METHODS OF USE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to mobile devices, specifically to determine the effect of a touch of an external object, such as (but not limited to) the user's hand grip of the device on the radiation patterns and/or gain of the device's antennas. More specifically, the invention provides means within the device for taking into consideration said effects on the antennas radiation patterns and/or gain.

Background of the Invention

The complexity of mobile devices has significantly increased in the recent years. Mobile devices now include more and more sophisticated wireless communication means, such as, but not limited to, wireless information technology, cellular communication (such as, but not limited to, GSM, GPRS, CDMA), wireless networks, WLAN computer communications, wireless networking standards (such as, IEEE 802.11), wireless personal area networks (WPAN) and wireless mesh networks. The above list is not conclusive, and is provided for the purpose of example only. Various of communication protocols are also applied, such as, but not limited to, Wi- Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Max, ZigBee, Z-wave, Insteon, cellular devices communication protocols, Near-Field Communication (NFC), RFID protocols or standards, etc.

The need for the mobile device to wirelessly communicate using said plurality of protocols, standards, and frequencies, sometimes simultaneously, require the inclusion of more than one antenna in the mobile device. Indeed, modern mobile devices (such as smart phones, tablets, etc.) typically include plurality of antennas, and the number of antennas is expected to increase. The manner by which the device is touched (such as the manner by which the user's hand grips the device), particularly the proximity between the user hand and the specific antenna or antennas used, and the orientation between the hand and the antenna may significantly affect the antenna efficiency and/or radiation patterns and/or transmission power and/or reception efficiency and/or antennas gain (for example, due to a capacitive effect of the user's hand on the matching circuitry between the antenna and the signal's power circuit). In one example, the user grip of the device reduces the efficiency of the main antenna of the device, which may result in the need to increase the transmission power, while said power increase results in the increase of the power consumption from the device battery. In another example, said effect on the antenna may in turn reduce communication range and/or communication quality and/or communication data rate. Furthermore, other objects may affect the operation of the device antennas, such as the desk on which the device is positioned, etc. The following description relates to the effects of a "touch" of any type with one or more surfaces of the mobile device, whether this touch relates to a user's touch, or touch with any other object.

As mentioned above, the manner by which the device is touched, for example, by a user's hand, affects not only the efficiency of the antenna (i.e., increase or decrease of the relevant antenna power due to change in he antenna gain), but also the radiation patterns of the antennas. WO2009/147662 entitled "Direction Finding Method and Device" describes a method and device for detecting the direction to a device which is based on the use of plurality of antennas patterns. PCT/IL2011/000251 entitled "Direction Finding System Device and Method" discloses a system device and method by which the relative location (in terms of distance, direction, and elevation) of a device can be determined using the radiation patterns of plurality of antennas. The fact that the determination of the direction and location respectively in said two applications depend on the antennas patterns further emphasizes the importance of monitoring the manner by which the user's touches the device, and whenever possible, to compensate or to consider the effects of said touch on the relevant antennas patterns and/or gains.

Touch sensors have been introduced over the years in many electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, computer screen, laptops, tablets, PDA, navigation devices, media players, digital cameras, cellular phones, smart-phones, gaming consoles, and even toys. Said touch sensors are typically used, in conjunction with the device user interface (UI), as means for selecting items from the UI menu, for enter data, and to operate the device.

In addition, several mobile devices, such as the iPhone (by Apple Corporation), include one or more proximity sensors. Proximity sensors, in contrast to touch sensors, do not require physical contact with the user's hand in order to be activated. Said proximity sensors assist in reducing of the power consumption within the mobile device, by turning off the screen illumination when the device is placed proximate to the user's head (generally while talking). In some devices, the use of the proximity sensors has further evolved to assist in the operation of various software applications within the mobile device.

Some types of mobile devices include medical sensors, i.e., sensors for measuring measure medical parameter of a human being, for example, heart bit pulse, temperature, sugar level, oxygen level, etc. Said medical sensors may be have multiple use (i.e., they may have their original use, and in addition they may serve within the system of the invention. In addition, a growing number of electronic devices include at least one type of a tilt sensor, gyro, accelerometer, and/or a vibration sensor. These sensors are used to determine the orientation of the device, horizontal, vertical, portrait or landscape, slant etc. These sensors may also have multiple use (i.e., they may be applied in the system of the present invention in a manner as described hereinafter).

US 7,800,592 discloses a hand-held device with multiple touch sensors. The touch sensors differentiate between users, determine whether the user grips the device by his right or left hand, and assist in providing customized setting based on the user, and also activate applications based on the user and the manner by which he grips the device.

US 7,773,038 discloses an electronic device with sensors located in various parts of the device, that are used to detect an antenna element which is about to be attached to the device.

US 2011/0012727 discloses a proximity sensor which is used within a mobile device to detect the presence of various connectors.

US 2011/0012840 uses proximity sensors to confirm ground connection within the device thereby eliminating errors and degraded touch sensitivity, that may be the result of poor grounding.

