WO2022250457A1 - Apparatus and method for antenna adjustment in wireless communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a substrate; a patch antenna provided on an upper surface of the substrate; a partition wall provided on the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna; and at least one control unit operatively connected to the substrate, the patch antenna, and the partition wall, wherein the control unit may be configured to determine a slope of the electronic device, and switch, on the basis of the slope, a connection state of the partition wall to a grounding mode or a floating mode.

Description

Apparatus and method for antenna tuning in wireless communication system

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wireless communication system, for example, to an electronic device or method for adjusting an antenna.

As a variety of services can be provided according to the development of a wireless communication system, a method for effectively providing various services is required. For example, in medium access control (MAC), a ranging technique for measuring a distance between electronic devices using an ultra-wide band (UWB) may be used. UWB is a wireless communication technology that uses a very wide frequency band of several GHz (gigahertz) or more in a baseband without using a radio carrier.

In general, in a measurement device supporting UWB AoA (angle of arrival), a patch antenna is mainly configured to increase AoA measurement accuracy. AoA measurement requires multiple antennas, and the antenna used for AoA measurement is the phase difference (

), the AoA value is measured, so the polarization characteristics for the measurement direction are high.

For a plurality of antennas used for AoA measurement, it is advantageous to use a patch antenna having the same or similar gain of each antenna. A patch antenna with strong polarization characteristics has an advantage in measuring the AoA of a target device in the front direction of the antenna, but when the measurement device is tilted, measurement performance is reduced due to the characteristics of the patch antenna with polarization characteristics.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a device and method for adjusting an antenna by reflecting a tilt of a measurement device in a wireless communication system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus and method for adjusting an antenna based on a connection state of a patch antenna and an adjacent barrier rib in a wireless communication system.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate, a patch antenna provided on an upper surface of the substrate, a barrier rib provided on the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna, and the a substrate, the patch antenna, and at least one control unit operably connected to the barrier rib, wherein the controller determines a tilt of the electronic device and grounds a connection state of the barrier rib based on the tilt; ) mode or floating mode.

An operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes determining an inclination of the electronic device and switching a connection state of a barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the inclination. The barrier rib may be provided on an upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna, and the patch antenna may be provided on the upper surface of the substrate.

An apparatus and method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an effect of improving UWB ultra-wide band angle of arrival (AoA) measurement performance by reflecting the inclination of a measurement device in an operation of adjusting an antenna. have.

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

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 within a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a measuring device in which angle of arrival (AoA) measurement performance varies according to a slope.

3 illustrates an error of an AoA measurement value generated according to the inclination of a measurement device and a target device.

4 illustrates a positioning accuracy region that changes according to a measurement slope.

5 illustrates an example of an antenna arrangement of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

6 illustrates an example of an antenna arrangement of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

7 illustrates a positioning precision area according to a change in a connection state of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

8 illustrates a comparison of an AoA measurable range of a measurement device with other measurement devices in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

9 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

10 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to another embodiment.

11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to other examples.

12 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measurement device according to a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

13 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measuring device according to a partition height and a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

14 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measuring device according to a barrier length and a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Terms used in the present disclosure are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Among the terms used in the present disclosure, terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meanings as those in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present disclosure, ideal or excessively formal meanings. not be interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in the present disclosure cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a hardware access method is described as an example. However, since various embodiments of the present disclosure include technology using both hardware and software, various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude software-based access methods.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure reduces the time required for switching a communication network in a wireless communication system through an apparatus and method for switching a communication network based on communication quality between an electronic device and an access point in a wireless communication system, so that users experience A technique for reducing the delay is described.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the expression of more than or less than is used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is only a description to express an example and excludes more or less description. It's not about doing it. Conditions described as 'above' may be replaced with 'exceeds', conditions described as 'below' may be replaced with 'below', and conditions described as 'above and below' may be replaced with 'above and below'.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 within a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100, an electronic device 101 (eg, the electronic device 500 of FIG. 5 ) connects to an electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network). ), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through the second network 199 (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or the antenna module 197 may be included. In some embodiments, in the electronic device 101, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into one component (eg, display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, the program 140) to cause at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 transfers commands or data received from other components (eg, sensor module 176 or communication module 190) to volatile memory 132. , processing commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and storing resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( NPU: neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may use less power than the main processor 121 or be set to be specialized for a designated function. can The secondary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 121 .

The secondary processor 123 may, for example, take the place of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, running an application). ) state, together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of other functionally related components (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. AI models can be created through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 101 itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (eg, the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning or reinforcement learning, but in the above example Not limited. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the foregoing, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. The artificial intelligence model may include, in addition or alternatively, software structures in addition to hardware structures.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101 . The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, program 140) and commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134 .

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 and may include, for example, an operating system 142 , middleware 144 , or an application 146 .

The input module 150 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (eg, the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (eg, a button), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101 . The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. A receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device 101 (eg: Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or a headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a bio sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or light sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that a user may perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), for example.

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101 . According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). Establishment and communication through the established communication channel may be supported. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg, : a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (eg, a local area communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (eg : It can communicate with the external electronic device 104 through a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-distance communication network such as a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (eg, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (eg, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be identified or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network after a 4G network and a next-generation communication technology, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technologies include high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and access of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low latency (URLLC)). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support a high frequency band (eg, mmWave band) to achieve a high data rate, for example. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies for securing performance in a high frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. Technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna may be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements defined for the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104), or a network system (eg, the second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 is a peak data rate for eMBB realization (eg, 20 Gbps or more), a loss coverage for mMTC realization (eg, 164 dB or less), or a U-plane latency for URLLC realization (eg, Example: downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) may be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 190, for example. can be chosen A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197 in addition to the radiator.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module includes a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (eg, a lower surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (eg, mmWave band); and a plurality of antennas (eg, array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (eg, a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or part of operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices 102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 instead of executing the function or service by itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform the function or at least part of the service. One or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service or an additional function or service related to the request, and deliver the execution result to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least part of a response to the request as it is or additionally processed. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an internet of things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

In a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may perform UWB ultra-wide band angle of arrival (AoA) measurement.

An electronic device for performing UWB AoA measurement may be referred to as a measurement device or a first electronic device. The measuring device may transmit/receive signals with other electronic devices through a UWB chipset provided therein.

Another electronic device may receive a signal from the measuring device or transmit a signal to the measuring device. The measurement device may determine location information of another electronic device based on transmission or reception of a signal with the other electronic device. Another electronic device may be referred to as a target device, a target device, a target device, or a second electronic device.

The measurement device may determine location information of the target device based on the angle of arrival of the signal received from the target device. The location information may include information about a distance between the target device and the measurement device and an angle between the target device and a predetermined reference line.

Since the UWB chipset is generally provided on the back of the measurement device, in order to measure the distance and angle information of the target device through UWB signals, the user of the measurement device may adjust the rear side of the measurement device to face the target device. have. In this case, when the back side of the measurement device does not accurately face the target device or faces the opposite direction, it may become an obstacle in obtaining location information of the target device through the UWB signal. Also, when the measurement device is moved or tilted, an error may occur in the measurement value of the position of the target device according to the degree of the movement or tilt.

2 illustrates a measurement device in which AoA measurement performance varies according to a slope.

Referring to FIG. 2 , it can be confirmed that the AoA, the phase difference, and the noise vary according to the inclination of the measurement device.

The measuring device may be disposed facing the target device in front. The measuring device may be arranged to form a 90 degree angle with respect to the ground. In this case, the AoA measured by the measurement device for the target device may be 0 degree or a value substantially close to 0 degree.

When the measuring device is in a tilted state of 40 degrees, the measuring device may be disposed in an inclined state so as to deviate by 40 degrees from a direction toward the front of the target device. In this case, the AoA measured by the measurement device for the target device may be measured outside of 0 degrees.

When the measuring device is in a 60-degree tilt state, the measuring device may be disposed in a tilted state so as to deviate by 60 degrees from a direction toward the front of the target device. In this case, the AoA measured by the measurement device for the target device may be a value outside of 0 degrees. Compared to the 40-degree tilt state, it can be confirmed that the 60-degree tilt state has a relatively large amplitude corresponding to noise.

3 illustrates an error of an AoA measurement value generated according to the inclination of a measurement device and a target device.

Referring to FIG. 3 , AoA values are measured in various states of measurement devices. The various states may include a state in which the measuring device is not tilted (ie, 0 degree) in a standing state with respect to the ground, a state in which the measuring device is tilted by 20 degrees in a standing state, and a state in which the measuring device is tilted by 40 degrees in a standing state.

In the table shown in FIG. 3 , positioning values measured for the target device and angle information of the actual target device may be checked.

For example, channels used by an antenna for measuring UWB AoA may be divided into 5 channels (eg, 6.25 to 6.75 GHz) and 9 channels (eg, 7.75 to 8.25 GHz). In the case where the electronic device uses a 9-channel antenna and the measurement device is tilted by 40 degrees, when the actual angles of the target device and the measurement device are 15 degrees and 20 degrees, the positioning values based on the UWB AoA measurement are 24.9 degrees and 24.9 degrees respectively. It can be identified as 34.1 degrees. That is, when the measuring device is tilted by 40 degrees, the error of the value measured at the 15 degree position of the target device is about 66%, and the error of the value measured at the 20 degree position of the target device is about 70.5%. have.

4 illustrates a positioning accuracy region that changes according to a measurement slope.

Referring to FIG. 4 , positioning accuracy may decrease as the vertical direction of the patch antenna included in the electronic device deviates. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the vertical direction of the patch antenna may be referred to as a reference direction. When the target device is within the first critical angle range 401 from the reference direction, the AoA measured for the target device may have a first positioning accuracy. In addition, when the target device is within the second threshold angle range 403 and outside the first threshold angle range 401 from the reference direction, the AoA measured for the target device may have a second positioning accuracy. The first positioning precision may be higher than the second positioning precision. When the positioning accuracy is relatively high, the angle determined according to the measured AoA value, that is, the measured angle between the target device and the measuring device, may have a relatively small error with the actual angle.

For example, an error that may occur for the AoA value measured in the first critical angle range 401 may be around 5 degrees, and an error that may occur for the AoA value measured in the second critical angle range 403 may be around 20 degrees.

When the measuring device is tilted with respect to the target device, the first critical angle range 401 and the second critical angle range 403 may rotate based on the measuring device. Accordingly, the threshold angle range to which the target device belongs may also change. Even if the target device is initially located in the first critical angle range 401 where the positioning accuracy is relatively high, due to the tilt of the measurement device, the target device moves to the second critical angle range 403 where the positioning accuracy is relatively low. In this state, the AoA value of the target device measured by the measurement device may have a relatively large error.

When the degree of inclination of the measurement device exceeds the second threshold angle range, the measured AoA value of the target device may become an unreliable value.

5 illustrates an example of an antenna arrangement of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an electronic device according to example embodiments may include a substrate 530 having at least one patch antenna 510 thereon. The substrate may be illustratively a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate. The patch antenna may be located on an upper surface of the first PCB board included in the board. The patch antenna may be a quadrangular antenna provided on an upper surface of a substrate, and may transmit or receive a UWB signal to obtain location information of a target device. Although the patch antenna has a quadrangular structure, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a patch antenna may include various shapes such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a barrier 505 positioned at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna. The barrier rib may be referred to as a ground wall (or GND wall). The barrier rib may be provided on a substrate or may be provided on a second PCB substrate formed separately from the first PCB substrate on which the patch antenna is provided.

The barrier rib may extend from the top surface of the substrate by a certain height and may be formed higher than the vertical height of the patch antenna. The horizontal length of the barrier rib may be equal to or greater than the horizontal length of the patch antenna.

One side of the patch antenna facing the barrier rib may be disposed parallel to the barrier rib. In this case, a certain gap may be formed between the patch antenna and the barrier rib. As an example, when there are two or more patch antennas, the two or more patch antennas 510a and 510b may be disposed on the upper surface of the substrate with a predetermined distance from each of the barrier ribs. 5 illustrates a structure in which one barrier rib and two patch antennas are disposed on a substrate while maintaining a constant interval, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. That is, according to another example, the structure of the electronic device of the present disclosure may include not one barrier rib but two or more barrier ribs. In one embodiment, the number of patch antennas or barriers may be variously changed. For example, the same number of barrier ribs as the number of patch antennas may be disposed, or one barrier rib may be disposed separately from a plurality of patch antennas. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when there are a plurality of patch antennas, the number of partition walls spaced apart from the patch antennas may be provided corresponding to the number of patch antennas. When the electronic device operates in a landscape mode and a portrait mode, respectively, the electronic device may include barrier ribs disposed separately from patch antennas activated according to each mode.

The barrier rib disposed at a constant distance from the patch antenna may be operably connected to a controller or a substrate of the electronic device. The control unit of the electronic device may electrically control all components included in the electronic device, including the substrate and components provided on the substrate.

Electronic devices can short-circuit or open the bulkhead. More specifically, the control unit may short-circuit or open the barrier rib from the board or from the second PCB board provided with the barrier rib. The control unit can change the connection state of the barrier rib. Changing the connection state of the barrier rib may mean switching the connection mode of the barrier rib from one of two or more modes set to another mode. When the barrier rib is short-circuited from the substrate of the electronic device, the short-circuited barrier rib can be regarded as being switched to a grounding mode. When the barrier rib is opened from the substrate of the electronic device, it may be understood that the open barrier rib is switched to a floating mode. When the barrier rib is in the grounding mode, it can be understood that the barrier rib is in a grounding state.

An operation of switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode or the floating mode may be performed through a preconfigured switching circuit. At this time, the switching circuit may be operated by a control unit of the electronic device.

6 illustrates an example of an antenna arrangement of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the electronic device may include at least one patch antenna 601 and a partition wall 605 .

In the rectangular patch antenna 601 shown in FIG. 6, when the direction of the relatively long side is defined as the first direction and the direction of the relatively short side is defined as the second direction, the barrier rib 605 is the first direction of the patch antenna. It may be formed with a constant separation distance (603s) in one direction. For example, the patch antenna on the first PCB board may form a separation distance of 0.5 mm from the barrier rib on the second PCB board. The barrier rib may be provided on the upper surface of the substrate 630 on which the patch antenna is provided, and may extend by a predetermined height in a vertical direction of the substrate. That is, the barrier rib may be disposed perpendicular to the substrate on which the patch antenna is provided. In this case, the barrier rib may extend by a predetermined length in a first direction opposite to the patch antenna from one end bonded to the substrate. An area extending from the barrier rib in the first direction opposite to the patch antenna may be referred to as an extension ground 610 . The expansion ground may be composed of components other than the barrier rib, but may preferably include the same component as the barrier rib. For example, the extended ground may include a metal or conductive member. The metal constituting the extended ground may include aluminum, stainless steel (STS), magnesium, and/or gold. The extension ground may be provided in parallel with the substrate on which the patch antenna is mounted. For example, a barrier rib including an extension ground may have an 'L' shape. The length of the extension ground and the height of the barrier rib may be variably applied according to characteristics, functions, or uses of the electronic device.

When the patch antenna and the barrier rib are provided in a thin electronic device such as a smart phone, the height of the barrier rib may be generally less than 10 mm. In this case, since the degree of variation of the antenna radiation pattern by the height of the barrier rib is small, in the floating mode, the electronic device may have a positioning accuracy area similar to that of a conventional patch antenna without a barrier rib.

However, when the electronic device operates in the grounding mode, the height of the extension ground and the barrier rib affects the radiation direction of the patch antenna, so that an area forming a positioning accuracy within a certain range may be tilted. In this case, unlike the floating mode in which positioning accuracy is higher as it is closer to the reference direction, positioning accuracy in an area lopsided from the reference direction may be relatively higher.

The barrier rib shown in FIG. 6 includes the expansion ground 610, but the expansion ground 610 is only one example as a structure disposed to supplement the barrier rib with a relatively low height, and other embodiments are limited. not be interpreted as A structure in which only the barrier rib 605 is spaced apart from the patch antenna without the extension ground 610 may also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The 'L' shaped barrier rib shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and a person skilled in the art in the above technical field may designate a barrier rib according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an 'a' shape, a 'c' shape, a 'T' shape and the like. It can be configured in a variety of shapes.

7 illustrates a positioning accuracy area according to a change in a connection state of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Depending on the connection state of the bulkhead, a floating mode and a grounding mode may be defined. Since the barrier rib electrically connected to the substrate operates as a ground, the electronic device may operate in a grounding mode. If the board is not electrically connected, the electronic device may operate in a floating mode.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a positioning precision region is shown in each of the floating mode and the grounding mode.

Referring to the floating mode, a precision positioning area may be formed based on the target direction. A precision positioning area may be formed within the first critical angle range 701a based on the target direction. A general positioning area may be formed within the second threshold angle range 703a based on the target direction.

Referring to the grounding mode, a precise positioning area may be formed in a direction tilted from the target direction (hereinafter referred to as a reference direction). A precision positioning area may be formed within the first critical angle range 701b based on the reference direction. A general positioning area may be formed within the second critical angle range 703b based on the reference direction.

An electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include patch antennas and barrier ribs disposed on a substrate between patch antennas. For example, barrier ribs may be disposed with a predetermined distance between patch antennas. An electronic device may transmit or receive a UWB signal to search for a target device. At this time, the radiation direction of the electronic device may change according to the connection state of the barrier rib.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an electronic device operates in a floating mode, a radiation direction of a patch antenna may correspond to a radiation direction of a general patch antenna. A radiation direction of the patch antenna may be similar to that of a general patch antenna in which a barrier rib does not exist. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the patch antenna will be measured relatively high in the first critical angle range 701a relatively close to the reference direction and relatively low in the second critical angle range 703a relatively far from the reference direction. can More specifically, as the target device approaches the reference direction, the position of the target device may be more accurately measured. Accordingly, if the direction of the patch antenna deviates from the target device as the electronic device tilts, positioning accuracy may be significantly reduced.

When the electronic device operates in the grounding mode, even if the electronic device is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the target device, the electronic device may include the target device in the first critical angle range 701b region having relatively high positioning accuracy. have. As the electronic device operating in the floating mode operates in the grounding mode, the areas of the first critical angle range 701b and the second critical angle range 703b may be moved. Accordingly, considering the inclination of the electronic device, within a specific critical angle range, the electronic device can more accurately determine the location information of the target device when operating in the grounding mode than when operating in the floating mode.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may change the radiation pattern of the transmission signal and/or the reception signal of the antenna as the barrier rib acts as a reflector in the grounding mode. In another embodiment, an electronic device may include a plurality of barrier ribs disposed at a predetermined distance from one patch antenna. In this case, the plurality of barrier ribs may be disposed to face a plurality of directions, and each barrier rib may include a unique expansion ground. In addition, the plurality of barrier ribs may be switched between the grounding mode and the floating mode independently or according to a predetermined condition.

8 illustrates an AoA measurable range of a measurement device compared to other measurement devices in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a plurality of patch antennas. The radiation direction of each antenna among the plurality of patch antennas may be changed by switching the barrier rib. In the radiation direction formed according to the combination of each patch antenna, the entire AoA field of view (FoV) area can be further expanded by reducing or excluding the overlapping area. For example, the range of the maximum FoV may be 240 degrees, and the maximum AoA FoV area extending the AoA precision measurement area from 40 degrees to 80 degrees may be 160 degrees. The electronic device may adjust the radiation direction of the antenna by adjusting at least one of the height of the barrier rib and/or the length of the extension ground in the patch antenna structure including the barrier rib including the extension ground.

9 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. The electronic device may correspond to the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , in step 901, the electronic device may determine a tilt of the electronic device.

The electronic device may refer to a measuring device for measuring AoA through a UWB signal received from the target device and obtaining location information of the target device based on the measured AoA.

An inclination of an electronic device may mean information related to an inclination angle generated as the electronic device is moved or tilted based on an arbitrary direction toward which the electronic device faces. In this case, the criterion for measuring the inclination angle may be a reference line corresponding to the direction in which the electronic device initially faces or an arbitrary straight line connecting the measuring device and the target device. More specifically, the tilt of the electronic device may be detected through a sensor (eg, a gyro sensor) provided inside the electronic device. For example, when considering an environment in which a gyro sensor and a patch antenna are generally provided on one substrate, a change in tilt detected by the gyro sensor may be understood as a change in tilt of the patch antenna.

In step 903, the electronic device may switch the connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding or floating mode based on the determined slope.

The barrier rib may be spaced apart from the patch antenna provided in the electronic device. Both the barrier rib and the patch antenna may be provided on the upper surface of the substrate, and the barrier rib may extend from the upper surface of the substrate by a predetermined height in a vertical direction. The connection state of the barrier rib may be related to whether the barrier rib operates in a grounding mode or a floating mode in relation to the substrate. The grounding mode may mean that the barrier rib is in a short circuit state or a ground state with respect to the substrate. The floating mode may mean that the barrier rib is not short-circuited or grounded, or is not electrically connected to the board.

According to an embodiment, the barrier rib may include a vertical barrier rib protruding from the patch antenna or the PCB substrate in a vertical direction and an extension ground. At least one of the vertical barrier rib and the expansion ground may be converted into a grounding mode or a floating mode. The conversion of the grounding/floating mode may be performed independently of each other, sequentially, or simultaneously between the vertical barrier rib and the expanded ground.

The electronic device may switch the barrier rib to a floating mode or a grounding mode based on the slope information determined in step 901 . More specifically, when the determined inclination of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a predetermined critical angle (eg, about 20 degrees), the electronic device may switch the barrier rib to the grounding mode. When the electronic device is less than the predetermined critical angle, the electronic device may maintain the current state of the barrier rib. For example, a barrier rib provided in an electronic device may be basically in a floating mode. Thereafter, the inclination of the electronic device is detected, and when the degree of inclination exceeds a predetermined critical angle, the electronic device may change a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode. Thereafter, when the electronic device is tilted in the opposite direction and the tilted angle is less than the critical angle, the barrier rib may be switched from the ground mode to the floating mode. The mode switching operation of the barrier rib may be performed by a controller of an electronic device. The control unit may include at least one of a main processor or a UWB integrated circuit (IC).

10 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to another embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronic device may correspond to the electronic device 100 .

In step 1001, the electronic device may determine whether the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The threshold value is a value predefined by a user or a specification and may be a value associated with an angle. Step 1001 above may include an operation similar to that of step 901 .

In step 1003, the electronic device may switch the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode when the inclination of the electronic device is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

An initial connection state of the barrier rib provided in the electronic device may be a floating mode. In a situation where the tilted angle of the electronic device is less than or equal to the critical value, when the tilted angle exceeds the critical range due to movement or tilting of the electronic device, the electronic device may switch the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode. The above step 1003 may include an operation similar to that of step 903.

In step 1005, the electronic device may acquire location information about other electronic devices.

Another electronic device may refer to a device for which the electronic device acquires location information. An electronic device may transmit and/or receive a UWB signal to obtain location information of another electronic device. An AoA may be determined based on a UWB signal received from another electronic device, and location information of another electronic device may be determined based on the determined AoA. In this case, transmission and reception of the UWB signal may be performed by a patch antenna, and a barrier rib provided at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna may be in the grounding mode set in step 1003. In step 1003, if the inclination of the electronic device is not determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value and the connection state of the barrier rib is not switched to the grounding mode, the barrier rib provided at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna transmitting the UWB signal is floating can be a mod That is, in step 901, a connection state of a barrier rib associated with a patch antenna transmitting a UWB signal may be a grounding mode or a floating mode, depending on whether the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

In step 1007, the electronic device may determine whether to switch the connection state of the barrier rib based on the acquired location information.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine whether to switch the connection state of the barrier rib based on location information of other electronic devices and inclination information of the electronic device. When the distance or direction as well as the inclination changes due to the movement of the electronic device, or if another electronic device to be measured moves, the electronic device determines the inclination, distance, direction, and/or variables related to the movement of the other electronic device. It is possible to perform more accurate UWB AoA measurement by reflecting the

Specifically, the electronic device may determine whether the position of another electronic device has changed by more than a threshold distance, and change a connection state of a barrier rib provided in the electronic device in response to a change greater than the critical range being detected.

Acquisition of location information of another electronic device and determination of the tilt of the electronic device may be independently performed, and may be performed at regular intervals or intermittently.

11 illustrates an operation of an electronic device in a wireless communication system according to other examples of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in step 1101, the electronic device may determine whether the gradient of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value. The electronic device may determine the inclination of the electronic device for the determination. For example, the electronic device may determine whether the tilt of the electronic device is greater than or equal to 20 degrees. The electronic device may perform step 1103 when the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The electronic device may perform step 1111 when the slope of the electronic device is less than the threshold value. An electronic device according to an embodiment may correspond to the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

In step 1103, the electronic device may receive a UWB signal in the grounding mode. The grounding mode may mean that a connection state of a barrier rib associated with a patch antenna receiving a UWB signal is a grounding mode. The patch antenna and the barrier rib may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

At step 1105, the electronic device may determine the location of another electronic device.

An operation of determining the location of another electronic device may be performed based on the UWB signal received in step 1103. For example, the electronic device may determine the location (eg, distance and angle) of another electronic device based on a reception time difference or a phase difference of UWB signals received through at least two antennas.

In step 1107, the electronic device may determine whether the position of another electronic device belongs to the precise positioning area in the floating mode.

The precision positioning area in the floating mode may be one of critical angle areas formed based on the patch antenna in a state in which a barrier rib associated with a patch antenna receiving a UWB signal from another electronic device is in the floating mode. For example, the precise positioning area may be a part of the range over which the patch antenna is adjusted.

The critical angle area may be divided into a first critical angle area having a relatively high positioning accuracy and a second critical angle area having a relatively low positioning accuracy. The first critical angle area may be defined as an area within a range corresponding to the first critical angle in the corresponding direction with respect to the patch antenna when the electronic device is disposed in a direction toward another electronic device.

The second critical angle region, when an electronic device is disposed in a direction toward another electronic device, with respect to the patch antenna, is an area outside the range corresponding to the first critical angle and a range corresponding to the second critical angle in the corresponding direction. It can be defined as an area within.

In general, since positioning accuracy is higher when other electronic devices are present in the first critical angle region in the floating mode than when other electronic devices are present in the second critical angle region, the first critical angle region is regarded as a precise positioning region. can be defined In step 1107, the electronic device may determine whether the determined position of another electronic device belongs to the precise positioning area in the floating mode. According to this determination, the electronic device can acquire location information of another electronic device more precisely by switching the connection state of the barrier rib.

When the electronic device determines that the location of the other electronic device belongs to the precise positioning area in the floating mode, the electronic device may perform step 1117. When the electronic device determines that the location of the other electronic device does not belong to the precise positioning area in the floating mode, the electronic device may perform step 1109.

In step 1109, the electronic device may receive the next UWB signal in the grounding mode.

If the position of another electronic device currently identified does not belong to the precise positioning area of the floating mode, the electronic device receives the next UWB signal in the existing grounding mode state and continues the position measurement operation, since there is no need to switch the connection state of the bulkhead. can do.

In step 1117, the electronic device may receive the next UWB signal in the floating mode. If the electronic device operates in the grounding mode before step 1117, the electronic device may switch the connection state of the barrier rib to the floating mode and then receive the next UWB signal.

Considering the currently identified positions of other electronic devices and the degree of inclination of the electronic devices, the other electronic devices can be measured more precisely in the floating mode, so the electronic device switches the connection state of the bulkhead to the floating mode to perform a position measurement operation. can carry on.

In step 1111, the electronic device may receive a UWB signal in a floating mode.

The floating mode may mean that a connection state of a partition wall associated with a patch antenna receiving a UWB signal is a floating mode. The patch antenna and the barrier rib may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

In step 1113, the electronic device may determine the location of another electronic device.

An operation of determining the location of another electronic device may be performed based on the UWB signal received in step 1111.

In step 1115, the electronic device determines whether the position of the other electronic device belongs to the precision positioning area in the grounding mode.

The precision positioning area in the grounding mode may be one of critical angle areas formed based on the patch antenna in a state where a barrier rib associated with a patch antenna receiving a UWB signal from another electronic device is in the grounding mode. In operation 1115, the electronic device may determine whether the determined position of another electronic device belongs to the precision positioning area of the grounding mode. According to this determination, the electronic device can acquire location information of another electronic device more precisely by switching the connection state of the barrier rib.

The electronic device may perform step 1109 when determining that the position of another electronic device belongs to the precise positioning area of the grounding mode. The electronic device may perform step 1117 when determining that the position of another electronic device does not belong to the precise positioning area of the grounding mode.

In step 1117, the electronic device may receive the next AoA signal in a floating mode. Conversely, when it is determined that the other electronic device belongs to the precise positioning area of the grounding mode, the electronic device may switch the barrier rib to the grounding mode and then receive the next AoA signal.

12 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measuring device according to a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a radiation pattern when the connection state of the barrier rib is a floating mode and a radiation pattern when the connection state of the barrier rib is a grounding mode are shown.

Assuming that another electronic device is located in front of the electronic device, in the radiation pattern when the barrier rib is connected to the floating mode, the precision positioning area is when the angle between the electronic device and the other electronic device to be measured is around 0 degrees. It can be confirmed that it is formed in However, in the radiation pattern when the connection state of the barrier rib is the grounding mode, it can be confirmed that the precision positioning area is formed around 30 degrees. Therefore, the electronic device uses the fact that the precise positioning area changes according to the change of the connection state of the barrier rib, and even if another electronic device moves out of the precision positioning area due to the tilt of the electronic device, it can be corrected through the change of the connection state of the barrier rib. .

13 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measuring device according to a partition height and a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a change in a radiation pattern in a grounding mode and a floating mode may be confirmed according to a height of a barrier rib.

For example, when the height of the bulkhead varies by 1mm, 2mm, and 4mm, the length of the entire partition including the height of the partition and the length of the extended ground is constant at 9mm, so the length of the extended ground is 8mm, 7mm, and 5mm. can

A case in which the height of the barrier rib is 1 mm may be referred to as a first embodiment, a case in which the height of the barrier rib is 2 mm may be referred to as a second embodiment, and a case in which the height of the barrier rib is 4 mm may be referred to as a third embodiment.

In the first embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precision positioning area may be formed around 0 degrees, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed in the vicinity of about 10 degrees. .

In the second embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around 0 degrees, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed in the vicinity of about 20 degrees. .

In the third embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around 0 degrees, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed in the vicinity of about 30 degrees. .

Referring to the above embodiments, when the connection state of the barrier rib is a floating mode, it can be confirmed that a change in the height of the barrier rib does not significantly affect the radiation pattern change.

Conversely, when the connection state of the barrier rib is the grounding mode, it can be confirmed that a significant change appears in the radiation pattern, particularly in the precise positioning area, according to the change in the height of the barrier rib.

When the measurement device is a thin device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC, there may be a limit to the height of the barrier rib spaced apart from the patch antenna. For example, in the case of a smartphone, it may be difficult to form a partition wall of 10 mm or more. Therefore, in the case of a measuring device such as a smartphone including a partition wall with a height of less than 10 mm, the change in radiation pattern in the floating mode is not large, but an electronic device (eg, a smartphone) forms an extended ground relatively long, so that precision in the grounding mode The positioning area can be adjusted to be relatively large.

14 illustrates an example of a radiation pattern of a measuring device according to a barrier rib length and a connection state in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a change in a radiation pattern according to a sum of a height of a barrier rib and a length of an extension ground may be confirmed. For example, when the total length corresponding to the sum of the height of the barrier rib and the length of the extension ground changes to 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm, how the radiation pattern changes can be confirmed.

When the total length is 6 mm, it can be referred to as the fourth embodiment, when the total length is 9 mm, it can be referred to as the fifth embodiment, and when the total length is 12 mm, it can be referred to as the sixth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around 0 degrees, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around about 35 degrees. .

In the fifth embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precision positioning area may be formed around 0 degree, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed in the vicinity of about 30 degree. .

In the sixth embodiment, when the connection state of the barrier rib of the electronic device is in the floating mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around -25 degrees, and in the case of the grounding mode, the precise positioning area may be formed around about 10 degrees. have.

Referring to the above embodiments, when the total length of the barrier rib is less than 10 mm, the radiation pattern change in the floating mode is relatively insignificant, but when the total length of the barrier rib reaches 10 mm, it is confirmed that the precision positioning area rotates even in the floating mode It can be. Accordingly, when the total length of the barrier rib is 10 mm or more, the electronic device can perform steering of the patch antenna more flexibly and widely through switching between the grounding mode and the floating mode. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may adjust the antenna radiation pattern by converting a configuration already present in the electronic device into a ground mode or a floating mode without forming a separate partition wall structure in the patch antenna. . Components that already exist in electronic devices may include components such as shield cans, camera modules, or stainless steel (STS). In this case, it may be understood that the barrier rib referred to in this specification refers to a configuration that already exists in the electronic device.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate; a patch antenna provided on an upper surface of the substrate; barrier ribs provided on the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna; and at least one controller operatively connected to the substrate, the patch antenna, and the barrier rib, wherein the controller determines an inclination of the electronic device and grounds a connection state of the barrier rib based on the inclination. It can be configured to switch to grounding mode or floating mode.

