Ranging via a mobile cellular device

Abstract

The present invention discloses systems and methods for using ranging signals via a cellular device. The ranging signals can utilize ranging time slots and resources that are at least partially allocated by a cellular network. The resources can include frequencies for uplink or downlink communication between the cellular network and the cellular device. Alternatively, the resources can include frequencies outside the spectrum for communication between the cellular network and the cellular device.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 896,372, filed on September 5, 2019, entitled "RANGING WITH A MOBILE CELLULAR DEVICE", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for performing ranging using a mobile device.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed hereinafter. This discussion is believed to be helpful to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this context, and not as an admission of prior art.

[0005] Personal electronic devices, such as mobile handheld devices, body-worn devices, and head-worn devices, are now ubiquitous. The popularity of these devices enables the use of personal electronic devices for augmented reality (AR). In addition, as wireless network throughput increases, personal electronic devices can access more information, thereby potentially increasing the usefulness of updated AR information. At least for these reasons, an AR surge into the mainstream is expected, where fifth-generation new radio (5G NR) networks bring gigabit broadband wireless speeds widely available to the consumer market. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide a concise summary of these particular embodiments to the reader and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may cover a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0007] Personal electronic devices (e.g., head-wearable devices, mobile handheld devices, body-wearable devices, etc.) may be configured to transmit and receive ranging (e.g., radio detection and ranging (RADAR)) signals to perform obstacle detection and / or tracking. When a personal electronic device is used to perform augmented reality, ranging using the ranging signals can be particularly useful. The ranging signals may use licensed or unlicensed spectrum at relatively high frequencies (e.g., above 52.6 GHz). The allocation of the ranging transmission part and the ranging reception part for each device connected to a cellular network may be at least partially managed by the network. The allocated resources during these parts may include time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources for frequencies used for sending / receiving cellular communications, time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources for frequencies other than those used for sending / receiving cellular communications, resources for a single ranging occurrence, resources for repeated ranging occurrences, resources for multiple ranging device transmissions in a single time slot, etc.

[0008] In addition, ranging operations can be enhanced by additional features available for ranging beyond just using the ranging signals. For example, the ranging signals may be encoded so that the receiving device can identify the ranging device. Additionally or alternatively, sidelink (SL) discovery sequences may be embedded in the ranging signals to enable neighbor discovery of the ranging devices. Device identification / neighbor discovery may be limited to devices having a previously established security context regarding the ranging device. Additionally or alternatively, enhanced positioning sequences (ePS) may be embedded in the ranging signals so that the network can identify the location of the ranging device in a highly accurate manner using the known location of the device receiving the ePS signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood when reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device including one or more antennas for transmitting and / or receiving ranging signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 represents Figure 1 a perspective view of a laptop computer that is an example of an electronic device;

[0012] Figure 3 represents Figure 1 a front view of a handheld device that is another embodiment of the electronic device;

[0013] Figure 4 represents Figure 1 a front view of another handheld device that is another embodiment of the electronic device;

[0014] Figure 5 represents Figure 1Front view of a desktop computer of another embodiment of an electronic device;

[0015] Figure 6 represents Figure 1 Front and side views of a wearable electronic device of another embodiment of an electronic device;

[0016] Figure 7 is a diagram of a ranging system of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 8 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using time-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 ;

[0018] Figure 9 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using time-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 ;

[0019] Figure 10 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using time-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 that only uses a part of the bandwidth of the electronic device Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 11 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using frequency-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 ;

[0021] Figure 12 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using frequency-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 ;

[0022] Figure 13 is a chart of ranging allocation of a ranging system using frequency-division duplex with multiple ranging devices Figure 7 that only uses a part of the bandwidth of the electronic device Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a process used by an electronic device Figure 1 to interact with an operator to perform ranging in a licensed spectrum;

[0024] Figure 15 is a chart of carrier allocation used in the process Figure 14 ;

[0025] Figure 16 is a block diagram of a process used by an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to interact with an operator to perform ranging in an unlicensed spectrum through carrier sensing; Figure 1

[0026] Figure 17 is a diagram of carrier allocation used in a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16

[0027] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a process for performing radio resource configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 19 is a diagram of a proximity communication system of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including; Figure 1

[0029] Figure 20 is a diagram of allocation of a proximity communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having; Figure 21 a coded ranging signal;

[0030] Figure 21 is a diagram of allocation of a proximity communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a sidelink sequence is embedded in a ranging signal; Figure 21

[0031] Figure 22 is a diagram of a proximity communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including; Figure 1 an electronic device and using a security context to protect location information;

[0032] Figure 23 is a block diagram of a process performed by a receiving device for proximity communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 22

[0033] Figure 24 is a diagram of an enhanced positioning signal system of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including; Figure 1

[0034] Figure 25 is a block diagram of a process using a ranging signal in a maximum allowable exposure application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a brief description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation are not described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, specific decisions specific to many specific implementations must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints that can vary from one specific implementation to another. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, it will still be routine work in design, processing, and manufacturing.

[0036] Turning first to Figure 1 , the electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include, among other things, one or more processors 12, a memory 14, a non-volatile storage device 16, a display 18, one or more antennas 20, an input structure 22, an input / output (I / O) interface 24, a network interface 26 coupled to the antenna 20, and a power supply 28. Figure 1 The various functional blocks shown may include hardware elements (including circuits), software elements (including computer code stored on a computer-readable medium), or a combination of both hardware elements and software elements. It should be noted that Figure 1 is only an example of a specific implementation and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may be present in the electronic device 10.

[0037] By way of example, the electronic device 10 may represent Figure 2 the laptop computer shown in Figure 3 the handheld device shown in Figure 4 the handheld device shown in Figure 5 the desktop computer shown in Figure 6 the wearable electronic device shown in, or a block diagram of a similar device. It should be noted that Figure 1 the processor 12 and other related items in

[0038] In Figure 1In the electronic device 10, the processor 12 may be operably coupled to the memory 14 and the non-volatile storage device 16 to execute various algorithms. Such programs or instructions executed by one or more processors 12 may be stored in any suitable article of manufacture that includes at least one or more tangible computer-readable media that collectively store the instructions or routines, such as the memory 14 and the non-volatile storage device 16. The memory 14 and the non-volatile storage device 16 may include any suitable article of manufacture for storing data and executable instructions, such as random access memory, read-only memory, rewritable flash memory, hard disk drive, and optical disk. In addition, the programs (e.g., operating system) encoded on such computer program products may also include instructions executable by the processor 12 to enable the electronic device 10 to provide various functions.

