PORTABLE DEVICE WITH SMART ANTENNA

Abstract

A portable device with smart antenna is disclosed, which includes an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas, each antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals, a phase and amplitude control unit coupled to the antenna array for controlling amplitude and phase of the plurality of the signals so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the array antenna system, and a wireless network unit coupled to the phase and amplitude control unit for processing the signals.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/382,922, filed on Sep. 15, 2010 and entitled “SMART ANTENNA AND SYSTEM USING THE SAME”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/422,660, filed on Dec. 14, 2010 and entitled “SMART ANTENNA SYSTEM”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/425,252, filed on Dec. 21, 2010 and entitled “PORTABLE DEVICE WITH SMART ANTENNA”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable device, and more particularly, to a portable device with smart antenna for enhancing communication quality.

2. Description of the Prior Art

With the progression of information technology, portable devices, such as laptop notebooks, PDAs, tablets, smart phones, etc., have been integrated with more functions. These functions may include wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth (BT), 3 G communication, or global positioning system (GPS). A conventional portable device usually uses omni-antennas for transmitting and receiving radio signals. Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a conventional portable device 10 according to the prior art. The portable device 10 uses omni-directional antennas 102 and 104 to receive radio signals from all directions. As shown in FIG. 1, the omni-directional antennas 102 and 104 are respectively connected with antenna connectors 106 and 108 via antenna coaxial cables 110 and 112. Radio signals receiving by the omni-directional antennas 102 and 104 can be transmitted to a wireless network unit 100 for processing.

Moreover, in the prior art, antenna diversity technique is usually for receiving or transmitting signals. However, the efficiency and gain of omni directional antennas are not good enough. In such a situation, since the requirement for the quality of wireless communication is getting higher, there's a need to improve receiving quality for achieving sufficient communication quality of the portable device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable device with smart antenna.

The present invention discloses a portable device with smart antenna. The portable device includes a main body; an adaptive smart antenna system including an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas, each antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a phase and amplitude control unit coupled to the antenna array for controlling amplitude and phase of the plurality of the signals so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the array antenna system; and a wireless network unit coupled to the phase and amplitude control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

The present invention further discloses a portable device with smart antenna. The portable device includes main body; a switching smart antenna system including an antenna array comprising a plurality of high-gain antennas, each high-gain antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a switching beam control unit coupled to the antenna array for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas to receive and/or transmit signals; and a wireless network unit coupled to the switching beam control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

The present invention further discloses a portable device with smart antenna. The portable device includes a main body; an adaptive smart antenna system including an first antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas, each antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a phase and amplitude control unit coupled to the first antenna array for controlling amplitude and phase of the plurality of the signals; a switching smart antenna system, including a second antenna array comprising a plurality of high-gain antennas, each high-gain antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a switching beam control unit coupled to the first antenna array and the phase and amplitude control unit for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas and antennas to receive and/or transmit signals; and a wireless network unit coupled to the switching beam control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional portable device according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portable device with smart antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an antenna pattern of the array antenna system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portable device with smart antenna according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an antenna pattern of the array antenna system shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portable device with smart antenna according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic diagram of a portable device 20 with smart antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The portable device 20 includes a main body 200, an adaptive smart antenna system 202, and a wireless network unit 204. The adaptive smart antenna system 202 includes an antenna array 206 and a phase and amplitude control unit 208. The antenna array 206 includes antennas ANT_1-ANT_4. Each antenna is capable of receiving input signals and/or transmitting output signals. The phase and amplitude control unit 208 is coupled to the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 for controlling amplitude and phase of the input signals and output signals corresponding to the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the antenna array 206. The wireless network unit 204 is coupled to the phase and amplitude control unit 208 for processing the input signals and transmitting the output signals to the phase and amplitude control unit 208.

In details, through the control operation of the phase and amplitude control unit 208, the pattern of the antenna array 206 can be dynamically adjusted, and therefore, the desired direction and beam pattern of the antenna array 206 can be obtained. For example, please refer to FIG. 3, which is an antenna pattern of the antenna array 206 shown in FIG. 2. After the input signals are received by the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4, the phases and amplitudes of the input signals can be varied by the phase and amplitude control unit 208. The width and direction of the main lobe corresponding to the antenna array 206 can be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, the height of a side lobe corresponding to the antenna array 206 can also be adjusted accordingly. As a result, an adaptive beam in the direction and the angle is achieved for the antenna array 206. In other words, a desired beam steering action is accomplished according to the cooperation of the antenna array 206 and the phase and amplitude control unit 208. Like this, the output signals can also be arranged by the phase and amplitude control unit 208 and outputted via the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4, and not narrated herein. Therefore, the most adequate direction and beam pattern of the antenna array 206 within a desired range can be obtained so that better transmission gain and efficiency is achieved for the portable device 20 accordingly.

Furthermore, the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 can be disposed on the main body 200. For example, the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 can be integrated at the edge or back side of a display device 210 of the main body 200. Besides, the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 can also be set around the portable device 20 as a peripheral device. In addition, the phase and amplitude control unit 208 is connected with the wireless network unit 204 via an antenna connector 212 shown in FIG. 2. The phase and amplitude control unit 208 can be disposed or integrated on the main body 200, or coupled to the portable device 20 as a peripheral device. The wireless network unit 204 can be disposed on the main body 200. For example, the wireless network unit 204 can be implemented in a card form, such as with a PCI mini card, a PCI half mini card, or any other type of connection card which fits the portable device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless network unit 204 is connected with the main body 200 via a corresponding edge connector 214, and this should not be a limitation of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 4, which is a schematic diagram of a portable device 40 with smart antenna according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the units in the portable device 40 shown in FIG. 4 with the same designations as those in the portable device 20 shown in FIG. 2 have similar operations and functions, and further description thereof is omitted for brevity. The interconnections of the units are as shown in FIG. 4. The portable device 40 includes a main body 400, a switching smart antenna system 402, a wireless network unit 404, a display device 410, an antenna connector 412, and an edge connector 214. The switching smart antenna system 402 includes an antenna array 406 and a switching beam control unit 408. The antenna array 406 includes high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4. Each high-gain antenna is capable of receiving input signals and/or transmitting output signals. The switching beam control unit 408 is coupled to the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas to receive input signals and/or transmit output signals so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the antenna array 406. The wireless network unit 404 is coupled to the switching beam control unit 408 for processing the input signals and transmitting the output signals to the switching beam control unit 408.

Since each of the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 has its specific beam patterns, the switching beam control unit 408 can determine and control which high-gain antennas to receive or transmit signal according to the direction and angle of a communication target. For example, please refer to FIG. 5, which is an antenna pattern of the antenna array 406 shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the switching beam control unit 408 can select the most appropriate high-gain antenna (or high-gain antennas) according to the direction and angle of a communication target so that the pattern of the antenna array 406 can be dynamically adjusted, and therefore, the desired direction and beam pattern of the antenna array 406 can be obtained. As a result, an appropriate beam switching in the desired direction and angle is achieved for the antenna array 406. In other words, a desired beam switching action is accomplished according to the cooperation of the antenna array 406 and switching beam control unit 408. Therefore, the most adequate direction and beam pattern of the antenna array 406 within a desired range can be obtained so that better transmission gain and efficiency is achieved for the portable device 40 accordingly.

Furthermore, the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 can be disposed on the main body 400. For example, the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANTlH4 can be integrated at the edge or back side of a display device 410 of the main body 400. Besides, the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 can also be set around the portable device 40 as a peripheral device. In such a situation, a plurality of beam directions can be derived from the switching smart antenna system 402 to achieve space division multiple access (SDMA). Thus, antenna pattern diversity and polarization diversity can also be achieved by placing the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 at different locations and directions. In addition, the switching beam control unit 408 is connected with the wireless network unit 404 via an antenna connector 412 shown in FIG. 4. The switching beam control unit 408 can be disposed or integrated on the main body 400, or coupled to the portable device 40 as a peripheral device. The wireless network unit 404 can be disposed on the main body 400. For example, the wireless network unit 404 can be implemented in a card form, such as with a PCI mini card, a PCI half mini card, or any other type of connection card which fits the portable device 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless network unit 404 is connected with the main body 400 via a corresponding edge connector 414, and this should not be a limitation of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a schematic diagram of a portable device 60 with smart antenna according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Please note that the units in the portable device 60 shown in FIG. 6 with the same designations as those in the portable devices 20 and 40 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 have similar operations and functions, and further description thereof is omitted for brevity. The interconnections of the units are as shown in FIG. 6. The portable device 60 is a combination design of the portable devices 20 and 40. The portable device 60 includes a main body 600, a switching smart antenna system 602, an adaptive smart antenna system 604, a wireless network unit 606, a display device 614, an antenna connector 616 and an edge connector 618. The switching smart antenna system 602 includes an antenna array 606 and a switching beam control unit 608, and the adaptive smart antenna system 604 includes an antenna array 610 and a phase and amplitude control unit 612. The antenna array 606 includes high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4, and the antenna array 610 includes antennas ANT_1-ANT_4. Each antenna or high-gain antenna is capable of receiving input signals and/or transmitting output signals. As can been seen, the phase and amplitude control unit 612 is coupled to the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 for controlling amplitude and phase of the input signals and output signals corresponding to the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the antenna array 610. The switching beam control unit 608 is coupled to the high-gain antennas ANT_H1-ANT_H4 and the phase and amplitude control unit 612 for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas or antennas to receive input signals and/or transmit output signals. In other words, the switching beam control unit 608 can select the appropriate antennas from the antenna array 606 and antenna array 610 to dynamically control radiation pattern of the antenna arrays 606 and 610. As a result, the portable device 60 can offer all the advantages of the portable devices 20 and 40, and provide different antenna patterns and cover all the radiation space.

On the other hand, a directional antenna is an antenna which radiates higher power in one or more specific directions allowing for increased performance. The directional antenna has many advantages in a corresponding directional radiation pattern, such as high gain for desired signal, long transmission distance, better RSSI, low side lobe for interference, and low noise floor. Preferably, at least one of the antennas (or high gain antennas) of the above-mentioned antenna array is a directional antenna. For example, suppose the antennas ANT_1-ANT_4 shown in FIG. 2 are directional antennas and configured to direct toward different directions respectively. Since each the antennas ANT₁-ANT₄ has its specific directional radiation pattern, all of the directional radiation patterns corresponding to the antennas ANT₁-ANT₄ substantially form an omni directional radiation pattern to receive and transmit signals from all directions, and for the purpose this is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be a limitation embodiment of the present invention. Besides, an amount of directional antennas included in the antenna arrays is not limited to any specific number, as long as radiation patterns thereof can substantially form a desired radiation pattern to receive and transmit signals from all directions.

Please note that the portable devices 20, 40, and 60 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 are respectively applied in a notebook, those only represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be a limitation of the present invention. Each of the portable devices 20, 40, and 60 can also be a PDA, a tablet, a smart phone, or any other portable device.

In summary, the present invention utilizes smart antenna design in the portable device so that the most adequate direction and beam pattern of the corresponding antenna array within a desired range can be obtained during communication, further enhancing transmission gain and efficiency, and communication quality.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable device with smart antenna, comprising:

a main body;

an adaptive smart antenna system, comprising: an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas, each antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a phase and amplitude control unit coupled to the antenna array for controlling amplitude and phase of the plurality of the signals so as to dynamically control radiation pattern of the array antenna system; and

a wireless network unit coupled to the phase and amplitude control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

2. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennas is disposed on the main body.

3. The portable device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of antennas is integrated at the edge or back side of a display device of the main body, respectively.

4. The portable device of claim 1, wherein the phase and amplitude control unit is disposed on the main body.

5. The portable device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of the antennas is a directional antenna.

6. A portable device with smart antenna, comprising:

a main body;

a switching smart antenna system, comprising: an antenna array comprising a plurality of high-gain antennas, each high-gain antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a switching beam control unit coupled to the antenna array for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas to receive and/or transmit signals; and

a wireless network unit coupled to the switching beam control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

7. The portable device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of high-gain antennas is disposed on the main body.

8. The portable device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of high-gain antennas is integrated at the edge or back side of a display device of the main body, respectively.

9. The portable device of claim 6, wherein the switching beam control unit is disposed on the main body.

10. The portable device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of the high-gain antennas is a directional antenna.

11. A portable device with smart antenna, comprising:

a main body;

an adaptive smart antenna system, comprising: a first antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas, each antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a phase and amplitude control unit coupled to the first antenna array for controlling amplitude and phase of the plurality of the signals;

a switching smart antenna system, comprising: a second antenna array comprising a plurality of high-gain antennas, each high-gain antenna capable of receiving and/or transmitting signals; and a switching beam control unit coupled to the first antenna array and the phase and amplitude control unit for determining and controlling which high-gain antennas and antennas to receive and/or transmit signals; and

a wireless network unit coupled to the switching beam control unit and the main body for processing the signals.

12. The portable device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of antennas of the first antenna array or high-gain antennas of the second antenna array is disposed on the main body.

13. The portable device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of antennas or high-gain antennas is integrated at the edge or back side of a display device of the main body, respectively.

14. The portable device of claim 11, wherein the phase and amplitude control unit or the switching beam control unit is disposed on the main body.

15. The portable device of claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of the antennas of the first antenna array or high-gain antennas of the second antenna array is a directional antenna.