According to an embodiment, the barrier rib further includes an extension ground protruding in a direction opposite to the patch antenna at an upper end thereof.

According to an embodiment, the substrate includes a first substrate and a second substrate, the patch antenna is provided on an upper surface of the first substrate, and the barrier rib is provided on an upper surface of the second substrate. may be provided.

According to an embodiment, the at least one control unit is further configured to determine whether the determined slope is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value in order to switch the connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the slope It can be.

According to an embodiment, when the inclination of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the at least one control unit switches a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode, and in response to switching the connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode , may be further configured to perform position measurement for other electronic devices.

According to an embodiment, the at least one control unit may be further configured to measure the location of another electronic device when the tilt of the electronic device is less than a threshold value.

According to an embodiment, the device may further be configured to acquire location information of the other electronic device according to the location measurement and to switch a connection state of the bulkhead to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the location information of the other electronic device. have.

According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device includes an operation of determining an inclination of the electronic device, and a connection state of a barrier rib based on the inclination in a grounding mode or floating (floating) mode, the barrier rib may be provided on an upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna, and the patch antenna may be provided on the upper surface of the substrate.

According to an embodiment, the operation of switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode or the floating mode based on the slope may further include an operation of determining whether the determined slope is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

According to an embodiment, when the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, in response to switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode and switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode, another electronic device It may further include an operation of performing a position measurement for.

According to an embodiment, when the inclination of the electronic device is less than a threshold value, the method may further include measuring a position of another electronic device.

According to an embodiment, an operation of acquiring location information of the other electronic device according to the location measurement and an operation of switching the connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the location information of the other electronic device can include more.

Various embodiments of this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related elements. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A Each of the phrases such as "at least one of , B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "secondary" may simply be used to distinguish that component from other corresponding components, and may refer to that component in other respects (eg, importance or order) is not limited. A (eg, first) component is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another (eg, second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”. When mentioned, it means that a component may be connected to another component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term "module" used in this document may include a unit implemented by hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be an integral part or the smallest unit of a part or part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of this document are stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101, 101). It may be implemented as software (eg, program 140) comprising one or more instructions. For example, a processor (eg, processor 120) of a device (eg, electronic device 101) may call at least one command among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter Can be read by a device A storage medium with a storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, where 'non-transitory' is a device in which the storage medium is tangible, and a signal (e.g., EM wave) It only means that it does not include, and this term does not distinguish between the case where data is stored semi-permanently and the case where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or between two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) online, directly between smartphones. In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a storage medium readable by a device such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the described components may include a singular object or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the corresponding components described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order, omitted, or Or one or more other actions may be added.

Claims (12)

1. In electronic devices,

   Board;

   a patch antenna provided on an upper surface of the substrate;

   barrier ribs provided on the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna; and

   At least one controller electrically connected to the substrate, the patch antenna, and the barrier rib;

   The control unit,

   determine the inclination of the electronic device;

   Based on the inclination, a device configured to switch a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode.
2. The method of claim 1,

   The barrier rib further comprises an extension ground formed at an upper end protruding in a direction opposite to the patch antenna.
3. The method of claim 1,

   the substrate,

   Including a first substrate and a second substrate,

   The patch antenna is provided on an upper surface of the first substrate,

   The barrier rib is provided on the upper surface of the second substrate.
4. The method of claim 1,

   The at least one control unit,

   and determining whether the determined slope is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value to switch a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the slope.
5. The method of claim 4,

   The at least one control unit,

   When the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, switching a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode;

   In response to switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode, perform position measurement for another electronic device.
6. The method of claim 4,

   The at least one control unit,

   and perform position measurement for another electronic device when the tilt of the electronic device is less than the threshold value.
7. The method of claim 5,

   Obtain location information of the other electronic device according to the location measurement;

   The apparatus further configured to switch a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the location information of the other electronic device.
8. In the operating method of the electronic device,

   determining an inclination of the electronic device; and

   Based on the slope, a connection state of the barrier rib is switched to a grounding mode or a floating mode;

   The barrier rib is provided on the upper surface of the substrate at a predetermined distance from the patch antenna,

   The patch antenna is provided on an upper surface of the substrate.
9. The method of claim 8,

   The operation of switching the connection state of the barrier rib to the grounding mode or the floating mode based on the slope,

   The method further comprising determining whether the determined slope is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
10. The method of claim 9,

    converting a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode when the slope of the electronic device is greater than or equal to a threshold value;

    The method of claim 1 , further comprising measuring a location of another electronic device in response to switching the connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode.
11. The method of claim 9,

    The method of claim 1 , further comprising measuring a position of another electronic device when the tilt of the electronic device is less than a threshold value.
12. According to claim 10 or claim 11,

    obtaining location information of the other electronic device according to the location measurement;

    The method further includes an operation of switching a connection state of the barrier rib to a grounding mode or a floating mode based on the location information of the other electronic device.

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