[0039] In some embodiments, the display 18 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) that allows a user to view images generated on the electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the display 18 may include a touch screen that allows a user to interact with the user interface of the electronic device 10. In addition, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the display 18 may include one or more organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, or some combination of an LCD panel and an OLED panel.

[0040] The input structure 22 of the electronic device 10 may enable a user to interact with the electronic device 10 (e.g., pressing a button to increase or decrease the volume level). Just like the network interface 26, the I / O interface 24 may enable the electronic device 10 to interact with various other electronic devices.

[0041] The network interface 26 may include, for example, one or more interfaces for: personal area network (PAN) such as Bluetooth network, local area network (LAN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) such as 802.11x Wi-Fi network, and / or wide area network (WAN) such as third generation (3G) cellular network, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), fourth generation (4G) cellular network, long term evolution (LTE) cellular network, long term evolution licensed assisted access (LTE-LAA) cellular network, fifth generation (5G) cellular network, 5G new radio (5G NR) cellular network, and / or 5G NR cellular network evolution. The network interface 26 may also include, for example, one or more interfaces for: broadband fixed wireless access network (WiMAX), mobile broadband wireless network (mobile WiMAX), asynchronous digital subscriber line (e.g., ADSL, VDSL), digital video terrestrial broadcast (DVB-T) and its extension DVB handheld (DVB-H), ultra-wideband (UWB), alternating current (AC) power line, etc. For example, the network interface 26 may be capable of joining multiple networks and may employ one or more antennas 20 for this purpose.

[0042] As will be discussed in more detail below, network interface 26 can be used to perform ranging using electronic device 10. In some embodiments, to perform ranging, network interface 26 can include ranging circuit 29, which is part of a communication circuit (such as network interface 26, etc.) that enables electronic device 10 to communicate wirelessly. In addition to transmitting wireless signals (such as 5G NR signals) by the communication circuit to communicate with one or more networks (such as 5G NR cellular networks), ranging circuit 29 enables electronic device 10 to perform ranging using one or more of antennas 20. Additionally or alternatively, electronic device 10 can utilize processor 12 to implement ranging using network interface 26 at least in part with or without ranging circuit 29 included in electronic device 10.

[0043] As further shown, electronic device 10 can include power supply 28. Power supply 28 can include any suitable power source, such as a rechargeable lithium polymer (Li-poly) battery and / or an alternating current (AC) power converter.

[0044] In certain embodiments, electronic device 10 can take the form of a computer, a portable electronic device, a wearable electronic device, or other types of electronic devices. Such computers can include computers that are typically portable (such as laptops, notebooks, and tablet computers) and computers that are typically used in one location (such as conventional desktop computers, workstations, and / or servers). In certain embodiments, electronic device 10 in the form of a computer can be a PRO, MACBOOK MINI or MAC model of electronic device. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in Figure 2 is shown an electronic device 10 in the form of a notebook computer 10A. The illustrated computer 10A can include a housing or enclosure 36, a display 18, an input structure 22, and ports of I / O interface 24. In one embodiment, input structure 22 (such as a keyboard and / or a touchpad) can be used to interact with computer 10A, such as to initiate, control, or operate a GUI or an application running on computer 10A. For example, the keyboard and / or the touchpad can allow a user to navigate on a user interface or an application interface displayed on display 18.

[0045] Figure 3Depicts a front view of a handheld device 10B representing an embodiment of an electronic device 10. The handheld device 10B can represent, for example, a cellular phone, a media player, a personal data manager, a handheld gaming platform, or any combination of such devices. For example, the handheld device 10B can be an or model handheld device. The handheld device 10B can include a housing 36 for protecting internal components from physical damage and for shielding the internal components from electromagnetic interference. The housing 36 can surround a display 18. An I / O interface 24 can be open through the housing 36 and can include, for example, I / O ports for hardwired connections for charging and / or content manipulation using standard connectors and protocols such as the Lightning connector provided by Apple Inc., the Universal Serial Bus (USB), or other similar connectors and protocols.

[0046] A user input structure 22 coupled with the display 18 can allow a user to control the handheld device 10B. For example, the input structure 22 can activate or deactivate the handheld device 10B, navigate the user interface to a home screen, a user-configurable application screen, and / or activate a voice recognition feature of the handheld device 10B. Other input structures 22 can provide volume control or can switch between vibrate and ring modes. The input structure 22 can also include a microphone that can obtain a user's voice for various voice-related features, and a speaker that can enable audio playback and / or certain telephone functions. The input structure 22 can also include a headphone input that can provide a connection to external speakers and / or headphones.

[0047] Figure 4 Depicts a front view of another handheld device 10C representing another embodiment of the electronic device 10. The handheld device 10C can represent, for example, a tablet computer, or one of various portable computing devices. For example, the handheld device 10C can be a tablet-sized embodiment of the electronic device 10, specifically, for example, an model handheld device.

[0048] See Figure 5 , the computer 10D can represent Figure 1 another embodiment of the electronic device 10. The computer 10D can be any computer, such as a desktop computer, a server, or a laptop computer, but can also be a stand-alone media player or a video game console. For example, the computer 10D can be an or other similar devices. It should be noted that the computer 10D may also represent a personal computer (PC) of another manufacturer. A similar housing 36 may be provided to protect and surround the internal components of the computer 10D, such as the display 18. In some embodiments, a user of the computer 10D may interact with the computer 10D using various input structures 22, such as a keyboard 22A or a mouse 22B that may be connected to the computer 10D.

[0049] Similarly, Figure 6 Depicted Figure 1 Another embodiment of the electronic device 10 is a wearable electronic device 10E, which can be configured to operate using the techniques described herein. For example, the wearable electronic device 10E can include a wristband 38, which can be an APPLE However, in other embodiments, the wearable electronic device 10E may include any wearable electronic device, such as, for example, a head wearable device or a wearable motion monitoring device (e.g., a pedometer, an accelerometer, a heart rate monitor) or other device of another manufacturer. The display 18 of the wearable electronic device 10E may include a touch screen display 18 (e.g., an LCD, an OLED display, an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, etc.) and an input structure 22, which may allow a user to interact with the user interface of the wearable electronic device 10E. In addition, the wearable electronic device 10E may receive at least a portion of the data (e.g., cellular data) from another device (such as a handheld device 10B).

