阅读说明：本技术 毫米波天线管理 (Millimeter wave antenna management ) 是由 拉希德·阿拉梅赫 埃里克·克伦茨 于 2019-07-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及毫米波天线管理。移动电子通信设备基于在至少一个毫米波天线的感测距离内是否存在有人体的存在以及是否一个或多个其他毫米波天线在设备正在使用中或被启用,来执行用于多个毫米波天线的毫米波天线管理。对于给定的天线,可以热检测人体的存在,但是取决于设备上的其他毫米波天线的状态而应用不同的置信水平。(The invention relates to millimeter wave antenna management. The mobile electronic communication device performs millimeter wave antenna management for the plurality of millimeter wave antennas based on whether a human body is present within a sensing distance of at least one millimeter wave antenna and whether one or more other millimeter wave antennas are in use or enabled by the device. For a given antenna, the presence of a human body may be thermally detected, but different confidence levels are applied depending on the state of other millimeter wave antennas on the device.)

1. A mobile electronic communication device with millimeter wave antenna management, the mobile electronic communication device comprising:

a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas on the device, the plurality of millimeter-wave antennas comprising a first millimeter-wave antenna and one or more other millimeter-wave antennas;

a sensor array associated with the first millimeter wave antenna, the sensor array including at least a thermal sensor;

a millimeter-wave transceiver configured to transmit via an enabled millimeter-wave antenna of a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas; and

a processor configured to determine, via the sensor array, whether a presence of a human body is present within a predetermined sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna and whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled, and to selectively enable and disable the first millimeter wave antenna based on whether a presence of a human body is present within the predetermined sensing distance of the sensor array and whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled.

2. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to selectively enable and disable the first millimeter wave antenna by: first disabling the first millimeter wave antenna and then determining whether a human presence is present within the sensing distance of the sensor, using a first confidence level if any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas is in use, and using a second confidence level otherwise, the second confidence level being lower than the first confidence level.

3. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 1, wherein managing use of the first millimeter wave antenna comprises reducing transmission power of the first millimeter wave antenna.

4. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 1, wherein managing use of the first millimeter wave antenna comprises steering a transmission mode associated with the first millimeter wave antenna.

5. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 1, wherein managing use of the first millimeter wave antenna comprises:

detecting, via the thermal sensor, a presence of a human body within the sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna;

disabling the first millimeter-wave antenna and freezing a baseline of the sensor associated with the first millimeter-wave antenna;

detecting, via the thermal sensor, that the detected presence of the human body is no longer within the sensing distance; and

enabling the first millimeter-wave antenna.

6. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 5, wherein detecting the presence of a human body within the sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna comprises:

detecting, via the sensor, a temporal thermal gradient and a thermal variation amplitude; and

the detected temporal thermal gradient and magnitude of thermal variation are determined to be consistent with the presence and movement of the human body.

7. A method for managing use of a first millimeter-wave antenna on a mobile electronic communication device having a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas, the method comprising:

detecting a change in thermal radiation proximate the first millimeter wave antenna consistent with human movement;

determining whether one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are in use, and thereafter determining whether a presence of a human body is present within a sensing distance of a sensor, wherein determining whether a presence of a human body is present includes applying a first confidence level if one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are in use, and otherwise applying a second confidence level, the second confidence level being lower than the first confidence level.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein applying a first confidence level comprises implementing a first heat signal time slope window and a first heat signal change amplitude window, and wherein applying a second confidence level comprises implementing a second heat signal time slope window and a second heat signal change amplitude window, wherein the first heat signal time slope window and the first heat signal change amplitude window are narrower than the second heat signal time slope window and the second heat signal change amplitude window, respectively.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising implementing a measurement period delay within which a hot sample is accumulated prior to the detecting step.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein implementing a measurement period delay comprises first determining that the first millimeter wave antenna has been occluded by the presence of a human body for more than a predetermined period of time.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein each window is located by reference to a record of past thermal changes.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein each window is located by reference to an average of thermal data recorded with respect to the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein each window is located by referencing an average of thermal data recorded for all millimeter wave antennas on the device.

14. The method of claim 7 wherein each window is located by reference to a baseline temperature of a sensor associated with the first millimeter wave antenna.

