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`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`
`
`August 21, 2001
` THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED HERETO IS A TRUE COPY FROM
`
`
`
`
`THE RECORDS OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK
`OFFICE OF THOSE PAPERS OF THE BELOW IDENTIFIED PATENT
`
`
`APPLICATION THAT NET THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE GRANTED A
`FILING DATE UNDER 35 USC 111.
`
` APPLICATION NUMBER: 09/612,034
`
`
`FILING DATE: July 07, 2000
`PCT APPLICATION NUIVIBER: PCT/US01/41059
`
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`COMPLIANCE WITH RULE l7. [(8) OR (b)
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`SUBMITTED OR TRANSMITTED IN
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`Page 1 of 29
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`Page 2 of 29
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`
`
`APPLICATION FOR
`
`UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
`
`SPECIFICATION
`
`TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
`
`Be It known that DAVID R. IRVIN. a citizen of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
`
`residing at 1546 lredell Drive, Raleigh, in the State of Nofih Carolina, GERARD J. HAYES. a
`
`citizen of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, residingI: at 209 Lilliput Lane, Wake Forest, in the
`
`State of North Carolina, and NILS R. RYDBECK, a citizen of SWEDEN,
`
`residing at 202
`
`Ruthergien, Cary. in ihe State of North Carolina, have invented a new and useful PORTABLE
`
`COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH RF OUTPUT POWER CAPPED WHEN THE DEVICE OPERATES
`
`IN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A HUMAN BODY of which the following is a specification.
`
`CERTIFICATEOFMAILING BY "EXPRESMAJL"
`
`'Expms Mail“ Mailing Lnbcl Number EMT/8839008US
`
`Anne Haggai"
`
`Dale of Deposit: Iuly 7, 2000
`
`I heraby comfy that Ihil paper or fee is being deposited
`with the United Stains Poem] Sci-Vic: 'Express Mail Post
`Office lo Addmmc' service under 35 CFR 1.10 on tho
`due indicaled above and is addressed to the Assistant
`Commiuionar for Pam. Washington. D.c. 20231.
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`
`
`
`
`II.IL'CL[i1'""IIIIn?Kl)E‘i"III‘55?If:iii
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`1,.
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`
`Page 3 of 29
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`Page 3 of 29
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`.
`
`l
`
`PATENT
`1280. 00 187
`
`P11715-USI
`
`PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH RF OUTPUT POWER
`CAPPED WHEN THE DEVICE OPERATES
`IN VERY CLOSE PROXHVIITY TO A HUMAN BODY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`5
`
`This invention relates to a mobile terminal used in a wireless communication
`
`system and, more particularly, to a mobile temiinal operable to limit transmitter power if
`
`proximate a human body.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`A mobile terminal used in wireless communication systems, such as cellular
`
`5‘“
`2};
`
`:1“
`
`_; 10
`
`telephone systems, is generally a portable device.
`
`In fact, mobile terminals are becoming
`
`:3
`
`1:
`'"Li
`
`f
`
`small enough to fit into a user‘s pocket, and therefore be very close to the user's body. The
`
`mobile terminal includes a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal through
`
`the air.
`
`In a cellular communication system the mobile terminal conducts radio
`
`IS
`
`communications with a base station located proximate the mobile terminal. Cellular
`
`.
`
`communication systems include control systems for limiting power. Typically, the base
`station instnlcts the mobile terminal to use the least power to avoid interference with other
`
`mobile terminals. The base station does so by measuring signal strength and returning
`
`instructions to the mobile terminal to modify transmitter power output.
`
`Page 4 of 29
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`Page 4 of 29
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`.
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`2
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`PATENT
`1280.00187
`Pll7lS-USl
`
`While conducting a voice call, the mobile terminal is placed in a "talk"
`
`position next to the user's head. Although there is no basis for concerns regarding an antenna
`
`being proximate the user, for psychological comfort the user can hold the mobile temiinal
`
`spaced away or at an angle so that the antenna is farther from the user's head. Mobile
`
`terminals are also used to provide wireless connection for personal computers and the like to
`
`gain access to the Internet. With smaller mobile terminals the user might slip the mobile
`
`terminal into a shirt pocket or the like while the call is being conducted.
`
`Again, to provide psychological comfort regarding RF transmitters being very
`
`close to a human body, there is a need to control RF power output under such situations.
`
`10
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the invention, there is provided a mobile terminal that caps
`
`or limits RF power output when the mobile terminal is very close to the user, and yet permit
`
`the mobile terminal to operate without a power cap otherwise.
`
`Broadly, there is disclosed herein a portable communication device operable
`
`15
`
`to limit transmitter power if proximate a human body. The device includes a housing. A
`
`transmitter in the housing is connected to an antenna. A detector detects if the housing is
`
`proximate a human body. A control is operatively connected to the transmitter and to the
`
`detector. The control controls transmitter powar and limits transmitter power ifthe detector
`
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`Page 5 of 29
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`Page 5 of 29
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`IE}!"'En:ElIE?r231"‘95}!153:5$.13 ’5'
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`
`.
`
`3
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`
`P11715-USI
`
`detects that the housing is proximate a human body.
`
`It is a feature ofthe invention that the transmitter is connected to the antenna
`
`through a circulator and the detector senses reflected power fi'om the circulator.
`
`It is another feature of the invention that the transmitter is connected to the
`
`antenna through a directional coupler and the detector measures voltage standing wave ratio
`
`using the directional coupler.
`
`It
`
`is a timber feature of the invention that
`
`the control comprises a
`
`programmed processor and the detector is implemented by the programmed processor.
`
`It is yet another feature ofthe invention that the detector comprises a photo
`
`detector proximate an opening in the housing. The photo detector is proximate a speaker
`
`opening in the housing so that ifthe device is in a "talk" position next to a user‘s head, then
`
`amount of light at the photo detector decreases.
`
`It is still another feature ofthe invention that the detector comprises a touch-
`
`sensitive detection circuit. The detection circuit comprises a conductive element proximate
`
`speaker openings in the housing so that ifa device is in a "talk" position next to a user's head,
`
`then the conductive element is in contact with the user‘s head.
`
`It is still a further feature of the invention that the portable communication
`
`device comprises an AMPS mobile terminal and the controller resets a mobile attenuation
`
`code ifthe detector detects that the housing is proximate a human body.
`
`llit‘.’if]
`
`EM
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`H 0!
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`Page 6 of 29
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`Page 6 of 29
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`4
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`PATENT
`128000187
`P11715-USI
`
`It is still an additional feature of the invention that the control integrates
`
`transmitter power if the detector detects that the housing is proximate a human body and
`
`limits transmitter power after the integrated transmitter power exceeds a select threshold.
`
`There is disclosed in accordance with another aspect ofthe invention a mobile
`
`5
`
`terminal used in a wireless communication system and operable to limit transmitter power if
`
`proximate a human body. The mobile terminal includes a housing. A transmitter in the
`
`housing is connected to an antenna. The transmitter has a power control loop controlling
`
`transmitter power. A detector detects ifthe housing is proximate a human body. A control
`
`is operatively connected to the transmitter power control loop and to the detector, the
`
`control limiting transmitter power if the detector detects that the housing is proximate a
`
`human body.
`
`Further features and advantages ofthe invention will be readily apparent from
`
`the specification and from the drawings.
`
`.rriElli
`
`"IliliiES"E"‘Ei.’i? 10
`
`
`
`
`
`Elllift.iriIE1]at:lilill‘”"hr5'
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`15
`
`Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with the
`
`.
`
`invention;
`
`Fig. 2 is a general block diagram of the mobile terminal ofFig. I specifically
`
`illustrating the power limiting feature of the invention;
`
`Page 7 of 29
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`Page 7 of 29
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`.
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`5
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`Pll715-USl
`
`Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a program implemented in the processor
`
`of Fig. 1 for limiting transmitter power output;
`
`Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a program implemented in the processor
`
`of Fig. l, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, for limiting
`
`5
`
`transmitter power output;
`
`Fig. 5 is a block diagram, similar to Fig. 2, illustrating a detector according to
`
`a first embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 6 is a block diagram, similar to Fig. 2, illustrating a detector according to
`
`a second embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of a mobile terminal including a detector
`
`according to a third embodiment of the invention;
`
`Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 ofFig. 7;
`
`Fig. 9 is a fiont elevation view of a mobile terminal including a detector
`
`according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and
`
`Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 ofFig. 9.
`
`.. 0
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Fig. l is a block diagram of a typical mobile terminal shown generally at 10.
`
`The mobile terminal includes a housing 11, an antenna 12, a receiver 16, a transmitter 18, a
`
`
`
`
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`
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`Page 8 of 29
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`Page 8 of 29
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`4
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`6
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`PATENT
`1280.00187
`
`P11715-US]
`
`speaker 20, a processor 22, a memory 24, a user interface 26 and a microphone 32. The
`
`antenna 12 is mounted to and can be extended from the housing 11. Alternatively, the
`
`antenna 12 could be internal to the housing 11. The antenna 12 is configured to send and
`
`receive radio signals between the mobile terminal 10 and a wireless network (not shown),
`
`such as a cellular communications system. The antenna 12 is connected to a duplex filter 14
`
`which enables the receiver 16 and the transmitter 18 to receive and broadcast, respectively,
`
`on the same antenna 12. The receiver 16 demodulates, demultiplexes and decodes the radio
`
`signals into one or more channels. Such channels includes a control channel and a traffic
`
`channel for speech or data. The speech or data are delivered to the speaker 20 (or other
`
`10
`
`15
`
`output device, such as a modem or fax connector).
`
`The receiver 16 delivers messages from the control channel to the processor
`
`22. The processor 22 controls and coordinates the fimctioning of the mobile terminal 10
`
`responsive to messages on the control channel using programs and data stored in the memory
`
`24, so that the mobile terminal 10 can operate within the wireless network. The processor
`
`22 also controls the operation of the mobile terminal 10 responsive to input from the user
`
`interface 26. The user interface 26 includes a keypad 28 as a user-input device and a display
`
`30 to give the user information. Other devices are frequently included in the user interface
`
`26, such as lights and special purpose buttons. The processor 22 controls the operations of
`
`the transmitter 18 and the receiver 16 over control lines 34 and 36, respectively, responsive
`
`
`
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`
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`Page 9 of 29
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`Page 9 of 29
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`7
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`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USl
`
`to control messages and user input.
`The microphone 32 (or other data input device) receives speech signal input
`
`and converts the input into analog electrical signals. The analog electrical signals are
`
`delivered to the transmitter 18. The transmitter 18 converts the analog electrical signals into
`
`digital data, encodes the data with error-detection and correction infomation and multiplexes
`
`this data with control messages from the processor 22. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10
`
`may be connected to a laptop computer or the like which transfers digital signals to the
`
`transmitter 18. The transmitter 18 modulates this combined data stream and broadcasts the
`
`resultant radio signals to the wireless network through the duplex filter 14 and the antenna
`
`H 0
`
`] 2.
`
`In accordance with the invention, the mobile terminal 10 includes a proximity
`
`detector 38 for detecting ifthe housing 1 l, and thus antenna 12, is proximate a human body.
`
`The detector 38 is operatively connected to the processor 22. The processor 22 operates in
`
`accordance with a control program, as described more specifically below, to limit or cap
`
`r— LII
`
`transmitter power output if the antenna 12 is proximate a human body. Particularly, the
`power is capped, rather than reduced, so that a power control loop operates properly when
`
`the expected transmitter power falls below the cap even though the antenna 12 is proximate
`
`the user.
`
`Referring to Fig. 2, a block diagram illustrates the power limiting aspect ofthe
`
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`Page 10 of 29
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`Page 10 of 29
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`.
`
`s
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`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USI
`
`invention. Particularly, the transmitter 18 is expanded to generally illustrate a power control
`
`loop 40 for controlling transmitter power output. A baseband block 42 generates an RF
`
`signal to be transmitted. The RF signal is provided to an RF driver stage 44. The RF driver
`
`stage 44 supplies sufficient signal level to a power amplifier 46. The power amplifier 46
`
`amplifies the signal and provides it to the antenna 12.
`
`The driver stage 44 and power amplifier 46 are operatively connected to the
`
`processor 22. The processor 22 conventionally controls operation ofthe driver stage 44 and
`
`power amplifier 46 to control transmitter power output.
`
`In an advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), for example, the base station
`
`with which the mobile terminal 10 is communicating transmits a mobile attenuation code
`
`(MAC) identifying one of eight power levels. The processor 22 controls the power control
`
`loop 40 so that power output satisfies the MAC.
`
`In accordance with the invention,
`
`the processor 22 implements a logic
`
`function so that ifthe proximity detector 38 senses that the antenna 12 is proximate the user,
`
`then the processor 22 establishes a power level cap that the power amplifier 46 is not
`
`pemritted to exceed. For example, in an AMPS mobile terminal, mobile attenuation codes
`
`000, 001, 010 and 011 could be reset to 100 if the antenna 12 is near the user. This
`
`establishes a IOO-milfiwatt power cap on the power amplifier 46. The other mobile
`
`attenuation codes, i. e., 100, 101, 110 and 111, would be processed unaltered, regardless of
`
`'ii*3!5211?}!
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`Page 11 of 29
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`Page 11 of 29
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`.
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`.
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`9
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`PATENT
`1280.00187
`
`P11715-USl
`
`proximity to the user, asthe power output amounts generated from these codes are less than
`
`the cap.
`
`As is apparent, the power limiting feature of the invention is not limited to
`
`AMPS mobile temiinals. This feature can be used with other types of mobile terminals by
`
`limiting transmitter power output using codes or commands particular to the particular type
`
`mobile terminal.
`
`In a first aspect ofthe invention, the processor 22 intervenes instantaneously
`
`in the power control loop 40, Thus, as soon as proximity is detected by the detector 38, then
`
`transmit power is capped. This is illustrated in the flow diagram ofFig. 3.
`
`The flow diagram begins at a block 50 that checks proximity using the
`
`proximity detector 38. A decision block 52 determines ifthe antenna 12 is proximate a user.
`If not, then a decision block 54 determines if power was previously capped. If not, then
`control loops back to the block 50. If so, then the power cap is undone at a block 56 and
`
`control then loops back to the block 50.
`
`Ifthe antenna 12 is proximate the user, as determined at the decision block
`
`52, then a decision block 58 determines if power is greater than a select threshold. The
`threshold can be a factory-set value or user—set value that defines the power cap.
`In the
`
`example discussed above, thethreshold is 100 milliwatts, represented by MAC 100. prower
`is not greater than the threshold, then it is not necessary to limit or cap power output and
`
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`Page 12 of 29
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`Page 12 of 29
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`.
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`10
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`
`P11715-USl
`
`control loops back to the block 50. If power is greater than the threshold, then power is
`
`capped at a block 60. The power is capped by reducing the power command signals to the
`
`driver stage 44 and/or the power amplifier 46, see Fig. 2. Control then loops back to the
`
`block 50.
`
`In accordance with a second aspect ofthe invention power is integrated as by
`
`accumulating sample values over time before the processor 22 intervenes. In this aspect of
`
`the invention, energy, represented by power over a specified integration interval, is the
`
`driving factor rather than power. This aspect is illustrated by the flow diagram of Fig. 4.
`
`The flow diagram begins at a block 70 which awaits transmitter activity along
`
`with a decision block 72. If there is no activity, then control continually loops between the
`
`block 70 and the decision block 72. If there is transmitter activity, then a block 74 starts a
`
`clock. The clock is used to set a specified integration interval. A block 76 performs the
`
`integration by accumulating the product of power and time. A decision block 78 determines
`
`if the accumulated amount is greater than a select threshold. If so, then power is capped at
`
`15
`
`a block 80 and the routine ends. If the accumulated amount is not greater than the select
`
`threshold, then a decision block 82 determines if the transmitter is active. Ifnot, then the
`
`clock and accumulator are reset at a block 84 and control loops back to the block 70. Ifthe
`
`transmitter is active, then a decision block 86 determines if the loop has reached the end of
`
`a time-based interval. Ifnot, then control loops back to block 76 to continue the integration
`
`
`
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`
`Page 13 of 29
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`Page 13 of 29
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`.
`
`ll
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`Pll7lS-US]
`
`fimction. If so, then the accumulator is reset at a block 88 and control loops back to the
`
`block 76 to begin another integration interval.
`
`The block diagram of Fig. 2 is a functional diagram illustrating power
`
`limitation in accordance with the invention. Specific embodiments for detecting proximity
`
`are illustrated below relative to Figs. 5-10. Elements corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are
`
`identified with like reference numerals and are not described in detail.
`
`Referring initially to Fig. 5, it is known that close proximity to the user's body
`
`detunes the mobile terminal's antenna 12.
`
`In this embodiment a circulator 90 is connected
`
`between the power amplifier 46 and the antenna 12. Reflected power from the circulator 90
`
`is measured by the processor 22. The processor 22 compares reflected power with a select
`
`threshold. When reflected power exceeds the select threshold, then the processor 22 detects
`
`that the antenna 12 is proximate a human body.
`
`Referring to Fig. 6, a functional block diagram illustrates a second
`
`
`
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`embodiment for proximity detection. In the embodiment ofFig. 6, the power amplifier 46 is
`
`t—- (J!
`
`connected to the antenna )2 through directional couplers 92. The directional couplers are
`
`operatively connected to the processor 22. The processor 22 measures the voltage standing
`
`wave ratio (VSWR) using the directional couplers 92. When the VSWR exceeds a select
`
`threshold, then the processor 22 detects that the antenna 12 is proximate a human body. The
`
`VSWR is computed in accordance with the following:
`
`Page 14 of 29
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`Page 14 of 29
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`
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`'
`
`12
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`midi] P,
`VI-Vl
`l %
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`
`Pll7lS-USI
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`(1)
`
`where VF is forward voltage, VR is reflected voltage, PF is forward power and PR is reflected
`
`power.
`
`In either embodiment ofFig. 5 or Fig. 6, the processor 22 controls the power
`
`control loop 40 by establishing a power level cap that the power amplifier 46 is not permitted
`
`to exceed, as discussed above relative to Figs. 3 and 4.
`
`Referring to Fig. 7, the mobile terminal housing 11 includes openings 94 for
`
`the speaker 20, see Fig. 1, and an opening 96 for a photodetector 98. I As shown in Fig. 8,
`
`the speaker 20 and photo detector 98 are mounted to a printed circuit board 100 in the
`
`housing ll.
`
`
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`
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`The photo detector 98 uses a photo-conductive element, such as cadmium
`
`selwide, whose electrical resistance decreases as incident illumination increases. The change
`
`in resistance can be detected by the processor 22, see Fig. l, to fimction as a proximity ‘
`
`detector.
`
`15
`
`The photo detector opening 96 allows light to pass through the housing 1 l to
`
`the photo detector 98, as shown generally in Fig. 8. When the mobile temiinal 10 is placed
`
`Page 15 of 29
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`Page 15 of 29
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`,
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`13
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`PATENT
`1280.00 l 87
`puns-051
`
`in the "talk" position next to the user's head, then the amount of light to the photo detector
`
`98 decreases. The detection of this decrease in light, representing proximity of the housing
`
`11 to a human body, can be used by the processor 22 to cap or limit output power, as
`
`discussed above. With the exception of total darkness, there is always a decrease in light
`
`when the phone is placed next to the user's head. As is apparent, if the housing 11 is
`
`proximate the user’s head, then the antenna 12 is also proximate the user’s head.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`the embodiment of Fig. 7 may be operable to detect the
`
`presence of a user by incorporating a photo-conductive element that is sensitive to infrared,
`
`i. e., the thermal output of a user.
`
`Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the mobile terminal 10 uses proximity detection
`
`in accordance with a fourth embodiment ofthe invention. The housing includes a conductive
`
`element 102 surrounding the speaker openings 94.
`
`In the illustrated embodiment of the
`
`invention, the conductive element 102 is a metallic ring. The ring 102 is connected to a
`
`touch-sensitive detection circuit 104 mounted on the printed circuit board 100. When the
`
`mobile terminal 10 is placed in the "talk" position next to the user's head, then the metallic
`
`ring 102 comes in contact with the user's ear. The touch-sensitive detection circuit 104
`
`senses this change in contact and sends a signal to the processor 22 for capping or limiting
`
`power output, as discussed above.
`
`Thus,
`
`in accordance with the invention a proximity detector and logic
`
`
`
`15
`
`Page 16 of 29
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`Page 16 of 29
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`’
`
`14
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USI
`
`fimctions are used for capping or limiting transmitted power output responsive to an
`
`indication of close proximity to a human body.
`
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`Page 17 of 29
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`Page 17 of 29
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`PATENT
`1280.001 87
`P1 l715-USl
`
`.
`
`WE CLAIM:
`
`15
`
`CLAIMS
`
`l.
`
`A portable communication device operable to limit transmitter power
`
`2
`
`if proximate a human body, comprising:
`
`an antenna
`
`4
`
`'ll
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`G
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`5 l 5
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`a transmitter connected to the antenna;
`
`a detector for detecting if the antenna is proximate a human body; and
`
`a control operatively connected to the transmitter and to the detector, the
`
`control controlling transmitter power and limiting transmitter power ifthe detector detects
`
`that the antenna is proximate a human body.
`
`of“:i
`
`:2
`22‘:3::
`
`=3 2
`:3
`:3
`
`2.
`
`Therportable communication device ofclaim 1 wherein the transmitter
`
`is connected to the antenna through a circulator and the detector senses reflected power from
`
`the circulator.
`
`3.
`
`The portable communication device ofclaim .1 wherein the transmitter
`
`. 2
`
`is connected to the antemia through a directional coupler and the detector measures voltage
`
`standing wave ratio using the directional coupler.
`
`Page 18 of 29
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`Page 18 of 29
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`
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USI
`
`16
`
`4.
`
`The portable communication device of claim 1 wherein the control
`
`comprises a programmed processor and the detector is implemented by the programmed
`
`processor.
`
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`
`5.
`
`The portable communication device of claim l further comprising a
`
`housing and wherein the detector comprises a photo detector proximate an opening in the
`
`housing.
`
`6.
`
`The portable communication device of claim 5 wherein the photo
`
`detector is proximate a speaker opening in the housing so that if the device is in a talk
`
`position next to a users head, then amount of light at the photo detector decreases.
`
`7.
`
`The portable communication device of claim 1
`
`further comprising a
`
`housing and wherein the detector comprises a touch-sensitive detection circuit.
`
`8;
`
`The portable communication device of claim 7 wherein the detection
`
`circuit comprises a conductive element. proximate speaker openings so that ifthe device is in
`
`a talk position next to a users heed, then the conductive element is in contact with the users
`
`head.
`
`Page 19 of 29
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`Page 19 of 29
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`
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USl
`
`17
`
`9.
`
`The portable communication device of claim 1 wherein the portable
`
`communication device comprises a cellular mobile terminal and the control resets a mobile
`
`attenuation code if the detector detects that the antenna is proximate a human body.
`
`10.
`
`The portable communication device of claim 1 wherein the control
`
`integrates transmitter power ifthe detector detects that the antenna is proximate a human
`
`body and limits transmitter power after the integrated transmitter power exceeds a select
`
`threshold.
`
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`Page 20 of 29
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`Page 20 of 29
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`
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`I
`
`18
`
`PATENT
`12800018?
`Pll715-USl
`
`11.
`
`A mobile terminal used in a wireless communication system and
`
`operable to limit transmitter power if proximate a human body, comprising:
`
`an antenna;
`
`a housing;
`
`a transmitter in the housing connected to the antenna, the transmitter having
`
`a power control loop controlling transmitter power;
`
`a detector for detecting if the antenna is proximate a human body; and
`
`a control operatively connected to the transmitter power control loop and to
`
`the detector, the control limiting transmitter power if the detector detects that the antenna is
`
`proximate a human body.
`
`12.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the transmitter is connected
`
`to the antenna through a circulator and the detector senses reflected power from the
`
`circulator.
`
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`it'llits$13it'll«if:Ell“'"iiiE:if]if!'lll'iii!a.
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`13.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the transmitter is connected
`
`to the antenna through a directional coupler and the detector measures voltage standing wave
`
`ratio using the directional coupler.
`
`Page 21 of 29
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`Page 21 of 29
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`
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`I
`
`19
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-US]
`
`14.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the control comprises a
`
`programmed processor and the detector is implemented by the programmed processor.
`
`15.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 1] wherein the detector comprises a
`
`photo detector proximate an opening in the housing.
`
`16.
`
`The mobile terminal of ctaim l5 wherein the photo detector is
`
`proximate a speaker opening in the housing so that it'the device is in a talk position next to
`
`a users head, then amount of light at the photo detector decreases.
`
`17.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the detector comprises a
`
`touch-sensitive detection circuit.
`
`18.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 17 wherein the detection circuit
`
`comprises a conductive element proximate speaker openings in the housing so that if the
`
`device is in a talk position next to a users head, then the conductive element is in contact with
`
`the users head.
`
`
`
`
`
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`Page 22 of 29
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`Page 22 of 29
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`.
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`20
`
`PATENT
`1280.00187
`P11715-USl
`
`19.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the mobile terminal
`
`2
`
`comprises a cellular mobile terminal and the control resets a mobile attenuation code if the
`
`detector detects that the antenna is proximate a human body.
`
`20.
`
`The mobile terminal of claim 11 wherein the control integrates
`
`2
`
`transmitter power if the detector detects that the antenna is proximate a human body and
`
`limits transmitter power afier the integrated transmitter power exceeds a select threshold.
`
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`Page 23 of 29
`
`Page 23 of 29
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`
`
`PATENT
`12 80.001 87
`P11715-USl
`
`21
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A mobile terminal used in a wireless communication system is operable to
`
`limit transmitter power if proximate a human body. The mobile terminal includes a housing.
`
`Atransmitter in the housing is connected to an antenna. The transmitter has a power control
`
`loop controlling transmitter power. A detector detects if the housing is proximate a human
`
`body. A control is operatively connected to the transmitter power control loop and to the
`
`detector, the control limiting transmitter power if the detector detects that the housing is
`
`proximate a human body.
`
`.
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`Page 24 of 29
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`Page 24 of 29
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`TRANSMITTER
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`Page 25 of 29
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`Page 25 of 29
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`Page 26 of 29
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`Page 26 of 29
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`Page 27 of 29
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`Page 27 of 29
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`Page 28 of 29
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`Page 28 of 29
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`Page 29 of 29
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`Page 29 of 29
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