[0050] In view of the foregoing, the electronic device 10 can be used to perform ranging in various scenarios, such as when augmented reality (AR) is performed for the electronic device 10. For example, the ranging circuit 29 may include processing circuits and / or software for generating ranging signals and analyzing reflected ranging signals. For example, the ranging circuit 29 may include instructions stored in the memory 14, which, when executed by the processor 12, causes the processor 12 to analyze the received reflected ranging signals, or causes the processor 12 to offload part of the analysis to another computing device (e.g., a cloud computing device).

[0051] Ranging can be performed in licensed spectrum (e.g., the 71 - 86 GHz range and / or can vary based on regional regulations) or unlicensed spectrum (e.g., in the 57 - 71 GHz range and / or can vary based on regional regulations), and / or can be used to implement ranging embodiments (e.g., radio detection and ranging (RADAR) embodiments) in an electronic device 10 having an integrated (e.g., 60 GHz) radio and antenna 20. Ranging can use the transmission of ranging signals in a broadband sequence, which are used to estimate channel impulses when received via reflections from an object and to identify the object when combined with spatial processing. Including a ranging circuit 29 that includes ranging logic and / or circuitry in the electronic device can use various frequencies (e.g., those above 52.6 GHz) to enhance ranging by enabling the electronic device 10 and / or the network to which the electronic device 10 is coupled to: 1) manage system interference from multiple users in a high - density environment, 2) optimize the allocation of frequency / time resources for ranging use based on network deployment topology, network load, and user mobility, and 3) perform a potential maximum permissible exposure (MPE) application, where user proximity sensing opportunities are managed by the network.

[0052] Figure 7 FIG. shows a ranging system 100 in which users 102, 104, and 106 each have a corresponding electronic device (e.g., electronic device 10). Each of users 102, 104, and 106 has a corresponding direction of motion 108, 110, and 112 and ranging signals 114, 116, and 118 broadcast in that one or more directions. For example, if the corresponding ranging devices use beamforming, the ranging signals 114, 116, and 118 can be formed in the corresponding directions of motion 108, 110, and 112. The corresponding electronic device 10 and / or other devices in the network in which the electronic device 10 resides can use the information from the ranging signals to detect and / or track obstacles based on the ranging signals 114, 116, and / or 118 and the corresponding directions of motion 108, 110, and / or 112. Additionally or alternatively, the corresponding electronic device 10 and / or other devices in the network in which the electronic device 10 resides can predict conflicts based on the ranging signals 114, 116, and / or 118 and the corresponding directions of motion 108, 110, and / or 112.

[0053] The ranging signals 114, 116, and 118 can be multiplexed with the cellular signals used by the electronic device 10 so as to communicate with the corresponding cellular network when the ranging signals 114, 116, and 118 utilize the same frequency band used by the cellular signals. For example, Figure 8A diagram 120 of a time division duplex (TDD) system is shown, in which both ranging and cellular communications are performed using the same frequency band. Diagram 120 shows the allocation of subcarriers 121 of the network in each time slot. As shown, diagram 120 includes time slots 122, 124, 126, and 128. Time slots 122 and 124 are allocated to downlink communications in downlink communication sections 130 and 132 between the electronic device 10 and its cellular network, while time slot 126 is flexibly allocated to uplink and / or downlink communications in a flexible communication section 134. Time slot 128 is partially allocated to a ranging transmission section 136, which is allocated to the electronic device 10, thereby sending a ranging signal (e.g., ranging signals 114, 116, and 118). The rest of time slot 128 is allocated to a ranging reception section 138, which is allocated to the electronic device 10, thereby listening to the reflection back of the ranging signal transmitted during the ranging transmission section 136.

[0054] Due to the parameter set of the cellular network, a single time slot may not be sufficient to perform both transmission and reception of ranging signals. For example, an object above a threshold distance away from the electronic device 10 may not be able to reflect the ranging signal back to the electronic device 10 before the time slot 128 expires. For example, the round trip time of the ranging signal may be limited by the time slot duration, so that the allocated time portion (e.g., one time slot) may limit the range of the ranging process. For example, assuming that each ranging signal round trip time is equal to a single time slot, Table 1 shows the subcarrier spacing (in kHz) that identifies the frequency spacing between adjacent carriers along with the corresponding time slot length (in ms) and the maximum range (in m).

[0055] SCS (kHz) Slot Length (ms) Maximum Range (m) 15 1 150 30 0.5 75 60 0.25 37 120 0.125 19 240 0.0625 9 480 0.03125 5 960 0.015625 2

[0056] Table 1. Slot Length and Maximum Ranging Range According to SCS Frequency

[0057] As shown, the propagation of a ranging signal returning from an object that is more than a threshold distance away from the electronic device 10 may not be received quickly enough to occur in the same time slot (e.g., time slot 128) in which the ranging signal is transmitted (e.g., by the ranging transmission section 136). To provide additional ranging distance, the ranging reception section 138 may be assigned to a different time slot in addition to or instead of the time slot to which the ranging transmission section 136 is assigned. Further, when the ranging transmission section 136 and the ranging reception section 138 are in different time slots, the ranging transmission section 136 may be completed during a portion of time slot 128. Using the remainder of time slot 128, multiple users may be assigned portions of time slot 128 to transmit corresponding ranging signals. In other words, users in the same general area (e.g., in the same cell and / or adjacent cells of a wireless network) may share time slot 128, which is time-divisioned among the users by the allocated portions of time slot 128 to manage potential system interference in a high-density environment. For example, Figure 9 A diagram 140 of a TDD system is shown, where sub-portions corresponding to ranging transmission sections 142, 144, 146, and 148 are each assigned to corresponding electronic devices 10 in a cellular network. As shown, the ranging reception section 138 has been assigned to time slot 150 for all electronic devices 10 to monitor the corresponding reflected ranging signals transmitted during the corresponding ranging transmission sections during time slot 128. Since the network can control the allocation of the ranging portion of the time slots, in some embodiments, the network may ignore ranging transmissions at the base station during certain time slots because the network knows that cellular communication does not occur during those time slots.

[0058] As previously described, ranging using a ranging signal may use a broadband sequence. For example, in-band resources for ranging may be allocated to span the full channel bandwidth, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown. However, although a wider bandwidth gives more detail, a wider bandwidth has a reduced power spectral density, and ranging to a far distance may be too far for a wider bandwidth. Instead, a narrower bandwidth (e.g., a portion of the bandwidth of the band) may be used. In other words, ranging may use only a portion of the channel bandwidth, while the remainder of the bandwidth is used for cellular transmission. For example, Figure 10 A diagram 160 is shown that depicts that during time slot 128, some of the bandwidth is allocated for ranging for the ranging transmission sections 142, 144, 146, and 148 and the ranging reception section 138. The portion of the bandwidth in time slot 128 that is not allocated for ranging is used to provide an uplink band 162. Similarly, the portion of the bandwidth in time slot 150 that is not allocated for ranging is used to provide a downlink band 164.

[0059] Although Figures 8 to 10A TTD system is shown where uplink communication and downlink communication occur in the same frequency band at different times, but ranging can be performed in a frequency division duplex (FDD) system. For example, Figure 11 A diagram showing time slots 172 and 174 is presented, where downlink subcarriers 176 operate in a first frequency band and uplink subcarriers 178 operate in a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are separated by a duplex gap 180. As shown, the frequencies included in the first frequency band can be lower than the frequencies in the second frequency band. Alternatively, the frequencies included in the first frequency band can be higher than the frequencies in the second frequency band. As shown, during time slots 172 and 174, downlink subcarriers 176 can be allocated to downlink communication portions 182 and 184. Similarly, during time slot 172, uplink subcarrier 178 can be allocated to downlink communication portion 186. During time slot 174, uplink subcarrier 178 can be allocated to ranging transmit portion 136 and ranging receive portion 138. Additionally or alternatively, downlink subcarrier 176 can be allocated to ranging during time slot 174.

[0060] As previously discussed, there may not be enough time for the transmission and reception of ranging signals to be completed during the same time slot (e.g., time slot 174). Figure 12 A diagram 200 showing the allocation of downlink subcarriers 176 in time slots 172, 174, and 202 with corresponding downlink portions 182, 184, and 204 is presented. Uplink subcarriers 178 in an FDD system with multiple users / electronic devices 10 are allocated to transmit ranging signals during ranging transmit portions 188, 206, 208, and 210 during time slot 174. The ranging receive portion 190 is delayed until time slot 202. Although diagram 200 shows ranging transmit portions 188, 206, 208, and 210 allocated for corresponding ranging devices in time slot 174, in some embodiments, the ranging transmit portion 136 can be the only allocation in time slot 174 when the ranging receive portion 190 is in a separate time slot (e.g., time slot 174 or time slot 202). Additionally or alternatively, ranging can use downlink subcarrier 176.

[0061] As previously discussed, a frequency band narrower than the entire bandwidth of a carrier (e.g., downlink subcarrier 176 and / or uplink subcarrier 178) can be used to perform ranging. Figure 13FIG. 220 is shown, where the ranging transmit portions 188, 206, 208, and 210 and the ranging receive portion 190 use only a portion of the bandwidth of the subcarriers being used (e.g., uplink subcarrier 178). Thus, the uplink subcarrier 178 can be used for the uplink portion 222 in time slot 174 and for the uplink portion 224 in time slot 202. Similarly, if the downlink subcarrier 176 is used for ranging, the downlink subcarrier 176 can be used for the downlink portion in one or more time slots that also use the downlink subcarrier 176 to perform ranging via the electronic device 10.

[0062] As previously discussed, the same frequency band used for uplink and / or downlink communication in a cellular network can be used to perform ranging. However, the electronic device 10 can perform ranging using an entirely different frequency band. For example, the different frequency band can include licensed or unlicensed spectrum that is separate from the subcarriers used in cellular communication with the network. In the licensed spectrum, the operator (e.g., via the cellular network) can guarantee an allocation to the electronic device 10. For example, Figure 14 FIG. 230 is shown, which is a block diagram of a process 230 that the electronic device 10 uses to interact with the operator to perform ranging in a licensed spectrum outside of the frequency band used for uplink communication and downlink communication. The electronic device 10 receives an indication (block 232) of the allocated portion (e.g., sub-slot) of the ranging from the operator of the licensed spectrum. For example, the indication can be a wireless network command received via the wireless network to which the electronic device 10 is connected. Additionally, the indication can include an indication of the portion of the ranging transmit of the electronic device 10 (e.g., a portion of a time slot) and an indication of the portion of the ranging receive of the electronic device 10 (e.g., a portion of a time slot). Based on the indication, the electronic device 10 uses the allocated portion of the ranging to initiate a ranging transmit (block 234). The initiation of the ranging transmit can be set to occur a certain period of time after receiving the indication. For example, the indication can indicate the start time of the ranging portion. For example, the indication can include an indication of the time slot and / or sub-slot for the electronic device to start the ranging procedure. This indication of a future allocation rather than the current ranging receive portion can provide the electronic device with sufficient switching time to activate the ranging carrier. Additionally, if no other electronic device 10 is within the range of the electronic device 10, the indication can include a command for the electronic device 10 to perform ranging arbitrarily (at least until another ranging device is detected within the proximity of the electronic device 10 and the command is cancelled by a subsequent command).

[0063] After completing ranging transmission, the electronic device 10 receives a ranging signal reflection reflected from an object in a ranging area around the electronic device 10 (block 236). In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 monitors the reflected ranging signal immediately after stopping ranging transmission. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 may wait for an allocated time (e.g., ranging reception section 190) to start monitoring the reflected ranging signal. This monitoring delay can be used to avoid capturing other ranging devices that transmit ranging signals during the corresponding allocated portions of the other ranging devices. However, as discussed below, receiving ranging signals from other ranging devices can be used to provide various additional benefits, such as neighbor discovery and / or precise positioning of any of the ranging devices. Once the reflected ranging signal is received, the electronic device 10 can perform object detection based on the received reflected ranging signal (block 238). The electronic device 10 may offload at least a portion of the processing of the reflected ranging signal to another computing device (e.g., a cloud-based processing system).

[0064] Figure 15FIG. 240 is shown, in which ranging is performed out-of-band using TDD in the licensed spectrum together with cellular communication. FIG. 240 shows an anchor carrier 242, which is used to perform cellular communication in the communication spectrum and to set a ranging carrier 244 for performing ranging in the licensed spectrum. Here, the anchor carrier 242 includes subcarriers for communicating with a cellular network. As shown, the spectrum of the ranging carrier 244 may include higher frequencies than the anchor carrier 242. Alternatively, the spectrum of the ranging carrier 244 may include lower frequencies than the anchor carrier 242. FIG. 240 also shows time slots 246, 248, 250, and 252. During the downlink portions 256 and 258, the anchor carrier 242 is allocated for downlink communication. During the flexible portion 260, the anchor carrier 242 may be allocated for uplink and / or downlink communication. During the uplink portion 262, the anchor carrier 242 may be allocated for uplink communication. At point 263, an indication to perform ranging is received at the electronic device 10. For example, the indication may include a command to start ranging from a wireless network to the electronic device 10. The indication may specify a switching time to activate the ranging carrier 244. This switching time may enable the electronic device 10 to align the ranging with the start of a corresponding time slot (e.g., time slot 252). The network may configure a switching time offset to accommodate any timing differences between the device and the network in order to achieve synchronization in the ranging carrier. When multiple electronic devices 10 are allocated to perform ranging transmissions, the indication may include an indication of which portion of the time slot 252 will be used by the electronic device 10 for ranging transmission. For example, the indication may indicate that the electronic device 10 transmits a ranging signal during the ranging transmission portion 266, while other ranging devices are allocated to the ranging transmission portions 268, 270, and 272. Each of the ranging devices then monitors the reflected ranging signal in the ranging reception portion 274 for the ranging carrier 244. Although FIG. 240 includes ranging transmissions and receptions in different time slots, the ranging transmission portion 266 and the ranging reception portion 274 may occur in the same time slot (e.g., time slot 252) if the parameter set of the cellular network provides sufficient timing.

[0065] In addition, Figure 15 a TDD system is involved. However, regarding Figure 15 the same anchor principle discussed can be used to perform ranging in a spectrum outside the corresponding uplink and downlink subcarriers in an FDD system. In an FDD system, the uplink carrier and / or the downlink carrier can be used as the anchor carrier to set the ranging carrier 244.

[0066] Figure 16FIG. 0 shows a block diagram of process 280 that electronic device 10 uses to perform ranging in unlicensed spectrum outside of the frequency bands used for uplink and downlink communication. Electronic device 10 receives an indication (block 282) of an allocated portion (e.g., sub-slot) of the ranging from an operator of the licensed spectrum. For example, the indication can be a wireless network command received via the wireless network to which electronic device 10 is connected. Additionally, the indication can include an indication for activating ranging carrier 244 and initiating the carrier sense and collision avoidance procedure portions since there is no operator presence on the unlicensed band. Based on the indication, electronic device 10 initiates the carrier sense and collision avoidance procedure (block 284). The carrier sense and collision avoidance procedure can include a carrier sense or listen-before-talk (LBT) scheme where electronic device 10 listens and then transmits during the LBT portion. The initiation of the LBT portion can be set to occur a certain period of time after receiving the indication. For example, the indication can indicate the start time of the LBT portion. For example, the indication can include an indication of one or more time slots for the LBT portion, sub-slots for electronic device 10 to start ranging transmissions during the time slots, and / or time slots to start monitoring for reflected ranging signals. This indication of the future initiation of the LBT portion can provide the electronic device with sufficient switching time to activate the ranging carrier. Alternatively, the command can only specify the start and / or duration of the LBT portion, and electronic device 10 can attempt to initiate ranging after the LBT portion has passed. Regardless of whether the sub-slot designated for ranging transmission or the time slot for ranging reception, if a collision occurs for the ranging transmission during the LBT portion, the ranging transmission portion 266 can be delayed for a certain period of time. The period of time can be a set amount (e.g., the next time slot) or a random amount of time.

[0067] Based on the indication and results of the carrier sense and collision avoidance procedure, electronic device 10 uses the allocated portion of the ranging to initiate a ranging transmission (block 286). As previously discussed, the initiation of the ranging transmission can be set to occur a certain period of time after receiving the indication or relative to the LBT portion. For example, the indication can indicate the relative start time of the ranging transmission portion relative to the indication, and / or the indication can indicate the relative start time of the ranging transmission portion relative to the LBT portion.

[0068] After completing ranging transmission, the electronic device 10 receives a ranging signal reflection reflected from an object in a ranging area around the electronic device 10 (block 288). In some embodiments, the electronic device 10 monitors the reflected ranging signal immediately after stopping the transmission of the ranging signal. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 may wait for an allocated time (e.g., ranging reception section 274) to start monitoring the reflected ranging signal. This monitoring delay can be used to avoid capturing other ranging devices that transmit ranging signals during the corresponding allocated portions of the other ranging devices. Once the reflected ranging signal for the electronic device 10 is received, the electronic device 10 can perform object detection based on the received reflected ranging signal (block 238). The electronic device 10 may offload at least a portion of the processing of the reflected ranging signal to another computing device (e.g., a cloud-based processing system) via a cellular network and / or another wireless network.

[0069] Figure 17 is diagram 296, where ranging is performed out-of-band using TDD in a licensed spectrum together with cellular communication. Diagram 296 is the same as diagram 240, except that the indication at time 263 causes the initiation of LBT 298 because there is no operator guarantee that the allocated time slot is available for the ranging device.

[0070] The foregoing discussion related to Figures 8 to 17 the allocation of ranging resources. The ranging resources can then be configured by the electronic device 10 and / or the cellular network to which the electronic device 10 is connected. The cellular network may send a command to configure radio resources in a periodic or aperiodic scheme. For example, when transmitting a command to perform ranging, a configuration command may be transmitted at time 263. The configuration of resources can be performed based on reports and / or events. For example, Figure 18 is a block diagram of a process 310 for performing radio resource configuration. The electronic device 10 and / or the network to which it is connected obtain a report (block 312).

[0071] The report may include a report about the electronic device 10. For example, the report can be a request that the electronic device 10 has requested ranging resources. Additionally or alternatively, the report may be related to cellular communication (e.g., 5GNR), such as a measurement report related to the cellular communication between the electronic device 10 and the cellular network, the power margin of the cellular communication between the cellular network and the electronic device 10, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the report may be related to the power availability in the electronic device 10, such as an indication of the battery level and / or whether the power saving mode of the electronic device 10 has been engaged. In some embodiments, the report may be related to other network statistics, such as whether repeated requests (e.g., hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)) are used in the communication by the cellular network, cell capacity, etc.

[0072] Based on the report, the electronic device 10 and / or the network determine whether a parameter threshold is met for one or more parameters in the report (block 314). For example, the electronic device 10 and / or the network may determine that a cell has available time slots for ranging due to relatively low load, that communication of the electronic device 10 with the cell does not need to be re-broadcast due to a weak connection, etc. This determination may be made based on measurements from the electronic device 10, other devices in the cellular network, and / or network statistics from the cellular network. Additionally, the parameter may be related to an indication of whether the electronic device 10 has sufficient power to perform ranging and / or is set to a mode that is allowed to perform ranging. For example, the parameter may include an indication that the battery level in the electronic device exceeds a threshold charge and / or an indication that the electronic device 10 is not set to a power-saving mode, and ranging resources may not be allocated to the electronic device 10. Based on the parameter, the network and / or the electronic device 10 configure radio resources (block 316). Then, the electronic device 10 uses the radio resources to perform ranging as previously discussed with respect to Figures 8 to 17 discussed above.

[0073] As previously mentioned, ranging resources may include frequency-domain resources and / or time-domain resources. Additionally, the allocation of ranging resources may include frequency-domain resources and / or time-domain resources for a single ranging transmit and receive opportunity, frequency-domain resources and / or time-domain resources for repeated transmit and receive opportunities, or a combination thereof. The allocation of repeated ranging resources to the electronic device 10 may be at least partially based on the device capabilities and / or request information of the electronic device. For example, the allocation of repeated ranging resources may be granted to the electronic device 10 for a single objective of enhanced resolution or robustness, for obtaining multiple directions of range and spatial mapping around the electronic device 10 (assuming the electronic device 10 performs beamforming), etc. Additionally, the allocation of repeated resources may be performed to provide the requested bandwidth of the ranging signal, thereby optimizing the range / resolution trade-off in the ranging process. Additionally, the allocation may include the requested duration of the receive portion, thereby optimizing the depth of the ranging resolution by providing additional time for receiving the reflected ranging signal at the electronic device 10.

[0074] Although ranging may be used to detect objects approaching the electronic device 10, ranging may also be used to identify the electronic device 10 to other devices and / or to identify other ranging devices to the electronic device 10. Additionally or alternatively, proximity communication services may be enabled by using encoded ranging signals and / or network-managed ranging and neighbor discovery for sidelink (SL) neighbor discovery. For example, proximity communication services may include gigabit point-to-point transfer of digital media, location-based advertising, etc. Figure 19A diagram showing a proximity communication system 330 that can be deployed through network-managed ranging and neighbor discovery. Users 102 and 104 can have directions of travel through the propagation of ranging signals 114 and 116. These ranging signals 114 and 116 can be encoded or interleaved with neighbor discovery signals, and based on the encoded discovery signals and / or neighbor discovery of users 102 and 104, the neighbor discovery signals enable stores 332 and 334 to use corresponding transmissions 336 and 338 to provide information to users 102 and 104. For example, store 334 can send an advertisement to user 104 in transmission 338 based on the detected proximity of user 104 to store 334. Additionally, the information can be dynamic based on the proximity of user 103 to store 334. For example, when user 104 is close to store 334, the advertisement can have one offer, but when user 104 moves away from the store or the ranging signal 114 no longer points to store 334 (in the case of beamforming), the advertisement incentive (e.g., a greater percentage savings on a purchase) can increase to provide user 104 with an additional motivation to turn and enter store 334.

[0075] Figure 20 is a diagram 340 of subcarrier allocation during different time slots of an encoded ranging signal. Diagram 340 can be similar to Figure 9 diagram 140, except that the ranging transmission parts 142, 144, 146, and 148 can be encoded with identification codes of the corresponding ranging devices that identify the broadcast ranging signals. Each of these codes can be user-specific for the users using the corresponding ranging devices, which enables the device receiving the signal to identify the ranging user and / or the ranging device. To accommodate these codes in the ranging signal, one or more additional time slots 342 can be allocated with corresponding one or more ranging receiving parts 344. During both the ranging receiving part 138 and 344, the electronic device 10 can be used to discover neighboring users (in addition to or instead of the ranging procedure) by receiving the encoded ranging signals and / or SL sequences of neighboring users.

[0076] Figure 21 is a diagram 350 of subcarrier allocation for SL communication. SL communication (e.g., LTE side-link in 5G or similar SL communication) can enable electronic devices 10 in a cellular network to communicate directly with each other without passing the SL communication through the base stations of the cellular network. As shown, diagram 350 is similar to Figure 20Chart 340, except that chart 350 includes SL sequences 352 and 354 embedded between ranging transmit portions 142 and 146. The network can still manage the assignment of SL sequences 352 and 354. The assignment of SL sequences 352 and 352 to a particular electronic device 10 can be based on the network load, network deployment, and / or functionality of various electronic devices 10. SL sequences 352 and 354 can be used to share location information between electronic devices 10. For example, the location information can be directly encoded in the SL sequence. Additionally or alternatively, the SL sequence can provide authentication information to the receiving electronic device 10 to obtain the location information of the transmitting electronic device 10 from the network and / or cloud using the authentication information indicating that the receiving and transmitting electronic devices 10 are within ranging proximity of each other. The location information can include the specific location of the transmitting electronic device 10, or can be merely an indication that the transmitting electronic device 10 is within the ranging location of the receiving electronic device 10.

[0077] User 102 may not want to share the location information of his or her electronic device 10 with any other electronic device 10 within range. To enable user 102 to allow some devices to access his or her location information while preventing other devices from accessing the location, the location information can be shared only with devices having a shared security context regarding the ranging electronic device.

[0078] Figure 22 is a diagram of a protected proximity communication service system 360. User 102 uses a ranging electronic device to emit a ranging signal 114 with an encoded ranging signal or emit it together with the corresponding SL sequence. An arbiter 362 can be used to assign the encoding for the ranging signal or SL sequence 352 to the user's electronic device. The arbiter 362 can include another electronic device in the cellular network and / or can include the cloud with which the electronic device of user 102 can communicate. The ranging signal 114 can be received at the respective electronic devices of user 366, store 368, and store 370. However, only store 370 has a shared security context 372 that enables store 370 to access the location information regarding user 102. User 366 and store 368 lack the shared security context regarding user 102 and thus have a locked context 374 that prevents user 366 and store 368 from accessing the location information regarding user 102. In some embodiments, the arbiter 362 can be used to authenticate that store 370 can access the location information. In some embodiments, the electronic device of store 370 can access the location information directly from the SL sequence or the encoded ranging signal using a key for decoding the SL sequence or the encoded ranging signal. The key can be sent from the arbiter 362 and / or the electronic device of user 102 to store 370.

[0079] Figure 23FIG. 380 is a block diagram of a process 380 that can be used by a receiving device that receives ranging signals from other devices in proximity to the receiving device. At antenna 20 of the receiving device (e.g., electronic device 10), the receiving device receives a ranging signal (block 382). As previously discussed, this ranging signal can be encoded and / or accompanied by an SL sequence.

[0080] The receiving device determines whether it has a security context regarding the electronic device that transmitted the ranging signal (block 384). For example, a shared security context can include mutual authentication between the ranging electronic device and the receiving electronic device, where user 102 has granted access to location information to the receiving electronic device through an application (such as a mobile friend tracking application). This mutual authentication can then be stored in a cloud storage device. Additionally or alternatively, relevant information about user 102's electronic device can be stored in an authenticated device. For example, the receiving electronic device can have a table of locally stored encoded ranging codes that identify one or more ranging electronic devices. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving electronic device can have a key for decoding the encoded SL sequence and / or the encoded ranging signal. In some embodiments, the receiving device can send the encoded SL sequence and / or the encoded ranging signal to arbiter 362 for approval that the receiving electronic device can access the location information of the ranging electronic device. In certain of these embodiments, the receiving device can filter out codes other than those for which the receiving device has previously been authorized and / or provided a security context before sending the encoded SL sequence and / or the encoded ranging signal to arbiter 362. In either case, verification of the security context can be provided to or withheld from the receiving device in the form of providing or withholding the location information of the ranging device to the receiving device.

[0081] The security context can also be used for the category of the receiving device. For example, user 102 can choose to opt in to advertisements or other communications from a seller or choose to opt out of advertisements or other communications from a seller. This opt-in or opt-out can be performed on a grouped basis. For example, user 102 can choose to opt in to advertisements from a certain type of seller (e.g., a shoe store, a computer store, etc.) while choosing to opt out of advertisements from a different type of seller (e.g., a coffee shop, fast food, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, user 102 can choose to opt in or out of communications from a specific seller (e.g., store 368), regardless of the type of product offered by the seller. Further, this opt-in or opt-out can be performed for an entire organization or a specific location. For example, user 102 can choose to opt in / opt out of communications from a certain coffee shop brand or can choose to opt in / opt out for an individual coffee shop of that brand.

[0082] The category of the receiving device may also include user interests. For example, user 102 may choose to enter proximity detection for users who share common interests with user 102. For example, common interests may be selected through a social media application and / or a mobile friend tracking application.

[0083] If there is a security context between the receiving device and the ranging device, the receiving device may obtain proximity ranging information (block 386). Then, the receiving device may use the obtained proximity ranging information (block 388). For example, the receiving device may share content (e.g., an advertisement) or may record that the user has entered the proximity of the receiving device. For example, the ranging signal may be used by a seller (e.g., a stadium, a cinema) to track when a user / subscriber attends the seller's location. Then, the tracked proximity may be used to provide an incentive (e.g., points) for the user 102 to be close to the receiving device and / or to motivate future actions.

[0084] If no security context exists, the encoded ranging signal and / or the SL sequence may be discarded by the receiving device without accessing the proximity / location information (block 390). When no security context exists, the ranging signal may not be used for proximity detection of the receiving device, but the ranging device may still use the ranging signal to perform obstacle detection and to track receiving devices without a security context (e.g., user 366 and store 368).

[0085] In addition to or instead of using the SL sequence, the ranging device may embed an enhanced positioning sequence (ePS) signal into one or more receiving devices. Figure 24 FIG. is a diagram of an ePS system 400 that uses an ePS signal to provide ultra-high resolution positioning. For example, the ePS signal may be included in the ranging signal 114. For example, in Figure 21 the ePS signal (such as SL sequences 352 and 354) between the transmitting parts is embedded between the ranging transmitting parts 142 and 146. Similar to the SL sequence, the ePS may be assigned via the cellular network to which the ranging device is coupled. The network may assign the ePS based on network load, network deployment, the capabilities of the ranging device, and / or other suitable parameters. When using a high frequency band (e.g., greater than 52.6 GHz), a wide bandwidth may be used to license broadband services, which enables high accuracy of the ePS signal, thereby enhancing the positioning accuracy of location-based content customization (such as advertisement delivery).

[0086] The receiving devices of User 104, Store 332, and / or Store 334 can know their own positions and can use the ePS signal together with their own positions with a high degree of certainty and accuracy. This is particularly useful when the receiving devices are stationary (such as the receiving devices located at Store 332 and Store 334) because the position information can be precise and consistent. The network and / or the ranging device can utilize the stationary high-precision positions of User 103, Store 332, and / or Store 334 to perform high-precision calculations of the position of the ranging device. Using the known positions and the ePS signal, the positions of User 104, Store 332, and / or Store 334 can be used to "triangulate" the position of User 102 using User 104, Store 332, and / or Store 334 as reference nodes. Additionally, although three receiving devices are shown in the ePS system 400, similar triangulation techniques can be used with more or fewer receiving devices acting as reference nodes. The network can construct a dynamic map of the user device based on the relative positions of the high-precision reference nodes and the user device.

[0087] Using this precise position information, the associated services can provide appropriate information (e.g., advertisements) to enhance content delivery to a specific location, thus avoiding "content pollution" caused by the massive delivery of information (e.g., announcements) to any person within a general proximity of the receiving device. This is especially true in high-density locations with high traffic (e.g., shopping malls). To target location-appropriate users, the delivered information can be kept private for users not located within the specific location. Additionally or alternatively, users who do not meet the requirements (e.g., opt-in for advertisements) can be excluded from the information. Furthermore, the ePS signal can be protected to be usable only by receiving devices with a security context regarding the ranging device, which is similar to the security context discussed regarding the previously discussed encoded ranging signal and / or SL sequence.

[0088] Figure 25 is a flowchart for managing the transmission of cellular signals using electronic devices with ranging signals. For example, a 5G NR beamformed signal can have a potential maximum allowable exposure (MPE) that controls how much of the wave carrying cellular communication a certain object (e.g., a user) can be exposed to. The MPE can be an instantaneous exposure amount and / or an accumulated exposure amount over time. The ranging signal can be used for MPE applications with user proximity sensing managed by the network. For example, Figure 25Process 420 is shown for managing beams based on position and MPE level using ranging signals via position. A ranging device (or cellular network) may determine the position of a user (block 422). For example, obstacle detection performed by the ranging device or user equipment, neighbor discovery, an encoded ranging signal from the user equipment, an ePS-based map, and / or other position determination procedures discussed herein may be used to discover the user. The position of the user may also include an expected position based on the direction of travel and speed of the user and / or the ranging device.

[0089] The network and / or ranging device determines whether the determined position of the user is in the path of a potential beam that will be used for communication between the network and the ranging device (block 424). If the determined position of the user is not in the path of a potential beam, the potential beam is used for cellular communication (block 426). However, if the determined position of the user is in the path of a potential beam, the network and / or ranging device may determine whether the potential beam is likely to expose the user to a potential beam that causes the user to exceed the MPE (block 428). In the case of MPE over time, the determination may include determining whether additional use of the potential beam will exceed the MPE. If the potential beam is not likely to cause exposure exceeding the MPE, the potential beam is used or continued to be used for cellular communication between the ranging device and the network. If the potential beam is likely to cause exposure exceeding the MPE, new potential beams may be analyzed until a beam that meets the MPE requirements is encountered (block 430). Additionally, in some embodiments, multiple potential beams may be analyzed simultaneously with one of the beams selected for communication between the network and the ranging device. The strongest beam that meets the MPE requirements may be selected from the multiple potential beams. However, if no potential beam meets the MPE requirements (and / or strength requirements), additional potential beams may be analyzed.

[0090] Although MPE handling has been discussed as being related to managing MPE due to cellular communication from a ranging device, other devices may use ranging information from the ranging device to manage MPE. For example, the network and / or other cellular devices may use a network map that uses ePS to map the ranging device and manages MPE for shaped beams based on the positions of the user and the device in the network map.

[0091] The above specific embodiments have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. For example, the method may be applied to embodiments having different numbers and / or positions of antennas, different packets, and / or different networks. It should also be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] The technology described and claimed herein is recited and applied to specific examples of physical and tangible nature, which demonstrably improve the art and are thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Additionally, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing][function]..." or "step for [performing][function]...", those elements will be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim that contains elements designated in any other manner, those elements will not be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: One or more antennas; A network interface coupled to the one or more antennas and configured to: Use the one or more antennas to selectively transmit and receive cellular communication signals during corresponding communication time slots of cellular communication in a cellular network; Use the one or more antennas to selectively transmit ranging signals and receive reflected ranging signals during ranging time slots allocated by the cellular network; And A processor operatively coupled to the network interface and configured to: Encode the ranging signal based on a pre - existing security context between the electronic device and a receiving device to prevent identification of the electronic device when there is no pre - existing security context between the electronic device and the receiving device; And Determine the location of an obstacle or the location of the electronic device using the reflected ranging signal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the time slots in the ranging time slot include: A ranging transmission portion, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit the ranging signal during the ranging transmission portion of the time slot; And A ranging reception portion, wherein the electronic device is configured to monitor the reflected ranging signal transmitted during the ranging transmission portion of the time slot.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: A first time slot of the ranging time slot includes a ranging transmission portion, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit the ranging signal during the ranging transmission portion of the first time slot, and A second time slot of the ranging time slot includes a ranging reception portion, wherein the electronic device is configured to monitor the reflected ranging signal transmitted during the ranging transmission portion of the second time slot.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first time slot of the ranging time slot includes an additional ranging transmission part, and an additional electronic device is configured to transmit the ranging signal during the additional ranging transmission part of the first time slot.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the cellular communication signal and the ranging signal are configured to be transmitted and received using subcarriers for both the ranging signal and the cellular communication signal.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the cellular communication signal includes: An uplink signal configured to use uplink sub - carriers; And A downlink signal configured to use downlink sub - carriers.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the ranging signal is configured to use the uplink subcarrier during the ranging time slot.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the ranging signal uses only a part of the uplink subcarrier during the ranging time slot, and the remaining uplink subcarriers are used for uplink transmission during the ranging time slot.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the ranging signal is configured to use the downlink subcarrier during the ranging time slot.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the cellular communication signal is configured to use a first spectrum, wherein the ranging signal is configured to use a second spectrum, and wherein the first spectrum and the second spectrum do not have any overlapping frequencies.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the second spectrum includes a spectrum with the operator's permission, and the operator ensures that the allocated time slot is guaranteed for the allocated device.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the second spectrum is an unlicensed spectrum where the allocated time slot is not guaranteed.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the ranging time slot includes a listen - before - talk portion.

14. A mobile cellular device, comprising: One or more antennas; And A communication circuit configured to: Transmit and receive cellular signals to and from a cellular network; Encode a ranging signal so that a receiving device can use the encoded ranging signal to identify the mobile cellular device via neighbor discovery when there is a pre - existing security context between the mobile cellular device and the receiving device, and prevent identification of the mobile cellular device when there is no pre - existing security context between the mobile cellular device and the receiving device; Transmit the encoded ranging signal via the one or more antennas; Receive a reflected ranging signal reflected from an object in the ranging area of the mobile cellular device; And Use the reflected ranging signal to determine the location of an obstacle or the location of the electronic device.

15. The mobile cellular device according to claim 14, The encoded ranging signal is embedded with a sidelink sequence, and the sidelink sequence enables the electronic device to use the sidelink sequence to perform neighbor discovery of the mobile cellular device.

16. The mobile cellular device according to claim 15, wherein the electronic device is configured to identify the mobile cellular device or use the sidelink sequence to perform the neighbor discovery due to a pre - existing security context between the mobile cellular device and the electronic device.

17. The mobile cellular device according to claim 16, wherein due to the lack of a pre - existing security context between the additional receiving device and the mobile cellular device, the additional receiving device is prevented from identifying the electronic device or using the sidelink sequence to perform neighbor discovery.

18. The mobile cellular device according to claim 14, wherein the encoded ranging signal is embedded with an enhanced positioning sequence, and the enhanced positioning sequence enables the cellular network to locate the electronic device at least partially based on the enhanced positioning sequence and the positions of stationary nodes within the cellular network configured to receive the enhanced positioning sequence.

19. A method, comprising: Encode a ranging signal based on a pre - existing security context between a ranging device and a receiving device to prevent identification of the ranging device when there is no pre - existing security context between the ranging device and the receiving device; Determine a determined location of a user at least in part based on an encoded ranging signal from the ranging device, wherein the determined location of the user is at least in part based on signals transmitted to or received from the user electronic device, and the encoded ranging signal uses resources allocated by a cellular network; The determined location of the user is determined by the ranging device to be in the path of the strongest beam of the cellular network; Determine that the strongest beam may cause the user to be exposed to the strongest beam that exceeds the maximum allowable exposure; And Use an alternative beam for communication between the cellular network and the ranging device.

20. According to the method of claim 19, determining the determined position includes predicting the position of the user based at least in part on the direction of travel of the user determined using the user electronic device and at least in part on the predicted position of the user.

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