U.S. patent application number 14/644087 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for sensor fusion for antenna tuning.
The applicant listed for this patent is INVENSENSE, INC.. Invention is credited to Omid Oliaei.
Application Number | 20160269070 14/644087 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56878322 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160269070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oliaei; Omid |
September 15, 2016 |
SENSOR FUSION FOR ANTENNA TUNING
Abstract
Sensor fusion for antenna tuning for wireless devices is
provided to enhance antenna tuning and reduce power consumption of
wireless devices. A sensor management component (SMC) obtains
sensor information from sensors associated with a wireless device
and determines position and/or orientation of the wireless device
in relation to the user, and/or tracks movement of the wireless
device. The SMC communicates sensor-based information relating to
the position, orientation, and/or movement associated with the
wireless device to a tuner management component (TMC) associated
with a tuner component and a set of antennas. The TMC determines
electrical measurements of the signal from the set of antennas, and
determines a tuning setting for the set of antennas based on the
sensor-based information and/or the electrical measurements. The
TMC provides control information to the tuner component to adjust
the tuning of the set of antennas based on the tuning setting.
Inventors: |
Oliaei; Omid; (Sunnyvale,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INVENSENSE, INC. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56878322 |
Appl. No.: |
14/644087 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/0458 20130101;
H04W 72/04 20130101; H04B 1/18 20130101; H04B 7/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/40 20060101
H04B001/40 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a sensor management component that
receives sensor information from a set of sensor components
associated with a mobile device, wherein the sensor information
indicates at least one of a position or an orientation of the
mobile device in relation to a user of the mobile device, and
wherein the sensor management component dynamically determines a
proximity of the mobile device to the user based at least in part
on the sensor information; and a tuner management component that
determines a tuning setting for a set of antennas of the mobile
device, based at least in part on the proximity of the mobile
device to the user, to facilitate tuning the set of antennas.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor management component
or the tuner management component determines at least one of the
position or the orientation of the mobile device with respect to
the user based at least in part on a result of an analysis of the
sensor information.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor information further
comprises movement information relating to movement of the mobile
device, and the sensor management component tracks the movement of
the mobile device based at least in part on the movement
information.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the sensor management component
determines at least one of the position of the mobile device in
relation to the user, the orientation of the mobile device in
relation to the user, or the movement of the mobile device, based
at least in part on the result of the analysis of the sensor
information, to facilitate determining the tuning setting for the
set of antennas.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the tuner management component
receives electrical measurement information relating to a signal
associated with a transmitter component or a receiver component of
the mobile device and determines the tuning setting for the set of
antennas of the mobile device, based at least in part on the
electrical measurement information and the sensor information.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tuner management component
initializes a search for the tuning setting for the set of antennas
at a defined search initialization point and determines the tuning
setting based at least in part a result of the search for the
tuning setting, in accordance with a defined search algorithm.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the tuner management component
determines the defined search initialization point, based at least
in part on the sensor information, to facilitate reducing an amount
of time used to complete the search for and determine the tuning
setting.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein, based at least in part on the
sensor information, the tuner management component locates the
defined search initialization point nearer to an end search point
associated with the tuning setting than a default search
initialization point to facilitate reducing the amount of time used
to complete the search for and determine the tuning setting.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein a model associated with the
mobile device is generated, updated, or stored in a data store,
wherein the model characterizes interactions of the mobile device
and a body of the user for various positions and orientations of
the mobile device in relation to the body of the user, and wherein
the tuner management component determines the defined search
initialization point, based at least in part on analysis of the
model and the sensor information, to facilitate reducing the amount
of time used to complete the search for and determine the tuning
setting.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the model is generated based at
least in part on a simulation relating to operation of the mobile
device, a measurement relating to operation of the mobile device
derived from an experiment, or adaptive training.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the tuner management component
determines a set of conditions associated with the mobile device in
connection with the tuning setting for the set of antennas,
associates condition information relating to the set of conditions
with the tuning setting for the set of antennas, and stores the
condition information and the tuning setting in a data store,
wherein the set of conditions relates to at least one of the
position or the orientation of the mobile device in relation to the
user.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein, during operation of the mobile
device, the tuner management component determines the set of
conditions associated with the mobile device exists, based at least
in part on additional sensor information received from the set of
sensor components and relating to at least one of the position or
the orientation of the mobile device in relation to the user, and
determines the tuning setting based at least in part on the tuning
setting being associated with the condition information relating to
the set of conditions.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor information further
comprises voice information relating to a voice of the user, and
wherein the sensor management component identifies the user of the
mobile device and generates identification information that
identifies the user based at least in part on analysis of the voice
information, and the tuner management component determines the
tuning setting for the set of antennas based at least in part on
the identification information.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor information indicates
that a set of remote earphones and a remote microphone separate
from the mobile phone are being used, and the tuner management
component determines the tuning setting for the set of antennas in
response to determining that the set of remote earphones and the
remote microphone are being used.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor information indicates
that a speakerphone of the mobile phone is being used, and the
tuner management component determines the tuning setting for the
set of antennas in response to determining that the speakerphone is
being used.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor information indicates
at least one of a grip on the mobile device by the user or a
position of a hand of the user on the mobile device, and the tuner
management component determines the tuning setting for the set of
antennas in response to determining at least one of the grip on the
mobile device by the user or the position of the hand of the user
on the mobile device.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the tuning setting for the set
of antennas facilitates at least one of adjustment of a frequency
response of the set of antennas, adjustment of a resonant frequency
of the set of antennas, adjustment of an impedance of the set of
antennas, or a switch from a first antenna to a second antenna,
wherein the set of antennas comprises the first antenna and the
second antenna.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of sensor components
comprises at least one of a microphone, a camera, a temperature
sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, an accelerometer, a
gyroscope, a proximity sensor, or a touch sensor.
19. A wireless device, comprising: a sensor hub component that
receives sensor data from a set of sensor components associated
with the wireless device, wherein the sensor data indicates at
least one of a position or an orientation of the wireless device in
relation to a user, and wherein the sensor hub component
dynamically determines a proximity of the wireless device to the
user based at least in part on the sensor data; and a tuner
management component that determines a tuning setting for a set of
antennas of the wireless device, based at least in part on the
proximity of the wireless device to the user, to facilitate tuning
the set of antennas.
20. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the tuner management
component determines the tuning setting for the set of antennas in
response to a determination of at least one of the position or the
orientation of the wireless device in relation to the user based at
least in part on the sensor data.
21. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the sensor data
further comprises movement data relating to movement of the
wireless device, and the sensor hub component tracks the movement
of the wireless device based at least in part on the movement
data.
22. The wireless device of claim 21, wherein the tuner management
component determines the tuning setting in response to a
determination of at least one of the position of the wireless
device in relation to the user, the orientation of the wireless
device in relation to the user, or the movement of the wireless
device.
23. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the tuner management
component receives electrical measurement data relating to a signal
associated with a transmitter component or a receiver component of
the wireless device and determines the tuning setting for the set
of antennas of the wireless device, based at least in part on the
electrical measurement data and the sensor data.
24. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the tuner management
component initializes a search for the tuning setting for the set
of antennas at a defined search initialization point and determines
the tuning setting based at least in part a result of the search
for the tuning setting, in accordance with a defined search
algorithm.
25. The wireless device of claim 24, wherein there is a set of
search points that are respectively associated with tuning
settings, and the set of search points comprises a default search
initialization point, the defined search initialization point, and
a convergence point that is associated with the tuning setting, and
wherein the tuner management component determines the defined
search initialization point and excludes a subset of the set of
search points, comprising at least the default search
initialization point, from the search, based at least in part on
the sensor data, to facilitate reducing an amount of time used to
complete the search for and determine the tuning setting.
26. The wireless device of claim 24, wherein a model associated
with the wireless device is generated, wherein the model
characterizes interactions of the wireless device and a body of the
user for different positions and orientations of the wireless
device in relation to the body of the user, and wherein the tuner
management component determines at least one of the defined search
initialization point or the tuning setting, based at least in part
on analysis of the model and the sensor data, to facilitate
reducing the amount of time used to determine the tuning
setting.
27. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the tuner management
component determines a set of conditions associated with the
wireless device in connection with the tuning setting for the set
of antennas, links condition data relating to the set of conditions
with tuner data relating to the tuning setting for the set of
antennas, and stores the condition data and the tuner data in a
data store, wherein the set of conditions relates to an interaction
with the wireless device by the user.
28. The wireless device of claim 27, wherein, during operation of
the wireless device, the tuner management component determines the
set of conditions associated with the wireless device exists, based
at least in part on additional sensor data received from the set of
sensor components and relating to the interaction with the wireless
device by the user, and determines the tuning setting based at
least in part on the tuner data relating to the tuning setting
being linked with the condition data relating to the set of
conditions.
29. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the sensor data
further comprises at least one of voice data relating to a voice of
the user, fingerprint data relating to a fingerprint of the user,
or eye data relating to an eye of the user, and wherein the sensor
hub component identifies the user of the wireless device and
generates identification data that identifies the user based at
least in part on analysis of at least one of the voice data, the
fingerprint data, or the eye data, and the tuner management
component determines the tuning setting for the set of antennas
based at least in part on the identification data.
30. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the sensor data
indicates at least one of a grip on the wireless device by the user
or a position of a hand of the user on the wireless device, and the
tuner management component determines the tuning setting for the
set of antennas in response to determining at least one of the grip
on the wireless device by the user or the position of the hand of
the user on the wireless device.
31. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the tuning setting for
the set of antennas facilitates at least one of adjustment of a
frequency response of the set of antennas, adjustment of a resonant
frequency of the set of antennas, adjustment of an impedance of the
set of antennas, or a switch from a first antenna to a second
antenna, wherein the set of antennas comprises the first antenna
and the second antenna.
32. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the set of sensor
components comprises at least one of an audio capture component, an
image capture component, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a
light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, or
a touch sensor.
33. The wireless device of claim 19, further comprising: a
processor component that comprises the sensor hub component
associated with the set of sensors; a radio component that is
associated with the processor component, wherein the radio
component comprises the tuner management component; and a tuner
component that is associated with the radio component and the set
of antennas, wherein the radio component employs the tuner
management component to determine the tuning setting for the set of
antennas based at least in part on at least one of the sensor data
or electrical measurement data that relates to a signal of a
transmitter component or a receiver component of the wireless
device, in accordance with a defined antenna tuning algorithm, and
wherein the tuner component sets the set of antennas in accordance
with the tuning setting.
34. The wireless device of claim 19, further comprising: a radio
component that is associated with the sensor hub component that is
associated with the set of sensors, wherein the radio component
comprises the tuner management component; and a tuner component
that is associated with the radio component and the set of
antennas, wherein the radio component employs the tuner management
component to determine the tuning setting for the set of antennas
based at least in part on at least one of the sensor data or
electrical measurement data that relates to a signal of a
transmitter component of the wireless device, in accordance with a
defined antenna tuning algorithm, and wherein the tuner component
sets the set of antennas in accordance with the tuning setting.
