18456429. Electronic Devices with Non-Static Object Detection simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

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Electronic Devices with Non-Static Object Detection

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Joonhoi Hur of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Andreas Menkhoff of Oberhaching (DE)

Bernhard Sogl of Unterhaching (DE)

Jochen Schrattenecker of Alberndorf in der Riedmark (AT)

Rastislav Vazny of Saratoga CA (US)

Electronic Devices with Non-Static Object Detection - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18456429 titled 'Electronic Devices with Non-Static Object Detection

Simplified Explanation

An electronic device has a sensor that measures the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) along a transmission line between a signal generator and an antenna. The device analyzes the VSWR measurements to determine if there are any changes over time, and compares these changes to a threshold value. This helps identify whether an object near the antenna is animate (living) or inanimate (non-living).

  • The device includes a VSWR sensor to measure radio-frequency signals transmitted by the signal generator.
  • Control circuitry analyzes the VSWR measurements to detect variations over time.
  • The device compares the variations to a threshold value to determine if an object near the antenna is animate or inanimate.
  • If the object is animate, the device reduces the maximum transmit power level of the antenna.
  • If the object is inanimate, the device maintains or increases the maximum transmit power level.
  • This technology ensures that the device complies with regulatory limits on radio-frequency energy exposure while maximizing wireless performance.

Potential Applications

  • Wireless communication devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
  • Smart home systems.
  • Industrial automation and control systems.
  • Medical devices.

Problems Solved

  • Ensures compliance with regulatory limits on radio-frequency energy exposure.
  • Maximizes wireless performance by adjusting transmit power based on the presence of animate or inanimate objects near the antenna.

Benefits

  • Reduces the risk of excessive radio-frequency energy exposure.
  • Optimizes wireless communication performance.
  • Enhances safety and efficiency of electronic devices.


Original Abstract Submitted

An electronic device may include a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) sensor disposed along a radio-frequency transmission line between a signal generator and an antenna. The VSWR sensor may gather VSWR measurements from radio-frequency signals transmitted by the signal generator over the transmission line. Control circuitry may identify a variation in the VSWR measurements over time and may compare the variation to a threshold value to determine whether an external object in the vicinity of the antenna is animate or inanimate. The control circuitry may reduce the maximum transmit power level of the antenna when the external object is animate and may maintain or increase the maximum transmit power level when the external object is inanimate. This may serve to maximize the wireless performance of the electronic device while also ensuring that the device complies with regulatory limits on radio-frequency energy exposure.