Method and apparatus for providing regulatory information in a UWB system

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method for providing regulatory information by a first device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system is provided. The method includes: indicating the availability of regulatory information to a second device; and providing the regulatory information to the second device based on the availability of the regulatory information, where the regulatory information includes at least one of the following: a confidence level indicating the source of the regulatory information; a country code; and a timestamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing regulatory information in a UWB system. Background Art

[0002] In a UWB system, UWB devices will support the exchange of various messages between UWB devices to allow ranging. To enable UWB devices to interoperate, a basic set of states needs to be defined in the UWB system, and a set of basic messages allowed for each state needs to be defined in the UWB system. Currently developed UWB systems do not support or define these states and messages and their relationships. This results in continuous information exchange between UWB devices in the UWB system, wasting the resources of the UWB system.

[0003] In addition, UWB devices should comply with the UWB transmission regulatory specifications defined by the regulatory authorities of the current geographical / location of the UWB device to ensure legality and compliance. Currently, existing methods cannot ensure that UWB regulatory information is provided to UWB devices. In addition, there is no mechanism for one UWB device to convey UWB regulatory information to another UWB device during out-of-band (OOB) connections and in-band connections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical Problem

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to solve the above disadvantages or other deficiencies, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] Embodiments herein provide a method and system for processing one or more UWB states, one or more UWB messages, and one or more UWB regulatory information to achieve interoperable communication in a UWB system. This results in the exchange of messages between UWB devices in the UWB system in an appropriate manner and avoids waste of resources in the UWB system.

[0008] Embodiments herein configure a basic set of states to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system.

[0009] Embodiments herein configure the messages allowed in a specific state to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system.

[0010] Embodiments herein configure the messages not allowed in a specific state to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure process Ultra-Wideband (UWB) regulatory information in a UWB system by configuring UWB regulatory information, indicating the availability of the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices, and sharing the UWB regulatory information with the one or more second UWB devices. Accordingly, the UWB devices comply with the UWB transmission regulatory specifications defined by the regulatory authorities of the current geographical / location of the UWB devices to ensure legal compliance.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method for providing regulatory information by a first device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system is provided. The method includes: indicating the availability of the regulatory information to a second device; and providing the regulatory information to the second device based on the availability of the regulatory information, where the regulatory information includes at least one of the following: a confidence level indicating the source of the regulatory information; a country code; a timestamp of the regulatory information; and a list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

[0013] In one embodiment, a first device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system is provided. The first device includes: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to indicate the availability of the regulatory information to a second device and control the transceiver to provide the regulatory information to the second device based on the availability of the regulatory information, where the regulatory information includes at least one of the following: a confidence level indicating the source of the regulatory information; a country code; a timestamp of the regulatory information; and a list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

[0014] In one embodiment, a second device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system is provided. The second device includes: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to identify the availability of the regulatory information indicated by the first device and control the transceiver to obtain the regulatory information from the first device based on the availability of the regulatory information, where the regulatory information includes at least one of the following: a confidence level indicating the source of the regulatory information; a country code; a timestamp of the regulatory information; and a list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method for implementing interoperable communication in a UWB system is provided. The method includes: configuring, by a first UWB device, at least one UWB state of the first UWB device and at least one UWB message associated with the at least one UWB state to implement interoperability in the UWB system. Additionally, the method includes: exchanging at least one UWB message between the first UWB device and at least one second UWB device to implement interoperability in the UWB system.

[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one UWB state is a UWB idle state, a UWB configuration state, a UWB ranging state, and a UWB supply requirement state.

[0017] In one embodiment, the UWB idle state indicates whether at least one of the first UWB devices is ready to perform ranging with at least one second UWB device, and whether the first UWB device is ready to be configured to perform ranging with at least one second UWB device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the UWB configuration state indicates whether the first UWB device is ready to perform ranging with at least one second UWB device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the UWB ranging state indicates that the first UWB device is actively performing ranging with at least one second UWB device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the UWB supply requirement state indicates that the first UWB device has no valid information available for ranging or configured for ranging.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one UWB message is a UWB capability-related message, a UWB configuration-related message, a UWB session key information-related message, and a UWB regulation-related message.

[0022] In one embodiment, the UWB capability-related message is used to obtain the UWB capabilities of at least one second UWB device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the UWB capability-related message is used to push the UWB capabilities to at least one second UWB device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the UWB configuration-related message is used to configure at least one second UWB device with a UWB configuration for ranging.

