Antenna Tuning via Edge Display Hand Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices with multiple antennas face performance degradation due to hand grip interference, requiring complex and costly antenna impedance sensing and tuning systems that are inefficient for various hand sizes and grip positions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of touch-sensitive edge displays that detect hand grip positions and control antenna switching or tuning to mitigate interference, using a controller to configure the RF front end and maintain regulatory compliance without the need for additional transmit capabilities in receive-only antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple antennas are positioned around the periphery to avoid interference, then antenna interference is reduced, but antenna performance degrades when gripped by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna tuning and switching based on real-time detection of hand grip positions. The system continuously monitors which antennas are blocked by the user's hand and adjusts the antenna configuration dynamically, switching between different antennas or tuning their parameters to maintain optimal performance despite changing grip conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses edge display touch sensors to detect hand grip positions and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller determines which antennas are affected and configures the RF front end accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user interaction in real-time.
2Reliability
If antenna impedance sensors are added to detect antenna state, then antenna performance is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes the edge display touch sensors, which are already present for user interaction, to serve a dual function by detecting hand grip positions that affect antenna performance. This eliminates the need for separate antenna impedance sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining antenna performance through the same sensing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing edge display touch detection system serves itself by providing additional functionality for antenna management. The same touch sensors used for display interaction automatically detect hand grip positions and trigger appropriate antenna switching or tuning actions without requiring separate dedicated sensing components.
3Reliability
If antenna switching network is used to switch to unblocked antenna, then communication performance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna switching and tuning functions into a unified system controlled by the existing controller, which already manages the display and touch input. The RF front end configuration is integrated with the touch detection system, merging multiple functions into a coordinated control architecture that reduces overall system complexity.
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 provides an economical and accurate method for improving antenna performance by robustly detecting hand grip locations, eliminating ambiguities, and facilitating closed-loop tuning or switching, even for antennas on the back of the device, thereby enhancing communication quality.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one display device includes right and left edge displays that are touch-sensitive
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device, method and computer program product enable improved communication performance by switching or tuning antennas based on detecting touches on edge display(s) of the communication device that has at least one antenna positioned along edges of a housing assembly. A controller monitors edge display(s) of the communication device to determine portions of the edge display(s) that are touched and associates the at least one antenna that is proximate to the portions of the edge display(s) that are touched The controller configures a radio frequency front end of the communication device to switch or tune the at least one antenna in order to provide at least one of: mitigating detrimental effects to antenna performance by the at least one antenna or remaining within regulatory limits for RF transmission exposure.