CN111684737A

CN111684737A - Apparatus and method for controlling antenna in wireless communication system

Info

Publication number: CN111684737A
Application number: CN201980011958.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑导泳; 柳尚圭; 金大勋; 瓦伦·瓦纳马; 白寅吉; 郑隽羲
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-06
Filing date: 2019-02-01
Publication date: 2020-09-18
Also published as: EP3735750A1; EP3735750A4; KR102602370B1; KR20190095076A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a quasi-fifth generation (5G) or 5G communication system provided for supporting higher data rates than fourth generation (4G) communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method of operating a terminal in a wireless communication system and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method comprises the following steps: detecting one or more states associated with an antenna disposed in a terminal; enabling a first antenna of the antennas based on one or more states associated with the antennas; and deactivating a second one of the antennas based on one or more conditions associated with the antennas.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling antenna in wireless communication system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling an antenna in a wireless communication system.

Background

In order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data services since the deployment of fourth generation (4G) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop improved fifth generation (5G) or quasi-5G (pre-5G) communication systems. Accordingly, the 5G or quasi-5G communication system is also referred to as a "super 4G network" or a "Long Term Evolution (LTE) system".

The 5G communication system is considered to be implemented in a higher frequency (mmWave) band (for example, 60GHz band) to achieve a higher data rate. In order to reduce propagation loss of radio waves and increase transmission distance, beamforming, massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, and large antenna technology have been discussed in 5G communication systems.

Further, in the 5G communication system, development of system network improvement based on advanced small cells, cloud Radio Access Network (RAN), ultra-dense network, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile network, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoint (CoMP), reception-side interference cancellation, and the like is underway.

In the 5G system, hybrid Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM) and Sliding Window Superposition Coding (SWSC) have been developed as Advanced Coding Modulation (ACM), and filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), and the like as advanced access technologies.

The terminal may perform beamforming using an antenna array. For more efficient beamforming, the terminal may include multiple antenna arrays. In such a configuration, a method of efficiently operating the antenna array is needed.

The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. There is no determination, nor assertion, as to whether any of the above can be used as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

Means for solving the problems

An aspect of the present disclosure is to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for efficiently controlling an antenna in a wireless communication system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for selectively enabling an antenna in a wireless communication system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for reducing an amount of power consumption of a plurality of antennas in a wireless communication system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for selecting an appropriate antenna subset using sensor data in a wireless communication system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for selecting an appropriate antenna subset based on a result of measuring a beam in a wireless communication system.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a terminal in a wireless communication system. The method comprises the following steps: detecting one or more states associated with a plurality of antennas disposed in the terminal; enabling a first antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas; and deactivating a second antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more conditions associated with the plurality of antennas.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal in a wireless communication system is provided. The terminal includes: a plurality of antennas; a transceiver configured to connect with the plurality of antennas; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver. The at least one processor is configured to: detecting one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas; enabling a first antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas; and deactivating a second antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more conditions associated with the plurality of antennas.

According to the apparatus and method of various embodiments, unnecessary power consumption may be reduced and communication efficiency may be improved by selectively enabling an antenna based on a state associated with the antenna.

Effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

Drawings

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 illustrates a configuration of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate configurations of communication units in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a signal beamformed in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 illustrates an example of installing multiple antennas in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a holding state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 illustrates a configuration of a terminal including a sensor in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9A illustrates an example of an antenna enabled based on a holding position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9B illustrates an example of a change in throughput when an antenna is controlled based on a holding position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating controlling antennas of a terminal based on relative positions of the antennas in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 illustrates an example of antennas enabled based on relative position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 illustrates an example of a communication environment of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a reception direction of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 14 illustrates an example of an antenna enabled based on a reception direction of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15C is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 16A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an estimated angle of arrival of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 16B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an estimated angle of arrival of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 17A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an angle of an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 17B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an angle of an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 18 shows another arrangement of antennas on a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating controlling antennas using a default antenna in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 21A illustrates an example of performing antenna switching in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 21B illustrates an example of a throughput variation at an antenna switching time in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating controlling antenna switching permission timings in a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 23 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using a grip sensor in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 24 is a flowchart for performing antenna switching in a terminal using sensor data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 25 is a flowchart for performing antenna switching in a terminal using beam related information in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 26 is a flowchart for performing antenna switching in a terminal using a grip state according to the presence or absence of an antenna switching function in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 27 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using two types of sensor data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 28 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using two types of sensor data and beamforming related data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

Detailed Description

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these specific details are to be considered exemplary only. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the written meaning, but are used only by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

Unless the context clearly differs, singular expressions may include plural expressions. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their contextual meaning in the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined in the present disclosure should not be construed to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on a hardware method. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques that use both hardware and software, and thus, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude software.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for controlling an antenna in a wireless communication system. In detail, the present disclosure provides a technique for selectively enabling at least some antenna arrays in a wireless communication system.

In the following description, terms indicating signals, terms indicating channels, terms indicating control information, terms indicating states of devices, terms indicating kinds of sensors, terms indicating network entities, terms indicating components of devices, and the like are detailed for convenience of description. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to terms to be described below, and other terms having equivalent meanings may be used.

Although the various embodiments are described using terms used in some communication standards in this disclosure, they are merely examples for description. The various embodiments may be readily modified for application to other communication systems.

Fig. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 illustrates a base station 110, a terminal 120, and a terminal 130 as some nodes using a radio channel in a wireless communication system. Although fig. 1 shows only one base station, other base stations that are the same as or similar to base station 110 may be further included.

Base station 110 is the network infrastructure that provides wireless connectivity to

terminals

120 and 130. The base station 110 has a coverage defined as a geometric area predetermined based on a maximum distance that the base station can transmit signals. In addition to the term "base station", the base station 110 may be referred to as an Access Point (AP), enodeb (enb), 5G node (fifth generation node), wireless point, transmission/reception point (TRP), or other terms having the same technical meaning as these terms.

The terminal 120 and the terminal 130, which are devices used by the user, perform communication with the base station 110 through a wireless channel. At least one of the

terminals

120 and 130 may be operated without user involvement, if desired. That is, at least one of the terminal 120 and the terminal 130 may not be carried by a user as a device performing Machine Type Communication (MTC). In addition to the term "terminal," terminal 120 and terminal 130 may be referred to as User Equipment (UE), a mobile station, a subscriber station, a remote terminal, a wireless terminal or user equipment, or other terms having the same technical meaning as these terms.

Base station 110, terminal 120, and terminal 130 may transmit and receive wireless signals on the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band (e.g., 28GHz, 30GHz, 38GHz, and 60 GHz). Base station 110, terminal 120, and terminal 130 may perform beamforming to improve channel gain. Beamforming may include transmit beamforming and receive beamforming. That is, the base station 110, the terminal 120, and the terminal 130 may impart directivity to a transmission signal or a reception signal. To this end, the base station 110 and the

terminals

120 and 130 may select the serving

beams

112, 113, 121, and 131 through a beam search or a beam management process. After the service beams 112, 113, 121, and 131 are selected, communication may be performed through resources having a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship with the resources transmitting the service beams 112, 113, 121, and 131.

The first antenna port and the second antenna port may be estimated to have a QCL relationship if the large scale characteristics of the channel through which the symbols on the first antenna port pass can be inferred from the channel through which the symbols on the second antenna port pass. For example, the large scale characteristics may include at least one of delay spread, doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and spatial receiver parameters.

