Electronic Device Wireless Control via Reflected mmWave Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to effectively control wireless transmission power to prevent human exposure to excessive mmWave radiation, particularly when in close proximity to the device.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates an antenna, a power amplifier, a coupler, an equalizing module, a differential circuit, and a controller to detect the proximity of a human body through mmWave communication, adjusting the radio signal transmission accordingly without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the radio signal transmission power is reduced to comply with human safety standards, then the harmful exposure to humans is decreased, but the coverage area and effective signal range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment based on real-time proximity detection. The controller continuously monitors the distance between the electronic device and human body, and dynamically adjusts the radio signal transmission power accordingly. When a human body is detected within a predetermined distance, the transmission power is reduced to comply with safety standards. When no human body is detected or the distance exceeds the threshold, the transmission power is increased to maximize signal coverage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the coverage area variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter based on the detected proximity state. By monitoring the distance parameter and adjusting the transmission power parameter in response, the system achieves both safety compliance and adequate coverage. The transmission power is adjusted between different levels (reduced power when human body is proximate, maximum power when human body is absent or far away), allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and resolve the contradiction between safety and coverage.
2Measurement precision
If additional proximity sensors are added to detect human body proximity, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing communication module perform multiple functions: it not only transmits radio signals for communication but also detects human body proximity by analyzing reflected mmWave signals. The same antenna and signal processing circuits are used for both communication and proximity detection, eliminating the need for separate proximity sensors. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate proximity detection without adding dedicated sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module serves itself by using its own transmitted signals to detect human body proximity. The module analyzes the reflection characteristics of its own mmWave signals to determine whether a human body is present and how close it is. This self-service approach allows the system to perform proximity detection without requiring external or additional sensing systems, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving accurate detection.
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 solution enables the electronic device to control radio signal transmission based on the proximity of a human body, ensuring compliance with human safety standards by reducing power output when necessary, thereby enhancing safety and maintaining effective signal coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler to obtain a first signal coupled to the output signal and a second signal coupled to a reflection signal of the output signal reflected from the antenna
Implementation Method 2
an equalizing module (or an equalizing circuit) (comprising circuitry) to generate a changed signal obtained by changing a size and/or a phase of one signal of the first signal or the second signal
Implementation Method 3
a differential circuit to generate a differential signal between at least a remaining one signal of the first signal or the second signal and the changed signal
Implementation Method 4
an antenna, a power amplifier (PA) to transmit an output signal to the antenna through a signal path
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include an antenna, a power amplifier (PA) to transmit an output signal to the antenna through a signal path, a coupler to obtain a first signal coupled to the output signal and a second signal coupled to a reflection signal of the output signal reflected from the antenna, an equalizing module to generate a changed signal obtained by changing a strength and/or a phase of one signal of the first signal or the second signal, a differential circuit to generate a differential signal between a remaining one signal of the first signal or the second signal and the changed signal, and a controller to control transmitting of a radio signal, based on the differential signal. Moreover, various embodiment found through the disclosure are possible.