Abstract:
According to principles of the embodiments as disclosed herein, a device that determines its own orientation and selects an appropriately oriented antenna based on the device&#39;s orientation is provided. The device may include a housing including an interior having a base and a top and a first sidewall extending from a perimeter of the base to the top. A plurality of antenna may be coupled to the housing one or more orientation sensors may also be coupled to the housing. A controller may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of antenna and the one or more orientation sensors, and may be configured to receive information from the one or more orientation sensors, determine an orientation of the housing, and select one of the plurality of antenna to transmit and receive data. A transceiver may be located within the housing and at least one of the plurality of antenna may be being electrically coupled to the antenna.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to selecting antennas for sending and receiving data and, more particularly, to selecting antennas based on the orientation of a housing to which the antennas are attached. 
         [0003]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    In-home distribution of video through satellite and cable provider equipment, such as set-top boxes, relies on a fast and robust in-home network. Such robustness is commonly provided using hard-wired connections, such as Ethernet over twisted pair or multimedia over coax (MoCA). Some houses, offices, and other buildings do not support or have the infrastructure to support such hardwired connections. 
         [0005]    Where wired connections are not practical, a wireless networking system, such as Wi-Fi, may be used to distribute video within a house or other building. Antennas in wireless systems, in particular di-pole antennas, radiate signals in a particular direction. Dipole antennas, for example, generally radiate their strongest signals in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of the di-pole antenna. A dipole antenna oriented in a vertical direction, the strongest signals are radiated outward in a generally horizontal direction, little to no signal being radiated upwards or downwards. Wireless networking systems rely, in part, on properly positioned and oriented antennas to send and receive data between devices, for example, between two set-top boxes or between a set-top box and a tablet or other handheld device. 
         [0006]    Set-top boxes use a fixed antenna within or external to the set-top box and rely on proper orientation of the set-top box to orient the antenna. For example, some set-top boxes are designed to be placed flat on a shelf, in a horizontal orientation. In such set-top boxes, the antenna for the set-top box may be oriented in a vertical orientation when the box is in a horizontal position on a shelf, but if the box is oriented in a vertical position, then the antenna may be oriented in a horizontal orientation and may radiate signals predominantly in vertical directions, which may reduce or even cut off communication between the set-top box and the rest of the wireless networking system. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    According to principles of the embodiments as disclosed herein, a device that determines its own orientation and selects an appropriately oriented antenna based on the device&#39;s orientation is provided. The device may include a housing including an interior having a base and a top and a first sidewall extending from a perimeter of the base to the top. A plurality of antenna may be coupled to the housing one or more orientation sensors may also be coupled to the housing. A controller may be electrically coupled to each of the plurality of antenna and the one or more orientation sensors, and may be configured to receive information from the one or more orientation sensors, determine an orientation of the housing, and select one of the plurality of antenna to transmit data. A transceiver may be located within the housing and at least one of the plurality of antenna may be being electrically coupled to the transceiver. 
         [0008]    A method for determining a device&#39;s own orientation and selecting an appropriately oriented antenna is also provided. The method may include receiving an indication of orientation of a housing from an orientation sensor, the housing have a plurality of antenna contained therein. The method may also include determining an orientation of the housing based on the indication of orientation, selecting a first antenna from the plurality of antenna within the enclosure based on the orientation of the housing, and electrically connecting the first antenna to a transceiver. The method may also include transmitting data on the first antenna. 
         [0009]    By including multiple antennas oriented in different orientations and sensors to determine the orientation of the set-top box, the set-top box can select appropriately oriented antennas and increase the robustness of wireless communication between the set-top box and other devices connected to the wireless networking system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility and understanding of the features. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a set-top box in a horizontal orientation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of a set-top box in a vertical orientation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a diagram of the internal and external components of a set-top box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a diagram of the internal and external components of a set-top box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing set-top boxes in multiple orientations according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with set-top boxes or antenna have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
         [0017]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” 
         [0018]    References throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0019]    The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure. 
