GB2515830A

GB2515830A - Method and apparatus for use in a radio communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2515830A
Application number: GB1312126.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seppo Rousu; Juha Valtanen
Original assignee: Broadcom Corp
Current assignee: Broadcom International Ltd; Broadcom Corp
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-05
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: GB201312126D0

Abstract

Information is received about a sensed change in antenna matching of a radio communication device that has an antenna associated with it wherein the sensed change in the antenna matching is caused by a change in the environment of the antenna. The received information is analyzed to determine whether the sensed change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity. If yes, a control action is caused to be performed on a user function of the radio communication device and/or a further entity associated with it. The control action is associated with the predetermined user activity. Aspects of the invention include the change in antenna matching performed by measuring a signal reflecting from at least one of the antenna and an object in the environment of the antenna or by detecting settings of an antenna tuner. The predetermined user activity may comprise e.g. predetermined presence of a user body part in the environment of the at least one associated antenna. Alternatively, the predetermined user activity may comprise e.g. a predetermined gesture made by a user in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.

Description

Method and Apparatus for use in a Radio Communication Device

Technical Field

Embodiments of the invention relate to device control. In particular, the embodiments of the invcntion relate to control of radio communication devices and/or entities associated with radio communication devices based on changes in radio antenna environment.

Backzround Some techniques for control (e.g. touchless control) of various electronic devices are known. User input may be detected based on e.g. voice, a body mass sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, camera intercepted gestures, a light sensor, etc. However, from the point of view of a radio communication device, these 1 5 known techniques have a drawback in that they require additional circuitry/components that add to overall cost and require space and power.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to alleviate the problems described above and to introduce a solution that allows control of radio communication devices and/or entities associated with radio communication devices without requiring additional circuitry/components. Instead, the invention utilizes existing radio transmission related circuitry'componcnts to allow control.

Brief Summary

A first aspect of the present invention is a method, in which information is received about at least one sensed change in antenna matching of a radio communication device that has at least one antenna associated with it. The at least one sensed change in the antenna matching is caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna. The received information is analyzed to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity. If there is a correspondence, a control action is caused to be performed on a user function of at least one of the radio communication device and a further entity associated with the radio communication device. The control action to be performed is associated with the predetermined user activity.

A second aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for use in a radio communication device. The apparatus comprises a processing system arranged to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving information about at least one sensed change in antenna matching of the radio communication device having at least one associated antenna, the at least one sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna; analyzing the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antcnna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing a control action to be performed on a user thnction of at least one of the radio communication device and a further entity associated with the radio communication device, thc control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.

The processing system nay comprise at least one processor, and at least one memory that includes computer program code.

A third aspect of the present invention is a radio communication device that comprises the apparatus of the second aspect.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed on an apparatus for use in a radio communication device causes the apparatus to perform the steps of receiving information about at least one sensed change in antcnna matching of a radio communication device having at least one associated antenna, the at least onc sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna; analyzing the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing a control action to be performed on a user thnction of at least one of the radio communication device and a further entity associated with the radio communication device, the control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sensing of the at least one change in thc antenna matching is performed by measuring a signal reflecting from at least one of the antenna and an object in the environment of the antenna.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching is performed by detecting settings of an antenna tuner associated with the at least one antenna.

In an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device is involved at least in one of a cellular frequency band transmission and an industrial, scicntific and medical (ISM) frequency band transmission during the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching.

In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined user activity comprises a predetermined presence of a predetermined user body part in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.

In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined user activity comprises a predetermined gesture made by a user in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.

In an embodiment of the invention, the analyzing is based on frequency of transmitter power control actions.

In an embodiment of the invention, the user function comprises a user interface function.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of the second aspect further comprises a controller. The controller may comprise e.g. one of a modem controHer, an application controller, and a master controller of the radio communication device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the further entity comprises one of a vehicle, a machine and an access device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device further comprises a sensing means for sensing the change in the antenna matching of the radio communication device. The sensing means may comprise e.g. at least one of a measurement receiver, an antenna coupler and an antenna tuner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device further comprises a mobile telecommunication device that comprises a profile setting that, when activated, enables the apparatus to perform the receiving, analyzing and causing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device further comprises multiple antennas that form an antenna array.