35. The wireless device of claim 19, further comprising: a radio
component that is associated with the sensor hub component that is
associated with the set of sensors, wherein the sensor hub
component comprises the tuner management component; and a tuner
component that is associated with the sensor hub component, the
radio component, and the set of antennas, wherein the radio
component performs electrical measurements relating to a signal of
a transmitter component or a receiver component of the wireless
device and provides electrical measurement data relating to the
electrical measurements to the sensor hub component, wherein the
sensor hub component employs the tuner management component to
determine the tuning setting for the set of antennas based at least
in part on at least one of the sensor data or the electrical
measurement data, in accordance with a defined antenna tuning
algorithm, and wherein the tuner component sets the set of antennas
in accordance with the tuning setting.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject disclosure relates generally to wireless
communication technologies, e.g., use of sensor fusion for antenna
tuning.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wireless communication devices, such as mobile phones,
electronic tablets or pads, and wireless electronic gaming devices,
typically include one or more antennas that can be employed to
facilitate receiving and transmitting signals (e.g., radio
frequency (RF) signals) in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Industrial design of consumer wireless communication devices can
impose significant limitations on the shape, size, and location of
antennas. However, antenna performance can have a significant
impact on the overall performance of the wireless communication
system. On the one hand, it can be desirable for antennas to
receive relatively weak electromagnetic signals and deliver them to
an electronic receiver of a wireless communication device without
causing further attenuation of the electromagnetic signals. On the
other hand, it can be desirable for antennas to receive large
electrical signals and convert them to a large electromagnetic wave
without introducing significant losses. Any loss mechanism in the
antenna causing a reduction in the output power emitted by the
wireless communication system can lead to degradation in the RF
link, which can be compensated, to some extent, by increasing the
power consumption of the system.
[0003] The above-described description is merely intended to
provide a contextual overview relating to antennas in wireless
mobile systems, and is not intended to be exhaustive.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of various
aspects of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic
understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not
an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter. It is
intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the
disclosed subject matter nor delineate the scope of such aspects.
Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosed
subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] One or more embodiments, such as one or more devices,
systems, methods, integrated circuits, and techniques disclosed
herein, relate to voice or data communications (e.g., wireless
voice or data communications). Disclosed herein is a system
comprising a sensor management component that receives sensor
information from a set of sensor components associated with a
mobile device, wherein the sensor information indicates at least
one of a position or an orientation of the mobile device with
respect to a user of the mobile device. The system also comprises a
tuner management component that determines a tuning setting for a
set of antennas of the mobile device, based at least in part on the
sensor information, to facilitate tuning the set of antennas.
[0006] Also disclosed herein is a wireless device that comprises a
sensor hub component that receives sensor data from a set of sensor
components associated with the wireless device, wherein the sensor
data indicates an interaction with the wireless device by a user.
The wireless device also comprises a tuner management component
that determines a tuning setting for a set of antennas of the
wireless device, based at least in part on the sensor data, to
facilitate tuning the set of antennas.
[0007] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth
in detail certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed subject
matter. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the
various ways in which the principles of the disclosed subject
matter may be employed, and the disclosed subject matter is
intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other
advantages and distinctive features of the disclosed subject matter
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
disclosed subject matter when considered in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that
can employ sensor fusion to desirably tune one or more antennas of
a communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an example system that can
employ sensor fusion, combining the use of sensor information and
electrical measurements relating to a signal to desirably tune one
or more antennas of a communication device, in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0010] FIG. 3 presents a block diagram of an example system of
employing a main processor that can perform sensor fusion to
facilitate combining the use of sensor information and electrical
measurements relating to a signal to desirably tune one or more
antennas of a communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that
can employ a sensor hub component that can perform sensor fusion to
facilitate combining the use of sensor information and electrical
measurements relating to received or transmitted signals to
desirably tune one or more antennas of a communication device, in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of another example system
that can employ a sensor hub component that can perform sensor
fusion to facilitate combining the use of sensor information and
electrical measurements relating to received or transmitted signals
to desirably tune one or more antennas of a communication device,
in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that
can employ sensor fusion to desirably tune one or more antennas of
a communication device using sensor information and/or electrical
measurements relating to a signal received or transmitted by the
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example sensor
management component that can facilitate employing sensor fusion to
facilitate desirably tuning one or more antennas of a communication
device based at least in part on sensor information, in accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example tuner
management component that can facilitate employing sensor fusion to
facilitate desirably tuning one or more antennas of a communication
device based at least in part on sensor information and/or
electrical measurements relating to a signal received or
transmitted by the communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
tuning a set of antennas of a communication device, in accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of another example method for
tuning a set of antennas of a communication device, in accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
searching for a desired tuning setting for use in tuning a set of
antennas of a communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of an example method for
associating respective tuning settings for a set of antennas of a
communication device with respective sets of conditions to
facilitate efficient determinations of tuning settings for the
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0020] FIG. 13 presents a flow diagram of an example method for
associating respective tuning settings for a set of antennas of a
communication device with respective sets of conditions to
facilitate efficient determinations of tuning settings for the
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
generating a model that characterizes the interaction of a
communication device and the user in relation to tuning settings
for a set of antennas of the communication device to facilitate
efficient determinations of tuning settings for the communication
device, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The disclosed subject matter is described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
embodiments of the subject disclosure. It may be evident, however,
that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate
describing the various embodiments herein.
[0023] Wireless communication devices, such as mobile phones,
electronic tablets or pads, and wireless electronic gaming devices,
typically include one or more antennas that can be employed to
facilitate receiving and transmitting signals (e.g., radio
frequency (RF) signals) in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Industrial design of consumer wireless communication devices can
impose significant limitations on the shape, size, and location of
antennas. However, antenna performance can have a significant
impact on the overall performance of the wireless communication
system. On the one hand, it can be desirable for antennas to
receive relatively weak electromagnetic signals and deliver them to
an electronic receiver of a wireless communication device without
causing further attenuation of the electromagnetic signals. On the
other hand, it can be desirable for antennas to receive large
electrical signals and convert them to a large electromagnetic wave
without introducing significant losses. Any loss mechanism in the
antenna causing a reduction in the output power emitted by the
wireless communication system can lead to degradation in the RF
link, which can be compensated, to some extent, by increasing the
power consumption of the system.
[0024] The performance of antennas, or more specifically their
insertion loss, may be significantly impacted by the surrounding
environment, particularly the body of the user of the wireless
communication device. In fact, some of the electromagnetic power
generated by the wireless communication device can be absorbed by
the human body and therefore, variations in the distance between
the wireless communication device and the user can cause
significantly large fluctuations in the amount of useful power
emitted by the antenna. Some wireless communication systems can be
specially designed to operate at a nearly constant power, and it
can therefore be desirable that signal power fluctuations be
rapidly tracked and compensated using a power control loop.
[0025] There are several mechanisms through which the performance
of antennas can degrade due to the surrounding environment. These
mechanisms mainly boil down to a change in the frequency response
of the system through, for example, a shift in the resonant
frequency or impedance mismatch. Thus, it can be desirable for
wireless communication devices to be able to adaptively compensate
for variations in the surrounding environment, particularly for
interaction with the body of the user. These techniques, broadly
known as antenna tuning, achieve this goal using any one of the
three techniques of antenna switching, frequency tuning or
impedance matching. Traditionally, all of these techniques include
three building blocks. The first building block is a measurement
system that can monitor the output power of the transmitter. This
measurement system can be radio coupled to the antenna, for
example. The second building block can be an adaptation algorithm
which can determine the new settings for the antenna tuner or
antenna switches based on the measurements performed using the
radio. The third building block can be antenna tuners or antenna
switches that can change the characteristics of the antenna based
on the settings determined by the antenna tuning algorithm. The
radio in the antenna tuning system usually can include an RF
transceiver coupled to the antenna and a baseband chip where the
antenna tuning algorithm can be executed. Alternatively, the
antenna tuning algorithm, or part of it, can be implemented in the
RF transceiver or the antenna tuner itself.
[0026] Conventional antenna-tuning systems typically rely only on
electrical measurements fed into an antenna tuning search algorithm
which can adaptively change the settings of the antenna tuner or
switches. The conventional antenna tuning search algorithm has to
determine an optimum tuning setting for the antenna tuner among
thousands or millions of possible tuning settings. This can result
in large power consumption and a long convergence time to determine
the optimum tuning setting. Also, while the conventional antenna
tuning search algorithm is attempting to converge to the optimum
tuning setting, the output power of the transmitter of the wireless
communication device may fluctuate by significantly large amounts.
To avoid excessive power fluctuation, a conventional antenna tuning
search algorithm may use smaller steps, and thus, may further
lengthen the convergence time to determine the optimum tuning
setting. A large convergence time can translate into a longer
amount of time that the transmitter is operating under sub-optimal
conditions. In addition, the antenna tuning system may have to
adjust the antenna tuner/switches settings again if the user of the
wireless communication device changes the position of the device
with respect to the user's body. This setting adjustment, to
respond to the change in position of the device with respect to the
user's body, may have to occur even before the conventional antenna
tuning search algorithm was even able to determine the optimum
tuning setting with regard to the prior position of the device with
respect to the user's body.
[0027] To that end, systems, methods, devices, and techniques for
sensor fusion for antenna tuning for wireless devices are provided
to enhance antenna tuning and reduce power consumption of wireless
devices. A sensor management component can obtain sensor
information from a set of sensors (e.g., proximity sensor, audio
sensor (e.g., microphone), visual sensor (e.g., camera), light
sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.),
associated with a wireless device. The sensor management component
can determine the position and/or orientation of the wireless
device in relation to the user based at least in part on the sensor
information obtained from the set of sensors. The sensor management
component also can track the movement of the wireless device based
at least in part on the sensor information obtained from the set of
sensors.
[0028] The sensor management component can communicate sensor-based
information relating to (e.g., indicating) the position and/or
orientation of the wireless device in relation to the user, and/or
the movement associated with the wireless device to a tuner
management component that can be associated with a tuner component
and a set of antennas. The tuner management component can determine
a tuning setting for the set of antennas based at least in part on
the sensor-based information. In some implementations, the tuner
management component also can determine electrical measurements of
the signal from the set of antennas, and can determine a tuning
setting for the set of antennas based at least in part on the
sensor-based information and the electrical measurements. The tuner
management component can provide control information to the tuner
component to adjust the tuning of the set of antennas based at
least in part on the tuning setting determined by the tuner
management component.
[0029] These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter are
described with regard to the figures.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of an
example system 100 that can employ sensor fusion to desirably tune
one or more antennas of a communication device, in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
The system 100 can be or can comprise an antenna tuning system that
can facilitate efficiently tuning one or more antennas to
facilitate wireless communication of information. The system 100
can comprise a communication device 102 (e.g., a wireless
communication device) that can transmit and receive voice signals
and data signals. For instance, the communication device 102 can
transmit voice or data signals to, and/or receive voice or data
signals from, another communication device (not shown). The
communication device 102 can be or can comprise, for example, a
mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone, smart phone, other type of
wireless phone), a computer (e.g., laptop computer), a television,
a set-top box, an electronic tablet or pad, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a microphone system (e.g., a wireless microphone
and base unit), a wireless monitoring system (e.g., in-ear
monitoring device and base unit), an electronic gaming device, a
router, a two-way radio device, a global positioning system (GPS)
device, a radio, electronic glasses (e.g., wireless electronic
classes having communication and computing functionality), a radio
frequency identification (RFID) device, or other type of wireless
device.
[0031] The communication device 102 can comprise a sensor
management component 104 and a set of sensor components, comprising
sensor component.sub.1 106, sensor component.sub.2 108, up through
sensor component.sub.N 110, that can be associated with (e.g.,
connected to) the sensor management component 104. The set of
sensor components (e.g., 106, 108, and/or 110) can be or can
comprise one or more sensors that can monitor, sense, or detect
various types of conditions associated with the communication
device 102. The set of sensor components (e.g., 106, 108, and/or
110) can be or can comprise, for example, a proximity sensor, an
audio sensor (e.g., microphone), a visual sensor (e.g., camera), a
light sensor (e.g., an ambient light sensor), a temperature sensor
(e.g., an ambient light sensor), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a
touch sensor, a humidity sensor, an external component sensor, a
function sensor, a biometric sensor, or other type of sensor.
[0032] The proximity sensor can sense the proximity of the user
with respect to the communication device 102, for example. The
audio sensor (e.g., one or more microphones) can sense or receive
audio signals (e.g., the user's voice or other noises in proximity
to the communication device 102). The audio sensor can be employed
by the sensor management component 104 to identify the user of the
communication device 102 (e.g., by using voice analysis techniques
or algorithms) and/or for sound source localization (e.g.,
determining the location of a sound source, such as the user's
voice or other sound)) with respect to the communication device 102
to facilitate determining the relative orientation and/or position
of the communication device 102 with respect to the user's head or
other part of the user's body. The visual sensor can sense or
detect visual information (e.g., visual images or objects (e.g.,
user's head or hand) in proximity to the communication device 102.
The light sensor can sense lighting conditions in proximity to the
communication device 102. The temperature sensor (e.g., an ambient
temperature sensor) can sense and/or measure the temperature in
proximity to the communication device 102, and the humidity sensor
can sense and/or measure humidity in proximity to the communication
device 102, wherein, for example, the temperature sensor and
humidity sensor can be used to accurately determine the speed of
sound, which can be desirable (e.g., usable, necessary) for sound
source localization. The accelerometer can sense and measure proper
acceleration of the communication device 102 to facilitate
determining orientation of the communication device 102 and/or
movement or acceleration of the communication device 102. The
gyroscope can sense and measure orientation of the communication
device 102. The touch sensor can detect, determine, and/or
facilitate determining whether the user is touching the
communication device 102, what part(s) (e.g., display screen, side
or back of the casing of the communication device 102), and/or what
part(s) (e.g., finger(s), ear, face) of the user's body is touching
the communication device 102. Information relating to touching of
the communication device 102 by the user can be used, for example,
to determine the type and/or location of the grip the user has on
the communication device 102, the proximity of the user's head to
the communication device 102 (e.g., the user's ear is touching the
device 102 near the speaker of the device 102), as the user's grip
on the device 102 and the proximity of the user's head to the
device 102 can have a significant effect on performance of the set
of antennas of the device 102. The external component sensor can
sense, for example, whether an earbud and/or a microphone cord is
plugged into an interface of the communication device 102 or
whether an earbud and/or a microphone is wirelessly connected to
the communication device 102. The function sensor can sense, for
example, whether a communication device function, such as a
speakerphone function, is being used by the user. The biometric
sensor can sense biometric information (e.g., fingerprint
information relating to a fingerprint of the user, eye (e.g.,
retina, iris) information relating to the eye of the user,
etc.).
[0033] The system 100 also can comprise a tuner management
component 112, a tuner component 114, and a set of antennas 116,
wherein the tuner management component 112 can be associated with
(e.g., connected to) the sensor management component 104 and the
tuner component 114. The tuner component 114 can be associated with
(e.g., connected to) the set of antennas 116, which can comprise
one or more antennas that can be employed to receive or transmit
signals (e.g., voice or data signals) being communicated between
the communication device 102 and another communication device (not
shown).
[0034] In some implementations, the system 100 can comprise an
open-loop antenna tuning system that can employ sensor fusion that
enables the tuning management component 112 to use sensor-related
information, based at least in part on sensor information obtained
from the set of sensors (e.g., 106, 108, and/or 110) by the sensor
management component 104, to enhance performing antenna tuning
operations to facilitate efficiently determining a desirable (e.g.,
optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning setting (e.g., antenna tuning
setting) to employ to tune (e.g., adjust the tuning of) the set of
antennas 116 to facilitate desirable transmitting and/or receiving
of voice or data signals by the communication device 102, in
accordance with defined antenna tuning criteria and a defined
antenna tuning algorithm, which can comprise a defined search
algorithm.
[0035] One or more sensor components (e.g., 106, 108, and/or 110)
can sense conditions associated with the communication device 102,
including sensing the interactions of the communication device user
with the communication device 102. The sensor management component
104 can receive sensor information from the one or more sensor
components (e.g., 106, 108, and/or 110), wherein the sensor
information can relate to (e.g., can indicate) the conditions
associated with the communication device 102, including the
interactions of the communication device user with the
communication device 102.
[0036] The sensor management component 104 can analyze the sensor
information to facilitate determining or identifying the conditions
associated with the communication device 102. Based at least in
part on the results of the analysis of the sensor information, the
sensor management component 104 can determine, for example, an
orientation of the communication device 102 in relation to the user
(e.g., the communication device 102 is oriented substantially
vertical with respect to the ground (e.g., due to the communication
device 102 being held close to the user's head while the user is
standing up), the communication device 102 is oriented
substantially horizontal with respect to the ground (e.g., due to
the communication device 102 being held in the user's hand
substantially parallel to the ground while the user is using an
application and viewing the display screen of the communication
device 102)), a position (e.g., location) of the user in relation
to the communication device 102 (e.g., the distance the
communication device 102 is away from the user's body, what part of
the body (e.g., head, finger(s), hand) is in proximity to the
communication device 102), and/or movement of the communication
device 102 (e.g., by tracking movement of the communication device
102 as the user is walking or driving). In some implementations,
additionally or alternatively, based at least in part on the
results of the analysis of the sensor information, the sensor
management component 104 can determine whether the user has plugged
earbuds (or headphones) and/or a microphone into an interface
(e.g., a microphone/headphone jack) on the communication device
102, whether earbuds and/or a microphone are wirelessly connected
(e.g., via Bluetooth or other wireless technology) to the
communication device 102, whether a speakerphone function of the
communication device 102 is being used, whether the user is
engaging in voice communications (e.g., phone call) or data
communications (e.g., sending a text multimedia message, using an
application for a social networking site), and/or the identity of
the user (e.g., using voice analysis, other biometric analysis
(e.g., fingerprint analysis, eye analysis), or other type of
analysis).
[0037] Based at least in part on such analysis results and
determinations, the sensor management component 104 can generate
sensor-based information that can indicate the orientation and/or
position of the communication device 102 with respect to the user,
the movement of the communication device 102, whether wired or
wireless earbuds or microphone are being used with the
communication device 102, whether the speakerphone function is
being used on the communication device 102, whether the user is
engaging in voice communications or data communications, the
identity of the user, and/or other conditions or characteristics
associated with the communication device 102 and the user's
interactions with the communication device 102. The sensor
management component 104 can communicate the sensor-based
information to the tuner management component 112.
[0038] The tuner management component 112 can analyze the
sensor-based information, and/or can apply the defined antenna
tuning algorithm, which can comprise the defined search algorithm,
to facilitate determining a desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable,
acceptable) tuning setting to employ with regard to the set of
antennas 116 to facilitate desirable transmission or reception of
voice or data signals.
[0039] When employing the defined search algorithm, the
determination of the orientation and/or position of the
communication device 102 in relation to the user, and/or the
tracking of the movement of the communication device, by the tuner
management component 112 can steer the search to a shorter path to
deriving the desirable tuning setting to be used to set or adjust
the set of antennas 116, which can shorten the convergence time to
determine the desirable tuning setting and reduce power consumption
by the communication device 102, can avoid local optima associated
with the defined search algorithm (e.g., tuning search algorithm),
and/or can otherwise enhance the operation and performance of the
communication device 102. In some implementations, the tuner
management component 112 can utilize a defined search algorithm to
search a set of tuning settings to determine a desirable tuning
setting to employ to tune the set of antennas 116 based at least in
part on the sensor-based information. The tuner management
component 112 can determine a desirable search initialization point
associated with an initial tuning setting, based at least in part
on the sensor-based information, wherein, due to using the
sensor-based information to determine the desirable search
initialization point, the desirable search initialization point can
be closer to the desirable tuning setting (e.g., to the search
point associated with the desirable tuning setting) than search
initialization points (e.g., default search initialization points)
derived, or randomly or arbitrarily selected, in conventional
antenna tuning systems that search for the tuning setting based
only on electrical measurements relating to the transmitted or
received signal. For instance, the tuner management component 112
can exclude a subset of the set of search points associated with
tuning settings (e.g., exclude a subset of the set of tuning
settings) from the search and start the search at the desirable
search initialization point, based at least in part on the
sensor-based information, which can reduce the amount of time used
by the tuner management component 112 to complete the search for
and determine the desirable tuning setting. The tuner management
component 112 can continue the search, as desired (e.g., as
needed), to search other search points (e.g., other tuning
settings) until the tuner management component 112 identifies the
desirable tuning setting, in accordance with the defined search
algorithm and defined antenna tuning criteria.
[0040] In certain implementations, the tuner management component
112 can store the desirable tuning setting for a given set of
conditions (e.g., orientation and/or position of the communication
device 102 with respect to the user, movement of the communication
device, holding grip on the communication device 102 by the user,
user identity, electrical measurements of the received or
transmitted signal, and/or other conditions) in a data store 118.
For instance, with regard to all or at least some tuning settings
determined by the tuner management component 112, the tuner
management component 112 can associate the desirable tuning setting
with (e.g., link or map the desirable tuning setting to) the given
set of conditions that have been determined (e.g., by the sensor
management component 104 or tuner management component 112) in
connection with determining the desirable tuning setting. The tuner
management component 112 can store information relating to the
association of the desirable tuning setting with the given set of
conditions in the data store 118.
[0041] In certain implementations, the tuner management component
112 also can determine, infer, interpolate, and/or extrapolate one
or more other tuning settings (e.g., desirable tuning settings) for
one or more other sets of conditions (e.g., another set of
conditions for which a tuning setting has not yet been determined
and associated therewith) based at least in part on the results of
an analysis of the desirable tuning setting and associated set of
conditions or an analysis of respective desirable tuning settings
and their respectively associated sets of conditions. For example,
the tuner management component 112 can analyze a first tuning
setting associated with a first set of conditions and a second
tuning setting associated with a second set of conditions, and,
based at least in part on the results of the analysis, can
interpolate or extrapolate a third tuning setting, in accordance
with the defined antenna tuning criteria. Such determined,
inferred, interpolated, and/or extrapolated tuning settings can be
associated with their respective sets of conditions, and
information relating to the associations between such determined,
inferred, interpolated, and/or extrapolated tuning settings and
their respective sets of conditions can be stored in the data store
118.
[0042] At a future time, when the tuner management component 112 is
performing antenna tuning, the tuner management component 112
and/or the sensor management component 104 can determine the
current set of conditions associated with the communication device
102. The tuner management component 112 can access the data store
118 and can reference (e.g., look up) or search the various
associations of respective desirable tuning settings with
respective sets of conditions to determine whether the current set
of conditions matches or at least substantially matches a
particular set of conditions associated with the communication
device 102 that is stored in the data store 118. If the tuner
management component 112 determines that the current set of
conditions matches or substantially matches the particular set of
conditions stored in the data store 118, the tuner management
component 112 can determine or identify the particular tuning
setting that is associated with the particular set of conditions
based at least in part on the association information (e.g., link
information, mapping information) stored in the data store 118. In
response to determining or identifying the particular tuning
setting, the tuner management component 112 can determine that the
particular tuning setting is the desirable (e.g., optimal,
suitable, acceptable) tuning setting to be employed to tune the set
of antennas 116; or, for example, in an instance where the current
set of conditions substantially matches the particular set of
conditions, but does not satisfy a defined threshold level of
matching to permit the particular tuning setting to be determined
to be the desirable tuning setting, the tuner management component
112 can determine that the particular tuning setting is to be the
desirable search initialization point to use to search for the
desirable tuning setting, in accordance with the defined antenna
tuning criteria.
[0043] The tuner management component 112 or other component also
can use, generate or update a model that can characterize
respective interactions between the communication device 102 and a
user's body for respective orientations and/or positions of the
communication device 102 in relation to the user's body in
connection with respective tuning settings. The tuner management
component 112 can store the model in the data store 118. The model
can be generated or updated (e.g., by the tuner management
component 112 or another component) based at least in part on
simulations of operation of the communication device 102 for
respective interactions between the communication device 102 and
the user's body for respective orientations and/or positions of the
communication device 102 in relation to the user's body,
experimental measurements or results relating to operation of the
communication device 102 for respective interactions between the
communication device 102 and the user's body (or an analogous body)
for respective orientations and/or positions of the communication
device 102 in relation to the user's body, or adaptive training.
For instance, with regard to adaptive training, the tuner
management component 112 or another component can adapt or update
the model to refine the model based at least in part on information
relating to respective interactions between the communication
device 102 and a user's body for respective orientations and/or
positions of the communication device 102 in relation to the user's
body (e.g., in connection with respective tuning settings) that the
tuner management component 112 receives or identifies during
operation of the communication device 102. In some implementations,
the sensor management component 104 can use biometric (e.g., voice,
fingerprint, eye) recognition or identification techniques or
algorithms to identify a particular user of the communication
device 102, wherein the tuner management component 112 (or another
component) can generate or update the model (or at least some
portions of the model) such that, when using the model to determine
a desirable tuning setting(s) for the set of antennas 116, in
connection with that particular user using the device 102, the
tuner management component 112 can apply the model, or portion
thereof, and a desirable tuning setting(s) that can correspond that
that particular user. The tuner management component 112 can use
the model to initialize the defined search algorithm (e.g.,
determine a defined search initialization point at which to begin
the defined search algorithm) or to facilitate accelerating the
search to more quickly determine the desirable tuning setting
(e.g., as compared to conventional antenna tuning systems).
[0044] With the desirable tuning setting being determined, the
tuner management component 112 can generate control information
that can correspond to the desirable tuning setting to facilitate
setting or adjusting the set of antennas 116 to the desirable
tuning setting. The desirable tuning setting can relate to, for
example, adjusting a frequency response, resonant frequency, or
impedance (e.g., for impedance matching) of one or more antennas of
the set of antennas 116, or switching from one antenna to another
antenna. The antenna tuning or switching can be used for, and the
desirable tuning setting can be determined by the tuner management
component 112 and used for, transmitting and/or receiving signals
by the communication device 102, at the same time or at different
times.
[0045] The tuner management component 112 can communicate the
control information to the tuner component 114. The tuner component
114 can set or adjust the tuning of one or more antennas of the set
of antennas 116 based at least in part on the control information
to desirably (e.g., optimally, suitably, acceptably) tune the one
or more antennas to facilitate desired reception or transmission of
voice or data signals by the communication device 102. In some
implementations, the tuner component 114 can comprise variable
capacitors, capacitor arrays, or microelectromechanical systems
(MEMS) capacitors that can be used to adjust the frequency
response, resonant frequency, or impedance of the one or more
antennas of the set of antennas 116. With regard to antenna
switching in connection with antenna tuning, if the set of antennas
116 comprise more than one antenna, the tuner component 114 can use
switches or other components to facilitate switching between
antennas or selection of respective antennas to facilitate tuning
the set of antennas 116 based at least in part on the desirable
tuning setting (e.g., based at least in part on the determined
position and/or orientation of the communication device 102 in
relation to the user).
[0046] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an example system 200 that
can employ sensor fusion, combining the use of sensor information
and electrical measurements relating to a signal to desirably tune
one or more antennas of a communication device, in accordance with
various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
The system 200 can comprise a communication device 202, sensor
management component 204, a set of sensor components, comprising
sensor component.sub.1 206, sensor component.sub.2 208, up through
sensor component.sub.N 210, tuner management component 212, tuner
component 214, a set of antennas 216, and data store 218, that,
respectively, can be the same as or similar to, and/or can comprise
the same or similar features or functionalities as, respective
components (e.g., respectively named components), as more fully
disclosed herein. In some implementations, the system 200 can
employ closed-loop antenna tuning to facilitate desirably tuning
the set of antennas 216.
[0047] The sensor management component 204 can receive the sensor
information from the set of sensors (e.g., 206, 208, and/or 210),
as more fully disclosed herein. The sensor management component 204
can analyze and process the sensor information to determine
conditions associated with the communication device 202 in relation
to the user (e.g., orientation and/or position of the communication
device 202 with respect to the user, movement of the device 202,
identity of the user, user's grip on the device 202, and/or other
conditions), and can generate sensor-based information based at
least in part on the results of the analysis of the sensor
information, as more fully disclosed herein. The sensor management
component 204 can transmit the sensor-based information relating to
the conditions to the tuner management component 212.
[0048] The tuner management component 212 can receive the
sensor-based information. In some implementations (e.g.,
closed-loop implementations), the tuner management component 212
can be associated with the set of antennas 216 to monitor and track
the characteristics or conditions associated with the signals being
received and/or transmitted by the communication device 202 via the
set of antennas 216. For instance, the tuner management component
212 can measure and/or determine electrical characteristics
relating to signals being received or transmitted by the set of
antennas, and can generate electrical measurement information
relating to such electrical characteristics of such signals.
[0049] The tuner management component 212 can employ sensor fusion
to utilize both the sensor-based information and the electrical
measurement information relating to the signals to determine the
desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning setting to
use to set or adjust the tuning of the set of antennas 216, in
accordance with a defined antenna tuning algorithm, which can
comprise a defined search algorithm, and defined antenna tuning
criteria. The tuner management component 212 can analyze the
sensor-based information and the electrical measurement information
relating to the signals to determine a desirable (e.g., optimal,
suitable, acceptable) search initialization point (e.g., associated
with an initial tuning setting) that can accelerate the search for
the desirable tuning setting (e.g., at the end search point of the
search). This can initialize the search for the desirable tuning
setting at a particular search point (e.g., the desirable search
initialization point) that can be near or at least substantially
closer to the end search point (e.g., convergence point or optimum
point) that is associated with the desirable tuning setting, as
compared to conventional antenna tuning systems, which can shorten
the convergence time to determine the desirable tuning setting, as
compared to conventional antenna tuning systems, and/or can
facilitate (e.g., enable) avoidance of local optima associated with
the defined search algorithm. Further, based at least in part on
the results of the analysis, the tuner management component 212 can
efficiently determine the desirable tuning setting for use to set
or adjust the set of antennas 216, in accordance with the defined
search algorithm and the defined antenna tuning criteria.
[0050] The tuner management component 212, sensor management
component 204, or another component also can use the electrical
measurement information with the sensor-based information to
generate or update a model that can characterize respective
interactions between the communication device 202 and a user's body
for respective orientations and/or positions of the communication
device 202 in relation to the user's body, along with respective
electrical measurements relating to signals received or transmitted
by the set of antennas 216, in connection with respective tuning
settings. The tuner management component 212 can apply the model,
which can be stored in and retrieved from the data store 218, to
facilitate determining a desirable tuning setting, as more fully
disclosed herein.
[0051] As disclosed herein, the sensor management component 204 can
determine a set of conditions associated with the communication
device 202 based at least in part on the sensor information
received from the set of sensor components (e.g., 206, 208, and/or
210). The tuner management component 212 can incorporate
information relating to the electrical characteristics or
measurements relating to the received or transmitted signals as a
condition(s) of the set of conditions. The tuner management
component 212 can determine the desirable search initialization
point associated with the initial tuning setting used for search
and/or the desirable tuning setting to use to tune the set of
antennas 216, based at least in part on the set of conditions
associated with the communication device 202, wherein the set of
conditions can be determined based at least in part on the sensor
information (e.g., sensor-based information) and the information
relating to the electrical measurements or characteristics relating
to the signals.
[0052] With the desirable tuning setting being determined, the
tuner management component 212 can generate control information
that can correspond to the desirable tuning setting to facilitate
setting or adjusting the set of antennas 216 to the desirable
tuning setting. The tuner management component 212 can communicate
the control information to the tuner component 214. The tuner
component 214 can set or adjust the tuning of one or more antennas
of the set of antennas 216 based at least in part on the control
information to desirably (e.g., optimally, suitably, acceptably)
tune the one or more antennas to facilitate desired reception or
transmission of voice or data signals by the communication device
202.
[0053] FIG. 3 presents a block diagram of an example system 300 of
employing a main processor that can perform sensor fusion to
facilitate combining the use of sensor information and electrical
measurements relating to a signal to desirably tune one or more
antennas of a communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The system
300 can comprise a communication device 302, sensor management
component 304, a set of sensor components 306, tuner management
component 308, tuner component 310, a set of antennas 312, and data
store 314, that, respectively, can be the same as or similar to,
and/or can comprise the same or similar features or functionalities
as, respective components (e.g., respectively named components), as
more fully disclosed herein. In accordance with various
implementations, the system 300 can employ closed-loop antenna
tuning or open-loop antenna tuning to facilitate desirably tuning
the set of antennas 312.
[0054] The communication device 300 can comprise a processor
component 316 that can comprise a main processor that can perform
sensor fusion using sensor information received from the set of
sensor components 306 to provide sensor-based information relating
to conditions associated with the communication device 302 (e.g.,
orientation and/or position of the device 302 in relation to the
user, and/or movement of the device 302, etc.), which have been
determined by the sensor management component 304, to the tuner
management component 308. The main processor of the processor
component 316 can comprise or be associated with the sensor
management component 304 to facilitate enabling the main processor
to receive sensor information from the set of sensor components
306, determine conditions associated with the communication device
302, and/or provide sensor-based information to the tuner
management component 308 for further use in determining the
desirable tuning setting to apply to the set of antennas 312.
