JP4414245B2 - Mobile communication terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone in which the shape and posture of the terminal change depending on the use state.

  An adaptive array antenna that includes a plurality of antenna elements and is controlled by an adaptive algorithm has been conventionally used in base stations. However, it is effective to apply such an adaptive array antenna to a mobile communication terminal. On the other hand, recent mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones (hereinafter simply referred to as terminals) include a foldable type and a slide type, and the shape of the entire terminal changes depending on use. In addition, recent mobile phones have a voice call function and a data communication function.

Conventionally, a CMA adaptive array antenna apparatus that has been adapted to the same transmission / reception frequency and is compatible with reception of arbitrary polarization and arbitrary arrival direction for the purpose of application to mobile communication has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).
JP 2000-31735 A

  When an adaptive array antenna is used in a base station, there are few restrictions on the installation of antenna elements, and there are few changes in the distance between antenna elements and the surrounding environment. However, when an array antenna is applied to a small terminal such as a mobile communication terminal, there are many restrictions on the arrangement of a plurality of antenna elements, and the influence on the antenna elements of the terminal itself is not small. In addition, there are many cases where the shape of the terminal changes like a recent foldable terminal. In that case, since the position of the antenna element to be used is fixed, some antenna elements may have an adverse effect according to the change in the shape of the terminal. Therefore, even if it can be applied with the maximum antenna element arrangement depending on the shape of the terminal, communication must be performed with the configuration of the adaptive array antenna with the minimum antenna element arrangement not using some of the antenna elements that have adverse effects. In some cases, a sufficient array antenna effect cannot be obtained. Further, when the arrangement interval of antenna elements, the number of used antennas, and the like change, the weight calculation method by the adaptive algorithm differs.

  When an adaptive array antenna is used in a terminal, it is more effective during data communication that requires a higher transmission rate than during a call. At the time of this data communication, it is more often used by placing it somewhere than holding the terminal by hand. For this reason, especially during data communication, it is affected more than the influence from the human body. For example, when using it on a table such as a desk, or when using an antenna element such as a patch antenna, if the directivity pattern of the antenna element is directed only toward the table, the array antenna is sufficient. The effect is not obtained. In addition, depending on how the terminal housing is placed, the antenna element is directed toward the base, so the characteristics of the array antenna cannot be fully exhibited due to the effect of the base on the bottom and the top, and the communication quality deteriorates. There is a problem that happens.

  In the present invention, when the shape or orientation of the terminal changes, the antenna elements to be used, the antenna element arrangement, the antenna element spacing, the type of antenna elements, and the adaptation among the plurality of antenna elements constituting the array antenna according to the change It is an object to appropriately select an algorithm or its weight calculation method so that appropriate adaptive signal processing can be performed.

Engaging Ru mobile communication terminal to the present invention is a mobile communication terminal having a plurality of antenna elements, a weight calculation method or the adaptive algorithm for the functioning of the whole or a part of said plurality of antenna elements as an adaptive array antenna A weight calculating method or a plurality of adaptive algorithms according to the shape of the terminal, a detecting means for detecting a change in the shape of the terminal, and a weight calculating method according to the shape of the terminal detected by the detecting means or an adaptive algorithm selected from the holding means, characterized in that a, the adaptive signal processing means for performing adaptive signal processing based on the selected weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm.