In an embodiment of the invention, the radio communication device fiirthcr compriscs a long term evolution, LTE, enabled radio communication dcvicc.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention dcscribcd above may bc used in any combination with each othcr. Scveral of thc aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention. A method, an apparatus, a radio communication device or a computer readable mcdium which is an aspcct of the invcntion may comprisc at Icast one of thc embodiments of the invention described above.

At least somc embodiments of the invention allow control of radio 1 0 communication devices andlor entities associated with radio communication devices without requiring additional circuitry/components. Instead, at least some embodiments of the invention utilize existing radio transmission related circuitry/components to allow control. Furthcrmorc, in somc cases a conventional control solution can be removed and therefore further cost savings can be achieved. Furthermore, touchless control optiollally enabled by some embodiments of the invention is advantageous in conditions requiring strict hygiene, such as hospitals etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus and a radio communication device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, exampics of which arc illustrated in thc accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The method begins at step 101. At stcp 102, at least one change is sensed in antenna matching of a radio communication device that has at least one anteilna associated with it. The at least one sensed change in the anteilna matehillg is caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna. The sensing of step 102 may be performed by measuring a signal reflecting from at least one of the antenna and an object in the environment of the antenna. In this case, an antenna tuner would not be needed. Alternatively, the sensing of step 102 may be performed by detecting settings of an antenna tuner associated with the at least one antenna. This alternative would be particularly useful in situations in which it is not possible to measure the reflected signal directly. At step 103, information is received about the at least one sensed change in antenna matching of the radio communication device. It is to be understood that the term "environment" of the antenna is used herein to refer to proximity ofthe antenna including direct contact'touch.

At step 104, the received information is analyzed to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity. The predetermined user activity may comprise e.g. predetermined presence of a predetermined user body part in the environment of the at least one associated antenna. Alternatively, the predetermined user activity may comprise e.g. a predetermined gesture made by a user in the environment of the at least one associated antenna. The analyzing may be based on e.g. frequency of transmitter power control actions.

If there is a. correspondence in step 105, a control action is caused to be performed on a user thnction of at least one of the radio communication device and a further entity associated with the radio communication device, step 106. If there is no correspondence in step 105, the method ends, step 107. The control action to be performed is associated with the predetermined user activity. The user function may comprise e.g. a user interface function.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 210 and a radio communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 210 comprises at least one processor 211, and at least one memory 212 that includes computer program code. The at least one memory 212 and the computer program code are arranged to, with the at least one processor 211, cause the apparatus 210 at least to perform: receiving information about at least one sensed change in antenna matching of the radio communication device 200 having at least one associated antenna 230, the at least one sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna 230; analyzing the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing a control action to be per-formed on a user function of at least one of the radio communication device 200 and a further entity (not shown in Figure 2) associated with the radio communication device 200, the control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.

As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 210 may be comprised in the radio communication device 200. Furthermore, the apparatus 210 may comprise a controller, such as a modem controller, an application controller, or a master controller of the radio communication device 200.

As for the further entity, it may comprise e.g. a vehicle, a machine or an access device. In such a case, the radio communication device 200 may be integrated or embedded in the vehicle, machine or access device. The radio communication device may further comprise a long term evolution, LTE, enabled radio communication device.

As shown in Figure 2, the radio communication device 200 may thrther comprise a sensing means 220 for sensing the change in the antenna matching of the radio communication device (i.e. for performing the step 102 of Figure 1). The sensing means 220 may comprise e.g. at least one of a measurement receiver 221, an antenna coupler 222 and/or an antenna tuner 223. In an embodiment, a directional coupler may be used in the proximity of the antenna 230 for forward and reverse power measurement purposes. Forward and reverse powers are provided to the measurement receiver 221 to enable sensing antenna matching. In an alternative/additional embodiment, an antenna tuner circuitry may be included. The antenna tuner circuitry can be controlled with sensed information, a control logic and software. The above two embodiments may be used in two different radios in a same device with independent antennas, for example. Combinations of various embodiments may be implemented according to radio device and/or sensing means cost and performance targets.

Figure 2 shows one antenna 230 associated with the radio communication device 200, but there may alternatively be multiple antennas (not shown in Figure 2) that form an antenna array.

The radio communication device 200 (and/or the further entity) may ftirther comprise one or more radio circuits 241, a modem BB 242, an application processor 243, sensor(s) 244, user interface(s) 245, power supply (supplies) 246, wired interface(s) 247, and/or positioning receiver(s) 248. As these components 241-248 are known to those skilled in the art, they are not described in detail herein.