15. A mobile electronic communication device with millimeter wave antenna management, the mobile electronic communication device comprising:

a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas on the device, the plurality of millimeter-wave antennas comprising a first millimeter-wave antenna and one or more other millimeter-wave antennas; and

a processor configured to determine whether a human presence is present within a predetermined sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna, determine whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled, and selectively enable and disable the first millimeter wave antenna based on whether a human presence is present within the predetermined sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna and based on whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled.

16. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to selectively enable and disable the first millimeter wave antenna by: using a first confidence level to determine whether there is a presence of a human body within the sensing distance of the sensor if any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas is in use, and using a second confidence level that is lower than the first confidence level otherwise.

17. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 15, wherein disabling the first millimeter wave antenna comprises one of reducing a transmission power of the first millimeter wave antenna or selectively steering to a transmission mode associated with the first millimeter wave antenna.

18. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 15, wherein selectively enabling and disabling the first millimeter wave antenna comprises:

detecting a presence of a human body within the sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna;

disabling the first millimeter wave antenna and freezing a temperature baseline of the first millimeter wave antenna;

determining that the detected presence of a human body is no longer within the sensing distance; and

enabling the first millimeter-wave antenna.

19. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 18, wherein detecting the presence of a human body within the sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna comprises:

detecting a temporal thermal gradient and a magnitude of thermal variation associated with the first millimeter wave antenna; and

the detected temporal thermal gradient and magnitude of thermal variation are determined to be consistent with the presence and movement of the human body.

20. The mobile electronic communication device of claim 19, wherein detecting temporal thermal gradients and thermal variation magnitudes associated with the first millimeter wave antenna comprises applying a predetermined delay prior to the step of detecting temporal thermal gradients and thermal variation magnitudes, and collecting thermal data associated with the first millimeter wave antenna during the delay.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile electronic communication devices and, more particularly, to systems and methods for activating and deactivating one or more millimeter wave antennas associated with a mobile electronic communication device.

Background

As mobile communication technology has advanced, consumers have been able to take advantage of 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and now 5G data rates. 1G establishes a mobile connection and introduces mobile voice services, while 2G increases voice capacity. 3G adds enhancements to mobile data (mobile broadband services) and 4G LTE enables higher capacity to improve the mobile broadband experience.

Now, 5G (5 th generation) integrates millimeter wave access into current cellular networks to take advantage of the ultra-wideband nature of the millimeter wave band. Since millimeter-wave signals may interfere with or be subject to human tissue, the inventors desire to provide a mechanism for activating and deactivating one or more millimeter-wave antennas on a mobile device.

Before continuing with the remainder of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that this disclosure may address some or all of the shortcomings listed or implied in this background section. However, any such benefits are not limitations on the scope of the disclosed principles or the appended claims, except to the extent explicitly recited in the claims.

In addition, the discussion of technology in this background section reflects the inventors' own observations, considerations, and ideas, and is in no way intended to be an accurate catalog or to fully summarize any prior art references or practices. As such, the inventors expressly disclaim this section as admissions or presumed prior art. Moreover, the identification or suggestion of one or more desired courses of action herein reflects the inventor's own observations and thoughts, and should not be assumed to indicate art-recognized desirability.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides systems and methods for activating and deactivating one or more millimeter wave antennas associated with a mobile electronic communication device.

According to one embodiment, a mobile electronic communication device with millimeter wave antenna management, the mobile electronic communication device comprising: a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas on the device, the plurality of millimeter-wave antennas comprising a first millimeter-wave antenna and one or more other millimeter-wave antennas; a sensor array associated with the first millimeter wave antenna, the sensor array including at least a thermal sensor; a millimeter-wave transceiver configured to transmit via an enabled millimeter-wave antenna of a plurality of millimeter-wave antennas; and a processor configured to determine, via the sensor array, whether there is a presence of a human body within a predetermined sensing distance of the first millimeter wave antenna and whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled, and to selectively enable and disable the first millimeter wave antenna based on whether there is a presence of a human body within the predetermined sensing distance of the sensor array and whether any of the one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for managing use of a first millimeter wave antenna on a mobile electronic communication device having a plurality of millimeter wave antennas, the method comprising: detecting a change in thermal radiation proximate the first millimeter wave antenna, the change consistent with human movement; determining whether one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are in use, and thereafter determining whether a presence of a human body is present within the sensing distance of the sensor, wherein determining whether a presence of a human body is present comprises applying a first confidence level if one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are in use, and otherwise using a second confidence level, the second confidence level being lower than the first confidence level.

Drawings

While the appended claims set forth the features of the present technology with particularity, the technology, together with its objects and advantages, may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a general schematic representation of a mobile electronic device in which various embodiments of the disclosed principles may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the device as in FIG. 1 showing a millimeter wave antenna and associated sensor array;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for millimeter wave antenna management according to an embodiment of the disclosed principles;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a startup process within the millimeter wave antenna management process of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed principles; and

fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an alternative process of millimeter wave antenna management according to an embodiment of the disclosed principles.

Detailed Description

Before presenting a detailed discussion of embodiments of the disclosed principles, an overview of certain embodiments is given to assist the reader in understanding the discussion that follows. As described above, 5G employs millimeter waves to realize ultra-wideband characteristics. However, because millimeter-wave signals may interfere with or be interfered by human tissue, there is a need for a reliable and efficient mechanism for activating and deactivating one or more millimeter-wave antennas on a mobile device.

In an embodiment of the disclosed principles, a mobile communication device employs multiple millimeter wave antennas, where one or more of the antennas are associated with one or both of a thermal sensor and a capacitive sensor. In such devices, it is not known which sensors, if any, may be occluded by a person when initializing sensor states and baselines. For example, a temperature sensor initialized at 70 degrees celsius may be reading the temperature of a human hand or only reading the ambient temperature.

In an embodiment, the nature of the human motion allows this dilemma to be resolved. In particular, positive or negative temperature changes with a rate of change consistent with human body motion are used to identify potential human body contact or presence. If no such motion is detected, the device uses the data in its filtering algorithm to update the local baseline for that sensor.

However, if such motion is detected, the amplitude of the temperature change is analyzed to determine if the amplitude is large enough to coincide with motion within a detection distance (e.g., 10 cm). Upon meeting these criteria, indicating that a possible human being is present within the detection distance, the antenna associated with the thermal sensor is disabled and its baseline value is frozen to avoid having a baseline that tracks the presence of a human being. As an alternative to freezing the baseline, in an embodiment, the device may continue to adjust based on a global baseline that is derived from averaging the values of the other sensors.

With regard to release, i.e., thawing the baseline of the thermal sensor and enabling the associated millimeter wave antenna, again using body motion as a trigger. If a change in slope is detected that coincides with human movement within the detection zone, further steps are taken in embodiments to determine whether to release the sensor. In particular, human body movement away from the sensor (temperature moving back towards baseline) may be used as a prerequisite for release in this embodiment. For example, the system may analyze and consider whether the user has moved completely out of the detection zone and whether the temperature drop matches the original change. The tracked changes can be recorded or simply compared to a raw or global baseline.

With this summary in mind, and turning now to a more detailed discussion in conjunction with the accompanying figures, the techniques of this disclosure are illustrated as being implemented in or via a suitable device environment. The following devices describe embodiments and examples in which the disclosed principles may be implemented or via which the disclosed principles may be implemented and should not be viewed as limiting the claims with respect to alternative embodiments that are not explicitly described herein.

Thus, for example, while fig. 1 illustrates an example mobile electronic communication device in which embodiments relating to the disclosed principles may be implemented, it should be understood that other device types may be used, including but not limited to laptop computers, tablet computers, and the like. It should be appreciated that additional or alternative components may be used in a given implementation depending on user preferences, component availability, price points, and other considerations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the components of user equipment 110 include a display screen 120, an application (e.g., program) 130, a processor 140, a memory 150, one or more input components 160, such as an RF input facility or a wired input facility, including, for example, one or more antennas and associated circuitry and logic. The antenna and associated circuitry may support any number of protocols, such as WiFi, bluetooth, different generations of cellular services including 5G, and the like.

The device 110 as illustrated also includes one or more output components 170 such as RF (radio frequency) or wired output facilities. The RF output facilities may similarly support any number of protocols, such as WiF, bluetooth, cellular including 5G, etc., and may be the same or overlapping with the associated input facilities. It should be understood that a single physical input may be used for both transmission and reception.

The processor 140 can be a microprocessor, microcomputer, application specific integrated circuit, or other suitable integrated circuit. For example, the processor 140 can be implemented via one or more microprocessors or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. Similarly, the memory 150 is a non-transitory medium that may (but need not) reside on the same integrated circuit as the processor 140. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 150 may be accessed via a network, for example via cloud-based storage. The memory 150 may include random access memory (e.g., Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRM), or any other type of random access memory device or system). Additionally or alternatively, the memory 150 may include read-only memory (i.e., a hard drive, flash memory, or any other desired type of memory device).

The information stored by memory 150 can include program code associated with one or more operating systems or application programs (e.g., application program 130) as well as informational data, such as program parameters, process data, and the like. The operating system and application programs are typically implemented via executable instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 150) to control basic functions of the electronic device 110. These functions may include, for example, interaction between various internal components and storage and retrieval of applications and data to and from memory 150.

Further, with respect to applications and modules, these typically utilize an operating system to provide more specific functionality such as file system services and the handling of protected and unprotected data stored in memory 150. In an embodiment, a module is a software agent that includes or interacts with hardware components, such as one or more sensors, and manages the operation and interaction of device 110 with respect to the described embodiments.

This non-executable information can be referenced, manipulated or written by an operating system or application program with respect to informational data such as program parameters and process data. Such informational data can include, for example, data preprogrammed into the device during manufacture, data created by the device or added by a user, or any of a variety of types of information uploaded to, downloaded from, or otherwise accessed at a server or other device with which the device is in communication during its ongoing operation.

In an embodiment, millimeter wave management module 180 performs antenna management procedures as described below. Millimeter-wave management module 180 may be represented in device 110 as code executed by processor 140 of device 110, where the code comprises computer-executable instructions read from a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

In an embodiment, a power source 190, such as a battery or fuel cell, is included to provide power to the device 110 and its components. Additionally or alternatively, the device 110 may be powered externally, for example, by a vehicle battery, wall outlet, or other power source. In the illustrated example, all or some of the internal components communicate with each other over one or more shared or dedicated internal communication links 195, such as an internal bus.

In an embodiment, device 110 is programmed such that processor 140 and memory 150 interact with other components of device 110 to perform various functions. The processor 140 may include or implement various modules and execute programs for initiating different activities such as initializing applications, transferring data, and switching through various graphical user interface objects (e.g., switching through various display icons linked to executable applications). As described above, the device 110 may include one or more display screens 120. These display screens may include one or both of an integrated display and an external display.

In an embodiment, the input 160 and output 170 components include a plurality of millimeter wave antennas, and at least one sensor array collocated with the plurality of millimeter wave antennas. The sensor array includes a capacitive sensor and a thermal sensor. The device may also include one or more accelerometers or other inertial sensors as one of the input components 160, and may also include other position or motion sensors.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the device 110 of fig. 1 showing the millimeter wave antenna and associated sensor array in greater detail. In the illustrated embodiment, device 210(110) includes millimeter wave transceiver 201. The transceiver 201 is selectively linked to each of the four millimeter- wave antennas 203, 205, 207, 209.

The device 210(110) similarly includes a respective sensor array 211, 213, 215, 217 collocated with each of the four millimeter wave antennas 203, 205, 207, 209 such that each sensor array 211, 213, 215, 217 is capable of sensing temperature and capacitance at or within a detection distance of the associated antenna 203, 205, 207, 209. Device processor 240 (140 in fig. 1) monitors sensor arrays 211, 213, 215, 217 in order to perform the techniques and processes described herein.

Turning to fig. 3, a flow chart of a process 300 by which the apparatus 110(210) operates in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed principles is shown. Although it should be understood that other types of mobile communication devices are suitable when appropriately configured, provided that the executing or host device is similar or analogous to that shown in fig. 1 and 2. Further, process 300 is described as it involves a single sensor array and associated antenna, but it should be understood that process 300 is performed for each array and antenna, whether performed in series or in parallel.