Engaging Ru mobile communication terminal to the present invention is a mobile communication terminal having a plurality of antenna elements, a weight calculation method or the adaptive algorithm for the functioning of the whole or a part of said plurality of antenna elements as an adaptive array antenna A weight calculation method or a holding unit that holds a plurality of adaptive algorithms according to the posture of the terminal, a detection unit that detects a change in the posture of the terminal, and a weight calculation method according to the posture of the terminal detected by the detection unit or mobile communication terminal an adaptive algorithm selected from the holding means, characterized in that a, the adaptive signal processing means for performing adaptive signal processing based on the selected weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the structure of an optimal adaptive array antenna becomes possible according to the change of the shape and attitude | position of a terminal, and deterioration of communication quality by the change of the shape and attitude | position of a terminal can be reduced.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an adaptive array antenna apparatus. As shown in the figure, the adaptive array antenna apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements ANT-1, ANT-2... ANT-N, a high frequency switch 20, a wireless transmission / reception unit 21, a shape / posture sensor 22, and a weight calculation according to the shape / posture change. A method / adaptive algorithm storage / selection unit 23, an adaptive signal processing unit 24, a signal synthesis unit 25, a baseband processing unit 26, and the like are included. A weight signal W1... WN is generated by the adaptive signal processing unit 24 based on information such as a phase difference of the received signals X1. The phase and amplitude of each received signal are controlled and combined. As a result, a beam pattern can be formed in the direction of arrival of the desired wave, and a null can be formed and suppressed in the direction of arrival of the interference wave, so that an effect of improving communication quality can be obtained.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation from the detection of the change by the shape / posture sensor 22 to the adaptive signal processing. The shape / posture sensor 22 detects a change in shape due to expansion / contraction and undulation of each antenna element, folding of the terminal, opening / closing of the casing, sliding of the casing, and the like, and a change in attitude when the terminal is placed on a stand or the like. When the terminal changes to a predetermined shape / posture, this is detected (S1). Corresponding to the shape and orientation information detected by the shape / posture sensor 22, the antenna interval, antenna arrangement, antenna elements used, etc. are considered (S2), and the weight calculation method / adaptive algorithm storage / selection unit 23 is optimal. A calculation method is selected (S3) and output to the adaptive signal processing unit 24 (S4).

  The plurality of antenna elements are not the same type, and a plurality of different types of antenna elements may be arranged, and the adaptive algorithm may be selectable depending on the shape and orientation of the terminal at that time. The difference in the weight calculation method depending on the antenna element spacing, antenna element arrangement, etc. in the adaptive array antenna is described in, for example, Nobuyoshi Kikuma, “Adaptive signal processing by array antenna”, Science and Technology Publishers, November 1998, etc. Has been.

  As for the antenna element selection method and processing, for example, a signal from an unused antenna element is received as it is, and a weight WM (a weight corresponding to the unused antenna element M) from the adaptive signal processing unit 24 to the signal synthesis unit 25 is “ By setting it to “0”, the reception signal of the unused antenna can be invalidated. Further, if the high frequency switch 20 is inserted in front of the wireless transmission / reception unit 21, the unused antenna and the wireless transmission / reception unit 21 are disconnected, and the wireless transmission / reception unit 21 corresponding to the unused antenna is turned off, power consumption is reduced. Of course, it is necessary to set WM or XM to “0”.

  Next, the basic antenna element arrangement will be described. In a terminal in which a housing such as a PDA or a mobile phone is composed of one or a plurality of housings, when an antenna element is disposed inside the terminal, a patch antenna, a chip antenna, or the like is mainly used. In addition, a whip antenna or the like used for a normal mobile phone may be incorporated, and there is no limitation on the type of antenna element as long as it can be incorporated. However, in order to reduce the influence of the parts inside the terminal, basically, the antenna elements are arranged near the surface of the terminal or from the parts so that there is no influence on the parts. It should be placed so that it is in an effective orientation according to the posture it is placed on. Further, basically, antenna elements are arranged at equal intervals d to constitute an array antenna. The same applies when an antenna element is arranged outside.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the portable communication terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing its operation.
FIG. 3 shows a foldable terminal 10 made up of a case 1 and a case 2, and a total of four built-in antenna elements ant1 to 4 are arranged in a linear arrangement with a distance d1 on the back of each case 1 and 2, respectively. Show the case. Note that the rear surface is a surface on which the main LCD, the numeric keypad, and the like are not disposed, and is a surface exposed when folded.
When this terminal 10 is folded from the open state of (a) and placed on the table 11, the overall appearance of the terminal changes as shown in (b) and (c). In this folded state, the antenna elements ant 1 and 2 on the back side of the housing 1 face the base 11 side, and the antenna characteristics deteriorate. In this case, the antenna elements ant 1 and 2 are not used, and the antenna elements ant 3 and 4 are use.

