Antenna Array Object Position Detection via Mutual Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of antenna elements required for 5G communications at millimeter-wave frequencies makes traditional hand detection methods using capacitive, touch, and infrared sensors impractical due to control, management, power consumption, and cost concerns, while also necessitating power savings to limit human exposure to RF energy.
Innovation Solution
Determining object position relative to antenna arrays by calculating mutual coupling values (MCVs) using low-power transmissions between antenna elements, which allows for the identification of blocked antenna arrays and enables dynamic configuration to optimize communication transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors (capacitive, touch, infrared) are used for hand detection, then object position can be detected, but the number of sensors becomes impractical due to control, management, power consumption, and cost concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna arrays used for 5G communication with the hand detection function. The same antenna elements that transmit and receive millimeter-wave signals are also used to sense mutual coupling changes caused by hand proximity, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna arrays serve dual purposes: primary communication function and secondary hand detection function. By making the antenna system multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed in the device while achieving both reliable 5G communication and accurate object position detection
2Reliability
If more antenna elements are used for 5G communications at millimeter-wave frequencies, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases due to the need for more sensors and higher transmission power
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of hand proximity using low-power mutual coupling measurements before initiating high-power communication transmissions. By detecting object position in advance and identifying blocked antenna arrays, the system prevents unnecessary high-power transmissions from blocked antennas, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability through proper antenna selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration where the system continuously monitors mutual coupling values and adjusts which antenna arrays are active for communication based on detected hand proximity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power usage by activating only the necessary antenna elements while maintaining reliable communication links
3Reliability
If high-power transmissions are used to maintain reliable communication links, then communication quality is improved, but human exposure to RF energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of hand proximity using low-power mutual coupling measurements before initiating high-power communication transmissions. By detecting object position in advance, the system can avoid or reduce power on transmissions that would directly expose the user's hand to high RF energy, thereby maintaining communication quality through alternative antenna selection while reducing harmful RF exposure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the need for additional sensors, conserves power, and effectively manages antenna usage to maintain reliable communication while limiting human exposure to RF energy, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of 5G communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
determining a first mutual coupling value from a first mutual coupling transmission between a first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements and a second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
determining a power level of the mutual coupling transmission received at the antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic communication device performs a method to detect proximity of an object to the device. The method includes determining a set of mutual coupling values for at least one pair of a plurality of antennas arrays of the electronic communication device. Each mutual coupling value indicates an efficiency of a mutual coupling transmission between an antenna element of a first antenna array of a pair of antenna arrays and an antenna element of a second antenna array of the pair of antenna arrays. The method further includes determining object position relative to the plurality of antenna arrays based on the set of mutual coupling values.