At stage 301 of process 300, the device executes a startup algorithm that will be discussed in more detail later with reference to FIG. 4. After startup, process 300 flows to stage 303 where the device determines whether the thermal signal is detected to have a slope (temporal thermal gradient) consistent with human motion. For example, a very gradual change may simply correspond to a change in ambient air rather than representing human movement.

If no such movement is detected at stage 303, process 300 flows to stage 305 where the device updates the local (sensor) baseline and returns to stage 303. Otherwise, if qualified movement is detected at stage 303, process 300 flows to stage 307 where the device determines whether the change in the amplitude of the detected thermal signal (thermal change amplitude) is large enough to coincide with motion within the detection distance. If not, process 300 flows to stage 305. Otherwise, process 300 flows to stage 309 where the device disables the associated millimeter wave antenna and freezes the sensor baseline. This means that it is determined that human tissue may be present within the detection distance of the antenna in question.

Then at stage 311, the device determines whether there is another slope change in the thermal signal consistent with human movement. If not, process 300 returns to stage 309. Otherwise, the process flows to stage 313 where the device determines whether the detected signal slope matches the initially detected slope (from stage 303) within a predetermined tolerance.

If the slopes match within a predetermined tolerance, the process returns to stage 309. Otherwise, process 300 moves to stage 315 where the device determines whether the amplitude variation of the detected thermal signal is similar to the originally detected amplitude variation (e.g., within a predetermined tolerance). If not, the process returns to stage 309. Otherwise, process 300 moves to stage 317 where the associated antenna is re-enabled and the process returns to stage 305.

As described above, the mobile communication device 110(210) executes the initiation algorithm at the beginning of the process 300. Turning to FIG. 4, the startup algorithm is shown in more detail. At stage 401 of process 400, the device disables multiple millimeter wave antennas on the device and then moves to stage 403 where stage 403 provides, for example, a 2-second delay to allow time for the user to remove his or her hand from the device.

The subsequent stages, whether performed in series or in parallel, are performed for each antenna and associated sensor array. At stage 405, the device determines, e.g., via its accelerometer, whether the device is placed on a desktop or other fixed surface. If so, process 400 jumps to stage 417 where it updates the sensor baseline and enables the associated antenna. Otherwise, process 400 flows to stage 407 where if the device has a capacitive sensor collocated with the antenna of interest, the process flows to stage 409. Otherwise, the process continues to stage 410.

At stage 409, it is determined whether the capacitive sensor has been triggered. If not, process 400 flows to stage 417, but otherwise to stage 411 where the device tracks the temperature sensor reading but does not update the sensor baseline. Then at stage 413, whether the device is still placed on a desktop or other stationary surface. If so, process 400 flows to stage 417. Otherwise, the process flows to stage 415 where the device determines whether the capacitive sensor has been released (i.e., no longer triggered) and that a thermal slope event has occurred, as described above, indicating human movement. If both criteria are met, process 400 flows to stage 417. Otherwise, process 400 returns to stage 411.

Returning to stage 407 and continuing at stage 410, i.e., if the thermal sensor does not have a capacitive sensor associated with it, the device updates the local (sensor) baseline. Then at stage 412, the device determines whether other local (sensor) baselines have stabilized relative to other thermal sensors associated with other antennas. If not, the process returns to stage 410, otherwise process 400 flows to stage 414 where the facility determines if the current thermal sensor reading matches the global (device-wide) average of the other thermal sensors within a predetermined tolerance. If not, process 400 returns to stage 410, otherwise process 400 flows to stage 417 to update the local (sensor) baseline and enable the associated antenna.

As a result of this process, 400 in conjunction with process 300, may disable one or more millimeter wave antennas at any given time (the device may operate using LTE until millimeter waves are available again), while other antennas remain active. Further, one of the active antennas may then be selected for use, or in embodiments, the active antennas may be multiplexed if desired. In any event, exposure to millimeter wave radiation is managed to remain within an acceptable range while allowing as much of the millimeter wave antenna system to be used as possible.

In another embodiment, one or more antennas may be throttled, or used at a reduced power setting, rather than disabled, allowing the radiated power density limit to be observed if so done. Similarly, beam steering may be used instead of disabling to avoid detected human tissue, if doing so still allows the radiation power density limit to be observed.