[0055] The communication device 300 also can comprise a radio
component 318 that can be associated with (e.g., communicatively
connected to) the processor component 316. The radio component 318
also can be associated with the tuner component 310 and the set of
antennas 312. The radio component 318 can comprise the tuner
management component 308, wherein the radio component 318 (and
tuner management component 308) can monitor, measure, and/or
determine electrical characteristics relating to the signal being
received or transmitted by the set of antennas 312. The radio
component 318 (and tuner management component 308) also can receive
sensor-based information from the processor component 316. The
radio component 318 can employ the tuner management component 308
to determine the desirable tuning setting for the set of antennas
312 and perform other functions or operations based at least in
part on the sensor-based information and/or the electrical
characteristics information (e.g., electrical measurement
information) relating to the signals, as more fully disclosed
herein.
[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an example system 400
that can employ a sensor hub component that can perform sensor
fusion to facilitate combining the use of sensor information and
electrical measurements relating to received or transmitted signals
to desirably tune one or more antennas of a communication device,
in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter. The system 400 can comprise a communication device
402, sensor management component 404, a set of sensor components
406, tuner management component 408, tuner component 410, a set of
antennas 412, and data store 414, that, respectively, can be the
same as or similar to, and/or can comprise the same or similar
features or functionalities as, respective components (e.g.,
respectively named components), as more fully disclosed herein. In
accordance with various implementations, the system 400 can employ
closed-loop antenna tuning or open-loop antenna tuning to
facilitate desirably tuning the set of antennas 412.
[0057] The communication device 400 can comprise a sensor hub
component 416 that can comprise or be associated with a processor
(e.g., a co-processor, a microcontroller, or other processing
device or component) that can perform sensor fusion using sensor
information received from the set of sensor components 406 to
determine, generate, and provide sensor-based information relating
to conditions associated with the communication device 402 (e.g.,
orientation and/or position of the device 402 in relation to the
user, and/or movement of the device 402, etc.), which have been
determined by the sensor management component 404, to the tuner
management component 408. The sensor hub component 416 can comprise
the sensor management component 404 to facilitate enabling the
sensor hub component 416 to receive sensor information from the set
of sensor components 406, determine conditions associated with the
communication device 402, and/or provide sensor-based information
to the tuner management component 408 for further use in
determining the desirable tuning setting to apply to the set of
antennas 412.
[0058] The communication device 400 also can comprise a radio
component 418 that can be associated with (e.g., communicatively
connected to) the sensor hub component 416. The radio component 418
also can be associated with the tuner component 410 and the set of
antennas 412. The radio component 418 can comprise the tuner
management component 408, wherein the radio component 418 (and
tuner management component 408) can monitor, measure, and/or
determine electrical characteristics relating to the signal being
received or transmitted by the set of antennas 412. The radio
component 418 (and tuner management component 408) also can receive
sensor-based information from the sensor hub component 416. The
radio component 418 can employ the tuner management component 408
to determine the desirable tuning setting for the set of antennas
412 and perform other functions or operations based at least in
part on the sensor-based information and/or the electrical
characteristics information (e.g., electrical measurement
information) relating to the signals, as more fully disclosed
herein.
[0059] FIG. 5 depicts illustrates a block diagram of another
example system 500 that can employ a sensor hub component that can
perform sensor fusion to facilitate combining the use of sensor
information and electrical measurements relating to received or
transmitted signals to desirably tune one or more antennas of a
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The system 500 can
comprise a communication device 502, sensor management component
504, a set of sensor components 506, tuner management component
508, tuner component 510, a set of antennas 512, data store 514, a
sensor hub component 516, and a radio component 518 that,
respectively, can be the same as or similar to, and/or can comprise
the same or similar features or functionalities as, respective
components (e.g., respectively named components), as more fully
disclosed herein. In accordance with various implementations, the
system 500 can employ closed-loop antenna tuning or open-loop
antenna tuning to facilitate desirably tuning the set of antennas
512.
[0060] The sensor hub component 516 can comprise or be associated
with a processor (e.g., a co-processor, a microcontroller, or other
processing device or component) that can facilitate processing
information (e.g., sensor information, electrical characteristic or
measurement information associated with a received or transmitted
signal). The sensor hub component 516 can perform sensor fusion
using sensor information received from the set of sensor components
506 to determine and generate sensor-based information relating to
conditions associated with the communication device 502 (e.g.,
orientation and/or position of the device 502 in relation to the
user, and/or movement of the device 502, etc.). For instance, the
sensor hub component 516 can comprise the sensor management
component 504 that can receive sensor information from the set of
sensor components 506, determine conditions associated with the
communication device 502, and/or generate sensor-based information
for use in determining the desirable tuning setting to apply to the
set of antennas 512, as more fully disclosed herein.
[0061] The radio component 518 can be associated with the sensor
hub component 516 and the set of antennas 512. The radio component
518 can monitor the set of antennas 512, and can measure and/or
determine electrical characteristics relating to the signal being
received or transmitted by the set of antennas 512.
[0062] The sensor hub component 516 also can comprise the tuner
management component 508, wherein the sensor management component
504 can communicate the sensor-based information to the tuner
management component 508. The tuner management component 508 can
determine the desirable tuning setting for the set of antennas 512
and perform other functions or operations based at least in part on
the sensor-based information and/or the electrical characteristics
information (e.g., electrical measurement information) relating to
the signals, as more fully disclosed herein. The sensor hub
component 516 can be associated with (e.g., connected to) the tuner
component 510, wherein the tuner management component 508 of the
sensor hub component 516 can communicate control information, which
can correspond to the desirable tuning setting, to the tuner
component 510. The tuner component can set or adjust the tuning of
the set of antennas 512 based at least in part on the control
information.
[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example system 600
that can employ sensor fusion to desirably tune one or more
antennas of a communication device using sensor information and/or
electrical measurements relating to a signal received or
transmitted by the communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The system
600 can comprise a communication device 602, a sensor hub component
604, a sensor management component 606, a set of sensor components
608, a tuner management component 610, a tuner component 612, a
radio component, 614, a set of antennas 616, and a data store 618,
that, respectively, can be the same as or similar to, and/or can
comprise the same or similar features or functionalities as,
respective components (e.g., respectively named components), as
more fully disclosed herein. In accordance with various
implementations, the system 600 can employ closed-loop antenna
tuning or open-loop antenna tuning to facilitate desirably tuning
the set of antennas 616.
[0064] In some implementations, the tuner management component 610
can be part of the radio component 614. In other implementations,
the tuner management component 610 can be part of the sensor hub
component 604.
[0065] The radio component 614 can comprise a transceiver component
620 that can comprise a transmitter component 622 and a receiver
component 624. The transmitter component 622 can comprise one or
more transmitters that can facilitate transmitting voice or data
communications from the communication device 602 to another
communication device. The transmitter component 622 can be
associated with (e.g., connected to) one or more sensing devices
such as one or more antennas of the set of antennas 616 that can
facilitate voice or data communications.
[0066] The receiver component 624 can comprise one or more
receivers that can facilitate receiving voice or data
communications from another communication device. The receiver
component 624 can be associated with (e.g., connected to) one or
more sensing devices such as one or more antennas of the set of
antennas 616 that can facilitate voice or data communications.
[0067] The transceiver component 620 also can be associated with
other components, such as, for example, the tuner component 612,
tuner management component 610, processor component 626, and/or
data store 618. In some implementations, the transceiver component
620 can comprise a full-duplex communication system that can allow
simultaneous communication in both directions (e.g., simultaneous
transmission and reception of voice or data communications). In
accordance with various implementations, the radio component 614
can comprise the transceiver component 620 (e.g., RF transceiver)
and/or a baseband processor (not shown), as well as other devices
supporting the communication of voice or data signals.
[0068] The processor component 626 can work in conjunction with the
other components (e.g., sensor hub component 604, sensor management
component 606, set of sensor components 608, tuner management
component 610, tuner component 612, radio component, 614, set of
antennas 616, data store 618, etc.) to facilitate performing the
various functions of the system 600. The processor component 626
can employ one or more processors, microprocessors, or controllers
that can process data, such as information relating to
applications, users, receiving or transmitting voice or data
signals, sensing conditions associated with the communication
device 602, determining tuning settings to apply to the set of
antennas 616, models and data describing or characterizing
interactions between a user's body and the communication device
602, mappings, policies, defined antenna tuning criteria,
algorithms (e.g., defined antenna tuning algorithm, defined search
algorithm), protocols, interfaces, tools, and/or other information,
to facilitate operation of the system 600, as more fully disclosed
herein, and control data flow between the communication device 602
and other components (e.g., communication network, base station, an
application, a server or other communication device, a cloud, etc.)
associated with the communication device 602.
[0069] The data store 618 can store data structures (e.g., user
data, metadata), code structure(s) (e.g., modules, objects, hashes,
classes, procedures) or instructions, information relating to
applications, users, receiving or transmitting voice or data
signals, sensing conditions associated with the communication
device 602, determining tuning settings to apply to the set of
antennas 616, models and data describing or characterizing
interactions between a user's body and the communication device
602, mappings, policies, defined antenna tuning criteria,
algorithms, protocols, interfaces, tools, and/or other information,
to facilitate controlling operations associated with the
communication device 602. In an aspect, the processor component 626
can be functionally coupled (e.g., through a memory bus) to the
data store 618 in order to store and retrieve information desired
to operate and/or confer functionality, at least in part, to the
sensor hub component 604, sensor management component 606, set of
sensor components 608, tuner management component 610, tuner
component 612, radio component, 614, set of antennas 616, etc.,
and/or substantially any other operational aspects of the
communication device 602.
[0070] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example sensor
management component 700 that can facilitate employing sensor
fusion to facilitate desirably tuning one or more antennas of a
communication device based at least in part on sensor information,
in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter. The sensor management component 700 can process
data, such as sensor information, received from one or more sensor
components associated with the communication device. The sensor
management component 700 can generate sensor-based information,
based at least in part on the results of an analysis of the sensor
information, wherein the sensor-based information can indicate, for
example, the orientation and/or position of the communication
device with respect to the device user, movement of the
communication device, and/or other conditions associated with the
communication device. The sensor management component 700 can
provide the sensor-based information to the tuner management
component for use in determining a desirable antenna tuning setting
to employ to set or adjust the tuning of a set of antennas of the
communication device, as more fully disclosed herein.
[0071] The sensor management component 700 can comprise an
aggregator component 702 that can aggregate data received (e.g.,
obtained) from various entities (e.g., a sensor component, an
application, a radio component, a communication device, a
processor, a data store, etc.). The aggregator component 702 can
correlate respective items of data based at least in part on type
of data (e.g., communication-device orientation related data,
communication-device position related data, communication-device
movement related data, touch sensor related data, electrical
measurement information, video content, audio content, textual
data, metadata, etc.), source (e.g., particular sensor component)
of the data, antenna tuning setting to which the data (e.g., data
relating to conditions associated with the communication device)
relates, time or date the data was generated or received, etc., to
facilitate analyzing of the data by the analyzer component 704. For
example, the aggregator component 702 can aggregate data relating
to an accelerometer and/or gyroscope to facilitate determining an
orientation and/or a position of the communication device in
relation to the user or other entity.