         [0020]    The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not limit the scope or meaning of the embodiments. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a set-top box  100  is shown in two different orientations. In  FIG. 1 , the set-top box  100  is shown in a substantially horizontal orientation, while in  FIG. 2 , the set-top box  100  is shown in a substantially vertical orientation. The set-top box  100  may be oriented in a horizontal orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 , when placed, for example, on a shelf (see for example, shelf  402  in  FIG. 4 ), in an entertainment center, fireplace mantel, or otherwise on horizontal surface. The set-top box  100  includes a housing  102  that has a top  119  and a bottom  112 . The top  119  is connected to the bottom  112  by sidewalls, such as the front sidewall  110 , the backside wall  118 , the right side wall  114 , and the left side wall  116 . 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the housing  102  encloses an interior, wherein the components of the set-top box  100  are contained. The components may include audio and video encoding and decoding circuitry  154 , a remote control interface  160 , an audio/video interface  156 , network communication circuitry  158 , and other components associated with receiving, decoding, transmitting, storing, and displaying audio and video signals. For example, the set-top box  100  includes a tuner  152  that may be a tuner for over-the-air signals, a cable card device for cable TV signals, a satellite tuner for satellite signals, or another type of tuner. The set-top box  100  also includes a memory  162 . The memory may store commands and algorithms for the controller  140 , or, if the set-top box  100  includes digital video recorder (DVR) capabilities, then the memory may store television, shows, other audio/video programming, and multimedia content. 
         [0023]    The set-top box  100  also includes one or more antennas  104  for transmitting information over a wireless communications network. The set-top box  100  transmits information, such as video/video recordings, multi-media files, and broadcast television shows, among other information, to various other devices that are connected to the wireless communications network. In some embodiments, the other devices include smart phones, tablets, smart televisions, streaming media players, or other set-top boxes, such as a wireless TV receiver. As used herein, transmitting data may include one or both of sending and receiving data. 
         [0024]    The word antenna, as used herein, describes both a single antenna and a set or array of antennas. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A , a single external antenna is shown, but the set-top box  100 , shown in  FIGS. 1-3  may include several external antennas that work together or independently to transmit signals on a wireless communication network. In addition,  FIG. 3B  shows the set-top box  100  with three internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z.  Each of the antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  may be a single antenna oriented in a particular orientation or each may be a set of antennas in a particular orientation, each set being configured to work together or independently to transmit information on a wireless communication network. 
         [0025]    Multiple antennas also allow for different communication protocols and configurations. For example, multiple antennas may be hybridized to enable beam forming of the wireless signals emitted from the antennas  104   a.  In some embodiments, multiple antennas may be used in spatial streaming or in other transmission configurations. 
         [0026]    The set-top box  100  includes an external antenna  104   a  connected to the internal components of the set-top box  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the antenna  104   a  is oriented in a vertical orientation extending perpendicular to the bottom  112  and top  119  of the set-top box  100 . When in a vertical orientation, the antenna  104   a  is configured to radiate wireless communication signals in a substantially horizontal direction, in a radiation lobe that extends substantially parallel to the horizontal orientation of the set-top box  100 . The horizontal radiation of wireless communication signals provides for increased signal range and robustness in household and commercial installations as compared to orienting the antenna horizontally for vertical radiation, because in such installations other devices that may receive the wireless communication signals are generally spread out substantially horizontally from each other rather than vertically. 
         [0027]    The set-top box  100  may also be oriented in a vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 2 . The set-top box  100  may be coupled to a base  106 , which may also be a stand. In some embodiments, the base  106  may be integrally formed with the housing  102  of the set-top box  100 , for example, the left side wall  116  or right side wall  114  may act as the base  106  when the set-top box  100  is in a vertical orientation. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the base  106  may be retractably coupled to the set-top box  100 . For example, such a retractably coupled base  106  may be positionable between a retracted position in which the set-top box is configured to lie in a horizontal orientation, and an extended position, wherein the base  106  supports the set-top box  100  in a vertical orientation. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the base  106  may be detachably coupled to the set-top box  100 . For example, the base  106  shown in  FIG. 2  is detachably coupled to the set-top box  100  via holding arms  107  of the base  106 . In some embodiments, the base may be coupled to the set-top box  100  via screws, pins, or other fasteners. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the antenna  104   a  is oriented in a vertical orientation extending parallel to the bottom  112  and top  119  and perpendicular to the left side  116  and right side  114  of the housing  102  of the set-top box  100 . When in a vertical orientation, the antenna  104   a  is configured to radiate wireless communication signals in a substantially horizontal direction, for example, in a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal orientation of the set-top box  100 . If the antenna  104   a  were in the same orientation relative to the housing  102  when the housing  102  is in a vertical orientation as it is when the housing is in a horizontal orientation, then the radiation of the signals from the antenna would be compromised in one orientation versus the other. 
         [0031]    If the antenna  104   a  were a manually positionable antenna, then a customer or user of the set-top box  100  would have to position the antenna and the proper orientation each time the set-top box  100  is moved from one orientation to another. To overcome this, in one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3A , the antenna  104   a  is a motorized antenna. The motorized antenna  104   a  includes a motor  132  that is configured to change the orientation of the antenna  104   a.  In the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the motor  132  is a servo motor or a stepper motor. In some embodiments, the motor  132  is a plurality of motors each configured to change the orientation of the antenna  104   a.  For example, a first motor may be configured to rotate the antenna while a second motor may be configured to tilt the antenna. The motorized antenna  104   a  also includes an antenna position sensor  130  that is configured to sense information related to the position of the antenna  104   a.  For example, the position sensor  130  may be an encoder such as a rotary encoder. 
         [0032]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the set-top box  100  also includes one or more orientation sensors configured to aid in determining the orientation of the set-top box  100 . For example, the set-top box  100  includes an accelerometer  122 , a gyroscope  124 , and proximity sensors  128 . The accelerometer  122  measures the acceleration of the set-top box  100 . In some embodiments, the accelerometer  122  is a three-axis accelerometer that measures acceleration in three orthogonal axes and coupled to the set-top box  100  in a known orientation. 
         [0033]    The orientation of the set-top box  100  can be determined when the accelerometer is coupled to the set-top box  100  in a known orientation by measuring the direction of acceleration due to gravity relative to the set-top box  100 . For example, if the accelerometer is oriented to measure acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom  112  of the set-top box  100 , then, if acceleration is measured in that direction, the set-top box  100  would be in a substantially horizontal orientation, for example as shown in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, with a three-axis accelerometer, wherein each axis is orthogonal to each other, the direction of acceleration due to gravity can measured and the orientation of the set-top box  100  can determined even when the set-top box  100  is in a disrupted orientation, for example, if the set-top box has fallen behind a shelf and is leaning, crookedly, against a wall. 
         [0034]    The gyroscope  124  can also be used in determining the orientation of the set-top box  100 . Similar to the accelerometer  122 , if the gyroscope  124  is mounted or coupled to the set-top box  100  in a known orientation, then the gyroscope can provide information related to the orientation of the set-top box  100 . 
         [0035]    The proximity sensors  128  can also aid in determining the orientation of the set-top box  100 . For example, the set-top box  100  includes a proximity sensor  128   a.  The proximity sensor  128   a  is a limit switch that changes state based on contact with an object, such as the stand  106 . The proximity sensor  128   a  includes an actuator  129  linked to a set of contacts within the proximity sensor  128   a  such that when the base  106  is coupled to the right side  114  of the set-top box  100 , the base presses against the actuator  129  and changes the state of the proximity sensor  128 , for example, from a normally open position to a closed position. 
         [0036]    The set-top box  100  also includes a proximity sensor  128   b.  The proximity sensor  128   b  is a photoelectric sensor that is configured to detect information related to the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver. A photoelectric sensor may transmit light of a known intensity and then that light is either received by the photoelectric sensor directly or light reflected off a nearby object may be received by the photoelectric receiver. The presence, absence, or distance to an object may be determined, in part, based on the presence or absence of light received by the photoelectric receiver and the intensity of light received by the photoelectric receiver. For example, if an object is near the proximity sensor  128   b , the light reflected by the object into the photoelectric receiver may be relatively strong as compared to the light reflected by an object that is far from the proximity sensor  128   b.    