Also, the radio communication device 200 may further comprise a mobile tclccommunication dcvicc that compriscs a profilc setting that, whcn activated, enables the apparatus 210 to perform the receiving 103, analyzing 104 and causing 106 of Figure 1.

The radio communication device 200 may be involved in a cellular frequency band transmission during the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching. For example, the cellular frequency band transmission may comprise a data or speech call in which data payload or voice or PUCCH (Physical lJplink Control Channel) transmitted forward / reverse power is then sensed with the measurement receiver. Alternatively, the radio communication device 200 may be involved in an industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band transmission during the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching. In other words, ISM band frcqucncics arc utilized to deliver power to thc antcnna 230. With ISM band frequencies, the invention can be used without a simultaneous data / voice connection in a cellular network. In other words, transmission can be arranged at any time without payload at the ISM band, e.g. with predefined time periods for power consumption savings. As an example, with 3 second time periods the user needs to keep a. hand on top of the antenna longer than 3 seconds.

As discussed above, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a mobile telecommunication device, such as a cellular telephone and/or a smart phone. Alternatively, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a Modem on module (MoM), which will be inserted into a communication device when in use.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in machines and/or vehicles to utilize the information from the antenna environment change. Thus, a car side mirror antenna environment change may be detected, for example. This detection may then be used to close car doors or windows, activate outdoor audio of the car, activate a surround camera of the car, etc. Another implementation involves how to mute/unmute a phone on e.g. a table, the phone being positioned with its display against the table, bottom upwards.

Typically, the antenna is located at thc bottom side of the phone. The phone has the above described profile activated. The user places a hand in the environment of the antenna, and after a prcdefined period the phone audio is muted. The muting may be confirmed for the user by some phone indication, such as audio muted' display indication, vibration, a flash of light, etc. A corresponding process may be performed for unmute. Also, embodiments of the invention may be used to e.g. lock/unlock a touch display of a phone during a call based on hand and head being in the

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environment of the phone antenna(s), alter the state of a running application in a predefined way, etc. Another implementation involves forming a numeric keypad with an antenna array for e.g. password input. Each of the antennas stands for one of digits 0- 9, for example. Inputs could be visible at the display for a predeflned time period.

This could be used e.g. in industrial implementations, medical implementations, in vehicles, or in extreme conditions like in cold storages. A touchless user input technique could be particularly advantageous in these situations.

A further implementation involves an antenna matrix implementation starting from ISM band (2.4 GFIz) frequencies upwards, since the antenna size at that frequency range is about the area of a finger print. In an antenna matrix case, the sensing means 220 may further include an antenna switch connected to the antenna coupler 222 (not shown in Figure 2).

Another implementation involves how to mute andior postpone e.g. a wake-up or reminder event. A device/application (e.g. an internet radio) associated with the radio communication device 200 of the invention may have been programmed with a wake-up event (such as turning on the internet radio) or a reminder event. When the wake-up or reminder event is activated, the user can mute and/or postpone it with predetermined gesture(s) in the environment of the at least one associated antenna 230 or with the presence of a predetermined user body part (e.g. a hand) in the environment of the at least one associated antenna 230.

Another implementation involves how to control an application. For example, a projector provided in a smart phone associated with the radio communication device 200 of an embodiment of the invention can be controlled (e.g. when to project a next image, when to pause, etc.) with predetermined gesture(s) in the environment of the at least one associated antenna 230.

The exemplary embodiments can include, for example, any suitable laptop computers, Internet appliances, handheld devices, cellular telephones, smart phones, wireless devices, and the like, capable of performing the processes of the exemplary embodiments. The devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can communicate with each other using any suitable protocol and can be implemented using one or more programmed computer systems or devices.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in cotmection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. Thc exemplary embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and thc like. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storagc dcviccs listed hcrcin. The processes described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments in one or more databases.

All or a portion of the exemplary embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose processors, microprocessors, digital signal proccssors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and/or software art(s). Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. In addition, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can include software for controlling the components of the exemplary embodiments, for driving the components of the exemplary embodiments, for enabling the components of the exemplary embodiments to interact with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, but is not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems, development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computer readable media further can include the computer program of an embodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the inventions.

Computer code devices of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can include any suitable interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLL5), Java classes and applets, complete executable programs, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) objects, and the like. Moreover, parts of the processing of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can be distributed for better performance, reliability, cost, and the like.