[0072] The analyzer component 704 can analyze data to facilitate
determining an orientation and/or a position of the communication
device in relation to the communication device user, movement of
the communication device, other conditions associated with the
communication device, a desirable search initialization point to
use to begin a search for a desirable tuning setting (e.g., as
determined by the tuner management component), a desirable tuning
setting (e.g., as determined by the tuner management component),
etc., based at least in part on the data analysis. For example, the
analyzer component 704 can analyze sensor information obtained from
one or more sensor components to facilitate determining the
orientation and/or position of the communication device in relation
to the user, wherein information (e.g., sensor-based information)
relating to the orientation and/or position of the communication
device in relation to the user can be used to facilitate
determining a desirable search initialization point and/or a
desirable tuning setting to facilitate tuning the set of
antennas.
[0073] The sensor management component 700 can comprise an
orientation component 706 that can determine the orientation of the
communication device with respect to the user or other entity
(e.g., the ground) based at least in part on sensor information
obtained from one or more sensor components. For instance, sensor
information can be obtained from one or more sensor components,
such as an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope, wherein such sensor
information can indicate the orientation of the communication
device with respect to the user or other entity. Based at least in
part on the results of an analysis of that sensor information, the
orientation component 706 can determine the orientation of the
communication device with respect to the user or other entity.
[0074] The sensor management component 700 also can contain a
position component 708 that can determine the position (e.g.,
location) of the communication device with respect to the user or
other entity based at least in part on sensor information obtained
from one or more sensor components. For example, sensor information
can be obtained from one or more sensor components, such as the
accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, touch sensor, and/or
another sensor(s), wherein such sensor information can indicate the
position of the communication device with respect to the user or
other entity. Based at least in part on the results of an analysis
of that sensor information, the position component 708 can
determine the position or location of the communication device with
respect to the user or other entity. For instance, the position
component 708 can determine that the communication device is being
held by the user at a defined distance (e.g., 0 inches (e.g.,
device is being held against the user's ear), 0.25 inches) away
from the user's head, if the sensor information indicates that the
communication device is being held by the user at the defined
distance away from the user's head.
[0075] The sensor management component 700 can comprise a movement
tracker component 710 that can track and identify movement of the
communication device based at least in part on sensor information.
For instance, sensor information can be obtained from one or more
sensor components, such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, and/or
another sensor component(s), wherein such sensor information can
indicate whether the communication device is moving, what direction
the communication device is moving in (if it is moving), or whether
the communication device is not moving or is moving relatively
little. Based at least in part on the results of an analysis of
that sensor information, the movement tracker component 710 can
determine whether or not the communication device is moving, and,
if it is moving, the direction it is moving in and/or the speed at
which it is moving in that direction.
[0076] The sensor management component 700 can comprise a biometric
identification component 712 that can determine an identity of a
user, and/or differentiate between different users of the
communication device, based at least in part on the sensor
information. As some examples, sensor information can be obtained
from one or more sensor components, such as one or more microphones
of the communication device, a fingerprint sensor (e.g.,
fingerprint scanner), and/or an eye sensor (e.g., an eye scanner),
wherein such sensor information can comprise voice-related
information, fingerprint-related information, and/or eye-related
information (e.g., information relating to the iris or retina of a
user). Based at least in part on the results of an analysis of the
sensor information, the biometric identification component 712 can
determine the identity of a user or at least can distinguish
between different users (e.g., distinguish between different voices
of users, different fingerprints of users, different eye
characteristics of users) who have used the communication
device.
[0077] The sensor management component 700 also can include a
function identification component 714 that can identify or
determine when and which functions of a communication device are
being used based at least in part on the sensor information. For
instance, sensor information can be obtained from one or more
sensor components, such as an external component sensor and/or a
function sensor of the communication device, wherein such sensor
information can indicate whether a wired or wireless earbud and/or
microphone device is being used with the communication device
(e.g., a wired earbud and/or microphone device is plugged into the
headphone/microphone jack of the communication device, a wireless
earbud and/or microphone device is wirelessly connected to the
communication device), or whether a speakerphone function is turned
on for the communication device, during a communication session.
Based at least in part on the results of an analysis of that sensor
information, the function identification component 714 can
determine whether a wired or wireless earbud and/or microphone
device is being used with the communication device, or whether the
speakerphone function is turned on for the communication
device.
[0078] In accordance with various implementations, the sensor
management component 700 also can comprise or be associated with a
processor component and/or a data store. The processor component
can work in conjunction with components (e.g., aggregator component
702, analyzer component 704, orientation component 706, data store,
etc.) of or associated with the sensor management component 700 to
facilitate performing the various functions of the sensor
management component 700. The processor component can employ one or
more processors, microprocessors, or controllers that can process
data, such as information relating to applications, users, sensor
components associated with the communication device, policies,
defined antenna tuning criteria, algorithms, protocols, interfaces,
tools, and/or other information, to facilitate operation of the
sensor management component 700, as more fully disclosed herein,
and control data flow between the sensor management component 700
and other components (e.g., sensor component, tuner management
component, radio component, etc.) associated with the sensor
management component 700.
[0079] The data store can store data structures (e.g., user data,
metadata), code structure(s) (e.g., modules, objects, hashes,
classes, procedures) or instructions, information relating to
applications, users, sensor components associated with the
communication device, policies, defined antenna tuning criteria,
algorithms, protocols, interfaces, tools, and/or other information,
to facilitate controlling operations associated with the sensor
management component 700. In an aspect, the processor component can
be functionally coupled (e.g., through a memory bus) to the data
store in order to store and retrieve information desired to operate
and/or confer functionality, at least in part, to the aggregator
component 702, analyzer component 704, orientation component 706,
etc., and/or substantially any other operational aspects of the
sensor management component 700.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example tuner
management component 800 that can facilitate employing sensor
fusion to facilitate desirably tuning one or more antennas of a
communication device based at least in part on sensor information
and/or electrical measurements relating to a signal received or
transmitted by the communication device, in accordance with various
aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0081] The tuner management component 800 can comprise an
aggregator component 802 that can aggregate data received (e.g.,
obtained) from various entities (e.g., a sensor management
component, an application, a radio component, a tuner component, a
communication device, a set of antennas, a processor, a data store,
etc.). The aggregator component 802 can correlate respective items
of data based at least in part on type of data (e.g.,
communication-device orientation related data, communication-device
position related data, communication-device movement related data,
touch sensor related data, electrical measurement information,
media content, textual data, metadata, etc.), source (e.g.,
particular sensor component) of the data, antenna tuning setting to
which the data (e.g., data relating to conditions associated with
the communication device) relates, time or date the data was
generated or received, etc., to facilitate analyzing of the data by
the analyzer component 804. For example, the aggregator component
802 can aggregate data relating to a desirable tuning setting and a
set of conditions associated with the communication device in
connection with the desirable tuning setting to facilitate
generating a mapping or other association between the desirable
tuning setting and the set of conditions.
[0082] The analyzer component 804 can analyze data to facilitate
determining a desirable search initialization point to use to begin
a search for a desirable tuning setting, determining a desirable
tuning setting, associating a desirable tuning setting with a set
of conditions associated with the communication device, and/or
other antenna-tuning-related determinations, based at least in part
on the data analysis. For example, the analyzer component 804 can
analyze sensor-based information received from the sensor
management component and/or electrical measurement information
relating to a signal being received or transmitted by the
communication device to facilitate determining the desirable search
initialization point and/or desirable tuning setting (e.g., a
convergence or optimum point associated with the desirable tuning
setting at which the antenna tuning search can be ended in
accordance with the defined search algorithm).
[0083] The tuner management component 800 also can comprise a
measurement component 806 can monitor conditions associated with
one or more antennas of the communication device and signals being
received or transmitted by the communication device via the one or
more antennas. The measurement component 806 can determine or
measure electrical characteristics relating to signals being
received or transmitted by the communication device. The
measurement component 806 can generate electrical measurement
information relating to the signals, wherein the electrical
measurement information can be used with the sensor-based
information to determine a desirable search initialization point
and/or a desirable tuning setting to apply for tuning the set of
antennas.
[0084] The tuner management component 800 can include a tuning
determination component 808 that can determine respective desirable
tuning settings to use to tune the set of antennas under respective
conditions associated with the communication device, based at least
in part on the results of the analysis of the sensor-based
information and/or the electrical measurement information, in
accordance with the defined antenna tuning algorithm and defined
antenna tuning criteria, as more fully disclosed. In some
implementations, the tuning determination component 808 can employ
a search component 810 that can determine a desirable search
initialization point to use to begin a search for a desirable
tuning setting, and can search for and determine a desirable tuning
setting among a set of tuning settings based at least in part on
the results of an analysis of the sensor-based information and/or
the electrical measurement information, in accordance with the
defined antenna tuning algorithm and defined antenna tuning
criteria.
[0085] The tuner management component 800 can include an
association component 812 that can associate, map, or link a
desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning setting with
or to a set of conditions associated with the communication device
based at least in part on the sensor-based information. For
instance, based at least in part on the results of an analysis of
the sensor-based information and/or the electrical measurement
information, the association component 812 can map, link, or
otherwise associate respective desirable tuning settings with or to
respective sets of conditions associated with the communication
device. The association component 812 also can determine, infer,
interpolate, and/or extrapolate other desirable tuning settings or
desirable search initialization points that can be respectively
associated with other sets of conditions associated with the
communication device based at least in part on the previously
determined associations between respective desirable tuning
settings and respective sets of conditions associated with the
communication device. Association information relating to
associations between respective desirable tuning settings and
respective sets of conditions associated with the communication
device can be stored in the data store for future use by the tuning
determination component 808 in efficiently determining desirable
tuning settings (or at least desirable search initialization
points) to use to facilitate tuning the set of antennas.
[0086] In accordance with various implementations, the tuner
management component 800 also can comprise or be associated with a
processor component and/or a data store. The processor component
can work in conjunction with components (e.g., aggregator component
802, analyzer component 804, measurement component 806, data store,
etc.) of or associated with the tuner management component 800 to
facilitate performing the various functions of the tuner management
component 800. The processor component can employ one or more
processors, microprocessors, or controllers that can process data,
such as information relating to applications, users, sensed
conditions associated with the communication device, electrical
measurements relating to received or transmitted signals, policies,
defined antenna tuning criteria, defined antenna tuning and defined
search algorithms, protocols, interfaces, tools, and/or other
information, to facilitate operation of the tuner management
component 800, as more fully disclosed herein, and control data
flow between the tuner management component 800 and other
components (e.g., sensor management component, radio component,
tuner component, set of antennas, etc.) associated with the tuner
management component 800.
[0087] The data store can store data structures (e.g., user data,
metadata), code structure(s) (e.g., modules, objects, hashes,
classes, procedures) or instructions, information relating to
applications, users, sensed conditions associated with the
communication device, electrical measurements relating to received
or transmitted signals, policies, defined antenna tuning criteria,
defined antenna tuning and defined search algorithms, protocols,
interfaces, tools, and/or other information, to facilitate
controlling operations associated with the tuner management
component 800. In an aspect, the processor component can be
functionally coupled (e.g., through a memory bus) to the data store
in order to store and retrieve information desired to operate
and/or confer functionality, at least in part, to the aggregator
component 802, analyzer component 804, measurement component 806,
etc., and/or substantially any other operational aspects of the
tuner management component 800.