[0025] In one embodiment, the UWB session key information-related message is used to configure the session key information for ranging.

[0026] In one embodiment, the UWB regulation-related message is configured to provide regulation information to at least one second UWB device, retrieve information from at least one second UWB device, and push information to at least one second UWB device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes configuring, by the first UWB device, UWB regulation information. The UWB regulation information includes: a geographical area identifier, a lifetime of the UWB regulation information, a frequency band supported by the UWB regulation information at a certain location, a maximum transmission power limit in the allowed frequency band, and a confidence level of the UWB regulation information. Additionally, the method includes indicating, by the first UWB device, the availability of the UWB regulation information to at least one second UWB device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method includes a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device.

[0029] In one embodiment, a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device includes: the first UWB device establishing a connection with at least one second UWB device; the first UWB device receiving a UWB regulatory information request from at least one second UWB device; the first UWB device obtaining UWB regulatory information based on the UWB regulatory information request; and the first UWB device sending a UWB regulatory information response including the obtained UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device.

[0030] In one embodiment, a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device includes: the first UWB device receiving a UWB regulatory information request from at least one second UWB device during pre - connection; the first UWB device obtaining UWB regulatory information based on the UWB regulatory information request; and the first UWB device sending a UWB regulatory information response including the obtained UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device.

[0031] In one embodiment, a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device includes: the first UWB device establishing a connection with at least one second UWB device; and the first UWB device pushing UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device based on the established connection.

[0032] In one embodiment, a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device includes: the first UWB device pushing UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device during pre - connection.

[0033] In one embodiment, a first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device includes: the first UWB device sharing UWB regulatory information including a confidence level with at least one second UWB device, where the confidence level includes a confidence level or a range set by a user, satellite navigation system information, location service information, and configuration information via another UWB device.

[0034] In one embodiment, a first UWB device indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device includes performing one of the following: broadcasting via at least one of advertising OOB, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising, extended advertising, and scan requests and responses to indicate whether the UWB regulatory information is available for sharing pre - connection OOB; and indicating whether the UWB regulatory information is available for sharing post - connection OOB / in - band.

[0035] In one embodiment, the information element (IE) for pre-connected OOB UWB regulatory information includes at least one of the following: confidence level; outdoor transmission permission indicator; country code; EPOCH timestamp of UWB regulatory information; and a list of regulatory channel and power information elements. In one embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information element includes the first permitted channel, the number of consecutive permitted channels, and the maximum transmission power. In another embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information element includes the channel number and the maximum transmission power.

[0036] In one embodiment, the information element (IE) for post-connected OOB / In-band UWB regulatory information includes at least one of the following: confidence level; outdoor transmission permission indicator; country code; EPOCH timestamp of UWB regulatory information; a list of regulatory channel and power information elements; and the number of elements of the regulatory channel and power IE. In one embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information element includes the first permitted channel, the number of consecutive permitted channels, and the maximum transmission power. In another embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information element includes the channel number and the maximum transmission power.

[0037] In one embodiment, a first UWB device for implementing interoperable communication in a UWB system is provided. The first UWB device includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor configures at least one UWB state of the first UWB device and at least one UWB message associated with the at least one UWB state to exchange at least one UWB message between the first UWB device and at least one second UWB device, thereby achieving interoperability in the UWB system. The processor configures UWB regulatory information. The UWB regulatory information includes: geographical area identifier, lifespan of UWB regulatory information, frequency bands supported by UWB regulatory information at a certain location, maximum transmission power limit in the permitted frequency bands, and confidence level of UWB regulatory information. Additionally, the processor indicates the availability of the UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device. Furthermore, the processor is configured to: share the UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device.

[0038] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description, although indicating preferred embodiments and many specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The method and the UWB device are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Embodiments herein can be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 An overview of a UWB system for processing UWB status, UWB messages, and UWB regulatory information to enable interoperable communication in a UWB system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 A hardware component diagram of a UWB device for processing UWB status, UWB messages, and UWB regulatory information in a UWB system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0042] Figure 3A A flowchart of a method for processing UWB status and UWB messages in a UWB system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0043] Figure 3B A flowchart of a method for processing UWB regulatory information in a UWB system according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 An example of a state transition diagram depicting states and information defined by a UWB system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 5 Another example of a state transition diagram depicting states and messages defined by a UWB system according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 An example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of an advertisement to a second UWB device according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 An example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of an extended advertisement to a second UWB device according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 An example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of a scan request and response to a second UWB device according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 An example signaling diagram showing the exchange of UWB regulatory information during pre-correlation or pre-connection according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 is an example signaling diagram showing the exchange of UWB regulatory information during post - correlation or post - connection or in - band periods according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0051] Figure 11 is an example diagram of a mobile device using a UWB - based key to unlock a taxi according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0052] Figure 12 is an example diagram of a UWB - based access key for opening a hotel room door according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0053] Figure 13 is an example diagram of UWB regulatory information configured to be loaded from an old UWB device to a new UWB device according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Detailed Description

