wirelessly received broadcast signal. The broadcast signal received by the FM / DMB tuner (not shown) may include audio, video, and additional information (e.g., EPG (Electronic Program Guide)).

[0158] The components (850) for implementing the software platform may include an operating system (OS) program, automotive safety software, applications, etc. Here, the operating system program may include an operating system program based on QNX, Linux, or Android.

[0159] The input / output unit (730) is configured to provide data to a user or receive a user's request, and may include at least one of a display (831), a camera module (835), an audio output unit (838), and a user interface (839).

[0160] The sensor module (832) can detect the operating status (power, temperature, etc.) of the vehicle electronic device (700) or the external environmental status (user status, etc.) and generate an electrical signal and / or data value corresponding to the detected status. The sensor module (832) can include a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (Infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or an illuminance sensor.

[0161] The camera module (835) is configured to acquire video and / or audio data and may include a camera (836) and a microphone (837). In addition, the camera module (835) may include a speaker (not shown) to output operating sounds of the camera (836), etc. In addition, if the camera module (835) does not include a separate speaker (not shown), operating sounds of the camera (836), etc., may be output through an audio output unit (838).

[0162] For example, the camera module (835) can act as a detection sensor for recognizing the user's gestures and voice.

[0163] Specifically, the camera (836) can receive an image (e.g., a series of frames) corresponding to a user's motion including a gesture within the camera's recognition range. For example, the recognition range of the camera (836) can be a distance of 0.1 to 5 m from the camera (836). The user's motion can include, for example, the user's face, facial expression, a part of the user's body such as a hand, a fist, a finger, or a motion of a part of the user. The camera (836) converts the received image into an electrical signal and recognizes it under the control of the processor (720), and uses the recognition result corresponding to the user's motion to select a menu displayed on the vehicle electronic device (700) or perform a control corresponding to the motion recognition result. For example, the processor (720) can use the recognition result acquired from the camera (836) to control channel selection, channel change, volume adjustment, execution of available services, etc. in FM / DMB.

[0164] The camera (836) may be implemented as an integral part or separate part from the vehicle electronic device (700). The separate camera (836) may be electrically connected to the antenna module (320) of the vehicle electronic device (700) through the communication unit (740) or the input / output unit (730). For example, if the camera (836) is implemented as a separate part from the vehicle electronic device (700), the camera (836) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the front of the driver's face and upper body so as to capture an image corresponding to the driver's face and upper body.

[0165] The microphone (837) can receive audio signals such as voice signals. The microphone (837) receives a user's voice signal, and the processor (720) recognizes a control command corresponding to the voice received from the microphone (837) and controls the execution of a corresponding operation. In addition, the microphone (837) may be included in the vehicle electronic device (700) as a separate module rather than being included in the camera module (835).

[0166] The user interface (839) can receive user input for controlling the vehicle electronic device (700). The user interface (839) can include a push button, a wheel, a keyboard, a jog dial, a touch panel, a haptic sensor, etc. for receiving user input.

[0167] The communication unit (740) may include at least one antenna device (300) that performs wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit (740) may include at least one of a Bluetooth module (861), a Wi-Fi module (862), a GPS module (863), an RF module (864), and a CP module (Communication Processor module) (865). Here, the CP module is a modem chipset, and the network may communicate with an external electronic device through a communication network that complies with 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G communication standards. In addition, the communication unit (740) may further include at least one antenna device (300) (not shown) that performs communication according to a communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC / RFID, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, and / or ZIGBEE.

[0168] An antenna device (300) according to one embodiment may be a component included in a communication unit (740). For example, an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment may be included in a CP module (865). An antenna element of an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment may be included in a CP module (865), and some functions of an antenna module (320) of an antenna device (300) according to one embodiment may be included in a processor (720).

[0169] In addition, in the vehicle electronic device (700), each of the included components, for example, the antenna module (320), the input / output unit (730), and the communication unit (740), can communicate with each other through a vehicle network. In addition, the vehicle electronic device (700) and other components included in the vehicle (100) can communicate with each other through a vehicle network. Here, the vehicle network can be a network according to CAN (Controller Area Network), and / or MOST (Meida Oriented Systems Transport).

[0170] The method of operating a vehicle electronic device and the method of controlling a vehicle antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon one or more programs including commands for executing the method of controlling a vehicle antenna device.

[0171] The above computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., either singly or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the present invention, or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0172] Here, the device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the control method of the vehicle antenna device (300) and the operating method of the vehicle electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0174] Specifically, the invention can be implemented as a computer program product including a recording medium storing a program for performing a method for controlling a vehicle antenna device and a method for operating a vehicle electronic device according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0175] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling driving of a vehicle using an antenna device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, a processor (210) may receive an electrical signal from an antenna device (S810). The antenna device (300, 300a, 300b) may perform communication using the first and second antenna elements (331, 332), as described in FIG. 6, or may perform communication using the first to third antenna elements (331, 332, 333) to transmit the electrical signal to the processor (841). The method by which the antenna device (300) performs communication has been described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] The processor (841) can obtain environmental information from electrical signals received from the antenna device (S820). The environmental information may include traffic volume information, construction information, accident information, weather information, and information on external objects.

[0177] The processor (841) can control the driving of the vehicle in response to environmental information (S830). The processor (841) can control the driving unit so that at least one of the driving path and driving speed of the vehicle is changed in response to the environmental information. The driving unit is not shown, but may include a steering control unit, a speed control unit, etc. A vehicle control manual matching the environmental information may be pre-stored in a memory (not shown). The processor (210) can read the vehicle control manual matching the environmental information from the memory and control the driving of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The processor (841) can also control the driving of the vehicle in response to the environmental information by using a learning network model of an artificial intelligence (AI) system. For example, the processor (841) can control the driving of the vehicle to prevent a collision with an accident vehicle.

[0178] While the antenna according to one embodiment is described as being installed within a vehicle, this is not a limitation. It is also possible to install the antenna within a device requiring communication with different directivities.

[0179] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a patch-type first antenna element (331) to which a power supply signal is applied.

[0180] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a patch-type second antenna element (332) to which a ground signal is applied and which is spaced apart from the first antenna element (331).

[0181] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a third antenna element (333) spaced apart from the first and second antenna elements (332).

[0182] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment can form a first directional radiation pattern when no electrical signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

[0183] According to one embodiment, a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device can form a second directional radiation pattern different from the first directional radiation pattern when a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

[0184] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a grounding portion (322) that applies the grounding signal to at least one of the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333).

[0185] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a switching unit (323) that turns on or off the electrical connection between the ground unit (322) and the third antenna element (333).

[0186] Either of the first directional radiation pattern and the second directional radiation pattern may have a maximum intensity at a theta of 60 or more and 90 or less.

[0187] The other of the first directional radiation pattern and the second directional radiation pattern may have a maximum intensity at theta of 0 or more and 30 or less.

[0188] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment can perform communication through a first network using the first directional radiation pattern.

[0189] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment can perform communication through a second network different from the first network by using the second directional radiation pattern.

[0190] Either of the first and second networks may be a terrestrial network.

[0191] The other of the first and second networks may be a non-terrestrial network.

[0192] The center frequency of the first directional radiation pattern and the center frequency of the second directional radiation pattern may be different from each other.

[0193] The center frequency of the first directional radiation pattern may be smaller than the center frequency of the second directional radiation pattern.

[0194] The above first directional radiation pattern can be formed by electrical coupling of the first and second antenna elements (332).

[0195] The above second directional radiation pattern can be formed by electrical coupling of the first to third antenna elements (333).

[0196] The first and second antenna elements (332) may be arranged parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

[0197] The second and third antenna elements (333) can be arranged parallel to each other in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

[0198] The first antenna element (331) may not overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

[0199] The second antenna element (332) may overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

[0200] More than half of the second antenna element (332) may overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

[0201] The third antenna element (333) may be a heat sink that disperses or radiates heat generated in the vehicle.

[0202] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (510).

[0203] A vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device according to one embodiment may include a chip module (540) disposed on the printed circuit board (510).

[0204] The third antenna element (333) may overlap the chip module (540) in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board (510).

[0205] The entire chip module (540) may overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board (510).

[0206] The above chip module (540) can be connected to the third antenna element (333) through a TIM (Thermal Interface Material).

[0207] A method of operating a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device including a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment may include a step of performing communication through a first network by applying a power supply signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332).

[0208] A method of operating a vehicle antenna device or a directional variable antenna device including a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and a third antenna element (333) according to one embodiment may include a step of performing communication through a second network by applying a power signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) when communication is impossible through the first network.

[0209] Either of the first and second networks may be a terrestrial network.

[0210] The other of the first and second networks may be a non-terrestrial network.

[0211] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a directional variable antenna device (300), A patch-type first antenna element (331) to which a power supply signal is applied; A ground signal is applied, and a patch-type second antenna element (332) is spaced apart from the first antenna element (331); and It includes a third antenna element (333) spaced apart from the first and second antenna elements (332); The above directional variable antenna device (300) is When no electrical signal is applied to the third antenna element (333), a first directional radiation pattern is formed, A directional variable antenna device that forms a second directional radiation pattern different from the first directional radiation pattern when a ground signal is applied to the third antenna element (333).

2. In paragraph 1, A grounding portion (322) that applies the ground signal to at least one of the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333); and It further includes a switching unit (323) that turns on or off the electrical connection between the ground unit (322) and the third antenna element (333); The above switching unit (323) is a directional variable antenna device including at least one of an inductor and a capacitor.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, Either one of the first directional radiation pattern and the second directional radiation pattern, It has maximum intensity at theta of 60 or more and 90 or less, The other of the first directional radiation pattern and the second directional radiation pattern is, A directional variable antenna device having maximum strength at theta greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 30.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above directional variable antenna device Performing communication through the first network using the first directional radiation pattern, A directional variable antenna device for performing communication through a second network different from the first network by using the second directional radiation pattern.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A directional variable antenna device in which the center frequency of the first directional radiation pattern and the center frequency of the second directional radiation pattern are different from each other.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above first directional radiation pattern is formed by electrical coupling of the first and second antenna elements (332), A directional variable antenna device in which the second directional radiation pattern is formed by electrical coupling of the first to third antenna elements (333).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The first and second antenna elements (332) above are, A directional variable antenna device arranged in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The second and third antenna elements (333) are, A directional variable antenna device arranged parallel to the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above first antenna element (331) is, A directional variable antenna device that does not overlap with the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, More than half of the above second antenna elements (332) A directional variable antenna device that overlaps the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the second antenna element (332).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above third antenna element (333) is, A directional variable antenna device that is a heat sink that disperses or releases heat generated in a vehicle.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, Printed circuit board (510); Further comprising a chip module (540) placed on the above printed circuit board (510); The third antenna element (333) is a directional variable antenna device that overlaps the chip module (540) in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board (510).

13. In paragraph 12, The entire above chip module (540) is A directional variable antenna device overlapping the third antenna element (333) in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board (510).

14. In paragraph 12, The above chip module (540) is A directional variable antenna device connected to the third antenna element (333) through a TIM (Thermal Interface Material).

15. In a method of operating a directional variable antenna device including a first antenna element (331), a second antenna element (332), and a third antenna element (333), A step of performing communication through a first network by applying a power signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332); and A method of operating a directional variable antenna device, comprising: a step of performing communication through a second network by applying a power signal to the first antenna element (331) and applying a ground signal to the second antenna element (332) and the third antenna element (333) when communication is impossible through the first network;

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