[0088] In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter, components (e.g., sensor management component,
tuning management component, tuner component, radio component,
etc.) of an antenna tuning system can be situated or implemented on
a single IC die or chip. An IC chip can be a CMOS chip, for
example. In accordance with various other embodiments, the
components of the antenna tuning system can be implemented on an
ASIC chip. In accordance with still other embodiments, the
components of the antenna tuning system can be situated or
implemented on multiple IC dies or chips.
[0089] The aforementioned devices and/or systems have been
described with respect to interaction between several components.
It should be appreciated that such systems and components can
include those components or sub-components specified therein, some
of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional
components. Sub-components could also be implemented as components
coupled to and/or communicatively coupled to other components
rather than included within parent components. Further yet, one or
more components and/or sub-components may be combined into a single
component providing aggregate functionality. The components may
also interact with one or more other components not specifically
described herein for the sake of brevity, but known by those of
skill in the art.
[0090] FIGS. 9-14 illustrate methods and/or flow diagrams in
accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For simplicity of
explanation, the methods are depicted and described as a series of
acts. It is to be understood and appreciated that the subject
disclosure is not limited by the acts illustrated and/or by the
order of acts, for example acts can occur in various orders and/or
concurrently, and with other acts not presented and described
herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may be required to
implement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is a flow diagram of an
example method 900 for tuning a set of antennas of a communication
device (e.g., wireless device), in accordance with various aspects
and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The method 900 can
be implemented by an antenna tuning system comprising a sensor
management component and a tuner management component, for
example.
[0092] At 902, sensor information can be received from a set of
sensor components associated with a communication device (e.g.,
wireless device). The sensor management component can receive
sensor information from the set of sensor components (e.g.,
proximity sensor, audio sensor (e.g., microphone), visual sensor
(e.g., camera), light sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer,
gyroscope) associated with the communication device.
[0093] At 904, a tuning setting for a set of antennas of the
communication device can be determined based at least in part on
the sensor information. The sensor management component can
determine the orientation and/or position (e.g., location) of the
communication device in relation to the user of the communication
device, and/or can track and determine the movement of the
communication device (e.g., as the user is walking with the
communication device, as the user drives in his vehicle while using
the communication device), based at least in part on the results of
an analysis of the sensor information received from one or more of
the sensor components of the set of sensor components. The sensor
management component can generate sensor-based information based at
least in part on the analysis results, wherein the sensor-based
information can indicate the orientation and/or position of the
communication device in relation to the user, and/or the movement
of the communication device. The sensor management component can
communicate the sensor-based information to the tuner management
component.
[0094] The tuner management component can analyze the sensor-based
information and/or can perform an antenna tuning search (e.g., in
accordance with the defined search algorithm) to determine a
desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning setting for
the set of antennas based at least in part on the sensor-based
information. In some implementations, the tuner management
component also can determine electrical measurements relating to a
signal being transmitted or received by the communication device,
and can determine the tuning setting for the set of antennas (e.g.,
in accordance with the defined search algorithm) based at least in
part on the sensor-based information and the electrical
measurements.
[0095] The tuner management component can generate control
information (e.g., antenna adjustment information) based at least
in part on the tuning setting. The tuner management component can
transmit the control information to the tuner component, wherein
the tuner component can adjust the tuning setting for the set of
antennas (e.g., adjust the frequency or impedance of an antenna,
switch from one antenna to another antenna) based at least in part
on the control information.
[0096] Turning to FIG. 10, depicted is a flow diagram of another
example method 1000 for tuning a set of antennas of a communication
device, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter. The method 1000 can be implemented by an
antenna tuning system comprising a sensor management component and
a tuner management component, for example.
[0097] At 1002, sensor information can be received from a set of
sensor components associated with a communication device (e.g.,
wireless device). The sensor management component can receive
sensor information from the set of sensor components (e.g.,
proximity sensor, audio sensor (e.g., microphone), visual sensor
(e.g., camera), light sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer,
gyroscope) associated with the communication device.
[0098] At 1004, the orientation and/or position (e.g., location) of
the communication device in relation to the user of the
communication device can be determined, and/or the movement of the
communication device can be determined, based at least in part on
the results of an analysis of the sensor information received from
one or more of the sensor components of the set of sensor
components. The sensor management component can determine the
orientation and/or position (e.g., location) of the communication
device in relation to the user of the communication device, and/or
can track and determine the movement of the communication device,
based at least in part on the results of an analysis of the sensor
information received from one or more of the sensor components of
the set of sensor components. The sensor management component can
generate sensor-based information based at least in part on the
analysis results, wherein the sensor-based information can indicate
the orientation and/or position of the communication device in
relation to the user, and/or the movement of the communication
device. The sensor management component can communicate the
sensor-based information to the tuner management component
[0099] At 1006, electrical measurements relating to a signal being
transmitted or received by the communication device can be
determined The tuner management component can monitor and measure
the electrical characteristics of the signal being transmitted or
received by the communication device to determine the electrical
measurement for the signal.
[0100] At 1008, the sensor-based information and the electrical
measurement information can be analyzed. The tuner management
component can analyze the sensor-based information and the
electrical measurement information to facilitate determining the
tuning setting. As some examples, the tuner management component
can analyze such information, and can perform a search for a
desirable tuning setting using the defined search algorithm or can
determine whether the sensor-based information and the electrical
measurement information match or at least substantially match a set
of conditions associated with (e.g., linked or mapped to) a
particular tuning setting. In some implementations, the method 1000
can proceed to reference point A, wherein the method 1100 can
proceed from reference point A after the analysis of the
sensor-based information and the electrical measurement information
is performed.
[0101] At 1010, the tuning setting for the set of antennas of the
communication device can be determined based at least in part on
the results of the analysis of the sensor-based information and the
electrical measurement information. The tuner management component
can determine the tuning setting (e.g., optimal, suitable, or
acceptable tuning setting) for the set of antennas (e.g., in
accordance with the defined search algorithm) based at least in
part on the sensor-based information and the electrical measurement
information. As the tuner management component can determine the
tuning setting based at least in part on the sensor-based
information, the tuning setting can be based at least in part on
the orientation and/or position of the communication device in
relation to the user of the communication device, and/or the
movement of the communication device. While the method 1000
describes determining the tuning setting for the set of antennas
based at least in part on the results of the analysis of the
sensor-based information and the electrical measurement
information, in some implementations, the method 1000 can determine
the tuning setting for the set of antennas based at least in part
on the results of the analysis of the sensor-based information
(e.g., when performing open-loop antenna tuning).
[0102] In some implementations, at this point, the method 1000 can
proceed to reference point B (in addition to proceeding to
reference numeral 1012 of method 1000), wherein the method 1200 can
proceed from reference point B after the tuning setting is
determined.
[0103] At 1012, control information relating to the tuning setting
can be generated. The tuner management component can generate
control information (e.g., antenna adjustment information), which
can correspond to the tuning setting, to facilitate adjusting the
tuning of the set of antennas. The antenna adjustments can relate
to, for example, adjusting the frequency or impedance of one or
more antennas, or switching from one antenna to another
antenna.
[0104] At 1014, the control information can be transmitted to the
tuner component to facilitate setting (e.g., adjusting) the tuning
of the set of antennas, in accordance with the tuning setting. The
tuner management component can communicate the control information
to the tuner component. The tuner component can set or adjust the
tuning of the set of antennas, based at least in part on the
control information, to tune the set of antennas, in accordance
with the tuning setting.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, illustrated is a flow diagram of an
example method 1100 for searching for a desired tuning setting for
use in tuning a set of antennas of a communication device, in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter. The method 1100 can be implemented by an antenna
tuning system comprising a sensor management component and a tuner
management component, for example.
[0106] In some implementations, the method 1100 can proceed from
reference point A of the method 1000. At reference point A, sensor
information has been obtained from the set of sensor components
associated with the communication device, electrical measurements
relating to the signal being transmitted or received by the
communication device have been performed, and the sensor-based
information and electrical measurement information have been
analyzed. The sensor-based information can relate to (e.g., can
indicate) the orientation and/or position (e.g., location) of the
communication device with respect to the communication device user,
and/or the movement of the communication device.
[0107] At 1102, a desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable)
search initialization point for beginning a search for a desirable
tuning setting for the set of antennas associated with the
communication device can be determined based at least in part on
the results of the analysis of the sensor-based information and
electrical measurement information, in accordance with the defined
search algorithm. The tuner management component can determine the
desirable search initialization point of a set of search points
based at least in part on the analysis results, in accordance with
the defined search algorithm. Each search point of the set of
search points can relate to a different tuning setting. The
sensor-based information can enable the tuner management component
to refine, and make more efficient, the search for the tuning
setting, as the tuner management component can exclude a subset of
the set of search points from the search and can start the search
at a search initialization point that can be closer to the
desirable tuning setting than the subset of search points excluded
from the search.
[0108] At 1104, starting from the desirable search initialization
point, a search to identify a desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable,
acceptable) search point associated with the desirable tuning
setting can be performed. The tuner management component can start
the search for the desirable search point at the desirable search
initialization point. The tuner management component can continue
the search for the desirable search point by analyzing one or more
search points (starting with the search initialization point) until
the desirable search point is determined or identified, in
accordance with the defined search algorithm and defined antenna
tuning criteria, wherein the desirable search point can be the end
search point (e.g., convergence point or optimum point) at which
the tuner management component and defined search algorithm have
converged on the desirable tuning setting and the search for the
desirable antenna tuning can be terminated.
[0109] At 1106, the desirable tuning setting can be determined
based at least in part on the search, in accordance with the
defined antenna tuning criteria and the defined search algorithm.
Performing the search, and employing the defined search algorithm,
the tuner management component can determine the desirable search
point associated with the desirable tuning setting based at least
in part on the defined antenna tuning criteria.
[0110] At 1108, control information relating to the desirable
tuning setting can be generated. The tuner management component can
generate control information (e.g., antenna adjustment
information), which can correspond to the desirable tuning setting,
to facilitate adjusting the tuning of the set of antennas. The
antenna adjustments can relate to, for example, adjusting the
frequency or impedance of one or more antennas, or switching from
one antenna to another antenna.
[0111] At 1110, the control information can be transmitted to the
tuner component to facilitate setting (e.g., adjusting) the tuning
of the set of antennas, in accordance with the desirable tuning
setting. The tuner management component can communicate the control
information to the tuner component. The tuner component can set or
adjust the tuning of the set of antennas, based at least in part on
the control information, to tune the set of antennas, in accordance
with the desirable tuning setting.
[0112] FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 1200 for
associating respective tuning settings for a set of antennas of a
communication device with respective sets of conditions to
facilitate efficient determinations of tuning settings for the
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The method 1200 can be
implemented by an antenna tuning system comprising a sensor
management component and a tuner management component, for
example.
[0113] In some implementations, the method 1200 can proceed from
reference point B of the method 1000. At reference point B, the
tuning setting for the set of antennas of the communication device
has been determined based at least in part on the results of the
analysis of the sensor-based information and/or the electrical
measurement information.