[0054] Embodiments herein and their various features and advantageous details will be more fully explained with reference to non - limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. Descriptions of well - known components and processing techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. Additionally, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" used herein refers to non - exclusive. The examples used herein are only for facilitating an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and enabling those skilled in the art to further practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0055] As is traditional in the art, embodiments can be described and illustrated with blocks that perform the one or more functions. These blocks, which may be referred to as managers, units, modules, hardware components, etc., are physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits (such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hard - wired circuits, etc.) and can optionally be driven by firmware. For example, these circuits can be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuits constituting the blocks can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits), or by a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions of the blocks and a processor performing other functions of the blocks. Each block of an embodiment can be physically divided into two or more interacting and discontinuous blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, the blocks of the present embodiments can be physically combined into more complex blocks without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] The accompanying drawings are used to assist in easily understanding various technical features. It should be understood that the embodiments proposed herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be understood to extend to any changes, equivalents, and alternatives other than those specifically listed in the accompanying drawings. Although terms such as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0057] Accordingly, the embodiments herein provide a method for implementing interoperable communication in a UWB system. The method includes: configuring, by a first UWB device, at least one state of the first UWB device and at least one message associated with the at least one state to exchange the at least one message between the first UWB device and at least one second UWB device, thereby implementing interoperability in the UWB system. The method includes: configuring, by the first UWB device, UWB regulatory information. The UWB regulatory information includes: a geographical area identifier, a lifetime of the UWB regulatory information, a frequency band supported at a certain location by the UWB regulatory information, a maximum transmission power limit in the allowed frequency band, and a confidence level of the UWB regulatory information. In addition, the method includes: indicating, by the first UWB device, the availability of the UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device.

[0058] The proposed method can be used to configure a basic set of states to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system. The proposed method can be used to configure messages allowed in a specific state to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system. The proposed method can be used to configure messages not allowed in a specific state to allow interoperability between UWB devices in a UWB system. This results in the UWB devices in the UWB system exchanging information in an appropriate manner, avoiding waste of resources in the UWB system.

[0059] The proposed method can process UWB regulatory information in a UWB system by configuring the UWB regulatory information, indicating the availability of the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices, and sharing the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices, such that the UWB devices comply with the UWB transmission regulatory specifications defined by the regulatory authorities of the current geographical / location of the UWB devices to ensure legal compliance.

[0060] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 to 13 which shows a preferred embodiment, wherein like reference numerals represent corresponding features consistent throughout the figures.

[0061] Figure 1An overview of a UWB system (1000) for processing one or more UWB states, one or more UWB messages, and one or more UWB regulatory information to achieve interoperable communication in a UWB system (1000) according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The UWB system (1000) includes a first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). The first UWB device (100a) communicates with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). The first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) can be, for example but not limited to, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, tablets, laptops, universal serial bus (USB) dongles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual reality devices, foldable devices, and immersive systems.

[0062] The first UWB device (100a) configures one or more UWB states of the first UWB device (100a) and one or more UWB messages associated with the one or more UWB states to exchange the one or more UWB messages between the first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), thereby achieving interoperability in the UWB system (1000). The UWB state can be, for example but not limited to, UWB idle state, UWB configuration state, UWB ranging state, and UWB supply requirement state. The UWB message can be, for example but not limited to, UWB capability - related message (i.e., CMD_UWB_CAPABILITY message), UWB configuration - related message (i.e., CMD_UWB_CONFIGURATION message), UWB session key information - related message (i.e., CMD_SESSION_KEY_INFO message), and UWB regulatory - related message (i.e., CMD_UWB_REGULATORY message).

[0063] Various states and various message - related information are described in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In Figure 4 a state transition diagram describing the states (i.e., UWB idle state, UWB configuration state, UWB ranging state, and UWB supply requirement state) is illustrated. In Figure 5 a state transition diagram describing the states (i.e., UWB idle state, UWB configuration state, and UWB ranging state) is illustrated.

[0064] In one embodiment, the UWB idle state indicates whether at least one of the first UWB devices (100a) is ready to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), and whether the first UWB device (100a) is ready to be configured to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In the UWB idle state, UWB capability - related messages, UWB configuration - related messages, and UWB regulatory - related messages are allowed. In the idle state, UWB session key information - related messages are not allowed.

[0065] In the UWB idle state, UWB configuration - related messages can be used to configure the UWB devices (100a - 100n). This causes the first UWB device (100a) to transition to the configuration state. UWB regulatory - related messages can be used to update the UWB regulatory information of the UWB devices (100a - 100n). If the regulatory information expires, in either state, the first UWB device (100a) transitions to the supply - requirement state.

[0066] In one embodiment, the UWB configuration state indicates whether the first UWB device (100a) is ready to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In the UWB configuration state, UWB capability - related messages, UWB configuration - related messages, UWB regulatory - related messages, and session key information - related messages are allowed. In the configuration state, if needed, the UWB session key information - related messages can be used to configure the session key for ranging. When ranging needs to be performed, OnRangingStart or some equivalent message / event is triggered to start ranging. This causes the first UWB device (100a) to transition to the ranging state. If the configuration for ranging becomes invalid, the first UWB device (100a) will transition to the idle state.

[0067] In one embodiment, the UWB ranging state indicates that the first UWB device (100a) is actively performing ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In the UWB ranging state, UWB capability - related messages, UWB configuration - related messages, UWB regulatory - related messages, and UWB session key information - related messages are allowed. When ranging needs to be stopped or ends, OnRangingStop or some equivalent message / event can be used to trigger the transition of the UWB devices (100a - 100n) to the configuration state. The UWB configuration - related messages and session key information - related messages move the first UWB device (100a) to the configuration state. If the configuration being used for ranging becomes invalid, the UWB device will transition to the idle state.

[0068] In one embodiment, the UWB supply requirement state indicates that the first UWB device (100a) does not have valid information available for ranging or is not configured for ranging. In the UWB supply requirement state, UWB capability-related messages and UWB regulatory-related messages are allowed. In the supply requirement state, UWB session key information-related messages and UWB configuration-related messages are not allowed. The UWB device (100a - 100n) can be updated with new regulatory information using the UWB regulatory-related message. This transitions the UWB device (100a) to the UWB idle state.

[0069] In one embodiment, the UWB capability-related message is used to obtain the UWB capabilities of one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In one embodiment, the UWB capability-related message is used to push the UWB capabilities to at least one second UWB device.

[0070] In one embodiment, the UWB configuration-related message is used to configure one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) with a UWB configuration configured for ranging.

[0071] In one embodiment, the UWB session key information-related message is used to configure one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) with session key information for ranging.

[0072] In one embodiment, the UWB regulatory-related message is used to provide regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), retrieve information from one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), and push information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0073] Further, there can be more states defined by the UWB system (1000) for extended functionality or implementation. Similarly, there can be more information defined by the UWB system (1000) for extended functionality or implementation.

[0074] Further, in the case where the connection is broken or interfered with, the UWB system (1000) can re - establish the connection when needed. If the UWB system (1000) is fully configured to allow in - band communication, messages can be exchanged in - band when needed.

[0075] The UWB system (1000) can be adapted to define multiple states, including but not limited to "IDLE", "CONFIGURED", "RANGING", and "PROVISIONING_REQUIRED". As understood by those skilled in the art, the UWB system (1000) can define more states based on needs, for example, to further expand its functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] Further, the UWB system (1000) can be adapted to facilitate the exchange of multiple messages or commands between multiple UWB devices (100a - 100n). In one embodiment, the multiple messages include but are not limited to "CMD_UWB_CAPILITY", "CMD_UWB_CONFIGURATION", "CMD_SESSION_KEY_INFO", and "CMD_UWB_REGULATORY". As understood by those skilled in the art, the UWB system (1000) can define more messages based on needs, for example, to further expand its functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] Further, the first UWB device (100a) configures UWB regulatory information. The UWB regulatory information includes a geographical area identifier, the lifespan of the UWB regulatory information, the frequency bands supported at a certain location for the UWB regulatory information, the maximum transmission power limit in the allowed frequency bands, and the confidence level of the UWB regulatory information. The location can be, for example, but not limited to, a region or an area. The location can be defined by a service provider or a regulatory agency.

[0078] Further, the first UWB device (100a) indicates the availability of the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In one embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of an advertising OOB. In an example, as Figure 6 shown, the availability of the UWB regulatory information is indicated using one - bit information as part of an advertising OOB. In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of a BLE advertisement.

[0079] In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of an extended advertisement. In an example, as Figure 7 shown, the availability of the UWB regulatory information is indicated as part of an extended advertisement using one - bit information. In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of a scan request and response. AsFigure 9 As shown, a one-bit information is used to indicate the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of the scan request and response.

[0080] In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) uses one-bit information to indicate whether the UWB regulatory information can be shared for pre-connection OOB. In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) indicates whether the UWB regulatory information can be shared for post-connection OOB or in-band using one-bit information.

[0081] Furthermore, the first UWB device (100a) shares the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In one embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) is configured to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by establishing a connection between the first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), receiving a UWB regulatory information request from one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), obtaining the UWB regulatory information based on the UWB regulatory information request, and sending a UWB regulatory information response including the obtained UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0082] In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) is configured to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices by receiving a UWB regulatory information request from one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), obtaining the UWB regulatory information based on the UWB regulatory information request, and sending a UWB regulatory information response including the obtained UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices.

[0083] In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) is configured to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by establishing a connection with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) and pushing the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) based on the established connection. In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) is configured to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by pushing the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0084] In another embodiment, the first UWB device (100a) is configured to share UWB regulatory information including a confidence level with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). The confidence level includes: A) a range of the confidence level; and B) user settings, satellite navigation system information, location service information, and configuration information via another UWB device (100b - 100n).

[0085] Further, the information element (IE) of the UWB regulatory information in the pre - connection OOB includes a confidence level, reserved bits, an outdoor transmission permission indicator, a country code, an EPOCH timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, and a list of regulatory channel and power information elements. In one embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information elements include a first allowed channel, the number of consecutive allowed channels, and a maximum transmission power. In another embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information elements include a channel number and a maximum transmission power. The EPOCH timestamp is a character sequence or bit information when the regulatory information is updated.

[0086] Table 1 describes the bit information of the IE of the UWB regulatory information in the pre - connection OOB.

[0087]

Table 1

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] Table 2A and Table 2B show the content of the regulatory channel and power information elements and the bit information.

[0091]

Table 2A

[0092]

[0093]

Table 2B

[0094]

[0095] In addition, the IE of the UWB regulatory information in the post - connection OOB or in - band includes a confidence level, reserved bits, an outdoor transmission permission indicator, a country code, an EPOCH timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, a list of regulatory channel and power information elements, and the number of elements of the regulatory channel and power IE. The regulatory channel and power information elements include a first allowed channel, the number of consecutive allowed channels, and a maximum transmission power. In another embodiment, the regulatory channel and power information elements include a channel number and a maximum transmission power.

[0096]

Table 3

[0097]

[0098]

[0099] Table 4A and Table 4B represent the content of regulatory channels and power information elements, as well as bit information.

[0100]

Table 4A

[0101]

[0102]

Table 4B

[0103]

[0104] In one embodiment, the confidence level is shared in a direct form as part of the regulatory information IE: a minimum confidence level and a maximum confidence level are defined, and a value within the range [minimum, maximum] is sent. In another embodiment, the confidence level is shared in an indirect form as part of the regulatory information IE: by providing the configured source information and the time to reach the confidence level.

[0105] Table 5 and Table 6 show typical confidence level IEs and bit information. Table 5 represents the direct form, and Table 6 represents the indirect form of providing the source of regulatory information in a bit mask.

[0106]

Table 5

[0107] Serial number Data element Bit size 1 Confidence level 4 bits

[0108]

Table 6

[0109]

[0110]

[0111] Figure 2 Shows a hardware component diagram of a UWB device (100a - 100n) for processing one or more UWB states, one or more UWB messages, and one or more UWB regulatory information in a UWB system (1000) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the UWB device (100a - 100n) includes a processor (110), a communicator (120), a memory (130), a UWB regulatory information controller (140), and a UWB state and message configuration controller (150). The processor (110) is coupled to the communicator (120), the memory (130), the UWB regulatory information controller (140), and the UWB state and information configuration controller (150).

[0112] The UWB regulatory information controller (140) is physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits (such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, etc.), and can optionally be driven by firmware. For example, these circuits can be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuits of the building blocks can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits), or by a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions of the block and a processor that performs other functions of the block.

[0113] The UWB status and message configuration controller (150) is physically implemented by analog and / or digital circuits (such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hardwired circuits, etc.), and can optionally be driven by firmware. For example, these circuits can be embodied in one or more semiconductor chips, or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuits of the building blocks can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits), or by a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions of the block and a processor that performs other functions of the block.

[0114] The UWB status and message configuration controller (150) configures one or more UWB states of the first UWB device (100a) and one or more UWB messages associated with the one or more UWB states to exchange one or more UWB messages between the first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), so as to achieve interoperability in the UWB system (1000).

[0115] In one embodiment, by using the UWB status and message configuration controller (150), the UWB idle state indicates whether at least one of the first UWB devices (100a) is ready to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) and whether the first UWB device (100a) is ready to be configured to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In another embodiment, by using the UWB status and message configuration controller (150), the UWB configuration state represents whether the first UWB device (100) is ready to perform ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0116] In another embodiment, by using the UWB status and message configuration controller (150), the UWB ranging status indicates that the first UWB device (100a) is actively ranging with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In another embodiment, by using the UWB status and message configuration controller (150), the UWB provisioning requirement status indicates that the first UWB device (100a) does not have valid information available for or configured for ranging.

[0117] The UWB regulatory information controller (140) configures the UWB regulatory information. Further, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) indicates the availability of the UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0118] In one embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of an extended advertisement. In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of an advertisement. In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) uses one - bit information to indicate the availability of the UWB regulatory information as part of a scan request and response.

[0119] In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) uses one - bit information to indicate whether the UWB regulatory information is available for sharing pre - connection OOB. In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) uses one - bit information to indicate whether the UWB regulatory information is available for sharing post - connection OOB or in - band.

[0120] Further, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) shares the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n). In one embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) is configured to share the UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by establishing a connection (e.g., a BLE connection, etc.) between the first UWB device (100a) and one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), receiving a UWB regulatory information request from one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n), obtaining the UWB regulatory information based on the UWB regulatory information request, and sending a UWB regulatory information response containing the obtained UWB regulatory information to one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0121] In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) is configured to share UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by establishing a connection with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) and pushing the UWB regulatory information to the one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) based on the established connection.

[0122] In another embodiment, the UWB regulatory information controller (140) is configured to share UWB regulatory information with one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n) by sharing the UWB regulatory information including a confidence level with the one or more second UWB devices (100b - 100n).

[0123] The processor (110) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (130) and perform various processes. The communicator (120) is configured to perform internal communication between internal hardware components and communicate with external devices via one or more networks. The processor (110) may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). The processor (120) may include one or more processors. The processor (110) may be a general-purpose processor (such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc.), a pure graphics processing unit (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a vision processing unit (VPU)), and / or an AI - specific processor (such as a neural processing unit (NPU)). The processor (120) may include multiple cores and is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (130).

[0124] The memory (130) stores instructions to be executed by the processor (110). The memory (130) may include non - volatile storage elements. Examples of such non - volatile storage elements may include a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a flash memory, or in the form of an electrically programmable read - only memory (EPROM) or an electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memory. Additionally, in some examples, the memory (130) may be considered a non - transitory storage medium. The term "non - transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non - transitory" should not be construed to mean that the memory (130) is immovable. In certain examples, the non - transitory storage medium may store data that can change over time (e.g., in a random access memory (RAM) or a cache).

[0125] Although Figure 2Shows various hardware components of the UWB devices (100a - 100n), but it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the UWB devices (100a - 100n) may include fewer or more components. Additionally, the labels or names of the components are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. One or more components may be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions to process UWB regulatory information in the UWB system (1000).

[0126] Figure 3A Is a flowchart (300a) showing a method for processing UWB status and UWB messages in a UWB system (1000) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Operations (302a and 304a) are performed by the UWB status and message configuration controller (150). At 302a, the method includes configuring one or more states of a first UWB device (300a) and one or more messages associated with the one or more states, so as to achieve interoperability in the UWB system (1000). At 304a, the method includes exchanging one or more messages between the first UWB device (300a) and one or more second UWB devices (300b), so as to achieve interoperability in the UWB system (1000). This method can be used to exchange messages between UWB devices (100a - 100n) in the UWB system (1000) in an appropriate manner, thus avoiding waste of resources in the UWB system (1000).

[0127] Figure 3B Is a flowchart (300b) showing a method for processing UWB regulatory information in a UWB system (1000) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Operations (302b - 306b) are performed by the UWB regulatory information controller (140). At 302b, the method further includes configuring UWB regulatory information. At 304b, the method includes indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information to at least one second UWB device (100b - 100n). At 306b, the method includes sharing UWB regulatory information with at least one second UWB device (100b - 100n).

[0128] Based on the proposed method, the UWB devices (100a - 100n) comply with the UWB transmission regulatory specifications defined by the regulatory agency of the current geographical / location of the UWB device to ensure legal compliance.

[0129] The various actions, behaviors, blocks, steps, etc. in the flowcharts (300a and 300b) may be executed in the proposed order, a different order, or simultaneously. Additionally, in some embodiments, some actions, behaviors, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0130] Figure 6 It is an example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device (100a) indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of an advertisement to a second UWB device (100b) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At 602, the first UWB device (100a) indicates the availability of UWB regulatory information to the second UWB device (100b) as part of an advertisement.

[0131] Figure 7 It is an example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device (100a) indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of an extended advertisement to a second UWB device (100b) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At 702, the first UWB device (100a) sends an advertisement to the second UWB device (100b). At 704, the first UWB device (100a) indicates the availability of UWB regulatory information to the second UWB device (100b) as part of an extended advertisement.

[0132] Figure 8 It is an example signaling diagram showing a first UWB device (100a) indicating the availability of UWB regulatory information as part of a scan request and response to a second UWB device (100b) according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At 802, the first UWB device (100a) sends an advertisement to the second UWB device (100b). At 804, based on the advertisement, the second UWB device (100b) sends a scan request to the first UWB device (100b). At 806, based on the scan request, the first UWB device (100a) indicates the availability of UWB regulatory information to the second UWB device (100b) as part of a scan response.

[0133] Figure 9 It is an example signaling diagram showing the exchange of UWB regulatory information during pre-correlation or pre-connection according to an embodiment disclosed herein. At 902, a BLE connection is established between the first UWB device (100a) and the second UWB device (100b). At 904, the second UWB device (100b) sends a UWB regulatory information request (UWB_regulatory_info_request) to the first UWB device (100a). Based on the UWB_regulatory_info_request, the first UWB device (100a) sends a UWB regulatory information response (UWB_regulatory_info_response) to the second UWB device (100b).

[0134] Figure 10is an example signaling diagram showing the exchange of UWB regulatory information during post - correlation or post - connection or in - band as per embodiments disclosed herein. At 1002, a BLE connection is established between a first UWB device (100a) and a second UWB device (100b). At 1004, the first UWB device (100a) sends a UWB regulatory information push (UWB_regulatory_info_push) to the second UWB device (100b) for the exchange of UWB regulatory information during post - correlation or post - connection or in - band.

[0135] Figure 11 is an example diagram of a mobile device using a UWB - based key to unlock a taxi as per embodiments disclosed herein.

[0136] Referring to Figure 11 , consider a conventional scenario where a user of a mobile device (1100) travels from area 1 to area 2. The user of the mobile device (1100) wishes to use the UWB - based key in his / her mobile device (1100) to access a taxi in area 2. The user of the mobile device (1100) has no cellular network connection in area 2 and also has no Wi - Fi connection in the parking lot. Thus, there is no way to obtain UWB regulatory information. However, the user needs to comply with the UWB regulatory norms of area 2, but the user does not have the UWB regulatory information of area 2.

[0137] Based on the proposed method, the smartphone (1100) obtains UWB regulatory information by sending a UWB regulatory information request to a nearby UWB device. Based on the obtained UWB regulatory information, the user of the mobile device (1100) accesses the taxi in area 2.

[0138] Figure 12 is an example diagram of a UWB - based access key for opening a hotel room door as per embodiments disclosed herein.

[0139] Referring to Figure 12 , consider a conventional scenario where a user of a smartphone travels from area 1 to area 2. The user of the smartphone wishes to use the UWB - based key in his / her smartphone to enter a hotel room in area 2. The user of the smartphone has no cellular network connection and no Wi - Fi connection in area 2. The user of the smartphone needs to comply with the UWB regulatory norms of area 2. However, the user of the smartphone does not have the UWB regulatory information of area 2.

[0140] Based on the proposed method, the smartphone (1100) obtains UWB regulatory information by sending a UWB regulatory information request to a nearby UWB device. Based on the obtained UWB regulatory information, the user of the mobile device (1100) accesses the hotel room in area 2.

[0141] Figure 13 An example diagram of loading UWB regulatory information configured according to an embodiment disclosed herein from an old UWB device to a new UWB device. Referring to Figure 13 , consider a conventional scenario where a user purchases a new speaker with a UWB module. The user's smartphone is equipped with a UWB chip and an application (provided by the manufacturer) and can be used as a remote controller for the speaker. However, the speaker is imported and does not have regulatory information for UWB transmission in the current geographical environment, unlike the user's smartphone which already has such information. In addition, the speaker does not have any other connections except for the connection to the remote controller. To make UWB operation compliant with the law, regulatory information needs to be provided to the speaker. Based on the proposed method, the old UWB device pushes the UWB regulatory information to the new UWB device so that the new UWB device can operate legally.

[0142] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using a network management function running on at least one hardware device.

[0143] The above description of specific embodiments will fully disclose the general nature of the embodiments herein. Others can easily modify and / or adapt the general nature of the embodiments herein for various applications (such as specific embodiments) by applying existing knowledge without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should be understood to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for description and not for limitation. Thus, although the embodiments herein are described in the form of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be implemented with modifications within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A method for a first device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system to provide UWB regulatory information, the method comprises: sending an Out-of-Band (OOB) message, the OOB message including an indication of the availability of the UWB regulatory information; receiving, from a second device, a request message for requesting the UWB regulatory information; and in response to the request message, sending a response message including the UWB regulatory information to the second device, wherein the UWB regulatory information includes: the source of the UWB regulatory information, a country code, a timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, a list of regulatory channel and power information elements, and the number of regulatory channel and power information elements in the list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the regulatory channel and power information element includes at least one of the following: first channel information, information about the number of consecutive channels, and maximum power information.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the source of the UWB regulatory information indicates one of user settings, a satellite navigation system, a cellular system, and configuration via another device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the OOB message includes: using one of an advertisement message, an extended advertisement message, and a scan request and a scan response to send the OOB message including an indication of the availability of the UWB regulatory information.

5. A first device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system, the first device comprises: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to control to: send an Out-of-Band (OOB) message, the OOB message including an indication of the availability of UWB regulatory information, receive, from a second device, a request message for requesting the UWB regulatory information, and in response to the request message, send a response message including the UWB regulatory information to the second device, wherein the UWB regulatory information includes: the source of the UWB regulatory information, a country code, a timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, a list of regulatory channel and power information elements, and the number of regulatory channel and power information elements in the list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

6. The first device according to claim 5, wherein the regulatory channel and power information element includes at least one of the following: first channel information, information about the number of consecutive channels, and maximum power information.

7. The first device according to claim 5, wherein the source of the UWB regulatory information indicates one of user settings, a satellite navigation system, a cellular system, and configuration via another device.

8. The first device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: use one of an advertisement message, an extended advertisement message, and a scan request and a scan response to send the OOB message including an indication of the availability of the UWB regulatory information.

9. A second device in an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system, the second device comprises: a transceiver; and At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to control to: Receive an out-of-band (OOB) message from a first device, the OOB message including an indication of the availability of UWB regulatory information; Send a request message to the first device for requesting the UWB regulatory information; and Receive a response message from the first device including the UWB regulatory information, wherein the UWB regulatory information includes: the source of the UWB regulatory information, a country code, a timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, a list of regulatory channel and power information elements, and the number of regulatory channel and power information elements in the list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

10. The second device according to claim 9, wherein, the regulatory channel and power information element includes at least one of the following: first channel information, information on the number of consecutive channels, and maximum power information.

11. The second device according to claim 9, wherein, the source of the UWB regulatory information indicates one of user settings, a satellite navigation system, a cellular system, and configuration via another device.

12. The second device according to claim 9, wherein, the indication of the availability of the UWB regulatory information is received using one of an advertising message, an extended advertising message, and a scan request and a scan response.

13. A method for a second device in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system to receive UWB regulatory information, the method comprising: Receiving an out-of-band (OOB) message from a first device, the OOB message including an indication of the availability of the UWB regulatory information; Sending a request message to the first device for requesting the UWB regulatory information; and and Receiving a response message from the first device including the UWB regulatory information, wherein the UWB regulatory information includes: the source of the UWB regulatory information, a country code, a timestamp of the UWB regulatory information, a list of regulatory channel and power information elements, and the number of regulatory channel and power information elements in the list of regulatory channel and power information elements.

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