Fig. 2 illustrates a configuration of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration illustrated in fig. 2 may be understood as a configuration of the terminal 120. The terms ". unit," device, "as used hereinafter, refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Referring to fig. 2, the terminal may include a communication unit 210 (e.g., a transceiver), a storage unit 220 (e.g., a memory), and a control unit 230 (e.g., at least one processor).

The communication unit 210 performs a function for transmitting/receiving a signal through a wireless channel. For example, the communication unit 210 performs a conversion function between a baseband signal and a bitstream according to a physical layer specification of the system. For example, when transmitting data, the communication unit 210 generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating a transmission bit stream. When receiving data, the communication unit 210 restores a received bit stream by demodulating and decoding a baseband signal. Also, the communication unit 210 up-converts a baseband signal into a Radio Frequency (RF) band signal, then transmits the converted signal through an antenna, and down-converts an RF band signal received through the antenna into a baseband signal. For example, the communication unit 210 may include a transmission filter, a reception filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and the like.

The communication unit 210 may include a plurality of transmission/reception paths. According to an embodiment, the communication unit 210 may include a plurality of antennas installed at different locations. Each antenna may be an array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements. The communication unit 210 may perform beamforming using a plurality of RF chains respectively connected to antennas. In terms of hardware, the communication unit 210 may be composed of a digital circuit and an analog circuit (e.g., a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC)). The digital circuit and the analog circuit may be implemented in one package.

As described above, the communication unit 210 transmits and receives signals. The communication unit 210 may be referred to, in whole or in part, as a "transmitter," receiver, "or" transceiver. Transmission and reception performed through a wireless channel are used as means including the above-described processing performed by the communication unit 210.

The storage unit 220 holds data such as basic programs, applications, and setting information for terminal operations. The storage unit 220 may be a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memories. The storage unit 220 provides the saved data in response to a request from the control unit 230.

The control unit 230 controls the general operation of the terminal. For example, the control unit 230 transmits and receives signals through the communication unit 210. The control unit 230 records data on the storage unit 220 and reads data from the storage unit 220. The control unit 230 may perform the functions of a protocol stack required by the communication standard. To this end, the control unit 230 may comprise at least one processor or microprocessor, or may be part of a processor. The communication unit 210 and a part of the control unit 230 may be referred to as a Communication Processor (CP). According to various embodiments, the control unit 230 may perform operations for selectively enabling the plurality of antennas. For example, the control unit 230 may control the terminal to perform operations according to various embodiments to be described below.

Fig. 3A-3C illustrate configurations of communication units in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3A to 3C show examples of detailed configurations of the communication unit 210 of fig. 2. In detail, fig. 3A to 3C show components for performing beamforming as part of the communication unit 210 of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 3A, the communication unit 210 includes a code modulation unit 302, a digital beam forming unit 304, a plurality of transmission paths 306-1 to 306-N, and an analog beam forming unit 308.

The code modulation unit 302 performs channel coding. For channel coding, at least one of a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code, a convolutional code, and a polar code. The code modulation unit 302 generates a modulation symbol by performing constellation mapping.

The digital beamforming unit 304 performs beamforming on digital symbols (e.g., modulation symbols). To this end, the digital beamforming unit 304 multiplies the modulation symbols by beamforming weights. The beamforming weights are used to change the amplitude and phase of the signal and may be referred to as a "precoding matrix", "precoder", or the like. The digital beamforming unit 304 outputs the digitally beamformed modulation symbols to the transmission paths 306-1 to 306-N. According to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), modulation symbols may be multiplexed or the same modulation symbols may be provided to transmission paths 306-1 to 306-N.

The transmission paths 306-1 through 306-N convert the digital beamformed digital signals to analog signals. To this end, the transmission paths 306-1 to 306-N may each include an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) calculation unit, a Cyclic Prefix (CP) insertion unit, a DAC, and an up-conversion unit. The CP insertion unit is provided for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and may not be provided when other physical layer methods, such as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), are applied. That is, transmission paths 306-1 through 306-N provide independent signal processing for multiple streams generated by digital beamforming. However, depending on the implementation, some components of the transmission paths 306-1 through 306-N may be shared.

The analog beamforming unit 308 performs beamforming on the analog signal. To this end, the digital beamforming unit 304 multiplies the analog signal by beamforming weights. The beamforming weights are used to change the amplitude and phase of the signal. In detail, the analog beamforming unit 308 may be configured as shown in fig. 3B or 3C according to the connection structure of the transmission paths 306-1 to 306-N and the antenna.

Referring to fig. 3B, a signal input to the analog beamforming unit 308 is transmitted through an antenna after phase/amplitude conversion and amplification processes. The signals on the paths are transmitted through different antenna groups (i.e., antenna arrays). For the processing of the signal input through the first path, the signal is converted into a signal stream having different or the same phase/amplitude by the phase/amplitude converters 312-1 to 312-1-M, amplified by the amplifiers 314-1-1 to 314-1-M, and then transmitted through the antenna.

Referring to fig. 3C, a signal input to the analog beamforming unit 308 is transmitted through an antenna after phase/amplitude conversion and amplification processes. The signals on the paths are transmitted through the same set of antennas (i.e., antenna array). For processing of the signal input through the first path, the signal is converted into a signal stream having different or the same phase/amplitude by the phase/amplitude converters 312-1 to 312-1-M and amplified by the amplifiers 314-1-1 to 314-1-M. For transmission through an antenna array, the amplified signals are summed based on the antenna elements by summing units 316-1-1 through 316-1-M and then transmitted through the antennas.

Fig. 3B shows an example in which separate antenna arrays are used for the transmission paths, and fig. 3C shows an example in which the transmission paths share one antenna array. However, according to another embodiment, some transmission paths may use separate antenna arrays, while other transmission paths may share one antenna array. Further, according to another embodiment, a structure that can be adaptively changed according to circumstances may be used by applying a switchable structure between a transmission path and an antenna array.

The structure described with reference to fig. 3A to 3C may be understood as a configuration of one antenna array. According to an embodiment, a terminal (e.g., terminal 120) may include multiple antenna arrays. In this case, at least one of the components shown in fig. 3A to 3C may exist in the same number as the number of the plurality of antenna arrays. For example, when N antenna arrays are provided, N analog beamforming units may be provided.

The terminal may perform beamforming using the structure described with reference to fig. 3A to 3C. By beamforming, the transmission signal has a high gain in a particular direction. An example of directivity change according to beamforming is described with reference to fig. 4.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a signal beamformed in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 4, a pattern 410 illustrates a radiation pattern when beamforming is not performed, i.e., a radiation pattern of an omni-directional beam, and a pattern 420 illustrates a radiation pattern when beamforming is performed, i.e., a radiation pattern of a directional beam. Referring to pattern 410, when beamforming is not performed, a relatively constant gain in all directions is shown. Referring to pattern 420, it can be seen that when beamforming is performed, a relatively large gain is shown in certain directions, while the gain in other directions is reduced.

As shown in fig. 4, when beamforming is performed, a signal has a high gain in a specific direction. This property of beamforming may be used as an alternative to overcome path loss. Antenna arrays are commonly used to perform beamforming. Thus, at least one antenna array is mounted at a specific location on the terminal. For example, the antenna array may be implemented as a patch antenna.

The terminal may include other components (e.g., substrate, display, and housing) in addition to the antenna, and thus, at least some side or direction of the antenna may be blocked by the other components. Thus, when a signal is transmitted through the antenna, radiation in a particular direction can be limited depending on the orientation of the instrument and the circuit board. Therefore, the range of directions in which one antenna can effectively transmit/receive signals can be limited. An antenna suitable for transmitting/receiving a signal may depend on a user's grip and rotation and movement of the terminal. Therefore, a plurality of antennas can be installed at two or more positions to ensure a wide signal transmission/reception range. For example, an antenna may be installed as shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of installing multiple antennas in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5, terminal 120 includes four

antennas

512, 522, 532, and 542. Each of the four

antennas

512, 522, 532, and 542 may include multiple antenna elements. The first antenna 512 is disposed adjacent the upper left end (or corner) 510 of the terminal, the second antenna 522 is disposed adjacent the lower left end (or corner) 520 of the terminal, the third antenna 532 is disposed adjacent the lower right end (or corner) 530 of the terminal, and the fourth antenna 542 is disposed adjacent the upper right end (or corner) 540 of the terminal.

Therefore, when signals are transmitted through the

antennas

512, 522, 532, and 542, radiation in a specific direction may be limited depending on the direction of the instrument and the circuit board. For example, with respect to the first antenna 512, the upper and left sides of the terminal 120 are relatively open, but the lower and right sides are relatively blocked by other components such as a substrate. Accordingly, other antennas (e.g., the second antenna 522, the third antenna 532, and the fourth antenna 542) may be used to supplement signal transmission/reception in a direction not covered by the first antenna 512.

As described with reference to fig. 5, the terminal 120 may include four antennas. However, fig. 5 is an example, and the structure of fig. 5 does not limit the present disclosure. For example, the terminal 120 may include three or less or five or more antennas, some antennas may be composed of a single antenna element, and at least one antenna may be installed at a position other than four corners.

As shown in fig. 5, a plurality of antennas may be installed in the terminal. When all installed antennas are enabled, a significant amount of power may be consumed. The enabling is to enable the corresponding antenna to transmit/receive signals, and it means that components (e.g., amplifiers) processing at least one signal and connected to the antenna are switched to a state where they can normally operate. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of power consumption, it may be considered to activate only some antennas, i.e., deactivate other antennas. The deactivation is for the corresponding antenna not to transmit/receive a signal and it means to transfer components (e.g., amplifiers) processing at least one signal and connected to the antenna to states (e.g., off state, power off state, low power consumption state, standby state, and sleep state) in which they cannot normally operate. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides various embodiments for selectively enabling an antenna.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 6, in operation 601, a terminal detects a state associated with an antenna. According to detailed embodiments, the state associated with the antenna may be defined in various ways. For example, a status associated with an antenna may be determined based on a signal transmitted/received through at least one of a currently enabled antenna and a sensor in the terminal.

In operation 603, the terminal enables the first antenna according to a state associated with the antenna. That is, the terminal may enable the first antenna in addition to or instead of the currently enabled antenna. Thus, the first antenna or the plurality of antennas including the first antenna may be enabled.

In operation 605, the terminal deactivates the second antenna according to the status associated with the antenna. That is, the terminal may deactivate the second antenna in addition to or instead of the currently deactivated antenna. Thus, the second antenna or the plurality of antennas including the second antenna may be deactivated.

As described with reference to fig. 6, the operational state (e.g., enabled and disabled) of the antenna may be controlled based on the state associated with the antenna. Accordingly, the activated antenna and the deactivated antenna may be switched, and this operation may be referred to as "antenna switching" in the following description. The status associated with the antenna may be determined in various ways and may include whether the user holds the antenna mounting location, according to an embodiment. An embodiment according to whether to hold the position will be described below with reference to fig. 7 to 9B.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a holding state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 7, the terminal determines whether a holding state of the antenna is changed in operation 701. The grip state refers to whether or not the mounting position of the antenna is covered by another object (e.g., a hand of a user). The holding state may be changed according to whether the user uses the terminal, and the terminal may detect the change of the holding state through a sensor.

When the grip state is changed, the terminal enables at least one of the open antennas in operation 703. I.e. the terminal enables at least one antenna that is not covered by another object. For example, the terminal selects at least one antenna for communication based on the sensor data and enables the selected at least one antenna.

In operation 705, the terminal enables at least one of the held antennas. That is, the terminal deactivates at least one antenna covered by another object. For example, the terminal selects at least one antenna not used for communication based on the sensor data and deactivates the selected at least one antenna.

As shown in fig. 7, the antenna may be controlled based on the holding state. To this end, the terminal may include a sensor for detecting a holding state. An example of a terminal including a sensor is described with reference to fig. 8.

Fig. 8 illustrates a configuration of a terminal including a sensor in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration illustrated in fig. 8 may be understood as a configuration of the terminal 120. Referring to FIG. 8, the terminal includes an RFB (RF-B)814, a plurality of RFAs (RF-A)816-1 to 816-4, a CP 832, an Application Processor (AP)834, and a plurality of sensors 842-1 to 842-4.

RFB 814 processes the RF signals. RFB 814 may perform general processing on signals transmitted/received through all antennas. For example, RFB 814 may perform the following functions: gain control, intermediate frequency signal processing, frequency up-conversion, and frequency down-conversion. The antenna signals may be processed separately, logically or physically. To this end, the RFB 814 may have a logical or physical structure that is divided into a plurality of channels (e.g., channel 1 and channel 2) and further divided into sub-channels (e.g., channel 1-1, channel 1-2, channel 2-1, and channel 2-2).

RFAs 816-1 through 816-4 process the RF signals. RFAs 816-1 through 816-4 may process signals transmitted/received through respective corresponding antennas. For example, first RFA816-1 may process signals transmitted/received through a first antenna. Thus, RFAs 816-1 through 816-4 may be disposed adjacent to respective corresponding antennas. For example, RFAs 816-1 to 816-4 may perform functions such as phase shifting, amplification, switching, and multiplexing.

The CP 832 is a processor that performs and controls functions related to communication. CP 832 may process the baseband signals and may control the operation of RFB 814 and RFAs 816-1 through 816-4. The AP834 is a processor that performs and controls various functions other than communication of the terminal. For example, the AP834 may control sensing operations of the terminal and process sensor data. For example, AP834 may determine an antenna correlation state based on sensor data provided from the plurality of sensors 842-1 through 842-4.

Sensors 842-1 through 842-4 generate sensor data for determining a grip state. For example, sensors 842-1-842-4 may be at least one of a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, and a thermal sensor. For example, the first sensor 842-1 may include a capacitor, and may generate sensor data based on a charge/discharge phenomenon according to the grip.

In the configuration described with reference to fig. 8, some of the processing performed on the RF signals by RFB 814 and other processing performed by RFAs 816-1 through 816-4 are described. However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, all RF signals may be processed by RFB 814 in addition to RFAs 816-1 through 816-4. According to another embodiment, all RF signals may be processed by RFAs 816-1 through 816-4 in addition to RFB 814.

According to the embodiments described with reference to fig. 7 and 8, the operational state (e.g., activation and deactivation) of the antenna may be controlled based on the holding position of the user's hand. A detailed example of controlling the antenna according to the grip position based on the structure of fig. 5 is described with reference to fig. 9A.

Fig. 9A illustrates an example of an antenna enabled based on a grip position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 9A, in state 910, the lower left and right ends of the terminal 120 are held and the antennas at the upper left end 510 and the upper right end 540 are enabled. In state 920, the upper left and lower left ends of terminal 120 are held and the antennas at the lower right end 530 and upper right end 540 are enabled. In state 930, the upper right and left ends of terminal 120 are held and the antennas at lower left end 520 and lower right end 530 are enabled. In state 940, the lower right and upper right ends of terminal 120 are held and the antennas at upper left end 510 and lower left end 520 are enabled.

An example of the change in throughput according to the sequential change of the four

states

910, 920, 930 and 940 illustrated in fig. 9A and the corresponding control of the antennas is shown in fig. 9B.

Fig. 9B illustrates an example of a change in throughput when an antenna is controlled based on a holding position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 9B, in the open state where all antennas are not held, the throughput is about 2.7 × 106. When the lower end of the terminal is held in this state, the terminal senses the state 910 and enables the antennas at the upper left end 510 and the upper right end 540. Thereafter, the holding position is changed to the left, the enabled antenna at the upper left end 510 is blocked, and thus, the throughput is temporarily reduced. The terminal that has sensed the change in the holding position deactivates the antenna at the upper left end 510 and activates the antenna at the lower right end 530. Thus, throughput is restored. When the holding position is changed to the upper end, the throughput is temporarily lowered, and the terminal deactivates the antenna at the upper right end 540 and activates the antenna at the lower left end 520. Similarly, when the grip position is changed to the right, the throughput is temporarily decreased, and the terminal deactivates the antenna at the lower left end 520 and activates the antenna at the upper left end 510. Thus, throughput can be restored.

As described above, the antenna may be controlled based on the holding state. According to another embodiment, the antenna may be controlled based on other sensor data. For example, the antenna may be controlled based on sensor data generated by an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. The control using the acceleration sensor or the gyro sensor may be understood as control based on a change in movement/posture of the terminal or a change in the relative positional relationship of the antenna. An embodiment of controlling the antenna based on a change in the relative positional relationship of the antenna is described with reference to fig. 10 and 11.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating controlling antennas of a terminal based on relative positions of the antennas in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 10, the terminal determines whether the relative position of the antenna is changed in operation 1001. The relative position refers to a position (e.g., left, right, upper, and lower ends) of the corresponding antenna with respect to the other antennas. The relative position of the antennas can be changed by rotation and movement of the terminal.

In operation 1003, the terminal enables at least one antenna that has been moved to the first position. The first location is a location expected to be advantageous in enabling communication and may be predefined. For example, the first position may be defined as the upper end. That is, at least one antenna disposed at an upper end with respect to another antenna may be activated.

In operation 1005, the terminal enables the at least one antenna that has been moved to the second position. The second location is a location that is expected to be disadvantageous in enabling communication and may be predefined. For example, the second position may be defined as the lower end.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 10, the terminal determines that the relative position of the antennas is changed. According to an embodiment, the terminal may determine rotation and movement of the terminal based on sensor data provided from an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and may determine a change in the relative position of the antenna due to the rotation and movement. According to another embodiment, the terminal may determine the change in the relative position of the antennas based on the rotation of the image. Generally, a terminal includes a display for displaying an image, and the image is set to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the terminal for the convenience of a user. That is, the rotation of the image means the rotation of the terminal, and thus the terminal can determine the change in the relative position of the antenna based on the rotation of the image. In detail, the terminal may determine the change in the relative position of the antenna based on the setting data for rotation of the image or the like.

According to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 10, the operational state (e.g., activation and deactivation) of the antenna may be controlled based on the relative position of the antenna. A detailed example of controlling the antenna according to the relative position based on the structure of fig. 5 is described with reference to fig. 11.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of an antenna enabled based on relative position in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of fig. 11, the relative position as the activation condition is the upper end, and the relative position as the deactivation condition is the lower end.

Referring to fig. 11, in state 1110, the upper left end 510 and the upper right end 540 of the terminal 120 are positioned upward and antennas at the upper left end 510 and the upper right end 540 are enabled. In state 1120, the lower right end 530 and upper right end 540 of terminal 120 are positioned upward, and antennas at the lower right end 530 and upper right end 540 are enabled. In state 1130, the lower left end 520 and the lower right end 530 of the terminal 120 are positioned upward and the antennas at the lower left end 520 and the lower right end 530 are enabled. In state 1140, the upper left end 510 and the lower left end 520 of the terminal 120 are positioned upward and the antennas at the upper left end 510 and the lower left end 520 are enabled. Therefore, even if a portion having no antenna is held or not held (for example, the terminal is mounted on a cradle), the antenna to be activated can be appropriately selected.

As described above, the antennas may be controlled based on the relative positions. According to another embodiment, the antenna may be controlled based on signals transmitted/received through the antenna. In the signal-based case, an appropriate antenna can be selected even in the environment shown in fig. 12 described below.

Fig. 12 shows an example of a communication environment of a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 12, when the serving base station of the terminal 120 is the base station 110-1, the serving base station is arranged in a direction in which an upper end face of the terminal 120 faces. In this case, the antennas at the upper ends (i.e., the upper left end 510 and the upper right end 540) may be enabled. However, the shortest path between the base station 110-1 and the terminal 120 is blocked by the obstacle 130-2, and the signal of the base station 110-1 is reflected by the obstacle 130-1 and then received. Thus, the signal is not received from the upper end but from the left side of the terminal 120. When the serving base station of the terminal 120 is the base station 110-2, the serving base station is arranged not to face the upper end but to the left side of the terminal 120. In this case, the signal is not received from the upper end but is received from the left side of the terminal 120. Therefore, the condition defining the upper end as enabling the antenna may not always be optimal. Therefore, in the present disclosure, an embodiment of controlling an antenna based on a reception signal is described below with reference to fig. 13 to 20.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a reception direction of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 13, in operation 1301, the terminal determines whether the reception direction of a signal is changed. The reception direction of the signal may be determined based on the result of measuring the received beam.

In operation 1303, the terminal enables at least one antenna corresponding to a reception direction of the signal. For example, the terminal may enable at least one antenna located in a reception direction of the signal. Thus, at least one antenna may be enabled in addition to or in place of the currently enabled antenna.

In operation 1305, the terminal deactivates at least one other antenna for the signal. For example, the terminal may deactivate at least one antenna that is not in the direction of reception of the signal. Thus, at least one antenna may be deactivated in addition to or instead of the currently deactivated antenna.

According to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 13, the operation state (e.g., activation and deactivation) of the antenna may be controlled based on the reception direction of the signal. That is, when the reception direction of the signal is determined, an antenna capable of providing a more excellent gain/scan range for the signal received in the determined direction may be enabled. A detailed example of controlling the antenna according to the relative position based on the structure of fig. 5 is described with reference to fig. 14.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example of an antenna that is enabled based on a reception direction of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 14, a terminal 120 communicates with a base station 110 located on the left side of the terminal 120. First, as in state 1410, terminal 120 enables the antennas of upper left end 510 and upper right end 540. Signals are received through beam 1412 received by the antenna at the upper left end 510 and beam 1442 received by the antenna at the upper right end 540. Since

beams

1412 and 1422 are toward the left, terminal 120 performs antenna switching by enabling antennas at upper left end 510 and lower left end 520 in state 1420.

As described above, the antenna may be controlled based on the receiving direction of the signal. The direction of reception of the signal may be determined according to various algorithms. For example, the reception direction of the signal may be determined based on at least one of the best beam, a result of estimating an angle of arrival (AOA), an angle of the best beam, and a strength of the received signal. The best beam is a beam selected by the terminal based on the result of measuring the beam, and refers to a beam that provides the maximum channel quality or a channel quality exceeding a critical value and is not necessarily the same as a beam actually used. At least any one of various combinations derived from the best beam, the result of estimating the angle of arrival, the angle of the best beam, and the strength of the received signal may be applied to determine the reception direction of the signal. A detailed example of the combination is described below with reference to fig. 15A to 17B. First, an embodiment based on an optimal beam is described below with reference to fig. 15A to 15C.

Fig. 15A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15A illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 15A, in operation 1501, the terminal determines an optimal beam. To determine the best beam, the terminal may repeatedly receive signals (e.g., reference signals and synchronization signals) from the base station through a plurality of received beams and may measure the strength of the received signals. The terminal may determine a reception beam providing a signal having the maximum intensity as the optimal beam. When multiple antennas are enabled, one receive beam, i.e., multiple receive beams, for each antenna may be determined as the best beam.

In operation 1503, the terminal enables the antenna subset corresponding to the best beam. That is, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to the reception beam selected as the best beam based on the correspondence between the reception beams and the antenna subsets. The correspondence of the reception beams to the antenna subsets may be predefined, and one antenna subset may correspond to a plurality of reception beams or a combination of reception beams.

Fig. 15B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15B illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 15B, in operation 1511, the terminal determines the best beam. To determine the best beam, the terminal may repeatedly receive signals (e.g., reference signals and synchronization signals) from the base station through a plurality of received beams and may measure the strength of the received signals. The terminal may determine a reception beam providing a signal having the maximum intensity as the optimal beam. When multiple antennas are enabled, one receive beam, i.e., multiple receive beams, for each antenna may be determined as the best beam.

In operation 1513, the terminal determines whether the best beam is a predefined beam. That is, the terminal determines whether the best beam is one of the predefined beams. The predefined beams are a set of beams that cause the antenna to switch. For example, the predefined beams may include all or some of the beams that may be used in the terminal. When the best beam is not the predefined beam, the terminal ends the process.

When the optimal beam is a predefined beam, the terminal performs antenna switching in operation 1515. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna corresponding to the currently best beam and deactivates at least one other antenna. Thus, the enabled antenna may be changed. However, even if the best beam is a predefined beam, the enabled antenna may not be changed when at least one antenna corresponding to the best beam determined in operation 1511 has been enabled. That is, the best beam to cause antenna switching may depend on which antenna or antennas are currently enabled.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 15A and 15B, when the optimal beam is changed, the antenna to be enabled may be changed. The quality of communication performed using the currently enabled antenna may further be used as a condition for antenna switching. This is because even if the best beam is changed, antenna switching may not be required when the current communication quality exceeds a predetermined level. Therefore, according to another embodiment, the terminal may maintain the currently enabled antenna even if the optimal beam is changed when the signal strength at the currently enabled antenna exceeds a critical value.

Fig. 15C is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15C illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 15C, in operation 1521, the terminal determines the best beam. To determine the best beam, the terminal may repeatedly receive signals (e.g., reference signals and synchronization signals) from the base station through a plurality of received beams and may measure the strength of the received signals. The terminal may determine a reception beam providing a signal having the maximum intensity as the optimal beam. When multiple antennas are enabled, one receive beam (i.e., multiple receive beams) per antenna may be determined as the best beam.

In operation 1523, the terminal determines whether the best beam is a predefined beam. That is, the terminal determines whether the best beam is one of the predefined beams. The predefined beams are a set of beams that cause the antenna to switch. For example, the predefined beams may include all or some of the beams that may be used in the terminal. When the best beam is not the predefined beam, the terminal ends the process.

When the optimal beam is a predefined beam, the terminal determines whether the signal strength at the enabled antenna is a critical value or less in operation 1525. The threshold value may be defined as an intensity value of the signal that provides a predetermined quality level. Therefore, when the strength of the signal exceeds a critical value, the current situation may be understood as a situation in which antenna switching is not necessarily required. Thus, the terminal ends the process when the signal strength at the enabled antenna exceeds a critical value.

When the signal strength at the enabled antenna is equal to or less than the critical value, the terminal performs antenna switching in operation 1527. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna corresponding to the currently best beam and deactivates at least one other antenna. Accordingly, at operation 1527, the enabled antennas may be changed or switched. However, even if the best beam is a predefined beam, the enabled antenna may not be changed when at least one antenna corresponding to the best beam determined in operation 1521 has been enabled. That is, the best beam to cause antenna switching may depend on which antenna or antennas are currently enabled.

Fig. 16A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an estimated angle of arrival of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16A illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 16A, in operation 1601, a terminal estimates an angle of arrival of a signal. The angle of arrival may be estimated based on a result of measuring a receive beam of a signal received from the base station.

In operation 1603, the terminal enables a subset of antennas corresponding to the angle of arrival. That is, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to the estimated angle of arrival based on the correspondence between the angle of arrival and the subset of antennas. The correspondence between the angle of arrival and the subset of antennas may be predefined. For example, the terminal may find a region to which the estimated arrival angle belongs from a plurality of regions dividing all the arrival angles, and may then enable a subset of antennas corresponding to the found region.

Fig. 16B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an estimated angle of arrival of a signal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16B illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 16B, in operation 1611, the terminal estimates an angle of arrival of a signal. The angle of arrival may be estimated based on a result of measuring a receive beam of a signal received from the base station.

In operation 1613, the terminal determines whether the signal strength at the enabled antenna is a critical value or less. The threshold value may be defined as an intensity value of the signal that provides a predetermined quality level. Therefore, when the strength of the signal exceeds a critical value, the current situation may be understood as a situation in which antenna switching is not necessarily required. Thus, the terminal ends the process when the signal strength at the enabled antenna exceeds a critical value.

When the signal strength at the enabled antenna is equal to or less than the critical value, the terminal performs antenna switching in operation 1615. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna corresponding to the angle of arrival and deactivates at least one other antenna. That is, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to the estimated angle of arrival based on the correspondence between the angle of arrival and the antenna. The correspondence between the angle of arrival and the antenna may be predefined. Thus, the enabled antenna may be changed. However, when at least one antenna corresponding to the angle of arrival determined in operation 1611 has been enabled, the enabled antenna may not be changed. That is, the angle of arrival causing the antenna switching may depend on which antenna or antennas are currently enabled at least one antenna.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 16A and 16B, the terminal estimates the angle of arrival of the signal. The angle of arrival of the signal may be estimated in various ways. According to an embodiment, the angle of arrival of the signal may be estimated based on the best receive beam. In this case, the terminal may find an angle of the best reception beam and determine the found angle as an angle of arrival.

According to another embodiment, the angle of arrival of the signal may be estimated based on the results of measuring the plurality of received beams. In this case, the terminal may determine the angle of arrival of the signal using a combination of values obtained by measuring the received beams. When a combination of values obtained by measuring received beams is used, the receiving direction can be estimated differently even if the best received beams are the same.

Fig. 17A is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an angle of an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17A illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 17A, in operation 1701, the terminal finds an angle of the best beam. The received beam has a predetermined angle, and thus the terminal can determine the optimal beam, thereby being able to find the angle of the beam. That is, the terminal may convert the refractive index of the optimal beam to an angle.

In operation 1703, the terminal enables an antenna subset corresponding to an angle of the best beam. That is, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to the angle of the best beam based on the correspondence between the angle of the best beam and the antenna subset. The correspondence between the angle of the best beam and the antenna subset may be predefined. For example, the terminal may find a region to which an angle of the best beam belongs from a plurality of regions dividing angles of available beams, and may then enable a subset of antennas corresponding to the found region.

Fig. 17B is another flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on an angle of an optimal beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17B illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 17B, in operation 1711, the terminal finds an angle of the best beam. The received beam has a predetermined angle, and thus the terminal can determine the optimal beam, thereby being able to find the angle of the beam.

In operation 1713, the terminal determines whether the signal strength at the enabled antenna is a critical value or less. The threshold value may be defined as an intensity value of the signal that provides a predetermined quality level. Therefore, when the strength of the signal exceeds a critical value, the current situation may be understood as a situation in which antenna switching is not necessarily required. Thus, the terminal ends the process when the signal strength at the enabled antenna exceeds a critical value.

When the signal strength at the enabled antenna is equal to or less than the critical value, the terminal performs antenna switching in operation 1715. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna corresponding to the angle of the best beam and deactivates at least one other antenna. That is, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to the angle of the optimal beam based on the correspondence between the optimal beam and the angle of the antenna. The correspondence between the optimal beam and the angle of the antenna may be predefined. Thus, the enabled antenna may be changed. However, when the antenna corresponding to the angle found in operation 1711 has been enabled, the enabled antenna may not be changed. That is, the angle at which the antenna switching is caused may depend on which antenna or antennas are currently enabled.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 16A to 17B, antenna switching based on a reception signal or an optimal beam angle is performed. The resolution of the angle used for antenna switching and the resolution of the estimated or found angle may be different from each other. For example, even if the estimated or found angle changes, the enabled antenna may not change as long as the amount of change in angle is less than a critical value. That is, not all changes in the estimated or found angle will cause antenna switching.

In the various embodiments described above, a structure in which antennas are mounted at four corners (e.g., positions 510, 520, 530, and 540) of a terminal is illustrated. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 18, a structure may be considered in which one antenna is mounted near the center of the front side or the rear side of the terminal.

Fig. 18 shows another arrangement of antennas on a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 18, a first antenna 1812, a second antenna 1822, a third antenna 1832, and a fourth antenna 1842 are disposed at four corners of the terminal 120, and a fifth antenna 1852 is disposed adjacent to the center of the terminal 120. The fifth antenna 1852 may be disposed at a front side (e.g., a side where a display is disposed) or a rear side (e.g., a side where a cover is disposed). When the fifth antenna 1852 is disposed at the front side, the fifth antenna 1852 may be referred to as a "display antenna".

In general, the gain of a beam formed perpendicular to the antenna shape (e.g., a beam formed at 90 ° from the plane of the antenna) is relatively good, and the smaller the angle of the plane of the antenna and the beam direction, the smaller the gain. Accordingly, when the beams of the

regions

1814, 1824, 1834, and 1844 located at the sides of the fifth antenna 1852 are selected as the best beams or the reception directions of the signals in the

regions

1814, 1824, 1834, and 1844 are estimated, it is possible to provide higher communication quality by using one of the first antenna 1812, the second antenna 1822, the third antenna 1832, and the fourth antenna 1842 arranged at four corners. Accordingly, in this case, antenna switching from the fifth antenna 1852 to at least one of the first antenna 1812, the second antenna 1822, the third antenna 1832, and the fourth antenna 1842 may be performed. For example, first region 1814 corresponds to first antenna 1812, second region 1824 corresponds to second antenna 1822, third region 1834 corresponds to third antenna 1832, and fourth region 1844 corresponds to fourth antenna 1842.

As described above, the fifth antenna 1852 arranged near the center may be used as a monitoring antenna for determining an antenna to be enabled. A related embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 19.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna of a terminal based on a best beam in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 19 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 19, in operation 1901, the terminal determines a reception direction of a signal at an antenna disposed at a front side or a rear side. For convenience of description, the antenna disposed on the front side or the rear side will be referred to as a "monitoring antenna" below. That is, the terminal estimates the reception direction of the signal with respect to the monitoring antenna with the monitoring antenna enabled.

In operation 1903, the terminal enables at least one antenna corresponding to a reception direction of a signal at the monitoring antenna. For example, the terminal may enable at least one antenna corresponding to a reception direction of the signal. Thus, at least one antenna may be enabled in addition to or in place of the currently enabled antenna. For example, the monitoring antenna and the at least one other antenna may be enabled when the direction of reception of the signal corresponds to one side of the monitoring antenna (e.g., one of

regions

1814, 1824, 1834, and 1844).

In operation 1905, the terminal deactivates at least one other antenna for the signal. For example, the terminal may deactivate at least one antenna that does not correspond to a signal reception direction. Thus, at least one antenna may be deactivated in addition to or instead of the currently deactivated antenna. For example, the monitoring antenna may be deactivated when the direction of reception of the signal corresponds to one side of the monitoring antenna (e.g., one of

regions

1814, 1824, 1834, and 1844).

Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating controlling an antenna using a default antenna in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 20, in operation 2001, the terminal determines whether to turn on the power. That is, the terminal checks whether the power is out of the off state. Thus, the terminal is started and some settings may be initialized.

In operation 2003, the terminal enables a default antenna. That is, when power is turned on, a predefined default value may be applied, e.g., a default antenna defined to be used for initialization may be enabled. For example, the default antenna may be an antenna disposed adjacent to the center of the front or rear side of the terminal.

In operation 2005, the terminal determines a reception direction of a signal at a default antenna. The reception direction of the signal may be determined based on the result of measuring the received beam. For example, the terminal may determine the reception direction of the signal based on at least one of the best beam, the result of estimating the angle of arrival, the angle of the best beam, and the strength of the received signal.

In operation 2007, the terminal enables at least one antenna corresponding to a reception direction of the signal. Thus, at least one antenna may be enabled in addition to or in place of the currently enabled antenna. For example, the monitoring antenna and the at least one other antenna may be enabled when the default antenna is the monitoring antenna and the reception direction of the signal corresponds to a side of the monitoring antenna (e.g., one of

regions

1814, 1824, 1834, and 1844).

As described above, the antenna may be controlled based on various state information. Changing the enabled antennas may result in a change in the communication channel. Therefore, antenna switching can be performed at a timing when the burden of changing the communication channel is relatively small. A wireless communication system according to various embodiments supports frame-based communication. In detail, the base station transmits a signal through a structure divided into frames or subframes, and transmits a signal for performing data out-of-communication through some frames or subframes. For example, the extra-data signal may include at least one of a signal for synchronization/synchronous tracking, a signal for beam measurement/tracking, a signal for Automatic Gain Control (AGC), and a signal for beam change.

The out-of-data signal is typically associated with synchronization and measurement, and synchronization and measurement are relatively sensitive to channel changes due to antenna switching.

Fig. 21A illustrates an example of performing antenna switching in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 21A, when beam switching is performed in the non-data period 2104 in which an out-of-data signal is transmitted, the possibility of synchronization and measurement failure may increase. The non-data period 2104 may be referred to as a "preamble period". The RF circuit for changing the setting regarding beamforming (e.g., changing the beam direction) can be controlled in synchronization and measurement, but when antenna switching is performed synchronously, there is a possibility of RF malfunction. Next, the influence of antenna switching is described by a change in throughput with respect to fig. 21B.

Fig. 21B shows an example of a change in throughput at the time of antenna switching in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 21B, in the second period, the timing of antenna switching is optionally controlled, and antenna switching is performed not only in the non-data period but also in the data period. It can be seen that similar throughput is shown at intervals of 1 second in the second period compared to the first period without antenna switching, and the smaller the antenna switching interval from 0.5 second to 5 milliseconds, the smaller the throughput. The third period is a period in which antenna switching is performed only in the non-data period, and in this case, it can be seen that throughput rapidly decreases. Therefore, the timing at which the antenna switching is allowed can be appropriately controlled.

Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating controlling antenna switching permission timings in a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 22, in operation 2201, the terminal checks whether it is a non-data period. The terminal is synchronized with the base station and thus can see the structure of the frames and subframes. Further, the terminal may determine whether the current period is a period in which data is transmitted or a period in which a signal for synchronization, measurement, or the like is transmitted.

If this is a non-data period, the terminal operates without antenna switching in operation 2203. That is, the terminal stops the operation for antenna switching. That is, the terminal temporarily disables the antenna switching function. The terminal may perform operations required in the non-data period, such as synchronization, synchronization tracking, beam measurement, and beam tracking.

In operation 2205, the terminal checks whether it is a data period. The terminal is synchronized with the base station and thus can see the structure of the frames and subframes. Further, the terminal may determine whether the current period is a period in which data is transmitted or a period in which a signal for synchronization, measurement, or the like is transmitted.

When it is the data period, the terminal performs antenna switching based on a state associated with the antenna in operation 2207. That is, the terminal can perform an operation for antenna switching, if necessary, in addition to transmitting and receiving data. However, the antenna switching is not necessarily performed in the data period. That is, if the condition for antenna switching is not satisfied, the terminal may operate without antenna switching.

As described above, antenna switching may be selectively enabled depending on which period on the frame the current period is. The selectively enabled antenna switching function may be performed in conjunction with various conditions for antenna switching as described above. At least two or more of the various conditions for antenna switching described above may be performed in common. Various embodiments are described below in which the various embodiments described above are performed jointly.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using a grip sensor in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 23 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 23, in operation 2301, a terminal obtains grip sensor information. That is, the terminal obtains sensor data generated by a grip sensor installed at a position where the plurality of antennas are arranged.

In operation 2303, the terminal determines whether at least one grip sensor is in an on state. That is, the terminal determines whether at least one grip sensor has sensed a grip state. That is, the terminal determines whether at least one of the positions where the grip sensor is mounted has been held.

When at least one grip sensor is in an on state, the terminal obtains frame timing information in operation 2305. That is, the terminal checks which cycle of the frame the current frame is, i.e., checks information for checking whether it is a data period or a non-data period.

In operation 2307, the terminal checks whether the current period is a non-data period. When the current period is a non-data period, antenna switching may not be performed. Accordingly, the terminal returns to operation 2305.

When the current period is not a non-data period, i.e., is a data period, the terminal enables the antenna switching function in operation 2309. Accordingly, the terminal can perform antenna switching when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using sensor data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 24 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 24, in operation 2401, the terminal obtains sensor data. The sensor data is generated by sensors (e.g., a grip sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor), and average data corresponding to physical changes applied to the terminal is generated.

In operation 2403, the terminal processes the sensor data. That is, the terminal generates information showing physical changes by processing the sensor data. For example, the terminal generates information for determining whether to perform antenna switching. For example, the terminal may generate at least one of information showing the holding position and information showing the relative position of the antenna.

In operation 2405, the terminal obtains a new antenna state value from the sensor data. The antenna state value is information giving an instruction of which antennas to activate and which to deactivate, or information giving an instruction of whether to activate an antenna. Antenna state values corresponding to the processed sensor data may be predefined, and the terminal may search for the antenna state values from the predefined mapping information.

In operation 2407, the terminal determines whether the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different. That is, the terminal determines whether to change the enabled antenna. If the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are the same, the terminal returns to operation 2401.

However, if the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different, the terminal determines whether it is a non-data period in operation 2409. When the current period is a non-data period, antenna switching may not be performed. Accordingly, the terminal does not proceed to operation 2411.

When the current period is not a non-data period, i.e., is a data period, the terminal sets on/off of the antenna in operation 2411. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna and deactivates at least one other antenna based on the new antenna state.

Fig. 25 is a flowchart for performing antenna switching in a terminal using beam related information in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 25 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 25, in operation 2501, the terminal performs beam training. The beam training, which is a process of determining the best beam, may include reception of reference signals and beam scanning. If a transmit beam is used, the beam training process may include the transmission of reference signals and the reception of feedback.

In operation 2503, the terminal obtains information on the result of the beam training. The information on the result of the beam training may include at least one of information on an optimal beam, information on an angle of arrival of the signal, and information on a reception strength of the signal. Accordingly, the terminal can discover the state related to the beam.

In operation 2505, the terminal determines whether antenna switching is required. For example, the terminal determines whether the state found from the beam-related information satisfies a predefined condition. For example, the predefined condition may be defined as at least one of: the reception intensity of the signal received through the currently enabled antenna is a critical value or less; the angle of the reception signal or the optimal reception beam is a critical value or more; the best receive beam is one of the predefined receive beams. If antenna switching is not required, the terminal returns to operation 2501.

In contrast, when antenna switching is required, the terminal obtains a new antenna state value from the beam related data in operation 2507. The antenna state value is information giving an instruction of which antennas to activate and which to deactivate, or information giving an instruction of whether to activate an antenna. Antenna state values corresponding to the beam-related data may be predefined, and the terminal may search for the antenna state values from the predefined mapping information.

In operation 2509, the terminal determines whether the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different. That is, the terminal determines whether to change the enabled antenna. If the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are the same, the terminal returns to operation 2501.

However, if the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different, the terminal determines whether it is a non-data period in operation 2511. When the current period is a non-data period, antenna switching may not be performed. Therefore, the terminal does not proceed to operation 2513.

When the current period is not a non-data period, i.e., is a data period, the terminal sets on/off of the antenna in operation 2513. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna and deactivates at least one other antenna based on the new antenna state.

Fig. 26 is a flowchart for performing antenna switching in a terminal using a grip state according to the presence or absence of an antenna switching function in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 26 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 26, in operation 2601, the terminal determines whether an antenna switching function exists. For example, the terminal may determine whether the antenna switching function exists based on the model or specification information of the device.

When there is no antenna switching function, the terminal turns on the antennas a to D in operation 2603. That is, the terminal may enable all antennas. When the antenna switching function is present, the terminal checks whether the antenna switching function has been enabled in operation 2605. The antenna switching function may be selectively enabled.

When the antenna switching function is not enabled, the terminal determines whether the antennas a and C are default antennas in operation 2605. When the antennas a and C are default antennas, the terminal proceeds to operation 2607, thereby turning on the antennas a and C and turning off the antennas B and D. When the antennas a and C are not default antennas, i.e., when the antennas B and D are default antennas, the terminal proceeds to operation 2609, thereby turning on the antennas B and D and turning off the antennas a and C.

When the antenna switching function is enabled, the terminal converts the grip state into an antenna state in operation 2611. In operation 2613, the terminal determines whether the converted antenna state and the existing antenna state are different. When the converted antenna state is the same as the existing antenna state, the terminal ends the process. When the converted antenna state is different from the existing antenna state, the terminal applies the converted antenna state in operation 2615. That is, the terminal enables at least one antenna indicated by the converted antenna state. In operation 2617, the terminal updates the current antenna state. That is, the terminal changes information on the antenna state to indicate the currently enabled antenna.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using two types of sensor data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 27 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 27, in operation 2701, the terminal determines whether there is grip sensor data. When there is no grip sensor data, the terminal determines whether there is acceleration/gyro sensor data in operation 2703. The fact that there is grip sensor data means that a grip has taken place at least one location where the grip sensor is arranged. The fact that there is acceleration/gyro sensor data means that a rotation/movement of the terminal has taken place.

When there is no grip sensor data and there is acceleration/gyro sensor data, the terminal converts the acceleration/gyro sensor data into a rotation state in operation 2705. The rotation state is information showing which part of the terminal is located on the top, where the relative position of the antenna is, and the like. In operation 2707, the terminal converts the rotation state into an antenna state.

When there is no grip sensor data, the terminal converts the grip sensor data into a grip state in operation 2709. The holding state is information showing which positions of the terminal have been held, whether the antenna of the terminal has been held, and the like. In operation 2711, the terminal converts the grip state into an antenna state.

In operation 2713, the terminal determines whether the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different. That is, the terminal determines whether to change the enabled antenna. If the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are the same, the terminal returns to operation 2701.

However, if the existing antenna state and the new antenna state are different, the terminal determines whether it is a non-data period in operation 2715. When the current period is a non-data period, antenna switching may not be performed. Therefore, the terminal does not proceed to operation 2717.

When the current period is not the non-data period, i.e., is the data period, the terminal sets on/off of the antenna in operation 2717. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna and deactivates at least one other antenna based on the new antenna state.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 271, it is first determined whether there is grip sensor data before determining whether there is acceleration/gyro sensor data. That is, the grip sensor data means the congestion of the link, and therefore, if there is grip sensor data, priority is given to the grip sensor data. Therefore, it is first determined whether or not there is grip sensor data. However, according to another embodiment, the acceleration/gyro sensor data may be given a high priority, and it may be determined whether there is acceleration/gyro sensor data first.

Fig. 28 is a flowchart of performing antenna switching in a terminal using two types of sensor data and beamforming related data in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 28 illustrates an operation method of the terminal 120.

Referring to fig. 28, in operation 2801, the terminal determines whether grip sensor data exists and whether the reception intensity of a signal is a critical value or less. The fact that there is grip sensor data means that a grip occurs at least one location where the grip sensor is arranged. When there is grip sensor data and the reception intensity of the signal is a critical value or less, the terminal performs grip sensor-based antenna switching in operation 2803. That is, the terminal enables at least one antenna according to the holding state of the antenna.

When there is no grip sensor data or the reception strength of the signal exceeds the critical value, the terminal determines whether a condition for beamforming-based antenna switching is satisfied in operation 2805. The conditions for beamforming-based antenna switching may be determined based on at least one of the best beam, the angle of arrival of the signal, the received strength of the signal. When the condition for beamforming-based antenna switching is satisfied, the terminal performs beamforming-based antenna switching in operation 2807. That is, the terminal selects and controls at least one antenna to be enabled based on at least one of the best beam, the angle of the best beam, and the angle of arrival of the signal.

When the condition for the beamforming-based antenna switching is not satisfied, the terminal determines whether acceleration/gyro sensor data exists in operation 2809. The fact that there is acceleration/gyro sensor data means that a rotation/movement of the terminal has taken place. When there is acceleration/gyro sensor data, the terminal performs antenna switching based on the acceleration/gyro sensor data in operation 2811. That is, the terminal activates at least one antenna based on the relative position of the antennas.

In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 28, it is first determined whether grip sensor data is present. That is, the fact that there is grip sensor data and the reception intensity is low means blocking of the link, and therefore if there is grip sensor data, the highest priority is given to the grip sensor data. However, according to another embodiment, higher priority may be given to beamforming-based antenna switching or acceleration/gyro sensor data-based antenna switching.

The method according to the embodiments described in the claims and/or the specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

When the method is implemented by software, a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors within the electronic device. The at least one program may include instructions that cause the electronic device to perform methods in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and/or disclosed herein.

The program (software module or software) may be stored in non-volatile memory, including random access memory and flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk memory devices, compact disk (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), or other types of optical storage devices or magnetic tape. Alternatively, any combination of some or all of these may form a memory storing a program. Further, a plurality of such memories may be included in the electronic device.

Further, the program may be stored in a connectable storage device that is accessible through a communication network, such as the internet, an intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), and a Storage Area Network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such storage devices may access the electronic device via an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on the communication network may access the portable electronic device.

In the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, components included in the present disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural according to the presented detailed embodiments. However, for ease of description, the singular or plural forms are selected to be appropriate for the situation presented, and the various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a single element or a plurality thereof. Further, a plurality of elements expressed in the specification may be configured as a single element, or a single element in the specification may be configured as a plurality of elements.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of operating a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:

detecting one or more states associated with a plurality of antennas disposed in the terminal;

enabling a first antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas; and

deactivating a second antenna of the plurality of antennas based on the one or more conditions associated with the plurality of antennas.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas are determined based on at least one of a signal transmitted or received by at least one currently enabled antenna of the plurality of antennas and sensor data generated by at least one sensor disposed in the terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second antenna is deactivated if its mounting location is blocked by another object.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is enabled if the first antenna is positioned higher than at least one other antenna of the plurality of antennas.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is enabled if the first antenna is positioned over an image displayed on the terminal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is enabled if the first antenna is positioned in a receive direction of a base station signal.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is enabled based on at least one of a best beam, a result of estimating an angle of arrival (AOA), an angle of a best beam, or a strength of a received signal.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein the detecting one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas further comprises: determining a reception direction of a signal at a default antenna of the plurality of antennas, the default antenna being enabled when the terminal is turned on,

wherein the first antenna comprises an antenna corresponding to a reception direction of a signal at the default antenna.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the default antenna is disposed at a center of a front side or a rear side of the terminal.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

wherein enabling the first antenna and disabling the second antenna is allowed during a non-data period, and

wherein the non-data period includes a period in which at least one of a signal for synchronization or synchronization tracking, a signal for beam measurement or tracking, a signal for Automatic Gain Control (AGC), or a signal for beam change is received.

11. A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:

a plurality of antennas;

a transceiver coupled to the plurality of antennas; and

at least one processor coupled to the transceiver,

wherein the at least one processor is configured to:

detecting one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas;

12. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the one or more states associated with the plurality of antennas are determined based on at least one of a signal transmitted or received through at least one antenna currently enabled or sensor data generated by at least one sensor disposed in the terminal.

13. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the second antenna is deactivated if its installed position is blocked by another object.

14. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the first antenna is enabled if the first antenna is positioned higher than at least one other antenna of the plurality of antennas.

15. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the first antenna is enabled if the first antenna is positioned over an image displayed on the terminal.