[0114] At 1202, a set of conditions associated with the
communication device can be determined or identified in connection
with the desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning
setting. The tuner management component can determine or identify
the set of conditions in connection with the desirable tuning
setting. The set of conditions can comprise or relate to
orientation and/or position (e.g., location) of the communication
device in relation to the communication device user, movement of
the communication device, geographical location of the
communication device, ambient temperature experienced by the
communication device, a type of touching (e.g., finger(s), hand,
ear, and/or face touching the communication device), an amount of
touch pressure, and/or a location of the touching on the
communication device (e.g., from the holding or gripping of the
communication device by the user, or from the user's ear or face
touching the communication device), electrical measurements
relating to the signal being transmitted or received by the
communication device, identity of the user, and/or other
conditions.
[0115] At 1204, the set of conditions can be associated with (e.g.,
mapped to, linked to) the desirable tuning setting. The tuner
management component can associate the set of conditions with the
desirable tuning setting. For example, the tuner management
component can generate a mapping of respective sets of conditions,
comprising the set of conditions, to respective desirable tuning
settings, comprising the desirable tuning setting, or generate a
table that can comprise the respective sets of conditions that can
correspond to (e.g., be respectively associated with) the
respective desirable tuning settings. Associating the respective
sets of conditions with the respective desirable tuning settings
can facilitate efficiently determining desirable tuning settings in
future instances when antenna tuning is being performed, as more
fully described herein.
[0116] At 1206, association information (e.g., association,
linking, or mapping information) relating to the associating of the
set of conditions with the desirable tuning setting can be stored.
The tuner management component can store the association
information in a data store for future use. For instance, the tuner
management component can update the mapping, table, or other
association information based at least in part on (e.g., to
incorporate) the association information relating to the
association of the set of conditions with the desirable tuning
setting, and can store the updated mapping, table, or other
association information in the data store.
[0117] In some implementations, at this point, the method 1200 can
proceed to reference point C, wherein the method 1300 can proceed
from reference point C, as described herein.
[0118] FIG. 13 presents a flow diagram of an example method 1300
for associating respective tuning settings for a set of antennas of
a communication device with respective sets of conditions to
facilitate efficient determinations of tuning settings for the
communication device, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The method 1300 can be
implemented by an antenna tuning system comprising a sensor
management component and a tuner management component, for example.
In some implementations, the method 1300 can proceed from reference
point C of the method 1200.
[0119] At 1302, in connection with performing antenna tuning for
the communication device, a set of conditions can be determined or
identified. The tuner management component can determine or
identify the set of conditions (e.g., orientation and/or position
of the communication device in relation to the user, movement of
the communication device, etc.).
[0120] At 1304, a set of respective associations between respective
sets of conditions and respective desirable (e.g., optimal,
suitable, acceptable) tuning settings can be analyzed. The tuner
management component can reference (e.g., perform a look-up, such
as a table look-up) and analyze the set of respective associations
between respective sets of conditions and respective desirable
tuning settings.
[0121] At 1306, for the set of conditions, the desirable tuning
setting for the set of antennas of the communication device can be
determined based at least in part on a result of the analysis of
the set of respective associations between respective sets of
conditions and respective desirable tuning settings. The tuner
management component can determine the desirable tuning setting for
the set of antennas based at least in part on the analysis result.
For example, the tuner management component can look up the set of
conditions in a look-up table comprising the set of respective
associations and can determine the desirable tuning setting in the
look-up table that corresponds to the set of conditions. As another
example, the tuner management component can analyze a mapping of
the respective sets of conditions to the respective desirable
tuning settings, and can determine which desirable tuning setting
is mapped or linked to the set of conditions. The tuner management
component can generate control information based at least in part
on (e.g., corresponding to or representing) the tuning setting, and
can transmit the control information to the tuner component. The
tuner component can set or adjust the tuning of the set of antennas
based at least in part on the control information.
[0122] FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 1400
for generating a model that characterizes the interaction of a
communication device and the user (e.g., user's body) in relation
to tuning settings for a set of antennas of the communication
device to facilitate efficient determinations of tuning settings
for the communication device, in accordance with various aspects
and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The method 1400
can be implemented by an antenna tuning system comprising a sensor
management component and a tuner management component, for
example.
[0123] At 1402, respective sets of conditions associated with the
communication device can be determined or identified in connection
with respective desirable tuning settings. The tuner management
component or another component can determine or identify the
respective sets of conditions in relation to the respective
desirable (e.g., optimal, suitable, acceptable) tuning settings. A
set of conditions can comprise or relate to orientation and/or
position (e.g., location) of the communication device in relation
to the communication device user, movement of the communication
device, geographical location of the communication device, ambient
temperature experienced by the communication device, a type of
touching (e.g., finger(s), hand, ear, and/or face) by the user, an
amount of touch pressure by the user, and/or a location of the
touching by the user on the communication device (e.g., from the
holding or gripping of the communication device by the user),
electrical measurements relating to the signal being transmitted or
received by the communication device, identity of the user, and/or
other conditions.
[0124] At 1404, a model that can characterize respective sets of
conditions in relation to respective desirable tuning settings can
be generated or updated based at least in part on the determined or
identified respective sets of conditions. The tuner management
component or other component can generate or update the model based
at least in part on the determined or identified respective sets of
conditions in relation to the respective desirable tuning settings.
For example, the tuner management component or other component can
generate or update the model, wherein the model can characterize
interactions between the communication device and user (e.g.,
user's body) to facilitate determining desirable tuning settings
for the set of antennas of the communication device. The
interactions can be or relate to the orientation of the
communication device in relation to the user, the location of the
communication device in relation to the user, the hold or grip of
the user on the communication device, or other interactions between
the user and communication device.
[0125] At 1406, the model (e.g., information relating to the model)
can be stored in a data store. The tuner management component or
other component can store the model in the data store.
[0126] At 1408, a desirable tuning setting for the set of antennas
of the communication device can be determined based at least in
part on the model. In connection with performing antenna tuning,
the tuner management component can retrieve the model from the data
store, and can analyze or apply the model with respect to current
conditions, comprising conditions sensed by one or more sensor
components, associated with the communication device (e.g., as
determined by the tuner management component or sensor management
component). The tuner management component can generate control
information based at least in part on (e.g., corresponding to or
representing) the determined desirable tuning setting, and can
transmit the control information to the tuner component. The tuner
component can set or adjust the tuning of the set of antennas based
at least in part on the control information.
[0127] It is to be appreciated and understood that components
(e.g., sensor management component or sensor hub component, tuner
management component, tuner component, radio component, antenna,
processor component, data store, etc.), as described with regard to
a particular device, system, or method, can include the same or
similar functionality as respective components (e.g., respectively
named components or similarly named components) as described with
regard to other devices, systems, or methods disclosed herein.
[0128] Although the description has been provided with respect to
particular embodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are
merely illustrative and not restrictive.
[0129] The articles "a," "an," and "the" as used in the subject
specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to
mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context
to be directed to a singular form. Thus, as used in the description
herein and throughout the claims that follow, "a," "an," and "the"
includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout
the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on"
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the
term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from
context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural
inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X
employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under
any of the foregoing instances.
[0130] While particular embodiments have been described herein,
latitudes of modification, various changes, and substitutions are
intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated
that in some instances some features of particular embodiments will
be employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit as set forth. Therefore, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the essential scope and spirit.
[0131] As used herein, the terms "example" and/or "exemplary" are
utilized to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.
For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is
not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design
described herein as an "example" and/or "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent
exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary
skill in the art.
[0132] It is to be noted that aspects, features, and/or advantages
of the disclosed subject matter can be exploited in substantially
any wireless telecommunication or radio technology, e.g., Wi-Fi;
Bluetooth; worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX);
enhanced general packet radio service (enhanced GPRS); third
generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE);
third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile
broadband (UMB); 3GPP universal mobile telecommunication system
(UMTS); high speed packet access (HSPA); high speed downlink packet
access (HSDPA); high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA); GSM
(global system for mobile communications) EDGE (enhanced data rates
for GSM evolution) radio access network (GERAN); UMTS terrestrial
radio access network (UTRAN); LTE advanced (LTE-A); etc.
Additionally, some or all of the aspects described herein can be
exploited in legacy telecommunication technologies, e.g., GSM. In
addition, mobile as well non-mobile networks (e.g., the internet,
data service network such as internet protocol television (IPTV),
etc.) can exploit aspects or features described herein.
[0133] Various aspects or features described herein can be
implemented as a method, apparatus, system, or article of
manufacture using standard programming or engineering techniques.
In addition, various aspects or features disclosed in the subject
specification can also be realized through program modules that
implement at least one or more of the methods disclosed herein, the
program modules being stored in a memory and executed by at least a
processor. Other combinations of hardware and software or hardware
and firmware can enable or implement aspects described herein,
including disclosed method(s). The term "article of manufacture" as
used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible
from any computer-readable device, carrier, or storage media. For
example, computer-readable storage media can include but are not
limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips, etc.), optical discs (e.g., compact disc (CD),
digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray disc (BD), etc.), smart
cards, and memory devices comprising volatile memory and/or
non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory devices, such as, for
example, card, stick, key drive, etc.), or the like. In accordance
with various implementations, computer-readable storage media can
be non-transitory computer-readable storage media and/or a
computer-readable storage device can comprise computer-readable
storage media.
[0134] As it is employed in the subject specification, the term
"processor" can refer to substantially any computing processing
unit or device comprising, but not limited to, single-core
processors; single-processors with software multithread execution
capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors with
software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors
with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and
parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a
processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor
(DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Further, processors can exploit nano-scale architectures
such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based
transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage
or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor may also be
implemented as a combination of computing processing units.
[0135] A processor can facilitate performing various types of
operations, for example, by executing computer-executable
instructions, wherein the processor can directly perform
operations, and/or the processor can indirectly perform operations,
for example, by directing or controlling one or more other
components to perform operations. In some implementations, a memory
can store computer-executable instructions, and a processor can be
communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor can
access or retrieve computer-executable instructions from the memory
and can facilitate execution of the computer-executable
instructions to perform operations.
[0136] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component are utilized to refer to
"memory components," entities embodied in a "memory," or components
comprising a memory. It is to be appreciated that memory and/or
memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile
memory.
[0137] By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile
memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM),
electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM
(EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random
access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of
illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms
such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM
(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).
Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methods
herein are intended to comprise, without being limited to
comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.
[0138] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"system," "interface," and the like, can refer to and/or can
include a computer-related entity or an entity related to an
operational machine with one or more specific functionalities. The
entities disclosed herein can be either hardware, a combination of
hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For
example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process
running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a
thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of
illustration, both an application running on a server and the
server can be a component. One or more components may reside within
a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be
localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more
computers.
[0139] In another example, respective components can execute from
various computer readable media having various data structures
stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and/or
remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or
more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with
another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or
across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the
signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with
specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by
electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software
or firmware application executed by a processor. In such a case,
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and can
execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As
yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides
specific functionality through electronic components without
mechanical parts, wherein the electronic components can include a
processor or other means to execute software or firmware that
confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic
components. In an aspect, a component can emulate an electronic
component via a virtual machine, e.g., within a cloud computing
system.
[0140] What has been described above includes examples of aspects
of the disclosed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to
describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for
purposes of describing the disclosed subject matter, but one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further
combinations and permutations of the disclosed subject matter are
possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has," or
"having," or variations thereof, are used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive
in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is
interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *