System and method for phase shift-based arrival time reporting in passive positioning and ranging

Abstract

A method and system for phase-shifted time of arrival (TOA) reporting in passive positioning ranging is provided herein. According to one embodiment, a method includes measuring a first phase-shifted time of arrival (PS-TOA) by a receiving station (RSTA); measuring a second PS-TOA by an initiating station (ISTA); reporting a first PS-TOA by the RSTA and reporting a second PS-TOA by the ISTA; broadcasting a timestamp by the RSTA; and determining a differential distance between the PSTA and a pair of the RSTA and the ISTA based on the first PS-TOA, the second PS-TOA, and the broadcasted timestamp by a passive station (PSTA).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applications filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on December 12, 2018 and assigned serial number 62 / 778,806, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 14, 2019 and assigned serial number 62 / 805,768, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on September 4, 2019 and assigned serial number 62 / 895,788, and filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on September 25, 2019 and assigned serial number 62 / 905,994, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems and more particularly to a system and method for phase shift (PS) based time of arrival (TOA) reporting in passive positioning ranging. Background Art

[0004] Wi-Fi positioning systems are geo-positioning systems that use the characteristics of nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and other wireless access points to determine the location of a device, such as an indoor positioning system. Indoor positioning systems can use various types of ranging protocols, including non-trigger based (non-TB) ranging protocols (i.e., non-trigger based ranging protocols), TB ranging protocols, and passive positioning ranging protocols. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method for phase-shift based arrival time TOA reporting includes: measuring a first phase shift time of arrival (PS-TOA) by a receiver station (RSTA); measuring a second PS-TOA by an initiator station (ISTA); reporting the first PS-TOA by the RSTA; reporting the second PS-TOA by the ISTA; broadcasting a timestamp by the RSTA; and determining, by a passive station (PSTA), a differential distance between the PSTA and a pair of the RSTA and the ISTA based on the first PS-TOA, the second PS-TOA and the broadcast timestamp.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a system for phase-shift based arrival time TOA reporting includes: an RSTA, an ISTA, a PSTA, a memory and a processor, wherein the RSTA and the ISTA are configured as an RSTA-ISTA pair, and the processor is configured such that the RSTA measures a first PS-TOA; the ISTA measures a second PS-TOA; the RSTA reports the first PS-TOA; the ISTA reports the second PS-TOA; the RSTA broadcasts a timestamp; and the PSTA determines a differential distance between the PSTA and the RSTA-ISTA pair based on the first PS-TOA, the second PS-TOA and the broadcast timestamp.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for phase-shift-based arrival time TOA reporting includes: receiving PS-TOA by a first station (STA), calculating correction data of the received PS-TOA by the first STA, wherein the correction data includes one or more of the corrected PS-TOA and the correction to the PS-TOA, sending the correction data by the first STA also includes performing one or more of the following operations by the first STA: (a) reporting the correction data to a second STA, and (b) broadcasting the correction data; and determining the differential distance from the PSTA to the first STA and the second STA based on the correction data.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a system for phase-shift based arrival time TOA reporting includes: a first STA, wherein the first STA receives PS-TOA, calculates correction data for the received PS-TOA, wherein the correction data includes one or more of the corrected PS-TOA and the correction to the PS-TOA, and sending the correction data also includes performing one or more of the following operations: (a) reporting the correction data to a second STA, and (b) broadcasting the correction data. The system includes a PSTA, which determines a differential distance from the PSTA to the first STA and the second STA based on the correction data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 shows a wireless network environment according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 shows a frame in a TB ranging protocol according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 A diagram showing a wireless network environment according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4A diagram illustrating propagation paths and timestamps in a wireless network environment according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 A diagram showing a wireless network environment for calculating a TOA positioning estimate in two dimensions according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 A diagram showing a wireless network environment according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 A diagram showing a wireless network environment in which ISTA reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C shows a frame in a TB ranging protocol in which ISTA reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 9 A diagram showing a wireless network environment according to an embodiment;

[0019] Fig.10 A diagram showing a wireless network environment in which an RSTA reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0020] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C shows a frame in a TB ranging protocol in which an RSTA reports a PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig.12 A diagram showing a wireless network environment in which RSTA and ISTA report PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0022] Fig.13 shows a frame in a TB ranging protocol in which an RSTA reports a PS-TOA according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig.14 A flow chart of a method for passive positioning in a wireless network system according to an embodiment is shown;

[0024] Fig.15 A flowchart showing a method for passive positioning in a wireless network system according to an embodiment; and

[0025] Fig.16 A block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same elements will be represented by the same reference numerals, although they are shown in different drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are provided only to help fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted. The terms described below are defined terms in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure, and may be different according to users, user intentions or habits. Therefore, the definition of terms should be determined based on the content of this specification.

[0027] The present disclosure may have various modifications and various embodiments, wherein the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents and substitutes within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, structural elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first structural element can be referred to as the second structural element. Similarly, the second structural element can also be referred to as the first structural element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related items.

[0029] The terms used herein are only used to describe various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, it should be understood that the term "including" or "having" represents the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, parts or combinations thereof, and does not exclude the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, parts or combinations thereof or the possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless defined differently, all terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present disclosure.

[0031] The electronic device according to one embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0032] The terms used in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the present disclosure, but are intended to include various changes, equivalents or replacements of the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals can be used to refer to similar or related elements. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item can include one or more items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" can include all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrases. As used herein, terms such as "first", "second", "first" and "second" can be used to distinguish the corresponding component from another component, but are not intended to limit the component to other aspects (for example, importance or order). It is intended that if an element (for example, the first element) is referred to as "coupled", "coupled to", "connected" or "connected to" another element (for example, the second element), with or without the term "operably" or "communicatively", this means that the element can be directly (for example, wired), wireless or coupled to another element via a third element.

[0033] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, such as "logic," "logic block," "component," and "circuit." A module may be a single integral component suitable for performing one or more functions, or its smallest unit or portion. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0034] According to one embodiment, one or more ISTAs participating in the passive positioning ranging exchange measure the TOA based on the phase shift, without measuring the TOA. Instead of measuring the TOA of the ranging measurement packet (null data packets (NDP)) in the two modems in the Wi-Fi ranging exchange, the ISTA determines the TOA measurement based on the average phase shift in the channel estimate of the received NDP packet, and provides the TOA measurement back to the RSTA. Typically, the ISTA is a client Wi-Fi modem (e.g., a mobile device), and the RSTA is a Wi-Fi access point. The responder can use the TOA based on the phase shift fed back by the ISTA and the assumption of the reciprocity of the wireless channel to calculate the ISTA's (first tap) corrected TOA estimate. The advantage of this method is that it reduces the computational complexity that the client Wi-Fi modem must perform. In addition to reducing the workload of the client, the client may also be able to immediately feedback its phase shift measurement because this is a calculation performed by most modems. This can reduce the delay of the ranging measurement.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the present system and method are applied to a passive positioning ranging protocol. In one embodiment, the phase-shift-based TOA from ISTA is applied to the passive positioning ranging protocol. The present system allows the RSTA to adjust the phase-shift-based TOA it receives from ISTA and report a TOA (for the first splitter of ISTA) that reflects the actual TOA of ISTA. This allows the client station to determine its location while only listening to the transmissions between anchor stations.

[0036] RSTA calculates the actual TOA of ISTA based on the reported TOA based on phase shift and the assumption of reciprocity of the wireless channel. Timestamps (i.e., TOA based on phase shift and time of departure (TOD)) are reported to RSTA, which then broadcasts these timestamps, wherein the TOA based on phase shift is corrected to reflect the actual TOA of ISTA, and broadcasts the TOD of the responder's own NDP and the TOA estimate of RSTA for the NDP of ISTA, to facilitate PSTA (and the starting station). PSTA uses the timestamp broadcasted from RSTA and its own TOA timestamp for receiving NDP from RSTA and ISTA to calculate the differential flight time (time-of-flight, TOF) of the paired stations of the group of RSTA and ISTA. Differential distance and differential TOF are more or less equal, and the only difference is the factor of the speed of light. Using these differential TOFs and the knowledge of the positioning of RSTA and ISTA, PSTA can estimate its positioning.

[0037] Phase shift based TOA may be reported by stations instead of their regular TOA. RSTA may report corrected TOA. From the RSTA, this corrected TOA may be reported in the second (Secundus) RSTA broadcast passive positioning measurement report frame.

[0038] Due to the specific ordering of the timestamp report frame in the TB ranging, it is possible to perform measurements and reports within one ranging measurement and reporting sequence (i.e., ranging opportunity) using the phase-shift-based TOA report. In the case where the phase-shift-based TOA report is applied to TB-ranging, it is necessary to report the corrected TOA of the initiator in the opportunity of the TB ranging to occur later, or to modify the sequence that may not be required in the standard. On the other hand, when the phase-shift-based TOA measurement of ISTA is applied to the passive positioning ranging protocol, the corrected TOA of ISTA can be fed back in the second RSTA broadcast passive positioning measurement report frame. Therefore, in the case of passive positioning ranging, as long as ISTA feeds back their phase-shift-based TOA in the same ranging opportunity in which they are measured, and RSTA calculates the corrected TOA of ISTA in time to feed back them in the second RSTA broadcast passive positioning measurement report frame, then all measurements and reports can be implemented within one ranging opportunity. The responder may be very capable of doing this because the RSTA may have dedicated circuits to perform these calculations quickly, or simply may have sufficient firmware and / or software capabilities. It is very helpful for PSTA to include measurement and reporting in one ranging opportunity. In this case, PSTA can collect all the information needed to estimate its location, or limit its location estimate to one or more hyperbolas based on capturing only the transmission in a single passive positioning ranging opportunity. The main advantage is that PSTA does not have to return to subsequent passive positioning ranging opportunities to obtain the lost timestamp information.

[0039] Figure 1 A wireless network environment according to an embodiment is shown. The environment 100 includes access points or RSTAs 102 and 104, various devices as anchor clients or ISTAs 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114, and a PSTA 116. The RSTAs 102 and 104 and the ISTAs 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114 send and receive information between each other, and the PSTA 116 can passively determine the differential distance between the PSTA 116 and the RSTA-ISTA pair based on observation of the information transmitted between the RSTAs 102 and 104 and the ISTAs 106, 108, 110, 112, and 114.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the system and method include: receiving, by the RSTA, a PS-TOA from an ISTA, determining, by the RSTA, an actual TOA of the ISTA based on the PS-TOA of the ISTA and an assumption of reciprocity of a wireless channel between the RSTA and the ISTA, receiving, by the PSTA, an actual TOA of the ISTA from the RSTA, receiving, by the PSTA, a TOD of the ISTA from the RSTA, receiving, by the PSTA, a TOD and a TOA of the RSTA from the RSTA, measuring, by the PSTA, a TOA of a ranging measurement frame sent by the ISTA and the RSTA, and determining, by the PSTA, a differential TOF to the pair of the RSTA and the ISTA.

[0041] Figure 2 Frames in a TB ranging protocol according to an embodiment are shown. The TB ranging protocol 200 includes frames in a system having an RSTA 202, a first ISTA 204, and a second ISTA 206. The RSTA 202 sends a polling trigger frame (trigger frame, TF) 210, and the ISTAs 204 and 206 generate a first polling response (poll response, PR) 212 and a second PR 214, respectively. Then, the RSTA 202 sends an uplink (uplink, UL) NDP TF 216 to the first ISTA 204, and the first ISTA 204 sends an I2R (ISTA to RSTA, i.e., ISTA to RSTA) NDP 218. Then, the RSTA 202 sends an uplink (UL) NDP TF 220 to the second ISTA 206, and the second ISTA 206 sends an I2R NDP 222. Then, RSTA 202 generates a downlink (DL) null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame 224 and sends an R2I (RSTA to ISTA) NDP 226 to ISTAs 204 and 206. RSTA 202 generates an RSTA to ISTA location measurement report (LMR) 228 and an ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 230. The first ISTA 204 generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR 232 and the second ISTA 206 generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR 234. The protocol 200 includes two additional frames 236 and 238 for passive location ranging (e.g., a first (Primus) RSTA broadcasts a location measurement report frame and a second RSTA broadcasts a passive location measurement report frame). Arrows 240, 242, 244, 246, 248 and 250 represent listening opportunities for passive location ranging.

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a wireless network environment according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 300 includes RSTA302, 304 and 306, ISTA 308, 310, 312, 314, 316 and 318, and PSTA 320. Arrows represent exchanges, and although not all exchanges are shown, in general, they occur between any RSTA / ISTA and ISTA / ISTA pairs. RSTA 302, 304 and 306 are assumed to be running on different channels. PSTA 320 can also switch channels and listen to the corresponding ranging on the channels of each adjacent RSTA 302, 304 and 306. With the scheduled TB ranging opportunity, all adjacent RSTA and ISTA anchor client stations can appear on the same channel at the same time, which allows a very large number of ranging exchanges. In addition, if the PSTA 320 client to be positioned also switches channels, it can listen to a larger ranging exchange set, i.e., one such set in each RSTA 302, 304 and 306 channel.

[0043] Figure 4 A diagram of propagation paths and timestamps in a wireless network environment according to an embodiment is shown. The environment 400 includes an RSTA 402, an ISTA 404, and a PSTA 406. At t1 (e.g., actual TOD), the ISTA 404 sends an I2R NDP, and at t2, the RSTA 402 receives the I2R NDP. At t3, the RSTA 402 sends an R2I NDP to the ISTA 404, and at t4, the ISTA 404 receives the R2INDP. The RSTA-to-ISTA feedback frame is sent from the RSTA 402 to the ISTA 404, and the ISTA 404 provides the times t2 and t3 to the ISTA 404. The ISTA sends the ISTA-to-RSTA feedback frame to the RSTA 402, and the ISTA 404 provides the times t1 and t4 to the RSTA 402. The PSTA 406 listens to the transmission between the ISTA 404 and the RSTA 402 to obtain t5 and t6.

[0044] PSTA 406 listens to the exchange between RSTA 402 and ISTA 404 and records the time t5 when it receives the I2RNDP from ISTA 404 and the time t6 when it receives the R2I NDP from RSTA 402. PSTA 406 also listens to the relayed t2 and t3 from RSTA 402 and the relayed t1 and t4 from the feedback of ISTA 404. The differential distance between PSTA 406 and RSTA 402 and ISTA 404 is calculated as follows:

[0045] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-(t3-t2+T_IR)]*c (1)

[0046] Where c is the speed of light. Using equation (2):

[0047] T_IR=[(t4-t1)-(t3-t2)] / 2 (2)

[0048] Equation (3) can be derived as:

[0049] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-(t3-t2+0.5*t4-0.5*t1-0.5*t3+ (3)

[0050] 0.5*t2)]*c

[0051] Or as shown in equation (4).

[0052] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-0.5*t3+0.5*t2-0.5*t4+0.5*t1]*c (4)

[0053] Equation (4) does not depend on the TOF, T_IR, between the RSTA 402 and the ISTA 404. Therefore, this method of calculating DD_PIR is not sensitive to LOS (line of sight) obstacles between the RSTA 402 and the ISTA 404.

[0054] Figure 5 A diagram of a wireless network environment for calculating TOA location estimates in two dimensions according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 500 includes a first STA 502, a second STA 504, a third STA 506, and a PSTA 508. The PSTA 508 coordinates are x0, v0, and there are two unknowns. There are three differential TOF equations, such as equations (5), (6), and (7).

[0055] DToA 12 =(R 01 -R 02 ) / c (5)

[0056] DToA 13 =(R 01 -R 03 ) / c (6)

[0057] DToA 23 =(R 02 -R 03 ) / c (7)

[0058] Equations (5), (6) and (7) can be solved as follows. Using Newton's method for multiple variables, the linearization is shown in equation (8).

[0059] F = f(x * )≈f(xk )+▽f(x k )△x where (8)

[0060]

[0061] The overdetermined nonlinear system of equation (8) is used to solve for Δx as in equation (9).

[0062] Ff(x k )≈+▽f(x k )Δx (9)

[0063] Next, the least squares solution iteration step is utilized as in equation (10).

[0064] x k+1 -x k =Δx=(▽ T f(x k )▽f(x k )) -1 ▽ T f(x k )[Ff(x k )] (10)

[0065] And iterate according to equation (11).

[0066] x k+1 =x k +(▽ T f(x k )▽f(x k )) -1 ▽ T f(x k )[Ff(x k )] (11)

[0067] To simplify the equations, time is measured in light seconds (eg, the distance light travels in one second), resulting in the following equations (12)-(16).

[0068] DToA ij =f ij (x 0 ,y 0 )=R i -R j (12)

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] The iterative solution for PSTA 508 positioning is calculated according to equation (17):

[0074]

[0075] where the iteration is performed as in equation (18).

[0076]

[0077] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a wireless network environment according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 600 includes RSTA 602 and ISTA 604. ISTA 604 sends I2R NDP at t1, and RSTA 602 receives I2RNDP at t2. RSTA 602 sends R2INDP at t3, and ISTA 604 receives R2I NDP at t4. The differential distance between ISTA 604 and RSTA 602 can be calculated as in equation (19).

[0078] D_IR=[(t2-t1)+(t4-t3)] / 2*c (19)

[0079] When using PS-TOA for t4, t4 will be too large because PS-TOA is the time corresponding to the average phase rotation in the frequency domain version of the channel (i.e., per tone). The phase rotation in the frequency domain of the channel (per tone) corresponds to a time shift in the time domain version of the channel, which can be represented by PS-TOA. To make the calculation in equation (19) valid, the responder can compensate by reducing t2 or increasing t3. Back to Figure 4 , the differential distance from PSTA 406 to the ISTA-RSTA pair is calculated as in equation (4). Similarly, when using PS-TOA for t4, t4 will be too large, and the responder can compensate by increasing t2 or decreasing t3. Therefore, RSTA 402 cannot adjust its reported timestamps t2 and t3 to make both the calculations of equation (4) and equation (19) valid.

[0080] Assuming that t4 is measured by PS-TOA and the PS-TOA variable of t4 is represented as tp4, the distance between ISTA and RSTA can be calculated according to equation (20):

[0081] D_IR=[(t2-t1)+(tp4-tp4_corr-t3)] / 2*c (20)

[0082] Where, as shown in equation (21):

[0083] tp4_corr = tp2 - t2 (21)

[0084] is the correction to the PS-TOA variable at t4, and tp2 is the PS-TOA variable at t2. Therefore, D_IR can be written as equation (22).

[0085] D_IR=[t2-t1+tp4-tp2+t2-t3] / 2*c=[2*t2-tp2-t1+ (22)

[0086] tp4-t3] / 2*c

[0087] Either the RSTA can transmit a correction for t4 = t2 - t2, or the RSTA can transmit the PS-TOA variable for t2 together with t2.

[0088] The differential distance from PSTA to the ISTA-RSTA pair can be calculated using equation (23):

[0089] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-0.5*t3+0.5*t2-0.5*t4+0.5*t1]*c=[t6-t5- (23)

[0090] 0.5*t3+0.5*t2-0.5*(tp4-tp4_corr)+0.5*t1]*c

[0091] Where, as shown in equation (21), tp4_corr is the correction of the PS-TOA variable at t4, and tp2 is the PS-TOA variable at t2. Therefore, DD_PIR can be written as equation (24):

[0092] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-0.5*t3+0.5*tp2-0.5*tp4+0.5*t1]*c (24)

[0093] Equation (24) does not include t2 or t4. The calculation of passive positioning ranging disclosed in this article enables a method for supporting passive positioning ranging in which RSTA and ISTA do not need to measure TOA, but only need to measure the simpler and faster PS-TOA. This makes the infrastructure simpler and also simplifies the implementation of the system with direct feedback on the RSTA and ISTA sides, thereby simplifying the protocol for passive stations because it removes the state from the process.

[0094] In one embodiment, it is assumed that t2 is measured by PS-TOA, and the PS-TOA variable of t2 is denoted as tp2. The distance between ISTA and RSTA can be calculated as equation (25):

[0095] D_IR=[(tp2-tp2_corr-t1)+(t4-t3)] / 2*c (25)

[0096] Where, as shown in equation (26):

[0097] tp2_corr=tp4-t4 (26)

[0098] is the correction to the PS-TOA variable at t2, and 4 is the PS-TOA variable at t4. The distance between ISTA and RSTA can be calculated according to equation (27).

[0099] D_IR=[tp2-tp4+t4-t1+t4-t3] / 2*c=[2*t4-tp4-t1+ (27)

[0100] tp2-t3] / 2*c

[0101] Either ISTA can transmit a correction to tp2, or ISTA can transmit the PS-TOA variable for t4 together with t4. In this embodiment, the differential distance from PSTA to the ISTA-RSTA pair can be calculated as equation (28):

[0102] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-0.5*t3+0.5*t2-0.5*t4+0.5*t1]*c=[t6-t5- (28)

[0103] 0.5*t3+0.5*(tp2-tp2_corr)-0.5*t4+0.5*t1]*c

[0104] Where tp2_corr is the correction to the PS-TOA variable at t2, and tp2 is the PS-TOA variable at t2. The differential distance can be calculated according to equation (29).

[0105] DD_PIR=[t6-t5-0.5*t3+0.5*tp2-0.5*tp4+0.5*t1]*c (29)

[0106] Equation (29) does not include t2 or t4.

[0107] As described herein, the STA may determine a correction to the PS-TOA and / or a corrected PS-TOA. The correction to the PS-TOA and the corrected PS-TOA may be referred to as correction data, because the STA may determine one or both of these data and report and / or broadcast the correction data.

[0108] In some embodiments, ISTA utilizes PR-based TOA reporting to report PS-TOA for passive positioning. Figure 7A diagram of a wireless network environment in which an ISTA reports a PS-TOA according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 700 includes an RSTA 702, an ISTA 704, and a PSTA 706. It should be understood that environment 700 may include multiple RSTAs, ISTAs, and / or PSTAs. In environment 700, ISTA 704 may send a PS-TOA to RSTA 702 (as shown by arrow 708), RSTA 702 may broadcast a PS-TOA (as shown by arrow 710), and PSTA 706 may determine a differential distance between an RSTA-ISTA pair based on the broadcast signal of RSTA 702.

[0109] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Frames in a TB ranging protocol in which ISTA 704 reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment are shown. TB ranging protocol 800 includes frames in a system with RSTA 702 and ISTA 704. RSTA 702 sends a polling TF 802, and ISTA 704 generates a PR 804. Then, RSTA 702 sends an I2R NDP TF 806 to ISTA 704, and ISTA 704 sends an I2RNDP 808 to RSTA 702 (as shown by arrow 824). Then, RSTA 702 generates an R2INDPA frame 810 and sends an R2INDP 812 to ISTA 704 (as shown by arrow 826). RSTA 702 generates an RSTA to ISTA LMR 814 and generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 816. ISTA 704 generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR 818. The protocol 800 includes a first broadcast frame 820 (e.g., a first LCI (location information) / LMR broadcast frame) and a second broadcast frame 822 (e.g., a second LCI / LMR broadcast frame) for passive positioning ranging. The RSTA 702 broadcasts the PS-TOA in the second broadcast frame 822 (as shown by arrow 828).

[0110] In such Fig. 8AIn one embodiment shown, the PS-TOA is determined by ISTA 704 and reported to RSTA 702 (as shown by arrow 830). RSTA 702 determines the corrected PS-TOA by using the PS-TOA reported by ISTA 704 and the assumption of reciprocity. RSTA 702 determines the corrected PS-TOA by determining the correction to the PS-TOA of ISTA 704. The determination of the corrected PS-TOA can be performed between R2INDPA 810 and ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 816 (as shown by arrow 832). RSTA 702 determines the corrected PS-TOA by determining the difference between the PS-TOA of RSTA 702 and the PS-TOA of ISTA 704 from I2R NDP 808. Then, RSTA 702 broadcasts the corrected PS-TOA in the second broadcast frame 822 (as shown by arrow 828), which can be observed by PSTA 706. This example may require a tight turnaround time from ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 816 to report the corrected ISTATOA in the broadcast frame 822.

[0111] In such Figure 8B In one embodiment shown, instead of RSTA 704 broadcasting a correction to ISTA's PS-TOA, RSTA 702 may broadcast the PS-TOA it has measured based on I2R NDP 808 of ISTA 704 (as shown by arrow 840), and this may be broadcast in an extra frame 820. Determination of the corrected PS-TOA may be performed between R2I NDPA 810 and ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 816 (as shown by arrow 842).

[0112] In such Figure 8C In another embodiment shown, ISTA 704 measures the PS-TOA of R2I NDP 812 and the TOD of I2R NDP 808. These values ​​are then received by RSTA 702 and broadcast by RSTA 702 to PSTA 706 (as shown by arrow 854). RSTA 702 may broadcast the PS-TOA and TOD of RSTA 702 in a first extra frame 820 and the PS-TOA and TOD of ISTA 704 in a second extra frame 822. The PS-TOA is determined by ISTA 704 and reported to RSTA 702 (as shown by arrow 850). The determination of the corrected PS-TOA may be performed between R2I NDPA 810 and ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 816 (as shown by arrow 852).

[0113] Fig. 9Figure of wireless network environment according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 900 includes RSTA 902, first ISTA 904, second ISTA 906 and PSTA 908. It should be understood that multiple RSTAs and PSTAs, as well as additional ISTAs, may be included in the environment. In one embodiment, the PS-TOA correction of ISTA 906 is calculated by ISTA 904 using reciprocity assumption, and fed back to RSTA 902. In addition, ISTA 904 can report the PS-TOA measured by I2R NDP from ISTA 906. This report is a supplement to the report of TOA measured by ISTA 904 from I2R NDP of ISTA 906. In another example, RSTA 902 can broadcast the PS-TOA measured and reported by ISTA 904 and 906, rather than RSTA broadcasting the correction of PS-TOA of ISTA. In another example, ISTA 904 reports the PS-TOA it measured for the I2R NDP from ISTA 906 , and RSTA 902 broadcasts the PS-TOA measured by ISTA 904 for the I2R NDP of ISTA 904 and the PS-TOA measured by ISTA 904 for the I2R NDP from ISTA 906 .

[0114] ISTA PS-TOA reporting supports the design of passive positioning ISTA and RSTA, and they do not necessarily need to measure TOA, but only need to measure PS-TOA. This simplifies the instant feedback of ISTA and RSTA, because PS-TOA may have been more or less calculated by the wi-fi modem, so the instant ISTA feedback is greatly simplified. Because, either there is a sufficiently powerful RSTA, in addition to calculating its own TOA, it can immediately turn to and broadcast the correction of PS-TOA of ISTA, or there is an RSTA that only measures and turns to PS-TOA, and this embodiment provides instant feedback for all timestamps. RSTA can broadcast the corrected PS-TOA, the correction and PS-TOA of PS-TOA, or the PS-TOA measured by I2R NDP from ISTA and the PS-TOA reported by ISTA. It is also possible to use a mixture of ISTA reporting PS-TOA and other ISTAs that can calculate PS-TOA corrections or report the PS-TOA it measures.

[0115] In one embodiment, the RSTA reports the PS-TOA for passive positioning using the PS-based TOA report. Fig.10A diagram of a wireless network environment in which an RSTA reports a PS-TOA according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 1000 includes an RSTA 1002, an ISTA 1004, and a PSTA 1006. It should be understood that environment 1000 may include multiple RSTAs, ISTAs, and / or PSTAs. In environment 1000, RSTA 1002 sends a PS-TOA to ISTA 1004 (as shown by arrow 1008), ISTA 1004 sends a PS-TOA to RSTA 1002 (as shown by arrow 1010), RSTA 1002 broadcasts a PS-TOA (as shown by arrow 1012), and PSTA 1006 determines a differential distance between an RSTA-ISTA pair based on the PS-TOA broadcast by RSTA 1002.

[0116] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C Frames in a TB ranging protocol in which an RSTA reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment are shown. The TB ranging protocol 1100 includes frames in a system having an RSTA 1002 and an ISTA 1004. The RSTA 1002 sends a polling TF 1102, and the ISTA 1004 generates a PR 1104. The RSTA 1002 then sends an I2R NDP TF 1106 to the ISTA 1004, and the ISTA 1004 sends an I2R NDP 1108 to the RSTA 1002 (as shown by arrow 1124). The RSTA 1002 then generates an R2I NDPA frame 1110, and sends an R2I NDP 1112 to the ISTA 1004 (as shown by arrow 1126). The RSTA 1002 generates an RSTA to ISTA LMR 1114, and generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 1116. ISTA 1004 generates ISTA to RSTA LMR 1118. Protocol 1100 includes a first broadcast frame 1120 (e.g., a first LCI / LMR broadcast frame) and a second broadcast frame 1122 (e.g., a second LCI / LMR broadcast frame) for passive positioning ranging. RSTA 1002 broadcasts PS-TOA in the second broadcast frame 1122 (as shown by arrow 1128).

[0117] In such Fig.11AIn one embodiment shown, the PS-TOA is measured by the RSTA 1002, and the correction to the PS-TOA of the RSTA 1002 is calculated by the ISTA 1004. Alternatively, the ISTA 1004 may report the PS-TOA it measured to the R2I NDP 1112 of the RSTA 1002. The determination of the corrected PS-TOA may be performed between the R2I NDPA 1110 and the ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 1116 (as shown by arrow 1132). The corrected PS-TOA and TOD of the RSTA 1002 are then broadcast to the PSTA 1006 along with the timestamp reported by the ISTA 1004 (as shown by arrow 1134). Therefore, instead of ISTA 1004 reporting a correction to the PS-TOA measured by R2I NDP 1112 of RSTA 1002 , ISTA 1004 may report the PS-TOA that it measured to RSTA 1002 's R2I NDP 1112 .

[0118] In such Fig. 11B In another embodiment shown, ISTA 1004 (as shown by arrow 1140) can use the assumption of reciprocity to calculate a correction to the PS-TOA of RSTA 1002, or ISTA can report the PS-TOA it measured to the R2I NDP 1112 of RSTA 1002. The PS-TOA is measured by RSTA 1002, and RSTA 1002 broadcasts the timestamp of RSTA 1002, including its PS-TOA from RSTA 1002 to PSTA 1006. RSTA 1002 also rebroadcasts the timestamp reported by ISTA 1004, including the correction of RSTA 1002's PS-TOA by ISTA 1004 or the PS-TOA of ISTA 1004 measured by ISTA 1004 to the R2I NDP 1112 of RSTA 1002. RSTA 1002 simply reports its PS-TOA and ISTA 1004 reports its correction to RSTA 1002's PS-TOA, or RSTA 1002 reports R2I NDP 1112 PS-TOA and these parameters are rebroadcast in broadcast frames 1120 and 1122.

[0119] In such Fig. 11CIn another embodiment shown, RSTA 1002 measures PS-TOA for I2R NDP 1108 and measures TOD for R2I NDP 1112. RSTA 1002 reports PS-TOA and TOD to ISTA 1004. ISTA 1004 measures and reports PS-TOA for R2INDP 1112 and TOD for I2R NDP 1108 (as shown by arrow 1150). RSTA 1002 broadcasts TOD of RSTA 1002 and ISTA 1004 and PS-TOA measured for I2R NDP 1108 and DL NDP in a first broadcast frame 1120, and RSTA 1002 rebroadcasts LMR report to ISTA 1004 in a second broadcast frame 1122.

[0120] The TOA reporting process with the RSTA 1002 offloads RSTA processing and utilizes available processing resources of the ISTA (eg, during regular ranging when the ISTA 1004 wants to determine its position).

[0121] In one embodiment, ISTA and RSTA utilize PS-based TOA reporting to report PS-TOA for passive positioning. Fig.12 A diagram of a wireless network environment in which RSTA and ISTA report PS-TOA according to an embodiment is shown. Environment 1200 includes RSTA 1202, ISTA 1204, and PSTA 1206. It should be understood that environment 1000 may include multiple RSTAs, ISTAs, and / or PSTAs. In embodiment 1200, RSTA 1202 measures and reports its PS-TOA and timestamp (as shown by arrow 1208), ISTA 1206 measures and reports its PS-TOA (as shown by arrow 1210), PSTA 1206 observes the broadcasts of RSTA 1202 and ISTA 1206 (as shown by arrow 1212), and determines the differential distance between PSTA 1206 and the RSTA-ISTA pair based on the broadcasted PS-TOA and timestamp.

[0122] Fig.13Frames in a TB ranging protocol in which an RSTA reports PS-TOA according to an embodiment are shown. The TB ranging protocol 1300 includes frames in a system having an RSTA 1202 and an ISTA 1204. The RSTA 1202 sends a polling TF 1302, and the ISTA 1204 generates a PR 1304. Then, the RSTA 1202 sends an I2R NDP TF 1306 to the ISTA 1204, and the ISTA 1204 sends an I2R NDP 1308 to the RSTA 1202 (as shown by arrow 1324). Then, the RSTA 1202 generates an R2I NDPA frame 1310 and sends an R2I NDP 1312 to the ISTA 1204 (as shown by arrow 1326). The RSTA 1202 generates an RSTA to ISTA LMR 1314, and generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR TF 1316. The ISTA 1204 generates an ISTA to RSTA LMR 1318. The protocol 1300 includes a first broadcast frame 1320 (e.g., a first LCI / LMR broadcast frame) that provides an LCI with a DL LMR and a second broadcast frame 1322 (e.g., a second LCI / LMR broadcast frame) that provides an UL LMR for passive positioning ranging. The RSTA 1202 broadcasts the PS-TOA in the UL LMR 1322 frame (as shown by arrow 1328).

[0123] In such Fig.13 In one embodiment shown, RSTA 1202 measures PS-TOA and R2INDP 1312 TOD to I2R NDP 1308. RSTA 1202 reports PS-TOA and TOD to ISTA 1204 (as shown by arrow 1326). ISTA 1204 measures and reports PS-TOA and I2R NDP 1308 TOD to R2I NDP 1312 (as shown by arrow 1330). RSTA 1202 broadcasts TOD and PS-TOA of RSTA 1202 in LCIDL LMR frame 1320, and rebroadcasts LMR report in UL LMR frame 1322. Through this process, all infrastructure stations (i.e., RSTA 1202 and anchor station 1204) can be very simple, because they do not need to measure and broadcast TOA, but only need to measure and broadcast PS-TOA which is easier to calculate. This also enables the use of ranging between ISTAs to provide passive positioning ranging support for PSTAs. This process also simplifies the implementation of immediate feedback on the ISTA and RSTA side, since they are easier to calculate PS-TOA than the commonly used TOA measurement.

[0124] Generally speaking, the system can use time stamps, TOD and TOA or PS-TOA, as well as RSTA and ISTA and Figure 3 The known positions of the other RSTAs and ISTAs shown are used to set up a (non-linear) system of equations, where the unknowns are the coordinates of the PSTAs, and the equations are various relationships that can be formed using the known and unknown quantities.

[0125] When phase shift feedback is negotiated between ISTA 1204 and RSTA 1202 in passive positioning ranging, the protocol for the sounding phase is different from passive positioning ranging with conventional TOA feedback because RSTA 1202 measures the PS-TOA in addition to the TOA measured for the NDP 1312 it receives from ISTA 1204 (e.g., arrow 1326), and ISTA 1204 measures the PS-TOA in addition to the TOA measured for the NDP 1312 it receives from RSTA 1202 (e.g., arrow 1330). ISTA 1204 may also measure the PS-TOA of the NDP it receives from other ISTAs.

[0126] When phase shift feedback is negotiated between ISTA 1204 and RSTA 1202 in passive positioning ranging, the protocol for the measurement reporting phase is different from passive positioning ranging with conventional TOA feedback. RSTA 1202 reports the measured PS-TOA in addition to its measured TOA in LMR frame 1322. ISTA 1204 reports its measured PS-TOA in addition to its measured TOA in ISTA 1204 passive LMR frame 1318. In the LCI DL LMR of RSTA 1202, RSTA 1202 broadcasts its measured PS-TOA and its measured TOA for the NDP it has received from ISTA 1204. In the UL LMR frame of RSTA 1202, RSTA 1202 rebroadcasts the timestamp that ISTA 1204 has reported to RSTA 1202. Since ISTA 1204 has negotiated phase shift feedback, these will include PS-TOA in addition to TOA.

[0127] When negotiating phase shift feedback in passive positioning ranging, the reporting of PS-TOA by both RSTA 1202 and ISTA 1204 can be of immediate type. In this case, the TOD timestamp can be reported as immediate feedback. The reported TOA does not need to be of immediate reporting type, but can be delayed. The conversation token refers to the passive positioning ranging availability window in which the reported TOA timestamp is measured, rather than the availability window in which the reported PS-TOA and TOD are measured, because this is the availability window containing the report itself.

[0128] In addition, in LCI DL LMR and UL LMR frames 1320 and 1322, the broadcast of TOD and PS-TOA related to ISTA1204 that has negotiated phase shift feedback can also be immediate. That is, the TOD and PS-TOA measured by RSTA1202 can be broadcast in LCI DL LMR frame 1320 after the measurement phase in which they are measured. Accordingly, the TOD and PS-TOA reported by (multiple) phase shift TOA reporting ISTA1204 can be rebroadcast in UL LMR frame 1322 after the report from (multiple) ISTA 1204. Similarly, the reported TOA does not need to be an immediate reporting type, but can be delayed. Therefore, again, the conversation token refers to the passive positioning ranging availability window in which the reported TOA timestamp is measured, rather than the availability window in which the reported PS-TOA and TOD are measured, because this is the availability window containing the report itself.

[0129] Fig.14 A flowchart 1400 of a method for passive positioning in a wireless network system according to an embodiment is shown. At 1402, the system receives a PS-TOA by a first STA. The first STA may be an RSTA or an ISTA. At 1404, the system calculates correction data of the received PS-TOA by the first STA, the correction data including one or more of the corrected PS-TOA and the correction to the PS-TOA. At 1406, the system sends correction data by the first STA by performing one or more of reporting the correction data or broadcasting the correction data to the second STA by the first STA. The second STA may be an RSTA or an ISTA. At 1408, the system determines a differential distance from the PSTA to the first STA and the second STA based on the correction data. The system may determine the differential distance by the PSTA.

[0130] Fig.15 A flowchart 1500 of a method for passive positioning in a wireless network system according to an embodiment is shown. At 1502, the system measures a first PS-TOA by an RSTA. At 1504, the system measures a second PS-TOA by an ISTA. At 1506, the system reports the first PS-TOA by an RSTA. At 1508, the system reports the second PS-TOA by an ISTA. At 1510, the system broadcasts a timestamp by an RSTA. At 1512, the system determines a differential distance between a PSTA and a pair of RSTA and ISTA based on the first PS-TOA, the second PS-TOA, and the broadcasted timestamp by a PSTA.

[0131] Passive positioning ISTA to RSTA LMR may include a conversation token, a carrier frequency offset (CFO) to the responder, and each time-stamp, which may include the type of transmitter (e.g., a 2-bit number used to determine 4 types (such as TOD, TOA, PS-TOA, and reserved)), TOD error, TOA error, time stamp validity, time stamp, and radio frequency ID (RFID). Positioning information (LCI) / LMR first broadcast frame may include an LCI table element and a DL LMR, which may include the type of transmitter (for RSTA, RID=0) (e.g., a 2-bit number used to determine 4 types (such as TOD, TOA, PS-TOA, and reserved)), TOD error, TOA error, time stamp validity, time stamp, and radio frequency ID (RFID). The LCI / LMR second broadcast frame may include the type of transmitter for each ISTA device (e.g., a 2-bit number used to determine 4 types such as TOD, TOA, PS-TOA, and reserved), TOD error, TOA error, timestamp validity, timestamp, and radio frequency ID (RFID). The LCI / LMR second broadcast frame may be a copy of the LMR report from each ISTA.

[0132] The present ISTA that reports phase-roll-based TOA provides a significant reduction in computational complexity and is more likely to report measurements in the same ranging sequence (ranging opportunity) in which the measurements were made. By reporting its PS-TOA measurements in the same ranging opportunity in which the PS-TOA is measured, the passive positioning ranging reporting protocol is simplified by eliminating some state dependencies between ranging opportunities in the protocol.

[0133] The passive positioning ranging mode includes a ranging exchange between an RSTA and a group of ISTAs. These ranging exchanges and associated measurement reports are configured so that any STA can monitor them, and use the ranging exchange and reported ranging measurements to estimate its differential distance to a pair or group including an RSTA and / or one or more ISTAs. The monitoring STA, PSTA itself is not an active sending participant in the ranging exchange. In other words, the PSTA can passively estimate its differential distance to the RSTA and ISTA pairs. Then, it can estimate its own positioning using these differential distances and the knowledge of the positioning of the RSTA and ISTA.

[0134] The second phase of the passive positioning ranging measurement sequence, after the passive positioning ranging polling phase, is called the passive positioning ranging measurement detection phase. The passive positioning ranging measurement detection phase includes one or more passive positioning detection subvariant ranging trigger frames and ranging NDP exchanges, ranging NDPA frames and ranging NDP transmissions. The TF sent by the RSTA has different ranging and subvariant passive positioning detections. Here, the TF only allocates uplink resources to a single STA.

[0135] Similar to TB ranging, an ISTA participating in a passive positioning ranging exchange can measure the TOD of its own ranging NDP and the TOA when it receives the ranging NDP of the RSTA. In addition, the ISTA can also measure and report the TOA when it receives the ranging NDP sent by other ISTAs participating in the passive positioning ranging exchange. By reporting the TOA timestamp when it receives the NDP transmission of other ISTAs, the quality of the positioning estimate of the PSTA listening to the passive positioning exchange can be improved.

[0136] The last stage of the passive positioning ranging measurement sequence is the passive positioning ranging measurement report stage, and is sent at a short inter-frame spacing (SIFS) time after the passive positioning ranging measurement detection stage. In the passive positioning ranging measurement report stage, the RSTA can send LMR frames and LMR sub-variable ranging triggers to one or more ISTAs, where the one or more ISTAs sent ranging NDPs in the previous passive positioning ranging measurement detection stage. The ISTA addressed by the LMR sub-variable ranging TF can send an ISTA passive LMR frame at a SIFS time after the LMR sub-variable ranging TF transmission.

[0137] The ISTA passive LMR frame includes an ISTA passive LMR element, which includes the TOD timestamp of the I2R NDP sent by ISTA, the TOA timestamp of the R2I NDP received by ISTA from RSTA, the CFO of ISTA for RSTA, and optionally the TOA of the I2R NDP received from other ISTAs participating in the passive positioning ranging polling-probe-report triple, where the triple is identified by the conversation token included in the report. The ISTA passive LMR frame may include an entry for the I2R NDP TOD of ISTA. RSTA sends two RSTA broadcast passive LMR frames at a SIFS time after receiving the ISTA passive LMR frame from ISTA.

[0138] First, the first RSTA broadcast passive LMR frame containing the following contents is sent: current passive positioning LCI table number, passive positioning LCI table countdown, RSTA passive positioning LMR and passive positioning LCI table.

[0139] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1601 in a network environment 1600 according to one embodiment. Fig.16 , the electronic device 1601 in the network environment 1600 may communicate with the electronic device 1602 via the first network 1698 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 1604 or the server 1608 via the second network 1699 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device 1601 may communicate with the electronic device 1604 via the server 1608. The electronic device 1601 may include a processor 1620, a memory 1630, an input device 1650, a sound output device 1655, a display device 1660, an audio module 1670, a sensor module 1676, an interface 1677, a haptic module 1679, a camera module 1680, a power management module 1688, a battery 1689, a communication module 1690, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 1696, or an antenna module 1697. In one embodiment, at least one component (e.g., the display device 1660 or the camera module 1680) may be omitted from the electronic device 1601, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 1601. In one embodiment, some components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC).For example, the sensor module 1676 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be embedded in the display device 1660 (eg, a display).

[0140] The processor 1620 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 1640) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 1601 coupled to the processor 1620, and may perform various data processing or calculations. As at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 1620 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 1676 or communication module 1690) into the volatile memory 1632, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 1632, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 1634. The processor 1620 may include a main processor 1621 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 1623 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that operates independently of the main processor 1621 or in conjunction with the main processor 1621. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 1623 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 1621, or to perform specific functions. The auxiliary processor 1623 may be implemented as a separate part of the main processor 1621 or as a part of the main processor 1621.

[0141] The auxiliary processor 1623 may replace the main processor 1621 when the main processor 1621 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or control at least some functions or states related to at least one of the components of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., the display device 1660, the sensor module 1676, or the communication module 1690) together with the main processor 1621 when the main processor 1621 is in an active state (e.g., running an application). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1623 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., a camera module 1680 or a communication module 1690) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 1623.

[0142] The memory 1630 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., the processor 1620 or the sensor module 1676). The various data may include, for example, input data or output data of software (e.g., program 1640) and commands related thereto. The memory 1630 may include a volatile memory 1632 or a non-volatile memory 1634.

[0143] The program 1640 may be stored as software in the memory 1630 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 1642 , middleware 1644 , or an application 1646 .

[0144] The input device 1650 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (eg, the processor 1620) of the electronic device 1601 from outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 1601. The input device 1650 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0145] The sound output device 1655 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 1601. The sound output device 1655 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or recording, and the receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as being separated from the speaker or being a part of the speaker.

[0146] The display device 1660 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., a user). The display device 1660 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit that controls a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to one embodiment, the display device 1660 may include a touch circuit suitable for detecting a touch, or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) suitable for measuring the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0147] The audio module 1670 can convert sound into an electrical signal, and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module 1670 can obtain sound via the input device 1650, or output sound via the sound output device 1655 or the earphone of the external electronic device 1602 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to the electronic device 1601.

[0148] The sensor module 1676 can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 1601 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 1601, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module 1676 may include, for example, a posture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0149] The interface 1677 may support one or more designated protocols for direct (e.g., wired) or wireless coupling of the electronic device 1601 with the external electronic device 1602. According to one embodiment, the interface 1677 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0150] The connection terminal 1678 may include a connector via which the electronic device 1601 may be physically connected to the external electronic device 1602. According to one embodiment, the connection terminal 1678 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

[0151] The haptic module 1679 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation, which the user may recognize via tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 1679 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0152] The camera module 1680 may capture still images or moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 1680 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0153] The power management module 1688 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 1601. The power management module 1688 may be implemented as, for example, at least a portion of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0154] The battery 1689 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 1601. According to one embodiment, the battery 1689 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0155] The communication module 1690 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 1601 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1602, electronic device 1604, or server 1608), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 1690 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 1620 (e.g., AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 1690 may include a wireless communication module 1692 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system communication module (GNSS) or a wired communication module 1694 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 1698 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard) or a second network 1699 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single IC), or may be implemented as a plurality of components (e.g., a plurality of ICs) separated from each other. The wireless communication module 1692 may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 1696 to communicate with the external electronic device. identity, IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the electronic device 1601 in a communication network such as the first network 1698 or the second network 1699.

[0156] The antenna module 1697 may send or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 1697 may include one or more antennas, and thus, for example, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 1698 or the second network 1699) may be selected by the communication module 1690 (e.g., the wireless communication module 1692). The signal or power may then be sent or received between the communication module 1690 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

[0157] At least some of the above-mentioned components can be coupled to each other via an inter-peripheral device communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0158] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 1601 and the external electronic device 1604 via a server 1608 coupled to the second network 1699. Each of the electronic devices 1602 and 1604 may be a device of the same type or a different type as the electronic device 1601. All or some operations to be run on the electronic device 1601 may be run on one or more of the external electronic devices 1602, 1604, or 1608. For example, if the electronic device 1601 should automatically perform a function or service, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 1601 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of or in addition to running the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or additional service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 1601. The electronic device 1601 may provide a result, whether or not the result is further processed, as at least a part of the reply to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0159] One embodiment may be implemented as software (e.g., program 1640), including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 1636 or external memory 1638) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 1601). For example, a processor of electronic device 1601 may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and run it with or without one or more other components under the control of the processor. Thus, the machine may be operated to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include compiler-generated code or interpreter-executable code. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between a location where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a location where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

[0161] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by a corresponding one of the multiple components before integration. The operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more operations may be performed or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0162] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be determined based solely on the described embodiments, but on the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for time of arrival TOA reporting based on phase shift, include: Measuring, by the responder station RSTA, a first phase shifted arrival time PS-TOA based on a first packet received from the initiator station ISTA; The RSTA reports a first PS-TOA to the ISTA; receiving, by the RSTA from the ISTA, a second PS-TOA based on a second packet sent from the RSTA to the ISTA; determining, at the RSTA, a corrected first PS-TOA from the first PS-TOA based on the second PS-TOA and a time at which the second packet is received at the ISTA; broadcasting, by the RSTA, the corrected first PS-TOA and a timestamp of a departure time TOD of the second packet; wherein the passive station PSTA determines a time when the first packet and the second packet are received at the PSTA; The PSTA determines the differential distance between the PSTA and the RSTA relative to the PSTA and the ISTA based on the time when the first packet and the second packet are received and the timestamps of the broadcasted corrected first PS-TOA and TOD of the second packet.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The first packet includes a received uplink UL null data packet NDP.

3. The method according to claim 1, in, The second packet includes a received downlink DL null data packet NDP.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The RSTA reports a first PS-TOA of the RSTA in a positioning measurement report LMR frame of the RSTA.

5. The method according to claim 4, in, The RSTA reports the measured TOA of the first packet in the LMR frame of the RSTA.

6. The method according to claim 1, in, The differential distance includes a differential time of flight.

7. A responder station RSTA for time of arrival TOA reporting based on phase shift, include: One or more processors configured to: Measuring a first phase shifted arrival time PS-TOA based on a first packet received from an initiator station ISTA; Reporting a first PS-TOA to the ISTA; receiving, from the ISTA, a second PS-TOA based on a second packet sent from the RSTA to the ISTA; determining a corrected first PS-TOA from the first PS-TOA based on the second PS-TOA and a time at which the second packet was received at the ISTA; as well as broadcasting the corrected first PS-TOA and a timestamp of a departure time TOD of the second packet; wherein the passive station PSTA determines a time when the first packet and the second packet are received at the PSTA; and The PSTA determines the differential distance between the PSTA and the RSTA relative to the PSTA and the ISTA based on the time when the first packet and the second packet are received and the timestamps of the broadcasted corrected first PS-TOA and TOD of the second packet.

8. The RSTA according to claim 7, in, The first packet includes a received uplink UL null data packet NDP.

9. The RSTA according to claim 7, in, The second packet includes a received downlink DL null data packet NDP.

10. The RSTA according to claim 7, in, The RSTA reports a first PS-TOA of the RSTA in a positioning measurement report LMR frame of the RSTA.

11. The RSTA according to claim 10, in, The RSTA reports the measured TOA of the first packet in the LMR frame of the RSTA.

12. The RSTA according to claim 7, in, The differential distance includes a differential time of flight.

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