  The flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. The shape / posture sensor 22 detects whether the terminal 10 is folded (S11). If not folded, a corresponding adaptive algorithm calculation method is selected so as to function as an adaptive array antenna in a linear arrangement with four built-in antenna elements ant1 to ant4 arranged at the interval d1 (S12, S13). Based on this, adaptive signal processing is performed (S14). When the terminal 10 is folded, it is checked which of the casings 1 and 2 is folded upward (S15). When the casing 1 is on the top, the calculation method of the adaptive algorithm corresponding to the linear array by the two antenna elements ant1 and 2 arranged at the interval d1 is selected so as to function as an adaptive array antenna (S16, Based on this, adaptive signal processing is performed (S14). In this case, the antenna elements ant3, 4 are not used. When the housing 2 is on the upper side, a corresponding adaptive algorithm calculation method is selected so as to function as an adaptive array antenna with a linear arrangement of two antenna elements ant3 and ant4 arranged at the interval d1 ( S17, S13), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S14). In this case, the antenna elements ant1 and ant2 are not used.

In the case of the shape change due to the folding as described above, it is more advantageous in terms of antenna characteristics to use only the two built-in antenna elements ant1, 2 or ant3, 4 than to use all the four built-in antenna elements ant1 to 4.
In the present embodiment, the case of shape change due to folding has been described, but there are other shape changes due to sliding of two housings, shape change due to opening and closing, etc. In this case as well, calculation of the adaptive algorithm is performed in the same manner as described above. The method is selected and adaptive signal processing is performed

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a portable communication terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing its operation. In FIG. 5, four built-in antenna elements ant5 to 8 and ant1 to 4 are arranged in a linear array at intervals d1 and d2 on the front and rear surfaces of the terminal 12 consisting of one housing, respectively, as shown in (b) or (c). In this case, it is assumed that the antenna characteristics are not affected when the terminal 12 is placed on the base 11 regardless of whether the front and back sides are placed on the top and bottom. The antenna directivity in this case is a part on one side of the antenna element even when it is upward such as a patch antenna or even when it is a chip antenna. Occur.
As described above, when the shape of the terminal does not change but the posture changes, adaptive signal processing corresponding to the change is performed.

  The flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described. The shape / posture sensor 22 detects whether the back side of the terminal 12 is up or the front side is up (S21). When the back surface is up as shown in FIG. 5B, an adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the linear array with the distance d1 by the antenna elements ant1 to 4 is selected so as to function as an adaptive array antenna (S22). , S23), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S24). In this case, the antenna elements ant5 to 8 are not used. In addition, when the front is up as shown in FIG. 5C, the adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the linear array by the antenna elements ant5 to 8 arranged at the interval d2 so as to function as an adaptive array antenna. Is selected (S25, S23), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S24). In this case, the antenna elements ant1 to ant4 are not used.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a portable communication terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing its operation.
FIG. 7 shows a foldable terminal 13 consisting of housings 1 and 2 having a helical antenna at the tip like a helical whip antenna used in a mobile phone or the like. One extensible / extensible external antenna element ant4 that functions as an antenna element is arranged in the casing 2, and the built-in antenna elements ant1, 2, and 3 linearly arranged with the external antenna element ant4 are arranged in the casings 1 and 2 inside the terminal. This is a case where they are arranged at an interval d1.
In this case, since the shape changes due to expansion and contraction and folding of the external antenna element ant4, adaptive signal processing is performed accordingly.

  The flowchart of FIG. 8 will be described. First, it is detected whether the external antenna element ant4 is extended or housed in the housing (S31). If it is extended, it is detected whether or not the terminal 13 is folded (S32). When the antenna is not folded and opened as shown in FIG. 7 (a), an adaptive algorithm corresponding to the linear algorithm of the four antenna elements ant1 to 4 arranged at the interval d1 is used so as to function as an adaptive array antenna. A calculation method is selected (S33, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on the calculation method (S35). When the terminal 10 is folded and closed, it is checked which of the casings 1 and 2 is folded upward (S36). When the housing 1 is on the upper side, as an antenna element ant4 of FIG. 7C is extended, an adaptive array antenna is formed by a linear arrangement of two antenna elements ant1 and 4 arranged at a distance d3. In order to function, an adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the selected method is selected (S37, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on the calculation method (S35). In this case, the antenna elements ant2 and 3 are not used. When the housing 2 is on the top, the adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to it is selected so that it functions as an adaptive array antenna with a linear arrangement of three antenna elements ant2, 3, and 4 arranged at the interval d1. (S38, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S35). In this case, the antenna element ant1 is not used.

  In S31, when the antenna element ant4 is accommodated in the housing, it is detected whether or not the terminal 13 is folded (S39). In the case of the open state as shown in FIG. 7B, the adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the linear array by the three antenna elements ant1, 2, 3 arranged at the interval d1 so as to function as an adaptive array antenna. Is selected (S40, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S35). In the closed state, it is checked which of the casings 1 and 2 is folded upward (S41). When the housing 1 is on the upper side, as an antenna array ant4 in FIG. 7C is accommodated, an adaptive array antenna is formed by a linear arrangement with two antenna elements ant1 and 4 arranged at a distance d2. In order to function, an adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the selected method is selected (S42, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S35). In this case, the antenna elements ant2 and 3 are not used. When the casing 2 is on the top, the adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the linear array by the two antenna elements ant2 and 3 arranged at the interval d1 is selected so as to function as an adaptive array antenna ( S43, S34), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S35). In this case, the antenna elements ant1 and 4 are not used.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a portable communication terminal according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing its operation.
FIG. 9 shows a case where four external antenna elements ant1 to ant4 that can be raised and lowered outside the terminal 14 are arranged at a distance d1. A monopole antenna or the like is used for these external antenna elements to constitute an array antenna. Alternatively, a helical antenna or the like may be attached to the tip, and power may be supplied at that portion, and only that portion may be used as an antenna element.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described. First, it is detected whether or not the four external antenna elements ant1 to ant4 are raised (S51). In the case of being tilted as shown in FIG. 9A, the adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the square array by the four antenna elements ant1 to 4 arranged at the interval d1 functions as an adaptive array antenna. The selected signal is selected (S52, S53), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S54). Further, when the external antenna elements ant1 to 4 are raised as shown in FIG. 9B, so as to function as an adaptive array antenna in a square arrangement by the four antenna elements ant1 to 4 arranged at the interval d2. A corresponding adaptive algorithm calculation method is selected (S55, S53), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this method (S54).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a portable communication terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing its operation. FIG. 11 shows a case in which four built-in antenna elements ant1 to ant4 are arranged at intervals d1 in the linear arrangement of two on the back of each case 1 and 2 in the openable / closable terminal 15 comprising the cases 1 and 2. .

  The flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described. The opening angle (folding angle) of the casings 1 and 2 of the terminal 15 is detected (S61). When the opening angle is 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 11 (a), an adaptive algorithm corresponding to the linear array of four antenna elements ant1 to ant4 arranged at the interval d1 functions as an adaptive array antenna. A calculation method is selected (S62, S63), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on the calculation method (S64). When the opening angle is θ degrees as shown in FIG. 11B, the adaptive algorithm corresponding to the linear array of the two antenna elements ant1 and 4 arranged at the interval dθ functions as an adaptive array antenna. A calculation method is selected (S65, S63), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on the calculation method (S64). In this case, the antenna elements ant2 and 3 are not used.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a portable communication terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing its operation. FIG. 13 shows a notebook personal computer 16 or the like having housings 1 and 2 in which four external antennas ant1 to 4 having a linear array are arranged on the side surface of one housing 1 at an interval d1. This is a case where four built-in antennas ant5 to 8 are arranged at an interval d2.

The flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described. First, it is detected whether the terminal 16 is open or closed (S71). In the case of being opened as shown in FIG. 13 (a), an adaptive algorithm calculation method corresponding to the linear array by four antenna elements ant1 to ant4 arranged at the interval d1 can function as an adaptive array antenna. The selected signal is selected (S72, S73), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S74). In this case, the antenna elements ant5 to 8 are not used. If the terminal 16 is closed, it is checked which of the housings 1 and 2 is up (S75). When the casing 1 is at the top as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the adaptive algorithm corresponding to the square array of the four antenna elements ant5 to 8 arranged at the interval d2 functions as an adaptive array antenna. A calculation method is selected (S76, S73), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S74). In this case, the antenna elements ant1 to ant4 are not used. When the housing 2 is on the top, the calculation method of the adaptive algorithm corresponding to it is selected so that it functions as an adaptive array antenna with a linear arrangement by four antenna elements ant1 to ant4 arranged at the interval d1 ( S72, S73), and adaptive signal processing is performed based on this (S74). In this case, the antenna elements ant5 to 8 are not used.
In each embodiment, there is no limitation on the type of antenna element, the number of antenna elements, the arrangement, the interval, and the adaptive algorithm.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
When the shape / attitude of the terminal changes, based on the information obtained by the sensor that detects the change, the antenna element arrangement suitable for the change, the adaptive array antenna weight calculation method, or the adaptive algorithm is selected. This makes it possible to configure an adaptive array antenna that is optimal for the shape and orientation of the terminal, and even when communication quality deteriorates due to a change in the shape and orientation of the terminal, the deterioration can be reduced.

  Also, save as many weight calculation methods or adaptive algorithms as possible using an adaptive algorithm based on a combination of antenna elements arranged in advance in the terminal, and change the shape and orientation of the terminal, and the arrangement of antenna elements that are considered effective Is selected, it is possible to select a weight calculation method or an adaptive algorithm corresponding to the selected method, and it is possible to obtain optimum communication quality in the shape and orientation of the terminal at that time.

  Also, if there is a sensor that can grasp the top and bottom of the terminal, the front and back of the terminal can be distinguished. For example, a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in the upper and lower parts, the combination of these antenna elements is switched, and the corresponding weight calculation method Alternatively, by selecting an adaptive algorithm, it is possible to obtain optimal communication quality in the shape and posture of the terminal at that time. In addition, when a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a plurality of casings such as a folding terminal, the top and bottom casings of the plurality of casings are folded and grasped up and down when placed on a stand. Is selected, an antenna element in the upper casing is selected, and a weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm corresponding to the antenna element is selected, so that the optimum communication quality at that time can be obtained.

In addition, since the radiation pattern is not selected but formed for each process by an adaptive algorithm, the radiation pattern is always the optimum, and the algorithm method or weight calculation method for forming the radiation pattern corresponds to the shape and orientation of the terminal. Unlike the estimated radiation pattern, the optimal antenna element arrangement for the current terminal shape and orientation, the corresponding algorithm or weight calculation method, and the optimal radiation pattern by that algorithm Since it is formed at any time, the optimum communication quality at that time can be obtained.
In addition, if the antenna element spacing and arrangement can be appropriately changed or a large number of antenna elements can be selected according to changes in the shape and orientation of the terminal, the antenna element spacing and arrangement are always optimal for the terminal configuration and condition, and the effect of the array antenna can be improved. It can be maximized, and it is possible to obtain an effect of improving communication quality and an effect of reducing transmission power.
The wireless communication terminal in the present invention includes a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the adaptive array antenna apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an adaptive array antenna apparatus. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the terminal by the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 Case 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 Terminal 11 units ant1-8 Internal antenna element or external antenna element 16 Notebook PC

Claims (2)

In a mobile communication terminal equipped with a plurality of antenna elements,
A weight calculating method or adaptive algorithm for causing all or a part of the plurality of antenna elements to function as an adaptive array antenna, the holding means holding a plurality of weight calculating methods or adaptive algorithms according to the shape of the terminal ;
Detecting means for detecting a change in the shape of the terminal;
The Select detector weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm corresponding to the shape of the terminal detected from the holding means, and the adaptive signal processing means for performing adaptive signal processing based on the selected weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm,
A mobile communication terminal characterized by comprising: In a mobile communication terminal equipped with a plurality of antenna elements,
A weight calculating method or adaptive algorithm for causing all or a part of the plurality of antenna elements to function as an adaptive array antenna, the holding means holding a plurality of weight calculating methods or adaptive algorithms according to the attitude of the terminal ;
Detecting means for detecting a change in the attitude of the terminal;
The Select detector weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm in accordance with the attitude of the terminal detected from the holding means, and the adaptive signal processing means for performing adaptive signal processing based on the selected weight calculation method or adaptive algorithm,
A mobile communication terminal characterized by comprising:

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