Handheld Antenna Selection for Grip-Affected Device Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
User devices with multiple antennas, such as large handheld tablets, experience signal attenuation due to user grip, affecting the performance of finding applications that locate connected accessory devices.
Innovation Solution
The device determines the orientation and likelihood of antenna obscuration based on user grip, using configured power drop and antenna patterns to select optimal antennas for signal reception, and prompts the user to adjust grip or orientation for improved signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used in user devices, then signal reception capability is improved, but signal attenuation due to user grip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which antenna to use based on real-time orientation data and predicted grip conditions. The antenna selection changes dynamically depending on device orientation (portrait/landscape) and user grip characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying signal attenuation conditions rather than using a fixed antenna configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different antennas based on orientation and grip predictions. Power drop values and antenna selection are adjusted as parameters change according to the detected orientation state, transforming the system's response to signal attenuation conditions
2Reliability
If antenna selection is based on orientation, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining power drop values for different orientations and grip conditions during device characterization. These pre-computed values are stored and retrieved during operation, avoiding the need for real-time complex calculations and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own orientation sensors and existing antenna characteristics to automatically determine optimal antenna selection. The device self-adjusts based on its own state without requiring external intervention or complex user input, simplifying the interaction layer
Data Source
AI summary
A finding process may determine the orientation of a handheld user device and select the antenna for locating a findable device based on the orientation of the handheld user device. The selection may be further improved by incorporating signal measurements from the findable device, such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or the antenna patterns of the handheld user device antennas. The handheld user device may perform location-based or time-based filtering on the measurements of signals received from the findable device on one or more antennas of the handheld user device. The handheld user device may perform pattern matching using the measured RSSIs and antenna patterns to identify the location of the findable device. The user interface may include graphical images that are continuously updated to indicate the distance to and location of the findable device.