Wireless communication device with variable antenna radiation pattern and corresponding method

A wireless communication device comprising:

• a transmitter;
• an antenna coupled to the transmitter;
• a reflector element, wherein the reflector element cooperates with the antenna such that the device transmits radio waves in a limited pattern when the reflector element is activated;
• a switching device for electrically coupling the reflector element to the communication device and for electrically isolating the reflector element from the communication device;
• a sensing and control device for sensing whether the wireless communication device is in close proximity to a user, wherein the sensing and control device controls the switching device according to a sensed condition such that the radiation pattern is changed to the limited pattern at least when the communication device is in close proximity to a user, wherein the sensing and control device includes a reflected energy detection circuit for sensing the reflected energy of the antenna, wherein the sensed energy determines the state of the switching device.

A method for changing the radiation pattern of an antenna device that is coupled to a wireless communication device, wherein the method comprises:

• setting the pattern to one of a full space pattern or a half space pattern by coupling or decoupling a reflector element of the antenna device;
• determining whether the communication device is in a transmit mode;
• sensing a condition of the transmitter, the sensing including sensing reflected energy of the antenna;
• switching the pattern to the other of the full space pattern or the half space pattern according to the sensed condition.