US 2007/0268274 and US 7,812,828 disclose various types of touch sensors.

Another publication, "The Effects of the Ground and the User's Body on the Performance of a Mobile Handset Antenna", Z. Wang et al., "XXVIIth General Assembly of the International Union of Radio Science", Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC), Maastricht, the Netherlands, 17-24 August 2002, discusses various external elements that may effect the operation of an antenna of a mobile device.

Still another publication, "In High School Chem Labs, Every Cameraphone Can Be a Spectrometer", Tim Carmody, "The Gadget Lab", October 8, 2010, http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/10/in-high-school- chem-labs-every-camera-phone-can-be-a-spectrometer/, discloses how a sensor of conventional mobile phone camera can be used to distinguish between various materials in proximity of the device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide means for compensating or considering the effects of a touch with the device on the operation of one or more of the device antennas.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide said compensation or consideration means in terms of the efficiency, gain, radiation power, or radiation patterns of the one or more antennas of the device.

It is another object of the invention to provide said compensating or considering means that can operate in real time.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide said means in a compact manner, which is also transparent to the user.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear as the description proceeds. Summary of the Invention

The invention relates to a system for determining the effects on one or more antennas pf a mobile device resulting from a user or object touch, which comprises: (a) one or more touch sensors that are provided within the device; and antenna control unit for: (b) receiving a combination of states of said touch sensors; (c) based on said received combination of touch sensors states, accessing an actions database to determine the corresponding action, if any, which is necessary to compensate for said touch.

Preferably, the system further applies said action to the one or more of the antenna circuits.

Preferably, one or more of said actions compensates for a variation in one or more of the antennas gain resulting from said touch.

Preferably, one or more of said actions compensates for a variation in one or more of the antennas patterns, resulting from said touch.

Preferably, one or more of said actions compensates for a variation in the antenna gain, resulting from said touch.

Preferably, one or more of said actions compensates the antennas matching circuitries for capacitive or inductive effects resulting from said touch.

Preferably, said one or more external surfaces are the front, rear, side, top, or bottom surfaces. Preferably, said combination of touch sensors may come from touch sensors of several types.

Preferably, said action involves one or more of: (a) the transfer of communication to one or more of other antennas, wherein said other antennas are internal or external to the device; (b) provide of an additional factor to the antenna matching circuit; (b) adjustment of the transmission power; (c) correction of the antenna pattern or gain; (d) change of the transmission band.

Preferably, one or more of said touch sensors are provided external to the device.

The invention also relates to a method for determining the effects resulted from a user or object touch on one or more antennas of a mobile device, which comprises: in an off-line stage: (a) providing touch sensors within the device; (b) determining effects of various combinations of touching said sensors on the antennas operation; (c) developing an action for each of said effects and corresponding touch combination, wherein some actions may be null; (d) storing the actions in an actions list within the device; and in a real-time operation stage: (e) determining a present touch sensors combination; and (f) extracting from said actions list the action which corresponds to said determined present touch sensors combination.

Preferably, the method further comprises performing said extracted action to compensate said one or more antennas for the effect resulting from said user or object touch. Preferably, said extracted action involves one or more of: (a) transfer of the communication to one or more of other antennas, wherein said other antennas are internal or external to the device; (b) provide of an additional factor to the antenna matching circuit; (c) adjustment of the transmission power; (d) correction of the antenna pattern or gain; (e) change of the transmission band.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

- Fig. 1 shows one manner by which a user grips a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows the grip manner of Fig. 1, as seen from the rear of the device;

- Fig. 3 shows one embodiment for the system of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows in a flow diagram form an embodiment of the offline stage of the method of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows in a flow diagram form an embodiment of the realtime stage of the method of the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention where the system determines a corrective action when the device is positions on a desk.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

As noted above, the operation of the various antennas of a mobile phone is sensitive to the manner by which the device is touched (either by a user's hand or any another object that touches the device). More specifically, the user's touch may affect the gain of said antennas, as well as the antennas patterns. One of the reasons for these effects is the capacitance of the user hand, which affects the matching circuitry between the antenna and the power circuit.

There are various possible actions that can be taken when one of such outcomes occurs. In one example, it is possible to provide an additional factor, for example, an induction or capacitance within the antenna matching circuit in order to compensate for the capacitance of the user's hand. In another example, it is possible to adjust the transmitter power in order to reduce or increase the transmission power, respectively. In still another alternative, the action may involve switching the transmission from one antenna to another, in order to overcome the problem. In still another alternative, the action may correct the antenna pattern, as desired. In still another alternative, the action may correct one or more of the antennas gain. In still another alternative, the action may involve changing the transmission frequency band in order to improve the communication. In still another alternative, the corrective action may transfer the communication to an external antenna which is coupled and/or connected to the device, rather than using the built-in antennas of the device. In still another alternative, the action may involve changing the communication protocol in order to improve the communication (for example, switching between Bluetooth to Wi-Fi and vice-versa). Of course, plurality from of the above actions may be taken simultaneously with respect to plurality of antennas that are designed to operate simultaneously. Said actions are given as an example only. Other corrective actions may also be taken in order to compensate for the user's hand, which grips the device, or another object touch. The important issue is that various manners by which the device is touched (by a user's hand or any other object) affect differently the device operation (or more particularly the device antennas operation), and the appropriate action should be selected accordingly.