As stated above, the components of the exemplary embodiments can include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present inventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/or other data described herein. Computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatile media ca.n include dynamic memories, and the like. Transmission media can include coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optics, and the like. Transmission media also can take the form of acoustic, optical, electromagnetic waves, and the like, such as those generated during radio frequency (RE) communications, infrared (IR) data communications, and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CD±R, CD±RW, DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD±RW, DVD±R, HD DVD, HD DVD-R, HD DVD-RW, HD DVD-RAM, Blu-ray Disc, any other suitable optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other suitable physical medium with pattems of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitable medium from which a computer can read.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other.

While the present invention has been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method comprising the steps of: receiving (103) information about at least onc sensed change in antcnna matching of a radio communication device having at least one associated antenna, the at least one sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna; analyzing (104) the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing (106) a control action to be performed on a user ifinction of at least one of the radio communication device and a frirther entity associated with the radio communication device, the control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.
2. The method according to claim I, wherein the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching is performed by measuring a signal reflecting from at least one of the antenna and an object in the environment of the antenna.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching is performed by detecting settings of an antenna tuner associated with the at Icast one antcnna.
4. The method according to any of claims I to 3, wherein the radio communication device is involved at least in one of a cellular frequency band transmission and an industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band transmission during the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching.
5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined user activity comprises a predetermined presence of at least one of a body part and an object in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.
6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined user activity comprises a predetermined gesture made by a user in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.
7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analyzing (104) is based on frequency of transmitter power control actions.
8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the user function comprises a user interface knction.
9. An apparatus (210) for use in a radio communication device (200), comprising: a processing system arranged to cause the apparatus (210) at least to perform: receiving information about at least one sensed change in antenna matching of the radio communication device (200) having at least one associated antenna (230), the at least one sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna (230); analyzing the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing a control action to be performed on a user ifinction of at least one of the radio communication device (200) and a thrther entity associated with the radio communication device (200), the control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.
10. The apparatus (210) according to claim 9, wherein the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching is performed by measuring a signal reflecting from at least one of the antenna and an object in the environment of the antenna.
11. The apparatus (210) according to claim 9, wherein the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching is performed by detecting settings of an antenna tuner associated with the at least one antenna.
12. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the radio communication device is involved in at least one of a cellular frequency band transmission and an industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band transmission during the sensing of the at least one change in the antenna matching.
13. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the predetcrmined user activity comprises a predetermined presence of at least onc of a body part and an object in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.
14. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the predetermined user activity comprises a predetermined gesture made by a user in the environment of the at least one associated antenna.
15. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the at least one memory (212) and the computer program code are further arranged to, with the at least one processor (211), cause the apparatus (210) to further perform the analyzing based on frequency of transmitter power control actions.
16. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the user fUnction comprises a user interface function.
17. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 16, further comprising a controller.
18. The apparatus (210) according to claim 17, wherein the controller comprises one of a modem controller, an application controller, and a master controller of the radio communication device (200).
19. The apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the further entity comprises one of a vehicle, a machine and an access device.
20. A radio communication device (200) comprising the apparatus (210) according to any of claims 9 to 19.
21. The radio communication device (200) according to claim 20, further comprising a sensing means (220) for sensing the change in the antenna matching of the radio communication device (200).
22. The radio communication device (200) according to claim 21, wherein the sensing means (220) comprises at least one of a measurement receiver (221), an antenna coupler (222) and an antenna tuner (223).
23. The radio communication device (200) according to any of claims 20-22, further comprising a mobile telecommunication device comprising a profile setting enabling, when activated, the apparatus (210) to perform the receiving, analyzing and causing.
24. The radio communication device (200) according to any of claims 20-23, further comprising multiple antennas forming an antenna array.
25. The radio communication device (200) according to any of claims 20-24, further comprising a long term evolution, LTE, enabled radio communication device.
26. A computer readable medium comprising a set of instructions, which, when executed on an apparatus (210) for use in a radio communication device (200) causes the apparatus (210) to perform the steps of: receiving (103) information about at least one sensed change in antenna matching of a radio communication device having at least one associated antenna, the at least one sensed change in the antenna matching caused by at least one change in the environment of the at least one associated antenna; analyzing (104) the received information to determine whether the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to a predetermined user activity; and if the sensed at least one change in the antenna matching corresponds to the predetermined user activity, causing (106) a control action to be performed on a user ftrnction of at least one of the radio communication device and a further entity associated with the radio communication device, the control action being associated with the predetermined user activity.