In an alternative embodiment of the process 300 of fig. 3, a device may instead make an enable or disable decision regarding a particular antenna of interest taking into account the status of other device antennas. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example of this alternative process 500 of millimeter wave antenna management.

The process 500 includes the first part of the process 300, but exits after stage 311 of the process 300. In particular, if it is determined at stage 311 of process 300 that there is another slope change in the thermal signal consistent with human body movement, then route a is taken, which provides an entry to process 500 of fig. 5.

At stage 501 of process 500, the device determines whether one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled. If, at stage 501, it is determined that one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled, process 500 flows to stage 509, which will be discussed below. Conversely, if it is determined at stage 501 that no other millimeter wave antennas are enabled on the device, process 500 flows to stage 503 where the device determines whether the detected slope from stage 311 of FIG. 3 is within the wide window. With respect to direction, the slope indicating the sensor temperature moving back toward the baseline coincides with user movement away from the sensor.

Here, the term "wide" refers to a less restrictive match of slope and amplitude variations to indicate that a person is not touching the device, e.g., opposite in direction to the value detected when touching the device, but not necessarily matching the absolute levels of slope and amplitude. In other words, when other millimeter wave antennas are not available, it is more desirable to re-enable the current antenna and thus use a lower threshold or a looser tolerance. This provides a more forgiving decision window for antenna release. In other words, the decision to re-enable the antenna when the associated sensor is released is made with a lower required confidence that the sensor is actually untouched. One reason for a wider window is that in this case there are no other antennas available.

If it is determined at stage 503 that the detected slope from stage 311 of FIG. 3 is not within the wide window, process 500 flows to stage 309 of process 300 via link C. Otherwise, process 500 flows to stage 505 where the device determines whether the detected thermal signal amplitude (e.g., from stage 315 of process 300) also fits within the wide window. If not, process 500 flows to link C. Otherwise, process 500 flows to stage 309 of process 300 via link B.

Returning to stage 501, if it is determined at this stage that one or more other millimeter wave antennas on the device are enabled, process 500 flows to stage 509, as described above. At stage 509, process 500 determines whether the detected slope is within a narrow window (strict window, higher threshold, high confidence level that the antenna has indeed been released). As used herein, narrow windows mean tighter amplitude and slope profile matching thresholds than wide windows, thereby enhancing a higher confidence that the user's finger has indeed been removed from the sensor and associated antenna.

The following paragraph should be placed below the "slope within narrow window" block in fig. 5. This delay feature may be enabled alone or in addition to the "slope within narrow window" when the other antenna/antennas are available and the device has been held for a long time. The wait feature is to collect more valid data while allowing the device to reach thermal equilibrium/cool after being held. This delay is an important feature (can be assumed to wait because the other antennas are operational) if the other antennas are operational and are primarily driven by an extended touch on the sensor.

A delay may also be implemented to accumulate a greater number of hot samples. This will typically enable a higher confidence decision based on the affected area of the device reaching a steady state temperature. A stricter restriction and delay before re-enabling the antenna is justified because there are other antennas that are enabled as determined at stage 501.

If it is determined at stage 509 that the detected slope is within the narrow window, the process moves to stage 511 where it is determined whether the thermal signal amplitude is within the narrow window, e.g., is a close match to the original amplitude of change. This would be the case, for example, when the user moves completely out of the detection zone. The device may keep a record of thermal changes or may compare changes to the original temperature or a global baseline across all sensors.

If the thermal signal amplitude is within the narrow window, process 500 flows to stage 317 of process 300 via element B. Otherwise, process 500 flows to stage 309 of process 300 via link C. Similarly, if instead it is determined at stage 509 that the detected slope is not within the narrow window, the process flows via element C to stage 309 of process 300, where the device disables the associated millimeter wave antenna and freezes the sensor baseline before continuing.

In this manner, the presence and status of other millimeter-wave antennas on the device may be considered in enabling or disabling another millimeter-wave antenna on the device. This enables the device to provide a more robust user experience in terms of millimeter wave communications, while still minimizing millimeter wave exposure for the user.

It should be understood that various systems and processes have been disclosed herein. In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of this disclosure may be applied, however, it should be recognized that the embodiments described herein with respect to the drawing figures are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the technology described herein contemplates all such embodiments as may come within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof.