Patent ID: 7973714
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a beam switching antenna system including an antenna element installed at a mobile communication terminal for forming a beam, conductive reflectors for reflecting the beam, and ground switches for applying a reference voltage to the-conductive reflectors, the method comprising: forming the beam from the antenna element surrounded by a dielectric body, the dielectric body including circumferential planar surfaces corresponding to the conductive reflectors; and imparting the formed beam with a predetermined beam pattern by controlling the ground switches in accordance with an operational state of the mobile communication terminal, wherein imparting the formed beam comprises: if the operational state is a traffic mode, imparting the formed beam with a directional beam pattern by closing at least one of the ground switches to apply the reference voltage to at least one of the conductive reflectors so that the formed beam is controlled to direct away from a user of the mobile communication terminal; and if the operational state is an idle mode, imparting the formed beam with a non-directional beam pattern by opening all of the ground switches, and wherein the directional beam pattern is controlled in width and amplitude by selectively closing the at least one of the ground switches.