         [0037]    In some embodiments, one of the proximity sensors  128  may be configured to determine the state of a retractable base. For example, the proximity sensor may be in a first state when the stand is extended and in a second state when the stand is retracted. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the set-top box  100  may include other proximity sensors and other locations. For example, the set-top box  100  includes a proximity sensor  128   c  located at the bottom  112  of the set-top box  100 . The proximity sensor  128   c  is configured to sense information related to the proximity of an object such as a shelf or wall that is located near the bottom  112  of the set-top box  100 . 
         [0039]    The set-top box  100  includes a controller  140  that is electrically coupled to the motorized antenna  104   a  and the orientation sensors, such as the accelerometer  122 , the gyroscope  124 , and the proximity sensors  128 . The controller  140  is configured to receive orientation information from the orientation sensors and use this information to determine the orientation of the set-top box  100  and then, based on the determined orientation of the set-top box  100 , activate the motor  132  to move and reorient the antenna  104   a.  The antenna orientation sensor  130  may provide feedback to the controller  104  to aid in reorienting the antenna  104   a.    
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the set-top box  100  may determine that it is in a vertical orientation, for example as shown in  FIG. 2 , by receiving information from the proximity sensor  128   a.  In such an embodiment, when the base  106  is attached to the right side  114  of the set-top box  100 , the base  106  contacts the actuator  129  of the proximity sensor  128 , which may be a limit switch, causing the proximity sensor  128   a  to close a circuit which may be read by the controller  140 . Upon reading the state of the proximity sensor  128   a  and determining that the base  106  is attached to the set-top box  100 , the controller  140  may receive orientation information related to the orientation of the set-top box  100  from the orientation sensors and also receive antenna orientation information from the antenna orientation sensor  130 . The controller  140  may use this information to actuate the antenna motor  132  to orientate the antenna  104   a  vertically such that the antenna  104   a  radiates wireless signals horizontally out from the set-top box  100 . 
         [0041]    External antennas may be susceptible to being knocked over, re-oriented, or broken by, for example, pets or children, without the user of the set-top box  100  knowing. In such a situation, the user may just be subjected to inferior data transmission rates as a result of the misoriented antenna. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the set-top box  100  may include multiple internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y , and  104   z.  Each of the internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  are located in different locations and in different orientations within an internal cavity  101  of the set-top box  100 . For example, each of the internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  are oriented in a direction that is orthogonal to each of the other internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z.  In particular, the internal antenna  104   x  is oriented in an orientation that is perpendicular to the left side wall  116 , the internal antenna  104   y  is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the bottom  112  of the set-top box  100 , and the internal antenna  104   z  is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the front surface  110  of the set-top box  100 . In such an embodiment, with three orthogonal internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z , at least one of the internal antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  is oriented in a vertical direction, no matter which surface or side of the set-top box  100  it is set on. For example, when the set-top box  100  is oriented substantially horizontally as shown in  FIG. 1 , the antenna  104   y  is in a vertical orientation, while if the set-top box  100  is oriented vertically, for example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , then the antenna  104   x  is oriented vertically, and if the set-top box  100  is resting on either its front or back, then the antenna  104   z  is oriented vertically. 
         [0042]    The set-top box  100 , shown in  FIG. 3B  includes a controller  140  that is electrically coupled to the antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  and the orientation sensors, such as the accelerometer  122 , the gyroscope  124 , and the proximity sensors  128 . The controller  140  is configured to receive orientation information from the orientation sensors and use this information to determine the orientation of the set-top box  100  and then, based on the determined orientation of the set-top box  100 , choose one of the antennas  104   x ,  104   y ,  104   z  for transmitting and receiving data. The controller  140  may select one of the antennas  104  by electrically coupling the antennas  104  to a transceiver  144  via a switch  142 . In some embodiments, the set-top box  100  may include multiple transceivers  144  and multiple switches  142 . In such embodiments, each transceiver can be connected to each of the antennas. 
