Antenna device, method and program for controlling directivity of the antenna device, and communications apparatus

The present invention relates to an antenna device and enables the directivity of an antenna element to be changed without affecting the resonance frequency of the antenna element. The antenna device comprises a first grounded conductor, an antenna element mounted on the first grounded conductor via an insulator, a second grounded conductor disposed separate from the first grounded conductor, and a changing unit for changing directivity of the antenna element by adding the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or canceling the addition thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an antenna device using a planar or other antenna, and, more particularly, to an antenna device for changing antenna directivity depending on the inclination of the enclosure, etc. of a radio communications apparatus such as a mobile communications terminal apparatus, as well as to a directivity control method and the communications apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

While, among recent mobile communications terminal apparatuses, those incorporating a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna and GPS receiver and performing positioning by receiving radio wave from GPS satellite have become widespread, performance enhancement of the incorporated antenna is hoped for in order to improve positioning accuracy.

Conventional GPS planar antenna incorporated in a mobile communications terminal apparatus will be described with reference toFIG. 1. A mobile terminal2, equipped with first and second main body portions4and6, has the main body portions4and6joined with a hinge portion8to allow opening and closing. That is, if the main body portion4is a fixed portion, the other main body6is a movable portion. There is provided a communications antenna10on the side of the main body portion4, whereas there is provided a GPS planar antenna12on the side of the main body portion6. The planar antenna12is mounted on a ground pattern portion16, a grounded conductor on the surface portion of a printed board14incorporated in the main body portion6. The ground pattern portion16is provided on one side of the printed board14so as to cover the entire surface thereof. In this case, there is mounted a display device18on the rear side of the printed board.

Thus, in the case of the planar antenna12provided on the main body portion6, an antenna radiation pattern20is formed having a central axis in the orthogonal direction to the surface of the ground pattern portion16. Gain is high in the direction shown by an arrow22having the antenna radiation pattern20at the center, allowing radio wave to be readily radiated. On the other hand, gain tends to be low on the rear side of the planar antenna12and on the upper (U) and lower (B) sides of the main body portion6.

The planar antenna12is used in the mobile terminal2as GPS receive antenna because GPS radio wave transmitted from satellites is circular polarized—a system difficult to be dependent on antenna reception angle—and circular polarized antenna is advantageous for GPS radio wave reception, allowing the planar antenna12to be highly efficient and provide high gain.

However, the circular polarized planar antenna12is highly directive with radiation pattern concentrated in a specific direction, resulting in gain in the opposite direction tending to be low. If the planar antenna12is provided in the mobile terminal2or other, angular change with respect to the incoming direction of radio wave affects positioning accuracy. That is, since the planar antenna12is remarkably directive, there are angles in which radio wave is strongly and properly received and those in which radio wave is difficult to receive, resulting in low reception sensitivity and deteriorated positioning accuracy depending on the angle during use.

Among patent documents related to such an antenna are Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication Nos. 08-279711 and 10-190347.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 08-279711 discloses an antenna device that requires no vertical plane directivity adjustment by automatically pointing the beam in a specific direction irrespective of the usage condition of the mobile terminal. The antenna device comprises, in an antenna device attached to a mobile terminal, an array antenna attached to the mobile terminal cover, phase shifting means connected to the array antenna for adjusting the antenna beam direction and angle detection means connected to the phase shifting means for detecting the angle formed between the mobile terminal main body and cover and is configured to change the phase shift of the phase shifting means depending on the detection results of the phase detection means so as to adjust the antenna beam to a desired direction.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 10-190347 discloses a patch antenna device capable of handling a plurality of frequencies. The patch antenna device has a conductive member on the surface of a dielectric substrate shaped into a basic patch portion and additional patch portions. The anode of a PIN diode is connected to one of the patch portions, whereas the cathode is connected to the other patch portion, thus electrically isolating the patch portions from each other when no control DC voltage is imparted to the diode. When control DC voltage is imparted to the diode such that a forward current flows through the diode, the patch portions are electrically connected, resulting in the effective magnitude of the antenna element becoming f2, lower than a resonance frequency f1when DC voltage is not imparted and showing that the apparatus can handle two frequencies.

Incidentally, the GPS planar antenna12, provided in the main body portion6of the mobile terminal2shown inFIG. 1, has its gain biased in a specific direction. While the receive level of incoming signal from the direction opposite to the arrow22is high with high positioning accuracy, the receive level of incoming signal from any other directions—left, upper (U) and lower (B) directions in the figure—is low, with low positioning accuracy. There is a possibility that, if the mobile terminal2equipped with such an antenna is put in a chest pocket of the user's clothing with the antenna10pointing up in the zenith direction, positioning accuracy may degrade due to low directivity of the planar antenna12toward GPS signal arriving from the zenith direction. To properly receive GPS signal from the zenith direction, the planar antenna12must be set up in the zenith direction. Thus, relative angular change between the circular polarized planar antenna12and a GPS satellite in the zenith direction affects positioning accuracy. GPS radio wave reception is carried out irrespective of the angle of the planar antenna12, including regular and automatic acquisition of position information and position search for the user carrying a mobile terminal with built-in GPS from other party. For this reason, proper GPS radio wave reception demands that directivity of the planar antenna12be pointed toward the incoming direction of GPS radio wave so as not to be dependent on the angle between the mobile terminal2and the GPS satellite.

The antenna device disclosed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 08-279711, an array antenna provided with a plurality of antenna elements, is configured to vary the phase of a signal powering each element depending on the inclination angle of the mobile terminal cover, thus pointing the antenna directivity toward a given direction through combining of electromagnetic wave radiated from each element. Directivity change requires a phase shifting circuit that combines a plurality of PIN diodes and a delay line. Array antenna has a sharp antenna beam and is suited for a point-to-point communication in which a mobile terminal communicates with another because of strong directivity in a specific direction. Antenna gain is extremely low in directions other than the specific direction in which directivity is concentrated, resulting in low positioning accuracy in the case of GPS satellite radio wave reception using such an antenna with sharp beam for positioning because the antenna receives radio wave only from satellites in the specific direction and thus making the choice of this antenna unfit for GPS radio wave reception.

The patch antenna device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 10-190347 has a basic patch portion and a plurality of additional patch portions formed on the surface portion of the dielectric substrate, with the basic and additional patch portions selectively connected, thus changing the resonance frequency through connection of the additional patch portions. Connection of the additional patch portion to the basic patch portion changes the physical area of the antenna element of the patch antenna, thus providing a plurality of resonance frequencies with a single patch antenna. However, even if addition of the additional patch portion to the basic patch portion changes antenna directivity, this also changes the resonance frequency, thus making the patch antenna unfit for GPS radio wave reception of a specific communication frequency. If the resonance frequency changes, communication becomes impossible, thus making positioning impossible.

Neither Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 08-279711 nor Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 10-190347 describes or suggests a problem of antenna directivity change and control without changing resonance frequencies or means for solving the problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the present invention relates to an antenna device, and an object thereof is to enable the directivity of an antenna element to be changed without affecting the resonance frequency of the antenna element.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an antenna device comprising a first grounded conductor; an antenna element mounted on the first grounded conductor via an insulator; a second grounded conductor disposed separate from the first grounded conductor; and a changing unit which changes directivity of the antenna element by adding the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or canceling the addition thereof. Such a configuration allows the grounded conductor area to change relative to that of an antenna element when a second grounded conductor is added to a first grounded conductor provided with the antenna element, enhancing directivity of the second grounded conductor on the addition side as compared with directivity without addition thereof. That is, this provides directivity appropriate to uneven distribution of the grounded conductors resulting from addition of the second grounded conductor. In this case, the change is limited only to the grounded conductor area, with the antenna element remaining unchanged in area and shape, thus allowing antenna element's directivity to be changed without affecting its resonance frequency.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an antenna device comprising a first grounded conductor; an antenna element mounted on the first grounded conductor via an insulator; a plurality of second grounded conductors disposed separate from the first grounded conductor; an inclination detection unit (inclination sensor) which detects an inclination of the antenna element; and a changing unit which changes directivity of the antenna element by adding the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or canceling the addition thereof depending on the inclination detected by the inclination detection unit. Such a configuration allows antenna element's inclination to be detected by an inclination detection unit. Based on the inclination information, connection of the first grounded conductor with the second grounded conductor is selected. As a result, the second grounded conductor is added to the first grounded conductor depending on the inclination of the antenna element, thus changing the grounded conductor area relative to that of the antenna element and enhancing directivity of the second grounded conductor on the addition side. This makes it possible to change antenna element's directivity without affecting its resonance frequency.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an antenna device comprising a first grounded conductor; an antenna element mounted on the first grounded conductor via an insulator; a plurality of second grounded conductors disposed separate from the first grounded conductor; an azimuth detection unit (azimuth sensor) which detects azimuth; and a control unit which controls directivity of the antenna element by adding the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or canceling the addition thereof in consideration of information on azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit. Such a configuration takes into consideration azimuth information as part of directivity change information, thus pointing directivity toward an intended target such as GPS satellite and providing enhanced communication and positioning accuracy.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a directivity control method for an antenna device, the method comprising the steps of loading inclination information of an antenna element; and changing directivity of the antenna element by adding a second grounded conductor to a first grounded conductor juxtaposed to the antenna element or canceling the addition thereof depending on the loaded inclination information. Such a configuration allows acquisition of antenna element's inclination information and adds the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or cancels addition thereof based on the antenna element's inclination information, thus providing directivity appropriate to antenna element's inclination information and ensuring enhanced radio wave transmission/reception accuracy.

In order to attain the above object, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a directivity control method for an antenna device, the method comprising the steps of loading azimuth information; and changing directivity of an antenna element by adding a second grounded conductor to a first grounded conductor juxtaposed to the antenna element or canceling the addition thereof in consideration of the loaded azimuth information.

In order to attain the above object, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a directivity control program for an antenna device, the program causing an information processing unit disposed adjacent to an antenna device to execute the steps of loading inclination information of an antenna element; and changing directivity of the antenna element by adding a second grounded conductor to a first grounded conductor juxtaposed to the antenna element or canceling the addition thereof depending on the loaded inclination information. Such a configuration allows acquisition of antenna element's inclination information and adds the second grounded conductor to the first grounded conductor or cancels addition thereof based on the antenna element's inclination information, thus providing directivity appropriate to antenna element's inclination information and ensuring enhanced radio wave transmission/reception accuracy.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a directivity control program for an antenna device, the program causing an information processing unit disposed adjacent to an antenna device to execute the steps of loading azimuth information; and changing directivity of the antenna element by adding a second grounded conductor to a first grounded conductor juxtaposed to the antenna element or canceling the addition thereof in consideration of the loaded azimuth information.

In order to accomplish the above object, a communications apparatus of the present invention is mounted with the antenna device such that its antenna directivity is changeable. Such a configuration allows the optimal antenna directivity to be set depending on antenna element's inclination, thus improving communications reliability and contributing to improved positioning accuracy, for example, as a result of enhanced GPS radio wave reception strength.

Features and advantages of the present invention are listed hereinbelow.

(1) According to the antenna device of the present invention, whether a second grounded conductor is added to a first grounded conductor provided with antenna element changes the grounded conductor area relative to that of antenna element and unevenly distributes the grounded conductors, thus changing antenna element's directivity and keeping antenna element's resonance frequency unchanged because of directivity change through uneven distribution of the grounded conductors alone.

(2) According to the directivity control method or program of the antenna device of the present invention, it is possible to point antenna directivity toward a radio wave arrival or propagation direction depending on inclination angle without changing antenna element's resonance frequency, thus contributing to improved communications reliability.

(3) According to the communications apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to point antenna directivity toward a radio wave arrival or propagation direction, thus providing enhanced communications reliability and enhanced positioning accuracy in GPS radio wave reception.

(4) As described above, the present invention is useful in that it is capable of pointing directivity toward an intended communications direction by changing antenna directivity in consideration of inclination angle and azimuth information, thus providing enhanced communications accuracy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.FIG. 2is a principle diagram of an antenna device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, whereasFIG. 3is a view showing a plan view of a planar antenna of the antenna device.

An antenna device30is equipped with a printed board32, and a square ground (GND) pattern portion34is, for example, provided as a first grounded conductor on the upper surface of the printed board32. The GND pattern portion34makes up a patch or other antenna mounting portion, and there is installed a planar antenna36as antenna element in this embodiment.

The planar antenna36is equipped with a dielectric substrate38, an antenna pattern portion40, a power supply portion42and so on. The dielectric substrate38is a similar figure of the GND pattern portion34, with its vertical projection area being narrower than the GND pattern portion34and part of the GND pattern portion34exposed at the circumferential portion of the dielectric substrate38. On the upper surface of the dielectric substrate38, there is formed the antenna pattern portion40, a similar figure of the dielectric substrate38and narrower than the area of the upper surface of the dielectric substrate38, through vacuum deposition of a conductive metal such as silver or printing. A relay conductor penetrating the dielectric substrate38is electrically connected between the power supply portion42and the printed board32.

In this embodiment, there are provided on the upper surface of the printed board32first and second auxiliary rectangular GND pattern portions46and48, having the same length as one side length of the GND pattern portion34, for example, as a plurality of second grounded conductors at constant spacings44for isolation from the GND pattern portion34such that the GND pattern portion34is sandwiched between the first and second auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48.

There is connected a first PIN diode50as a changing unit or switch between the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion46, and there is connected a second PIN diode52as a changing unit or switch between the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion48, with the anodes on the side of the second auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48and the cathodes on the side of the GND pattern portion34. In this embodiment, the PIN diodes50and52respectively consist of three PIN diodes50a,50band50cand three PIN diodes52a,52band52c, with the PIN diodes provided at spacings along the widths of the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48and with these diodes making up parallel circuits to reduce conduction resistance during conduction. The GND pattern portion34is grounded, whereas the auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48are provided with control terminals54and56. When the PIN diode50is caused to conduct as the side of the control terminal54is brought to a higher potential, the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion46are brought into conduction via the conducting PIN diode50. When the PIN diode52is caused to conduct as the side of the control terminal56is brought to a higher potential, the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion48are brought into conduction via the conducting PIN diode52.

In the antenna device30, there is installed an inclination sensor58as an inclination detection unit for detecting the inclination angle of the planar antenna36. If we suppose that the inclination sensor58is installed with respect to the vertical direction (center of the antenna radiation pattern) orthogonal to the antenna pattern portion40of the planar antenna36, the inclination sensor58detects an inclination angle θ of the planar antenna36relative to that direction and outputs an output signal Vθ appropriate to the angle θ from an output terminal60. The output signal Vθ is applied to a directivity changing unit62for changing directivity of the planar antenna36as directivity change information. In this embodiment, the output signal Vθ is applied to the control terminal54and to a voltage inverting amplifier64as a signal inverting unit, thus forming an inverted output signal RVθ and applying the inverted output signal RVθ to the control terminal56.

The voltage inverting amplifier64may be configured in any manner as long as the amplifier forms an inverted signal of the output signal Vθ. In this case, an operational amplifier66is used with a reference voltage source68connected to the positive input terminal (+) of the operational amplifier66and a reference voltage Vrefapplied. The output signal Vθ is applied to the inverted input terminal (−) via a resistor70, with the output signal of the operational amplifier66fed back via a resistor72. The resistance values of the resistors70and72are set, for example, to the same value (R), whereas the one-half level of the output signal Vθ is set to the reference voltage Vref(=Vθ/2).

Such a configuration allows switching to three intervals; an interval in which both the auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48are added to the GND pattern portion34as a result of conduction of the PIN diodes50and52depending on the level of the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58, another interval in which the auxiliary GND pattern portion46is added to the GND pattern portion34and addition of the auxiliary GND pattern portion48to the GND pattern portion34is canceled as a result of conduction of the PIN diode50and non-conduction of the PIN diode52and still another interval in which addition of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46to the GND pattern portion34is canceled and the auxiliary GND pattern portion48is added to the GND pattern portion34as a result of non-conduction of the PIN diode50and conduction of the PIN diode52, thus making it possible to change directivity of the planar antenna36through uneven distribution of the grounded conductors.

Next, the inclination sensor58, an example of the inclination detection unit, will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 to 8.FIG. 4is a plan view showing the inclination sensor58, andFIG. 5is a view outlining the cross-section taken along line V—V inFIG. 4.FIGS. 6 and 7are views showing the inclination detecting operation of the inclination sensor58, andFIG. 8is a view showing the output of the inclination sensor58.

InFIG. 4, X and Y are X and Y axes developed on a plane. The inclination sensor58is, for example, a device equipped with a square enclosure74, with76representing an elliptic-spherical high-temperature gas body formed depending on inclination angle.

The enclosure74of the inclination sensor58is provided with a semispherical air chamber78as shown inFIG. 5with air and a gas G with high thermal conductivity sealed in the air chamber78. There are provided a heater80, a temperature sensor82, a sensor circuit84, etc. on the bottom side of the air chamber78. The heater80liberates heat as a result of external application of voltage, heating the gas G in air in the air chamber78and generating the high-temperature gas body76. The temperature sensor82covers the entire floor surface side of the air chamber78and detects the temperature of the contact portion of the high-temperature gas body76. The temperature sensor82and the sensor circuit84are connected via a connection line86so that the sensor circuit84receives a detection output of the temperature sensor82via the connection line86.

In this case, the high-temperature gas body76exists at the central portion in the X and Y directions, with the center portion temperature on the rise. The temperature sensor82distributed in the X and Y directions senses that the temperature of the center portion is high, and this information is transmitted to the sensor circuit84via the connection line86as the position in the X and Y directions, thus allowing the position of the high-temperature gas body76to be detected with the sensor circuit84. The high-temperature gas body76is lighter than air, resulting in the gas body76rising and moving within the air chamber78and moving to a position appropriate to the inclination angle of the enclosure74. This allows detection of the position of the center portion of the high-temperature gas body76in the directions of the X and Y axes based on the temperature at the position in contact with the temperature sensor82, with an output signal Vθx representing its position on the X axis obtained from an output terminal60X and an output signal Vθy representing its position on the Y axis obtained from an output terminal60Y. InFIG. 5, Z represents the Z axis orthogonal to the directions of the X and Y axes. In the first embodiment, the output signal Vθx obtained from the inclination sensor58is used and termed an output signal Vθ for description simplicity. In this case, the output signal Vθy may be used as the output signal Vθ.

For instance, when the inclination sensor58inclines clockwise by the inclination angle θ relative to a horizontal surface HS as shown inFIG. 6, the high-temperature gas body76rises as it moves within the air chamber78, eventually moving to the upper portion of the inclined air chamber78. When the inclination sensor58inclines counterclockwise by the inclination angle θ relative to the horizontal surface HS as shown inFIG. 7, the high-temperature gas body76rises as it moves within the air chamber78, eventually moving to the upper portion of the inclined air chamber78. In this case, as a result of inclination of the inclination sensor58, the temperature of the position in contact with the moved high-temperature gas body76is sensed by the temperature sensor82, thus resulting in the sensing position being detected as the inclination angle θ. In the condition shown inFIG. 6, temperature increase is detected by an L portion (FIG. 5) of the temperature sensor82in the negative direction relative to a reference point0, allowing the sensor circuit84to detect that the high-temperature gas body76has moved in the negative direction along the X axis. In the condition shown inFIG. 7, temperature increase is detected by an R portion (FIG. 5) of the temperature sensor82in the positive direction relative to the reference point0, allowing the sensor circuit84to detect that the high-temperature gas body76has moved in the positive direction along the X axis. These outputs of the L and R portions of the temperature sensor82—the outputs representing the position of the high-temperature gas body76on the X and Y axes—are extracted by the sensor circuit84as the inclination angle θ from the output terminal60X on the X axis side and the output terminal60Y on the Y axis side. That is, the output level thereof represents the magnitude of the inclination angle θ.

If the angle (FIG. 5) of the inclination sensor58, installed parallel with the horizontal surface HS, is taken as an origin (θ=0) , the output Vθ occurring at the output terminal60X on the X axis side of the inclination sensor58has a level appropriate to the inclination angle θ as shown inFIG. 8, increasing or decreasing linearly relative to the origin0at the center. In this embodiment, the output voltage (Vθ) is obtained in the range, for example, from 0 [V] as the output voltage representing a 90° clockwise inclination, for example, to 3 [V] as the output voltage representing a 90° counterclockwise inclination, with the intermediate output voltage—the voltage representing the horizontal state of the reference position of the origin0—set to 1.5 [V]. Such an output form is also true with the Y axis side, and the similar output voltage (Vθ) is obtained from the output terminal60Y on the Y axis side.

Using the inclination sensor58, the output signal Vθx is obtained that represents the inclination angle θ from the output terminal60X on the X axis side, making it possible to use the output signal Vθx as directivity change control information representing the inclination angle θ. The output signal Vθy is obtained that represents the inclination angle θ from the output terminal60Y on the Y axis side, and this signal may be used as directivity change control information.

Next, the directivity change operation using the output of the inclination sensor58will be described with reference toFIG. 9 to 13.FIG. 9is timing charts showing the operation of the directivity changing unit using the output signals of the inclination sensor58,FIG. 10is a view showing connection operation of grounded conductors,FIG. 11is a view showing how directivity is changed depending on the inclination angle,FIG. 12is a view showing connection operation of grounded conductors, andFIG. 13is a view showing how directivity is changed depending on the inclination angle.

As shown inFIG. 9(A), the output signal RVθ of the voltage inverting amplifier64is obtained in response to the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58, making the output signals Vθ and RVθ invertedly related with each other relative to the reference voltage Vrefat the center. While, as described earlier, the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58is, for example, 0 [V] as the output voltage representing the clockwise 90° position and 3 [V] as the output voltage representing the counterclockwise 90° position, the output signal RVθ of the voltage inverting amplifier64is 3 [V] at the clockwise 90° position and 0 [V] at the counterclockwise 90° position, providing a voltage value appropriate to the inclination angle θ in the range of the inclination angle θ from clockwise to counterclockwise direction.

For this reason, if the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58is varied from the counterclockwise 90° position to the counterclockwise 90° position, the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58gradually increases from 0 [V], lifting the potential of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46. When this potential exceeds a forward drop voltage VFof the PIN diode50, the PIN diode50conducts, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion46to the GND pattern portion34via the conducting PIN diode50. This addition period is the conduction interval (d2, d3) of the PIN diode50shown inFIG. 9(B).

If the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58is varied from the counterclockwise 90° position to the counterclockwise 90° position, the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58gradually decreases from 3 [V]. The inverted output signal RVθ obtained from the voltage inverting amplifier64gradually increases from 0 [V], lifting the potential of the auxiliary GND pattern portion48. When this potential exceeds the forward drop voltage VFof the PIN diode52, the PIN diode52conducts, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion48to the GND pattern portion34via the conducting PIN diode52. This addition period is the conduction interval (d1, d2) of the PIN diode52shown inFIG. 9(C). It is to be noted that conduction (ON) of the PIN diode50or52means a reduced resistance value between the anode and cathode and shut-off state (OFF) means an increased resistance value between the anode and cathode.

As for the conduction intervals of the PIN diodes50and52, the PIN diode50is not conducting and the PIN diode52is conducting in d1. Both the PIN diodes50and52are conducting in d2. The PIN diode50is conducting and the PIN diode52is not conducting in d3.

As a result, the grounded conductors change in the conduction intervals d1, d2and d3are as follows.

Conduction interval d1(conduction of only the PIN diode52): GND pattern portion34+auxiliary GND pattern portion48=grounded conductor94(FIGS. 12 and 13)

Conduction interval d2(conduction of both the PIN diodes50and52): GND pattern portion34+auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48

Conduction interval d3(conduction of only the PIN diode50): GND pattern portion34+auxiliary GND pattern portion46=grounded conductor88(FIGS. 10 and 11)

In the conduction interval d3in which only the PIN diode50conducts, the auxiliary GND pattern portion46is added to the GND pattern portion34by the conducting PIN diode50as shown inFIG. 10, leaving the auxiliary GND pattern portion48on the side of the non-conducting PIN diode52unfunctional as a grounded conductor. As a result, the grounded conductor88is unevenly distributed because of combining of the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion46, tilting the antenna radiation pattern90of the planar antenna36toward the side of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46as shown inFIG. 11and resulting in tilted directivity as shown by an arrow92. In the conduction interval d1in which only the PIN diode52conducts, the auxiliary GND pattern portion48is added to the GND pattern portion34by the conducting PIN diode52as shown inFIG. 12. The auxiliary GND pattern portion46on the side of the non-conducting PIN diode50is unfunctional as a grounded conductor. As a result, the grounded conductor94is unevenly distributed because of combining of the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion48, tilting the antenna radiation pattern90of the planar antenna36toward the side of the auxiliary GND pattern portion48as shown inFIG. 13and resulting in tilted directivity as shown by the arrow92.

Incidentally, the planar antenna36installed on the GND pattern portion34provides antenna radiation characteristic, and the antenna pattern portion40on top of the dielectric substrate38makes up, together with the surface portion of the GND pattern portion34constituting a parallel surface, an antenna element that resonates at a given frequency. The resonance frequency of the planar antenna36is determined by the dielectric constant of a dielectric substance making up the dielectric substrate38, the size of the antenna pattern portion40and the spacing between the antenna pattern portion40and the GND pattern portion34, with antenna directivity varying depending on the size of the grounded conductor such as the GND pattern portion34relative to the antenna pattern portion40and the direction of expansion. As shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, therefore, if the grounded conductor88becomes unevenly distributed, the electric field component of electromagnetic wave, radiated from or received by the antenna pattern portion40of the planar antenna36, is drawn to the grounded conductor88, tilting an antenna radiation pattern90in the direction of uneven distribution of the grounded conductor88. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, if the grounded conductor94becomes unevenly distributed, the electric field component of electromagnetic wave, radiated from or received by the antenna pattern portion40of the planar antenna36, is drawn to the grounded conductor94, tilting the antenna radiation pattern90in the direction of uneven distribution of the grounded conductor94.

In this embodiment, in the conduction interval d2in which both the PIN diodes50and52conduct, both the auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48are added to the GND pattern portion34by the conducting PIN diodes50and52. Because of combining thereof, the grounded conductors are symmetrical with the GND pattern portion34located at the center, placing directivity of the planar antenna36at the reference position.

Thus, when the inclination angle θ of the planar antenna36by the inclination sensor58reaches a given angle such as ±90° in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the PIN diode50or52selectively conducts or shuts off, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof. This varies the grounded conductor area relative to the planar antenna36, changing directivity of the planar antenna36depending on the inclination angle θ due to uneven distribution of the grounded conductor.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 14 and 15.FIGS. 14 and 15relate to a mobile terminal, an embodiment of the communications apparatus of the present invention, showing the conditions in which antenna directivity is changed depending on the inclination angle of the mobile terminal.

A mobile terminal100, equipped with first and second main body portions102and104, has the main body portions102and104joined with a hinge portion106to allow opening and closing. There is provided a communications antenna108on the main body portion102, whereas there is provided the antenna device30on the side of the main body portion104. The antenna device30comprises the printed board32, the GND pattern portion34, the planar antenna36, the auxiliary GND pattern portions46and48, etc. described earlier (FIG. 2and so on). In this embodiment, the inclination sensor58is installed on a substrate110that is mounted on the side of the main body portion102, with the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58applied to the directivity changing unit62(FIG. 2) of the antenna device30. There is mounted a display device112on the rear side of the printed board32.

If the mobile terminal100is put in a chest pocket of the user's clothing and maintained in an upright condition with the side of the communications antenna108facing upward, for example, as shown inFIG. 14, the inclination angle θ is detected to be clockwise 90° by the inclination sensor58, resulting in the conduction interval (d3) in which only the PIN diode50conducts. As a result, the radiation pattern90of the antenna device30tilts to the zenith direction, pointing its directivity in the direction shown by the arrow92. In this case, directivity points in the negative X-axis direction.

If the mobile terminal100is maintained in an upright condition with the side of the communications antenna108facing downward, for example, as shown inFIG. 15, the inclination angle θ is detected to be counterclockwise 90° by the inclination sensor58, resulting in the conduction interval (d1) in which only the PIN diode52conducts. As a result, the radiation pattern90of the antenna device30similarly tilts to the zenith direction, pointing its directivity in the direction shown by the arrow92. In this case, directivity points in the positive X-axis direction.

Thus, the antenna radiation pattern90tilts to the zenith direction no matter in which of the two upright directions the mobile terminal100is maintained (FIGS. 14 and 15), thus allowing the directivity thereof to point upward. This provides excellent GPS radio wave reception from GPS satellites114,116and118located in the zenith direction as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, improving its sensitivity and enhancing positioning accuracy.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 18.FIG. 18shows an antenna device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The antenna device30according to the third embodiment has the square GND pattern portion34, for example, at its center, with auxiliary GND pattern portions461and481and auxiliary GND pattern portions462and482provided spanning along the individual parallel sides of the GND pattern portion34, surrounding the GND pattern portion34with the auxiliary GND pattern portions461,462,481and482. Each of the auxiliary GND pattern portions461,462,481and482is trapezoidal with a shorter inner side and a longer outer side, thus arranging these portions adjacent to each other. The auxiliary GND pattern portions461,462,481and482and the GND pattern portion34are connected together via the PIN diodes50and52as described earlier (FIG. 3), with the GND pattern portion34grounded. There is applied the output signal Vθx of a directivity changing unit621to a control terminal541of the auxiliary GND pattern portion461, whereas there is applied an output signal RVθx of the directivity changing unit621to a control terminal561of the auxiliary GND pattern portion481. Similarly, there is applied the output signal Vθy of a directivity changing unit622to a control terminal542of the auxiliary GND pattern portion462, whereas there is applied an output signal RVθy of the directivity changing unit622to a control terminal562of the auxiliary GND pattern portion481. Here, the output signal RVθy is an inverted signal of the output signal Vθy.

From the inclination sensor58, the output signals Vθx and Vθy are extracted as the output signal Vθ in the directions of the X and Y axes respectively from the output terminal60X on the X axis side and the output terminal60Y on the Y axis side as described earlier (FIGS. 4 and 5), with the output signal Vθx applied to the directivity changing unit621and the output signal Vθy applied to the directivity changing unit622. As a result, there are formed the output signal Vθx as control output and the output signal RVθx, an inverted signal of the output signal Vθx, in the directivity changing unit621, whereas there are formed the output signal Vθy as control output and the output signal RVθy, an inverted signal of the output signal Vθy, in the directivity changing unit622.

Such a configuration allows selective conduction and non-conduction of the PIN diodes50and52, using the output signals Vθx, RVθx, Vθy and RVθy based on detection of the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58in the directions of the X and Y axes, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion461and481to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof and adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion462and482to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof. This makes it possible to vary directivity of the antenna device30alone depending on the inclination angle θ without changing the resonance frequency of the planar antenna36. In this embodiment, it is possible to change directivity in the X and Y directions such as directions of east, west, south and north relative to the vertical axis of the planar antenna36at the center. The directivity changing operation—the operation in which directivity is changed by varying the grounded conductor area of the planar antenna36and unevenly distributing the grounded conductor—is carried out as described earlier.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 19.FIG. 19shows an antenna device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The antenna device30according to the fourth embodiment has the circular GND pattern portion34, for example, at its center, with auxiliary GND pattern portions463and483, auxiliary GND pattern portions464and484, auxiliary GND pattern portions465and485and auxiliary GND pattern portions466and486provided spanning along the diameter of the GND pattern portion34, shaping the auxiliary GND pattern portions463,464,465,466,483,484,485and486in the form of a fan so as to render them concentric with the GND pattern portion34and surrounding the GND pattern portion34. The auxiliary GND pattern portions463,464,465,466,483,484,485and486and the GND pattern portion34are connected together via the PIN diodes50and52as described earlier (FIG. 3), with the GND pattern portion34grounded. There is applied the output signal Vθx of a directivity changing unit623to a control terminal543of the auxiliary GND pattern portion463, whereas there is applied the output signal RVθx of the directivity changing unit623to a control terminal563of the auxiliary GND pattern portion483. There is applied the output signal Vθy of a directivity changing unit624to a control terminal544of the auxiliary GND pattern portion464, whereas there is applied the output signal RVθy of the directivity changing unit624to a control terminal564of the auxiliary GND pattern portion484. Here, the output signal RVθy is an inverted signal of the output signal Vθy. There is applied the output signal Vθx of a directivity changing unit625to a control terminal545of the auxiliary GND pattern portion465, whereas there is applied the output signal RVθx of the directivity changing unit625to a control terminal565of the auxiliary GND pattern portion485. There is applied the output signal Vθy of a directivity changing unit626to a control terminal546of the auxiliary GND pattern portion466, whereas there is applied the output signal RVθy of the directivity changing unit626to a control terminal566of the auxiliary GND pattern portion486.

The inclination sensor58, from which the output signals Vθx and Vθy in the directions of the X and Y axes can be obtained, is used as inclination sensors581and582. In the case of the inclination sensor581, the output signals Vθx and Vθy are extracted respectively from an output terminal601X on the X axis side and an output terminal601Y on the Y axis side, applying the output signals Vθx and Vθy respectively to the directivity changing units623and624. In the case of the inclination sensor582, the output signals Vθx and Vθy are extracted respectively from an output terminal602X on the X axis side and an output terminal602Y on the Y axis side, applying the output signals Vθx and Vθy respectively to the directivity changing units625and626. As a result, there are formed the output signal Vθx as control output and the output signal RVθx, an inverted signal of the output signal Vθx, in the directivity changing units623and625, whereas there are formed the output signal Vθy as control output and the output signal RVθy, an inverted signal of the output signal Vθy, in the directivity changing units624and626. In this case, it suffices to arrange the inclination sensors581and582with a displacement, for example, of 45° in horizontal angle by associating the detected inclination angle θ with the angles of the subdivided auxiliary GND pattern portions463,464,465,466,483,484,485and486such that directivity appropriate to the inclination angle θ is set.

Such a configuration allows selective conduction and non-conduction of the PIN diodes50and52of the auxiliary GND pattern portions463,464,465,466,483,484,485and486, using the output signals Vθx, RVθx, Vθy and RVθy based on detection of the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensors581and582in the directions of the X and Y axes, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion463and483to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion464and484to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion465and485to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof and adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion466and486to the GND pattern portion34or canceling the addition thereof. This makes it possible to vary directivity of the antenna device30alone depending on the inclination angle θ without changing the resonance frequency of the planar antenna36. In this embodiment, it is possible to change directivity in the X and Y directions such as eight azimuths in addition to east, west, south and north relative to the vertical axis of the planar antenna36at the center. The directivity changing operation—the operation in which directivity is changed by varying the grounded conductor area of the planar antenna36and unevenly distributing the grounded conductor—is carried out as described earlier.

Such a configuration renders the detecting direction of the inclination angle θ two-dimensional, thus allowing two-dimensional directivity change. Through improved detecting resolution allowing detection of the small inclination angle θ, it is possible to provide elaborate directivity control, thus improving positioning accuracy.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 20 and 21.FIG. 20shows an antenna device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, whereasFIG. 21shows the directivity changing operation thereof. The same symbols are assigned to parts identical to those of the first embodiment.

The antenna device30according to this embodiment is configured by switches51and53as changing portions in place of the PIN diodes50and52in the first to fourth embodiments. The switches51and53are made up of switches51a,51band51cand switches53a,53band53c, respectively.

The output signal Vθ—a signal extracted from the output terminal60of the inclination sensor58for detecting the inclination angle θ of the planar antenna36—is applied to the directivity changing unit62as directivity changing information. The directivity changing unit62in this embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in that the switch51or53conducts when the inclination angle θ goes out of a given range, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48to the GND pattern portion34depending on the angular direction.

In such a configuration, the output signal Vθ and the output signal RVθ, an inverted signal of the signal Vθ, are obtained in the directivity changing unit62in response to the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58as shown inFIG. 21(A), making the output signals Vθ and RVθ invertedly related with each other relative to the reference voltage Vrefat the center. The specific relationship between output voltage of the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58and detected angle is omitted as it is as described earlier.

Therefore, if the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58is displaced from the clockwise 90° position to the counterclockwise 90° position, the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58gradually increases from 0 [V] When the output signal Vθ exceeds a given voltage VS(Vθ≧VS), the switch51conducts, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion46to the GND pattern portion34. This addition period is the conduction interval d3of the switch51shown inFIG. 21(B).

If the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58is displaced from the counterclockwise 90° position to the clockwise 90° position, the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58gradually decreases from 3 [V]. The output signal RVθ obtained at the directivity changing unit62gradually increases from 0 [V]. When the output signal RVθ exceeds the given voltage VS(RVθ≧VS), the switch53conducts, adding the auxiliary GND pattern portion48to the GND pattern portion34. This addition period is the conduction interval d1of the switch53shown inFIG. 21(C).

As a result, the grounded conductors change in the conduction intervals d1, d2and d3as follows.

Conduction interval d2(non-conduction of both the switches51and53): GND pattern portion34only

In the conduction interval d1in which the switch53conducts, the auxiliary GND pattern portion48is added to the GND pattern portion34by the conducting switch53as shown inFIG. 12, leaving the auxiliary GND pattern portion46unfunctional as a grounded conductor. As a result, the grounded conductor94is unevenly distributed because of combining of the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion48, tilting the antenna radiation pattern90of the planar antenna36toward the side of the auxiliary GND pattern portion48as shown inFIG. 13and resulting in tilted directivity as shown by the arrow92.

In the conduction interval d3in which only the switch51conducts, the auxiliary GND pattern portion46is added to the GND pattern portion34by the conducting switch51as shown inFIG. 10, leaving the auxiliary GND pattern portion48unfunctional as a grounded conductor. As a result, the grounded conductor88is unevenly distributed because of combining of the GND pattern portion34and the auxiliary GND pattern portion46, tilting the antenna radiation pattern90of the planar antenna36toward the side of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46as shown inFIG. 11and resulting in tilted directivity as shown by the arrow92.

According to this embodiment, when the inclination angle θ of the planar antenna36goes out of a given range, the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48is added to the GND pattern portion34or the addition thereof is canceled depending on the inclination angle0, changing directivity of the planar antenna36. As described earlier, directivity is changed through uneven distribution of the grounded conductors' area alone, thus keeping resonance frequency unchanged as a result of changed directivity. Using the antenna device30in a communications apparatus, it is possible to point directivity toward the radio wave arrival direction or the optimal radiation direction, enhancing communications reliability and improving reception sensitivity. Therefore, using the antenna device30for GPS radio wave reception ensures enhanced positioning accuracy through improved reception sensitivity.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 22 and 23.FIG. 22shows a mobile terminal according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, whereasFIG. 23shows a directivity control method or program. InFIG. 22, the same symbols are assigned to parts identical to those of the first or fifth embodiment.

The mobile terminal100makes up a communications apparatus equipped with mobile phone and GPS capabilities. While there is provided the antenna device30described in the fifth embodiment in the mobile terminal100, a control unit120is provided that is equipped with the capability of the directivity changing unit62(FIG. 20) of the antenna device30. The control unit120is configured as an information processing unit for implementing the mobile phone capability, with the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58, an input operation unit122mounted on the enclosure of the mobile terminal100, a display unit124as an information presentation unit for presenting various information in a visual manner, a radio send/receive unit126for handling phone communication through the communications antenna108, etc. connected to the control unit120. Although not shown, a microphone, speaker and so on are connected to the control unit120for transmission and reception.

Such a configuration allows detection of the inclination angle θ occurring on the planar antenna36by the inclination sensor58because of mounting geometry of the mobile terminal100, allowing the output signal Vθ, a signal representing the inclination angle θ, to be loaded into the control unit120as control information. The output signal Vθ and the output signal RVθ, an inverted signal of the signal Vθ, are obtained in the control unit120, opening or closing the switches51and53. As a result, the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48is added to the GND pattern portion34or the addition thereof is canceled depending on the inclination angle θ, changing directivity of the planar antenna36.

Describing this directivity change with reference to a flowchart inFIG. 23showing the processings of the control unit120, acquisition of inclination information is performed (Step S1), loading the output signal Vθ of the inclination sensor58in this acquisition. The inclination angle in the loaded inclination information is judged to determine whether it is greater than a given angle θr or not (Step S2). The process returns to Step S if the inclination angle is within the given angle range. In this case, directivity change is not needed as reception sensitivity remains unaffected as long as the inclination is not equal to or greater than the given angle.

When the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the given angle, the grounded conductors are changed. The auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48is added to the GND pattern portion34or the addition thereof is canceled (Step S3). This tilts directivity toward the direction of uneven distribution of the grounded conductors, changing directivity toward the radio wave arrival direction and enhancing reception sensitivity. It is also possible to point electric field strength toward the optimal direction during radio wave radiation, thus enhancing transmission strength to a communications apparatus on the other end.

Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 24 and 25.FIG. 24shows a mobile terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, whereasFIG. 25shows a directivity control method or program. InFIG. 24, the same symbols are assigned to parts identical to those of the sixth embodiment.

In this embodiment, an azimuth sensor128is provided as an azimuth detection unit, thus feeding an azimuth signal Vd to the control unit120as input for use as directivity change information. The other portions of the configuration are the same as in the sixth embodiment.

Such a configuration allows recognition of the direction of the mobile terminal100itself as a result of the azimuth sensor128provided in the mobile terminal100, thus making it possible to control directivity to point toward the direction of the satellite needed for positioning using ephemeris data as directivity change information during GPS measurement. This configuration also provides enhanced reception strength of incoming GPS radio wave and improved reception sensitivity for improved positioning accuracy.

Describing this directivity change with reference to a flowchart inFIG. 25showing the processings of the control unit120, azimuth information, a detection output of the azimuth sensor128, is acquired (Step S11). In this case, the azimuth signal Vd of the azimuth sensor128is loaded into the control unit120. GPS radio wave from satellite is received in this condition, loading ephemeris data that represents in which direction GPS satellite exists during GPS positioning (Step S12). The inclination angle θ is judged with reference to ephemeris data as azimuth information, thus changing the grounded conductor based on the result of judgment (Step S13).

As described above, the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48is added to the GND pattern portion34or the addition thereof is canceled depending on the inclination angle θ and direction thereof. This tilts directivity toward the direction of uneven distribution of the grounded conductors, changing directivity toward the radio wave arrival direction and enhancing reception sensitivity for enhanced positioning accuracy. Such a configuration allows automatic changing of antenna directivity toward the direction where GPS satellite exists irrespective of the usage condition including putting the mobile terminal equipped with GPS capability in a bag, thus ensuring enhanced reception sensitivity and improved positioning accuracy.

Features and modifications of the above embodiments will be listed hereinbelow.

(1) Although, in the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, addition of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48to the GND pattern portion34is normal when the inclination angle θ is within the given angle, with the addition of the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48on the opposite side to the inclination angle θ canceled if the inclination angle θ exceeds the given angle, the GND pattern portion34with not addition may be normal when the inclination angle θ is within the given angle in the first to fourth embodiments as in the fifth embodiment with the auxiliary GND pattern portion46or48in the direction of the inclination angle θ added if the inclination angle θ exceeds the given angle.

(2) Although, in the fifth embodiment, it was described that the switches51and53are switched electrically by the directivity changing unit62, the switches51and53may be configured with relay contacts or mechanical switches, thus allowing the user to select directivity to point in a desired direction through manual switching of the switches.

(3) Although, in the above embodiments, the mobile terminal100, etc. was illustrated as communications apparatus, information processing terminal such as personal computer, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) and PDA (Personal Data Assistant) GPS receiving device and radio receiver may be used as the antenna device and communications apparatus of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(4) Although, in the first to fourth embodiments, diodes are used in the changing unit, transistors may be used to add or cancel addition of the grounded conductors.

(5) Although, in the first to third embodiments, the output signal Vθx is used that represents the inclination angle θ on the X axis side of the inclination sensor58, directivity may be changed using the output signal Vθy representing the inclination angle θ on the Y axis side of the inclination sensor58.

(6) Although, in the above embodiments, a case was described in relation to the output voltages Vθ, Vθx and Vθy in response to the inclination angle θ of the inclination sensor58in which the minimum voltage is obtained where the inclination angle is 90° clockwise and the maximum voltage is obtained where the inclination angle is 90° counterclockwise as shown inFIGS. 8,9and21, the maximum voltage may be obtained where the inclination angle is 90° clockwise and the minimum voltage may be obtained where the inclination angle is 90° counterclockwise. The minimum, intermediate and maximum voltages of 0, 1.5 and 3 [V], shown in the embodiments, are an example, and other voltages may be used.

As set forth hereinabove, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned description. It is a matter of course that various modifications or changes thereof can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims or disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and it is needless to say that the present invention encompasses such modifications or changes.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-069516 including specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.