According to the present invention, one or more touch sensors are provided within the mobile device in order to determine the exact manner by which the device is touched. The effects of the various possible touching manners are studied in advance, and various actions, each relating to a corresponding touching manner are also devised in advance. Said touching manners, and a corresponding action for each touching manner are stored within the device. Therefore, when a specific type of touch is determined by the system of the invention while the device is in a transmission and/or reception use, the appropriate action is activated in order to take into consideration the specific touch effect, as determined.

The term "touch-point sensor" used herein should be construed in its broadest meaning, to include any type of sensor capable of sensing pressure, proximity, or touch. Such sensors may be, but not limited to, pressure sensors, touch sensors, proximity, conduciveness, temperature, induction, or optical sensors. The sensor may be made of a coating material, or may be attached to the device. In another alternative, multi- touch sensors, touch screen sensors, medical sensors, environmental sensors, or any other sensor capable of sensing the user's hand may be used.

Said sensors may be integrated into the device during the manufacturing process, or may be embedded within its external casing. The sensors may be coupled or include touch sensors that are part of the user interface (such as screen touch sensors, keyboard buttons, function selection buttons, volume button, multi-purpose sensors, etc.). In any case, the touch sensors are distributed over the various surfaces of the mobile device in such locations and numbers to provide sufficient data for determining the manner of touching the device and distinguishing between various manners of touch, particularly those that require actions.

Fig. 1 illustrates one typical manner of gripping (touch) of a mobile device 1. The touch sensors 10 are provided at locations proximate to those shown, in order to detect such type of touch. Sensor 11 is, for example, a touch sensor of the proximity type. This device also comprises two antennas 21. Fig. 2 shows the same device from the back, with additional touch sensors 10, on the rear surface of device 1. In one alternative of the invention, for example when the mobile device is a tablet computer, the device touch sensors may be distributed in such a manner to determine the touch manners of the two user's hands. Fig. 6 shows still another touch effect on a mobile device, resulting from placing the device on a desk 30.

Fig. 3 shows in a block diagram form a structure of system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of touch sensors 110, that are distributed at specific locations over several surfaces of device 1 provide input to antennas control unit 101, preferably via optional sensors sampling unit 105. Each of said sensors, if activated, indicates that the user's hand (or another body portion or object) touches the sensor location (or in proximity to it). The collection of the indications from said plurality of sensors 110 that are touched provides an accurate indication with respect to the present type of touch. Having said inputs relating to the combination of activated touch sensors 110 (which in turn relates to the specific manner of touch), control unit 101 extracts from the predefined actions list 103 the one action that corresponds to the identified present touch. Various types of the antennas (compensation) actions have been listed above. Several actions within actions list 103 may be null (i.e., relating to no performance of action), for those touching manners that compensation is not necessary. Furthermore, one or more of the actions from the list may involve real time measurement in order to adjust the parameters of the action to some real time conditions. For example, if the action relates to reduction in the antenna gain, which means that the signal power has to increase, said real time measurement may provide indication as to the required extent of power increase. Preferably, the antennas control unit samples periodically the states of the touch sensors 110, in order to identify changes in the manner of touch, and in order to verify whether an action is necessary. In another alternative, a change in the manner of touch will initiate a verification procedure to check whether an action is necessary.

As mentioned above, there are various types of touch sensors that may be used in conjunction with the present invention. Typically, one mobile device may include plurality of types of touch sensors. According to the present invention touch sensors of several types may be used in order to determine one touch manner, and in order to determine the corresponding action, respectively.

The invention also relates to a method for correcting the operation of antennas of a mobile device, for effects due to the touch manner on the device. Fig. 4 describes an off line stage of said method of the invention, in a flow diagram form. In step 201, plurality of touch sensors are provided at various locations over surfaces of the device. In step 202, the effects of various manners of touching on the antennas operation are determined. In step 203, an action for each touch manner is devised, while one or more of the actions are null. The actions are stored in an actions list within the mobile device for future use.

Fig. 5 describes the on line stage of the method of the invention, in a flow diagram form. In step 301, the antennas control unit 101 (see Fig. 3) determines the present touch manner, based on the states combination of touch sensors 110. In step 302, the antennas control unit extracts the appropriate action from actions list 103 (as said, one or more of the actions may be null). In step 303, the antennas control unit applies the extracted action to one or more of the device antennas. In step 304, the states of the plurality of touch sensors are monitored to determine changes in the present touch manner. If such a change of touch is determined, the procedure repeats from step 304.

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.