         [0043]    By way of example, the set-top box  100  may determine that it is in a vertical orientation, for example as shown in  FIG. 2 , by receiving information from the proximity sensor  128   a.  In such an embodiment, when the base  106  is attached to the right side  114  of the set-top box  100 , the base  106  contacts the actuator  129  of the proximity sensor  128 , which may be a limit switch, causing the proximity sensor  128   a  to close a circuit which may be read by the controller  140 . Upon reading the state of the proximity sensor  128   a  and determining that the base  106  is attached to the set-top box  100 , the controller  140  changes the state of the switch  142  such that the transceiver  144  is electrically coupled to the antenna  104   x , which is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the right side  114  of the set-top box  100 . Therefore, the antenna  104   x  would be oriented vertically and radiate wireless signals horizontally out from the set-top box  100 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the controller  140  uses the proximity sensors to determine the presence or absence of nearby obstructions. Nearby objects such as a wall or a shelf may have a negative effect on the antennas  104  located within the set-top box  100  because antennas located very near objects or obstructions, such as a wall, may have reduced signal strength. Therefore, the set-top box  100  may include two different antennas  104   z , a first antenna located near the bottom  112  and a second antenna that is located near the top  119  of the set-top box  100 . In such an embodiment, should the set-top box  100  be mounted to a wall, the proximity sensor  128   c , which is located at the bottom  112  of the set-top box  100 , aids in detecting the presence of the wall. The controller  140 , determining that the base  106  of the set-top box  100  is nearest the wall may then select the second antenna  104   z  that is located near the top of the set-top box  100  and furthest away from the wall. 
         [0045]    The set-top box  100  also includes a wired communication system  150  coupled to the controller  100 . The wired communication system  150  includes wired network communication capabilities via the network communication circuitry  158  and audio and video reception and transmission capabilities via the audio and video encoding and decoding circuitry  154 , the audio/video interface  156 , and the tuner  152 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 4  the wired communication system  150  may connect the set-top box  100  to a television  404  via an A/V cable  410 . The wired communication system  150  may also connect the set-top box  100  to a satellite or cable communication system via a coaxial cable  414 . 
         [0047]    The orientation sensors can also be used in troubleshooting wireless communications problems with the set-top box  100  or between the set-top box  100  and other devices on a wireless communications network, for example, other set-top boxes  202 ,  204 . For example, if the set-top box  100  is knocked over and is sitting in an unconventional orientation, none of the antennas  104  within the set-top box  100  may be oriented in a vertical orientation. In such a case, the controller  140  may determine that the set-top box  100  is in the unusual orientation, and then send an audio or video signal through the cable  410  to the television  404  to inform the user of the orientation problems with the set-top box  100  by displaying a message on the television  404 . 
         [0048]    The set-top box  100  may also communicate such orientation issues to a network or satellite system operator via the coaxial connection  414  to the cable network or satellite network. In such an embodiment, a customer service agent or system may receive the orientation information from the set-top box  100  and then inform the user of the problems and aid in re-orienting the set-top box  100  in a suitable orientation. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the set-top box  100  communicates with one or more other set-top boxes, for example, set-top box  202  and set-top box  204 . Usually the other set-top boxes  202  and  204  will be in different rooms from the transmitting set-top box  100 , but that is not required. They are shown as being in the same room for ease of reference. In such an embodiment, the set-top box  100  may function as an access point and distribute A/V or other information to the other set-top boxes  202 ,  204 . In some embodiments, the set-top box  100  may distribute the information using an air time fairness protocol in which the amount of time the set-top box  100  communicates to each of the other set-top boxes  202  is divided equally among the other set-top boxes  202 ,  204 , during normal operation. In an embodiment wherein the orientation of one of the set-top boxes, for example, the set-top box  202 , is disturbed, the orientation of the antenna  203  of the set-top box  202  may not be vertical and the rate at which the set-top box  100  is able to transmit data to the set-top box  202  may be significantly impaired. When this occurs, the set-top box  100  may notify the user of the orientation problems with the set-top box  202  and its antenna  203  by, for example, displaying a message on the television  404 , or sending a message to the screen of another device that is connected to the wireless communications networks, such as a smart phone or tablet. 
         [0050]    If, in addition to having data communication problems with the set-top box  202 , the set-top box  204  is also demanding higher data rates than can be provided when splitting the air time between the set-top box  202  and the set-top box  204 , then the setup box  100  may cut off communication with the external box  202  to free up additional air time to meet the communication demands of the set-top box  204 . 
         [0051]    The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.