Electronic device for performing positioning and method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device includes a plurality of first antennas, a second antenna, and at least one processor. The at least one processor transmits a first positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; receives a first reception signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas; when the strength of the first reception signal is less than a threshold value, transmits a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; receives a second reception signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas and identifies a time point of arrival based on the second reception signal; receives the second reception signal using the second antenna and corrects the identified time point of arrival based on the second reception signal received using the second antenna; and determines the corrected time point of arrival as a time point of arrival.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to electronic devices for performing positioning. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices can perform positioning based on ultra-wideband (UWB) signals. For example, UWB signals can have a frequency band of 500 MHz or higher. Because UWB signals have characteristics similar to pulse signals, their pulse width is shorter than their path delay. Therefore, in positioning using UWB signals, direct and reflected signals can be easily distinguished from each other. Based on these characteristics of UWB signals, electronic devices can perform relatively accurate positioning (e.g., with an error of less than 30 cm) using at least one antenna.

[0003] Electronic devices can perform positioning based on various positioning algorithms, such as angle of arrival (AoA), first time difference of arrival (TDoA), second time difference of arrival (AoD), time of arrival (ToA), time of flight (ToF), and / or two-way ranging (TWR)). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Electronic devices can perform positioning using UWB signals in various environments. However, generally speaking, although positioning is intended for short distances, positioning using antennas may fail or be inaccurate in situations where the signal strength received by the electronic device is weak (e.g., in a weak electric field environment). For example, in a weak electric field environment, the electronic device may be unable to measure the distance to the target. Furthermore, the distance to the target may be measured as closer or farther than the actual distance.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] This disclosure aims to address the aforementioned problems and shortcomings, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising a plurality of first antennas, a second antenna, and at least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of first antennas and the second antenna. The at least one processor is configured to: transmit a first positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas; transmit a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna when the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold; receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and identify a time of arrival based on the second received signal; receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal using the second antenna, and correct the identified time of arrival based on the second received signal received using the second antenna; and determine the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second received signal.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device is provided, comprising: transmitting a first positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas or a second antenna; receiving a first received signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas; transmitting a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or a second antenna when the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold; receiving the second received signal for the second positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and identifying a time of arrival based on the second received signal; receiving the second received signal for the second positioning signal using a second antenna, and correcting the identified time of arrival based on the second received signal received using the second antenna; and determining the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second received signal.

[0010] Beneficial effects

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device can improve positioning accuracy by using an auxiliary antenna in a weak electric field environment to correct the arrival time of the signal received by the antenna.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, electronic devices can use auxiliary antennas to perform precise positioning in environments requiring high positioning accuracy.

[0013] In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly determined through this disclosure may be provided.

[0014] While this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0017] Figure 2 The positioning of an antenna for using an electronic device in a strong electric field environment is shown according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 The positioning of an antenna for using an electronic device in a weak electric field environment is shown according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device for performing positioning according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5a The structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 5b Antenna operation according to the horizontal and vertical modes of the electronic device is illustrated according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 This illustrates positioning performed in the assistive mode of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a table illustrating antenna operation according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a table illustrating antenna operation during ranging using an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a table illustrating antenna operation during AoA measurement of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device performing positioning in assistive mode according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 12a This is a flowchart illustrating stepwise positioning in a weak electric field environment according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 12b This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device operating in an auxiliary mode under specified conditions according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device incorporating and designed for UWB, according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 14 The structure of an electronic device incorporating and designed for UWB, according to an embodiment, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Various embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the various embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions can be made to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar parts may be labeled with similar reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Reference Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one component (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0034] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0035] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 may, in place of the main processor 121, control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). Alternatively, when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may, together with the main processor 121, control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., ISP or CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0036] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0037] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0038] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0039] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0040] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0041] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0042] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0043] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0044] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0045] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0046] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0047] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0048] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0049] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more CPs capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., AP) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0050] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or network system (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0051] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0052] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form an mmWave antenna module. According to embodiments, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC, and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., an mmWave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0054] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0055] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0056] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0057] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0058] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0059] Methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0060] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0061] Figure 2 The positioning of an antenna for using an electronic device in a strong electric field environment is shown according to an embodiment.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 Positioning diagram 200a shows the electronic device 101 measuring distance in a strong electric field environment. Figure 2 The graph 200b shows the angle of arrival (AoA) measurement of electronic device 101 in a strong electric field environment. Figure 2 The ranging and AoA measurements can be performed by the processor 120 of the electronic device 101. A description of the processor can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The description.

[0063] In positioning diagram 200a, the processor may use an antenna to transmit positioning signal 210 (e.g., a polling message). Positioning signal 210 may include information about the transmission time 225 of positioning signal 210. The processor may receive signal 215 (e.g., a response message) for positioning signal 210. Signal 215 for positioning signal 210 may represent, for example, a signal reflected from a positioning target, or may represent, for example, a response signal transmitted by an external object receiving positioning signal 210. In this disclosure, "signal for positioning signal" may be referred to as "received signal" or "accepted signal".

[0064] The processor can determine the arrival time 220 of the received signal 215. For example, the processor can set a threshold 235 for finding the arrival time 220 of the received signal 215. When the strength of the received signal 215 is greater than the threshold 235, the processor can search for a first path. Specifically, the processor can determine the peak value of the strength of the received signal 215 as the first path after the strength of the received signal 215 is greater than the threshold 235. The processor can determine the first path of the received signal 215 as the arrival time 220 of the received signal 215. The processor can calculate Δt1 230, which is the difference between the transmission time 225 and the arrival time 220, to measure the distance to the target. The ranging using Δt1 230 can be calculated using the following equation (1). Dm represents the measured distance.

[0065]

Mathematical Formula 1

[0066] D m =(Xt1-t) d SA / 2

[0067] In equation (1), the delay time (td) can be the time taken for the positioning target to receive the positioning signal 210 and transmit (return) a signal 215 in response to the positioning signal 210. The received signal 215 may include information about the delay time. In equation (1), A can be understood as a constant about the speed of light or the propagation rate of radio waves.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In Figure 200b, the processor can use two or more antennas to measure AoA. The processor can use a first antenna 250 and a second antenna 255 to receive a received signal 260 for the positioning signal. The first antenna 250 and the second antenna 225 can be designed to be spaced apart from each other by a distance D 262. Information about the distance D 262 can be stored in the memory 130 of the electronic device 101. The time when the first antenna 250 receives the received signal 260 and the time when the second antenna 255 receives the received signal 260 will vary due to the distance D 262 between the first antenna 250 and the second antenna 255. The processor can use the difference between the arrival times of the received signal 260 received by the first antenna 250 and the second antenna 255 to measure Δd 264. The distance D 262 can be defined by Δd 264 and AoAθ 266 according to the following equation (2). The phase difference ΔФ of the signals received by the first antenna 250 and the second antenna 255 can be calculated using Δd 264 according to the following formula (3).

[0069]

Mathematical Formula 2

[0070] D = XdScos(θ)

[0071]

Mathematical Expression 3

[0072] Xφ=2π / λSXd

[0073] The processor can use the same method as the following equation (4) to compute equations (2) and (3) above to compute AoAθ266.

[0074]

Mathematical Expression 4

[0075]

[0076] Figure 3 The positioning of an antenna for an electronic device in a weak electric field environment is shown according to an embodiment.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 The positioning diagram 300a shows the signal received by the antenna of the electronic device 101 in a weak electric field environment. Figure 3 The curve 300b shows the ranging results of electronic device 101 in a weak electric field environment. Figure 3 The positioning can be performed by the processor 120 of the electronic device 101. A description of the processor can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The description.

[0078] A weak electric field environment can arise from various causes. For example, when the polarization characteristics of the antenna of electronic device 101 and the antenna of an external electronic device serving as the positioning target are perpendicular to each other, the antennas may correspond to a weak electric field situation due to the perpendicular transmission and reception of signals with perpendicular polarization characteristics. In this case, the positioning of electronic device 101 relative to the external electronic device may be inaccurate or impossible. Furthermore, when there are many obstacles between electronic device 101 and the positioning target, electronic device 101 may perform positioning in a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environment. In this case, because the obstacles interfere with signal transmission and reception, the positioning of electronic device 101 relative to the positioning target may be inaccurate or impossible. Additionally, a weak electric field situation may exist when there is human interference (e.g., when a user holds electronic device 101 or when electronic device 101 is in a pocket or bag). Because the strength of the received signal for positioning signals received by the antenna of electronic device 101 is weak in a weak electric field environment, the positioning accuracy will be reduced.

[0079] exist Figure 3 The description of the ranging method using the antenna in the positioning diagram 300a can be found in [reference]. Figure 2 The description of the positioning diagram 200a in the figure. Figure 3 The description will focus primarily on the differences between positioning diagram 300a and positioning diagram 200a.

[0080] Refer again Figure 3The processor can use an antenna to transmit a positioning signal 210. The positioning signal 210 may include information about the transmission time 325 of the positioning signal 210. The processor can receive a received signal 315 for the positioning signal 210. In this case, the processor can also receive noise signals 310 around the electronic device 101. The noise signals 310 may be generated by the movement of an object wearing the electronic device 101. Figure 2 Unlike positioning diagram 200a, it can be assumed that the electronic device 101 in positioning diagram 300a is in a weak electric field environment. In a weak electric field environment, the strength of the received signal 315 can be relatively weaker than the noise signal 310. Therefore, when the processor uses... Figure 2 When determining the arrival time point using the same method in positioning diagram 200a, due to noise signal 310, a specific time point of received signal 315, rather than the actual arrival time point, can be determined as the arrival time point. At the time point in positioning diagram 300a, the intensity of noise signal 310 may be greater than threshold 235. The processor can find the peak intensity of noise signal 310 after its intensity exceeds threshold 235 and can determine this peak as the first path. In this case, the processor can determine a specific time point 320 as the arrival time point.

[0081] When the processor determines the arrival time of the received signal 315 as a specific time point 320, it can calculate the distance to the target based on Δt2330. This is because in a weak electric field environment, Δt2330 is measured to be shorter than... Figure 2 Because of the Δt1230, the distance to the target will be measured as closer than the actual distance. Figure 3 Unlike other measurements, when the measured value of △t2 330 is longer than △t1 230, the distance to the target can be measured as farther than the actual distance.

[0082] Figure 3 Graph 300b illustrates the ranging results of electronic device 101 in a weak electric field environment. When the arrival time is incorrectly determined, such as in positioning graph 300a in a weak electric field environment, measurement value 350 may include measurement error. For example, the distance to the target may be measured in a manner roughly consistent with most measurements other than measurement value 350, where the distance to the target in a weak electric field environment may be measured as relatively close. The description of measurement value 350 in graph 300b is merely illustrative; the distance to the target in a weak electric field environment may be measured as relatively farther.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device for performing positioning according to an embodiment.

[0084] Reference Figure 4The electronic device 400 that performs precise positioning includes a processor 410 and a plurality of antennas, including a first antenna 440 (ANT 0), a second antenna 450 (ANT 1), a third antenna 460 (ANT 2), and a fourth antenna 470 (ANT 3). Figure 4 The configuration of the electronic device 400 shown is merely illustrative, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 400 may not include some of the multiple antennas, or may include additional antennas. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, electronic device 400 includes a first switch 420, a second switch 425, a first filter 430, a second filter 432, a third filter 434, and a fourth filter 436. However, in individual embodiments, some or all of the above components may be included or excluded from electronic device 400. Furthermore, electronic device 400 may also include a battery 189 or a communication module 190.

[0085] Processor 410 can execute, for example, software (e.g., Figure 1 The program 140 controls at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 400 connected to the processor 410, and can perform various data processing and calculations. The processor 410 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., CPU or AP) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., CP) that can operate independently or together with the main processor 121. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented independently of the main processor 121 or as part of it. The auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., communication module 190) that is functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123.

[0086] The first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470 can transmit positioning signals and receive signals corresponding to the positioning signals. The first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470 can be designed as patch antennas or metal antennas. For example, the first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, and the third antenna 460 can be designed as patch antennas, while the fourth antenna 440 can be designed as a metal antenna.

[0087] The first filter 430, the second filter 432, the third filter 434, and the fourth filter 436 can be connected to the first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470, respectively, to filter the UWB signals received through the first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470, or to filter the signals transmitted from the processor 410 to the first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470.

[0088] The first switch 420 can be referred to as a double-pole triple-throw (DP3T) switch, and the second switch 425 can be referred to as a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The first switch 420 and the second switch 425 can open / close signal transmission between the processor 410 and the first antenna 440, the second antenna 450, the third antenna 460, and the fourth antenna 470. For example, when the processor 410 transmits and receives signals with the first antenna 440, the first switch 420 can block paths other than the path connecting the processor 410 and the first antenna 440. Specifically, when the processor 410 uses the first antenna 440 to transmit a positioning signal, the positioning signal can be transmitted to the first switch 420 via port OUT0 of the processor 410. In this case, the first switch 420 can block paths other than the path connected to port OUT0, preventing interference from another signal with the positioning signal. When the processor 410 uses the second antenna 450 to transmit a signal for positioning, the positioning signal can be filtered by the first filter 432 before being transmitted to the first switch 420. The first switch 420 can transmit the transmitted signal to the processor 410 via port IN1 or IN2. In this case, the first switch 420 can block other paths besides the path connected to port IN1 or IN2, so that the signal for the positioning signal is not interfered with by another signal. When the processor 410 receives a signal from the third antenna 460 or the fourth antenna 470, the second switch 425, like the first switch 420, can block other paths besides the path for transmitting the signal to prevent signal interference.

[0089] Processor 410 can use ANT 0 440, which is a metal antenna, as an auxiliary antenna to improve positioning accuracy. Processor 410 can utilize the auxiliary antenna to correct the arrival time of UWB signals received using at least one of the first antenna 450, the second antenna 460, and / or the third antenna 470. (See reference...) Figure 5a A method for improving positioning accuracy according to an embodiment is described in detail.

[0090] Figure 5a The structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0091] Reference Figure 5a The electronic device 400 includes a processor 410 and multiple patch antennas including a first patch antenna 510, a second patch antenna 512, a third patch antenna 514 and a metal antenna 520.

[0092] like Figure 5aAs shown, the electronic device 400 includes a switch terminal 530. The switch terminal 530 can electrically connect the first patch antenna 510, the second patch antenna 512, and the third patch antenna 514 to the processor 410. The switch terminal 530 can turn signal transmission between the first patch antenna 510, the second patch antenna 512, and the third patch antenna 514 and the processor 410 on / off. Furthermore, in a separate embodiment, some of the aforementioned components can be excluded from the electronic device 400.

[0093] The metal antenna 520 may be included within the housing of the electronic device 400. The housing can be understood as a structure that includes components of the electronic device 400. The metal antenna 520 can transmit and receive signals in a specified frequency band. The metal antenna 520 can function as an antenna radiator that transmits and / or receives radio frequency (RF) signals in the same frequency band (e.g., UWB band) as the first antenna 510, the second antenna 512, and / or the third antenna 514. The metal antenna 520 may be isolated from another structure by a slit 540 to prevent signal interference from that structure. The metal antenna 520 may include a ground 550. The metal antenna 520 may be electrically connected to the processor 410.

[0094] The metallic antenna 520 may be placed near or may include the conductive pattern, thus allowing the conductive pattern to function as an antenna radiator (e.g., a laser direct-structured (LDS) antenna). For example, the conductive pattern may function as an antenna radiator for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals in the UWB band, substantially the same as or similar to the first antenna 510 and / or the second antenna 512. The conductive pattern may be designed to have an electrical length of “λ / 4” of the aforementioned RF signal. For example, when the RF signal band is approximately 8 GHz, the length of the conductive pattern may be designed to be approximately 9 mm to approximately 11 mm, which is an electrical length of λ / 4 of the RF signal.

[0095] Processor 410 may use metal antenna 520 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 may use at least one of first antenna 510, second antenna 512, and / or third antenna 514 to transmit a first positioning signal. Processor 410 may use at least one of first antenna 510, second antenna 512, and / or third antenna 514 to receive a first received signal in response to the first positioning signal. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold, processor 410 may operate in an auxiliary mode. In auxiliary mode, processor 410 may use metal antenna 520 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 may use at least one of first antenna 510, second antenna 512, and / or third antenna 514 to transmit a second positioning signal. Processor 410 may use at least one of first antenna 510, second antenna 512, and / or third antenna 514 to receive a second received signal in response to the second positioning signal, and may identify the time of arrival based on the second received signal. Processor 410 may use metal antenna 520 to receive the second received signal in response to the second positioning signal, and may correct the identified time of arrival based on the second received signal received using metal antenna 520. The processor 410 can determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the second positioning signal, and can use the determined arrival time to perform positioning.

[0096] Figure 5b Antenna operation according to the horizontal and vertical modes of the electronic device is illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0097] Figure 5b The corresponding reference numerals in the attached figures Figure 5a The reference numerals in the attached figures can be found here. Figure 5a The description.

[0098] Reference Figure 5b The processor 410 can perform positioning using multiple patch antennas, including a first patch antenna 510, a second patch antenna 512, and a third patch antenna 514. Based on the form of using the electronic device 400, the processor 410 can use one of the first patch antenna 510, the second patch antenna 512, or the third patch antenna 514 as an auxiliary antenna.

[0099] The electronic device 400 can be used in a horizontal mode (e.g., landscape mode) or a vertical mode (e.g., portrait mode). The processor 410 can use at least one sensor (e.g., a gyroscope sensor) to detect the state of use of the electronic device 400. The horizontal mode can be referenced when the user holds and uses the electronic device 400 horizontally, and the vertical mode can be referenced when the user holds and uses the electronic device 400 vertically.

[0100] Reference numeral 500a illustrates the electronic device 400 in vertical mode. When the electronic device 400 is in vertical mode, the processor 410 can perform positioning using a first patch antenna 510 and a second patch antenna 512 parallel to the short surface 570 of the electronic device 400's housing. A metal antenna 520 may be formed in at least a portion of the short surface 570 of the electronic device 400's housing. The processor 410's use of the first patch antenna 510 and the second patch antenna 512 parallel to the short surface 570 of the electronic device 400's housing for positioning prevents antenna performance degradation due to user grip and distinguishes the left and right sides of the positioning target. In auxiliary mode, the processor 410 can use a third antenna 514 as an auxiliary antenna to improve positioning accuracy. The processor 410 can be electrically connected to the second antenna 512 and the third antenna 514 via a switch terminal 530. When positioning is performed using the first patch antenna 510 and the second patch antenna 512, the processor 410 can be electrically connected to the second antenna 512 via the switch terminal 530, and can be electrically disconnected from the third antenna 514 via the switch terminal 530. When the third antenna 514 is used as an auxiliary antenna to correct the time of arrival, the processor 410 can be electrically disconnected from the second antenna 512 via the switch terminal 530, and can be electrically connected to the third antenna 514 via the switch terminal 530. Unlike reference numeral 500a, the electronic device 400 may not include the switch terminal 530. The processor 410 can control the first antenna 510, the second antenna 512, and the third antenna 514 without switching to perform positioning. In this case, timing errors caused by switching can be reduced. For example, the processor 410 can use the first antenna 510, the second antenna 512, and the third antenna 514 to receive received signals for positioning signals, and can correct the time of arrival identified using the first antenna 510 and the second antenna 512 by using the third antenna 514 as an auxiliary antenna.

[0101] Reference numeral 500b illustrates the electronic device 400 in horizontal mode. When the electronic device 400 is in horizontal mode, the processor 410 can use two patch antennas for positioning, including a first antenna 510 and a third antenna 514 parallel to the long surface 580 of the electronic device 400's housing. A metal antenna 520 may be formed in at least a portion of the long surface 580 of the electronic device 400's housing. The processor 410 can use the two patch antennas for positioning, including a first antenna 510 and a second antenna 512 parallel to the long surface 580 of the electronic device 400's housing, thereby preventing antenna performance degradation due to how the user holds the electronic device and distinguishing the left and right sides of the positioning target. In auxiliary mode, the processor 410 can use the second antenna 512 as an auxiliary antenna to improve positioning accuracy. The processor 410 can be electrically connected to the second antenna 512 and the third antenna 514 via a switch terminal 530. When positioning is performed using two patch antennas, including a first antenna 510 and a third antenna 514, the processor 410 can be electrically connected to the third antenna 514 via a switch terminal 530, and can also be electrically disconnected from the second antenna 512 via a switch terminal 530. When the second antenna 512 is used as an auxiliary antenna to correct the arrival time, the processor 410 can be electrically disconnected from the second antenna 512 via a switch terminal 530, and can also be electrically connected to the third antenna 514 via a switch terminal 530.

[0102] In another embodiment, the electronic device 400 may not include the switch terminal 530. The processor 410 can control multiple patch antennas, including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514, without switching to perform positioning. In this case, timing errors due to switching can be reduced. The processor 410 can use the multiple patch antennas, including the first antenna 510, the second antenna 512, and the third antenna 514, to receive signals for positioning signals, and can correct the arrival time point identified using the first antenna 510 and the third antenna 514 by using the second antenna 512 as an auxiliary antenna.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 In step 600, the processor 410 uses one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514) and a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna 520) to transmit a first positioning signal to perform positioning. The first positioning signal may include information about the transmission time of the first positioning signal.

[0105] In step 610, the processor 410 uses at least one of the plurality of first antennas to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal.

[0106] In step 620, processor 410 compares the strength of the first received signal with a threshold. When the strength of the first received signal is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., when the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) > -85 dBm or when the first received signal is in a strong electric field) (No in step 620), processor 410 proceeds to step 670. In step 670, processor 410 determines the arrival time of the first received signal based on the first received signal and performs positioning.

[0107] When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI > -85 dBm or when the first signal is in a weak electric field) ("Yes" in step 620), the processor 410 proceeds to step 630. A weak electric field can be understood, for example, when the polarization characteristics of the antenna of electronic device 101 and the antenna of an external electronic device are perpendicular to each other, or when the positioning signal is interfered with by an obstacle between electronic device 101 and the external electronic device. The case of a weak received signal, and examples of the weak electric field described above, can be understood as a case of a weak electric field.

[0108] In step 630, processor 410 operates in auxiliary mode to improve positioning accuracy in weak electric field environments. In auxiliary mode, processor 410 can use the second antenna as an auxiliary antenna.

[0109] In step 640, the processor 410 uses one of the second antenna or one of the first antennas to transmit a second positioning signal.

[0110] In step 650, processor 410 uses at least one of the plurality of first antennas to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal. Processor 410 can identify the time of arrival based on the second received signal received using at least one of the plurality of antennas.

[0111] In step 660, processor 410 uses the second antenna to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal. Processor 410 can correct the identified time of arrival based on the second received signal received using the second antenna. Processor 410 can correct the first path search timing among the second received signals received using the plurality of first antennas based on the second received signal received by the second antenna. Processor 410 can determine the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second received signal.

[0112] In step 670, the processor 410 performs positioning using the determined arrival time. Figure 2The description refers to the description of the positioning method.

[0113] Figure 6 The threshold values ​​(e.g., -85 dBm) are merely illustrative, and embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the threshold values ​​for patch antennas and metal antennas may differ. When the first antenna includes a metal antenna, the processor 410 may set different threshold values ​​for determining the presence of a weak electric field environment.

[0114] Figure 7 Positioning is performed in the assisted mode of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The description of the second positioning signal 700 and the second receiving signal 740 refers to Figure 6 Description of the second positioning signal and the second received signal.

[0115] Reference Figure 7 When operating in auxiliary mode, processor 410 can use metal antenna 520 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 can use one of a plurality of patch antennas, including first antenna 510, second antenna 512 and third antenna 514, to transmit a second positioning signal 700.

[0116] In a weak electric field, the processor 410 can use at least one of a plurality of patch antennas, including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514, to receive the second received signal 740 for the second positioning signal 700. In this case, the processor 410 may also receive noise signals 720 around the electronic device 400. Due to the noise signals 720, the processor 410 may have difficulty determining the arrival time 725 of the second received signal 740.

[0117] For example, in Figure 7 At a given time point, the intensity of the noise signal 720 may exceed the threshold 750. After the intensity of the noise signal 720 exceeds the threshold 750, the processor 410 can find the peak of the noise signal 720 intensity and identify this peak as the first path. In this case, the processor 410 can identify a specific time point 727 as the arrival time point, and the distance to the target will be measured to be shorter than it actually is.

[0118] Processor 410 can use metal antenna 520 to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal 700. Processor 410 can correct the identified arrival time based on the second received signal received using metal antenna 520. The second received signal received by processor 410 using metal antenna 520 can be referred to as signal 730. Signal 730 may include information associated with the arrival time of the second received signal 740. Processor 410 can correct the timing used to determine the arrival time using first antenna 510 based on the arrival time of signal 730. Using the above method, processor 410 can correct the identified arrival time and determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the second received signal 740.

[0119] Processor 410 may use at least one of a patch antenna, including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514, instead of the metal antenna 520, as an auxiliary antenna. (See reference...) Figures 8 to 10 Describe in detail the various antenna operation methods used to perform positioning.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a table illustrating antenna operation according to an embodiment.

[0121] according to Figure 6 The electronic device 400 may use ANT 1 (e.g., one or more of a plurality of antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512 and a third antenna 514), ANT 2 (e.g., one or more of a plurality of antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512 and a third antenna 514) and ANT 0 (e.g., a metal antenna 520) to perform positioning. Figure 6 The location of electronic device 400 is described.

[0122] Reference Figure 8 Table 800a illustrates the antenna operation of the electronic device 400 during ranging. The processor 400 can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT1 and can receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal using ANT1. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI > -85 dBm), the processor 410 can use ANT0 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor 410 can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT1 and can receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal using ANT1 to identify the time of arrival. The processor 410 can receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal using ANT0 and can correct the identified time of arrival based on the received second received signal.

[0123] Table 800b illustrates the antenna operation of the electronic device 400 during ranging. Unlike Table 800a, the processor 410 can use two or more antennas to receive a first received signal for a first positioning signal and a second received signal for a second positioning signal for ranging. Similar to Table 800a, the processor 410 can use ANT0 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor 410 can measure the distance to the positioning target more accurately by using two or more antennas.

[0124] Table 800c illustrates the antenna operation of the electronic device 400 during AoA measurement. Unlike Table 800a, the processor 410 may use two or more antennas to receive a first received signal for a first positioning signal and a second received signal for a second positioning signal for AoA measurement. Similar to Table 800a, the processor 410 may use ANT0 as an auxiliary antenna.

[0125] Figure 9 This is a table illustrating antenna operation during ranging using an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0126] Table 900a illustrates, as a table, an embodiment using ANT 1 (e.g., one or more of a plurality of antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514) as an auxiliary antenna when the electronic device 400 performs ranging. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a first positioning signal and can use ANT 0 to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI < -85 dBm), processor 410 can use ANT 1 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a second positioning signal and can use ANT 0 to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal to identify the time of arrival. Processor 410 can use ANT 1 to receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal and can correct the identified time of arrival based on the received second received signal.

[0127] Table 900b illustrates, as a table, an embodiment in which ANT 0 (e.g., metal antenna 520) is used as an auxiliary antenna, serving as a transmitting antenna for a positioning signal, during ranging by electronic device 400. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a first positioning signal and can use ANT 1 to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI < -85 dBm), processor 410 can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a second positioning signal and can use ANT 1 to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal to identify the time of arrival. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal and can correct the identified time of arrival based on the received second received signal.

[0128] Figure 10 This is a table illustrating antenna operation during AoA measurement of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0129] Reference Figure 10 Table 1000a illustrates an embodiment in which ANT 1 (e.g., one or more of a plurality of antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514) is used as an auxiliary antenna during AoA measurement of electronic device 400. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a first positioning signal and can use ANT 0 and ANT 2 to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI < -85 dBm), processor 410 can use ANT 1 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a second positioning signal and can use ANT 0 and ANT 2 to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal to identify the time of arrival. Processor 410 can use ANT 1 to receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal and can correct the identified time of arrival based on the received second received signal.

[0130] Table 1000b illustrates an embodiment in which ANT 0 (e.g., metal antenna 520) is used as an auxiliary antenna, serving as a transmitting antenna for a positioning signal, during AoA measurement of electronic device 400. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a first positioning signal and can use ANT 1 and ANT 2 to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal. When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold (e.g., when RSSI < -85 dBm), processor 410 can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to transmit a second positioning signal and can use ANT 1 and ANT 2 to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal to identify the time of arrival. Processor 410 can use ANT 0 to receive the second received signal for the second positioning signal and can correct the identified time of arrival based on the second received signal.

[0131] Unlike 1000b, Table 1000c shows, as a table, an embodiment of using ANT 1 as an auxiliary antenna for transmitting positioning signals during AoA measurement of electronic device 400.

[0132] Figures 8 to 10 The antenna operation methods described are merely illustrative, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, electronic device 400 may also include a patch antenna (e.g., ANT 3). Furthermore, when performing positioning, electronic device 400 may use all antennas included in electronic device 400.

[0133] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device performing positioning in assisted mode according to an embodiment. Figure 11 It shows the execution based on Figure 6 The operation after positioning.

[0134] Reference Figure 11 In step 1100, the processor 410 performs positioning in auxiliary mode. Figure 6 The flowchart describes the positioning process in assistive mode.

[0135] In step 1110, the processor 410 uses one of a plurality of antennas (e.g., one or more of a plurality of antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512 and a third antenna 514) or a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna 520) to transmit a third positioning signal.

[0136] In step 1120, the processor 410 uses at least one of the plurality of first antennas to receive a third received signal for the third positioning signal.

[0137] In step 1130, processor 410 compares the strength of the third received signal with a threshold. For example, when the strength of the third received signal for the third positioning signal is less than the threshold (e.g., when RSS < -85 dBm), the process returns to step 1100, and processor 410 performs positioning in assisted mode ("No" in step 1130). For example, when the strength of the third received signal for the third positioning signal is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., when RSSI ≥ -85 dBm), processor 410 proceeds to step 1140 ("Yes" in step 1130).

[0138] In step 1140, processor 410 determines whether rapid positioning is required. For example, when electronics 400 are installed in a vehicle and the vehicle is traveling at a speed above a specified level, electronics 400 needs to quickly measure the distance between the vehicle and the positioning target (e.g., a pedestrian). In this case, processor 410 may determine that rapid positioning is required. When rapid positioning is not required in step 1140 ("No" in step 1140), the process returns to step 1100, and processor 410 performs positioning in auxiliary mode. When rapid positioning is required in step 1140 ("Yes" in step 1140), processor 410 proceeds to step 1150.

[0139] In step 1150, processor 410 operates in normal mode. Normal mode can be understood as the operating mode in which processor 410 performs positioning without using an auxiliary antenna (e.g., a second antenna). Positioning accuracy in normal mode may be worse than in auxiliary mode. Figure 3 The description references the description of performing location in normal mode.

[0140] Figure 12a This is a flowchart illustrating step-by-step positioning in a weak electric field environment according to an embodiment.

[0141] Reference Figure 12a In step 1200, the processor 410 transmits a first positioning signal using one of a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna 520) and a plurality of first antennas (e.g., one or more antennas including a first antenna 510, a second antenna 512, and a third antenna 514). The first positioning signal may include information about the time of transmission of the first positioning signal.

[0142] In step 1210, the processor 410 uses at least one of the plurality of first antennas to receive a first received signal for the first positioning signal.

[0143] In step 1220, processor 410 compares the strength of a first received signal received using multiple antennas with a threshold. When the strength of the first received signal is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., when RSSI ≥ -85 dBm), processor 410 proceeds to step 1260 to perform positioning using the multiple first antennas ("No" in step 1220). When the strength of the first received signal is less than the threshold (e.g., when RSSI < -85 dBm), processor 410 proceeds to step 1230 ("Yes" in step 1220).

[0144] In step 1230, the processor 410 uses one of the multiple first antennas or second antennas to transmit a second positioning signal.

[0145] In step 1240, the processor 410 uses at least one of the plurality of first antennas and the second antenna to receive a second received signal for the second positioning signal.

[0146] In step 1250, the processor 410 compares the strength of a second received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas with the strength of a second received signal received using a second antenna. The processor 410 can select an antenna with a stronger received signal. For example, when the strength of the second received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas is greater than the strength of the second received signal received using the second antenna, the processor 410 can determine the arrival time of the second received signal based on the second received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas. When the strength of the second received signal received using the second antenna is greater than the strength of the second received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the processor 410 can determine the arrival time of the second received signal based on the second received signal received using the second antenna. The processor 410 can select an antenna with a stronger received signal (e.g., a first antenna) and can use an antenna with a weaker received signal (e.g., a second antenna) as an auxiliary antenna.

[0147] In step 1260, processor 410 performs positioning using the antenna selected in step 1250. For example, processor 410 may measure the distance and / or AoA to the target based on the time of arrival determined using the selected antenna (e.g., the first antenna). Furthermore, processor 410 may use an antenna with weak received signal strength (e.g., the second antenna) as an auxiliary antenna. Processor 410 may use the selected antenna (e.g., the first antenna) to identify the time of arrival and may use the auxiliary antenna (e.g., the second antenna) to correct the identified time of arrival.

[0148] Figure 12bThis is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device that performs operation in auxiliary mode under specified conditions according to an embodiment.

[0149] Referring to step 1270, processor 410 determines whether precise positioning is required. For example, when electronic device 400 needs to accurately identify the distance and / or AoA to the target and perform a specific operation, processor 410 may determine that precise positioning is required.

[0150] When it is determined in step 1270 that precise positioning is not required ("No" in step 1270), processor 410 proceeds to step 1280. In step 1280, processor 410 operates in normal mode. In step 1290, processor 410 can, according to... Figure 6 The flowchart describes how positioning is performed. For example, processor 410 can use at least one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., one or more antennas including first antenna 510, second antenna 512, and third antenna 514) to receive a received signal for positioning. When the strength of the received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas is less than a threshold, i.e., in a weak electric field condition, processor 410 performs positioning according to... Figure 6 Step 630 is performed in auxiliary mode. Furthermore, when the strength of the received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas is greater than or equal to a threshold, the processor 410 can determine the arrival time based on the received signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and can perform positioning based on the determined arrival time.

[0151] When it is determined in step 1270 that precise positioning is required ("Yes" in step 1270), processor 410 proceeds to step 1285. In step 1285, processor 410 operates in auxiliary mode. In step 1290, processor 410 performs positioning according to the auxiliary mode. Figure 6 The description of the auxiliary modes is used to describe the auxiliary modes. Here, with Figure 6 Unlike other processors, when certain conditions are met, processor 410 can use a second antenna (e.g., metal antenna 520) to correct the identified time of arrival, even though processor 410 is in a weak or strong electric field condition in steps 1285 and 1290. These specific conditions can be understood as, for example, when electronic device 400 provides an augmented reality (AR) environment or shares data with external electronic device 101. Processor 410 can determine the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the received signal for the positioning signal and can perform positioning based on the determined time of arrival.

[0152] Figure 13This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device incorporating and designed for UWB according to an embodiment. For ease of description, details related to... Figure 4 The corresponding reference numerals in the attached figures Figure 13 Description of the components.

[0153] Metal antennas for UWB can be combined and designed with metal antenna structures used for data communication. Because antennas for UWB should have high-frequency band (HB) characteristics, when the antenna for data communication meets HB performance requirements, it can be designed according to… Figure 13 Integrating and designing metal antennas.

[0154] Reference Figure 13 The electronic device 1300, which incorporates and designs a metal antenna, includes: a first wireless communication circuit 1340; a second wireless communication circuit 1350; a plurality of patch antennas including a first antenna 450, a second antenna 460, and a third antenna 470; a metal antenna 440; and / or a duplexer 1360.

[0155] The first wireless communication circuit 1340 includes a first processor 410, a first switch 420, a second switch 425, a first filter 430, a second filter 432, a third filter 434, and a fourth filter 436. A description of the components of the first wireless communication circuit 1340 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The description.

[0156] The second wireless communication circuit 1350 includes a second processor 1310, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 1320, and / or a filter 1330.

[0157] The first processor 410 and the second processor 1310 can be referred to as at least one processor. Figure 13 The components described are merely illustrative, and embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, at least one processor may be implemented independently of the first wireless communication circuit 1340 and / or the second wireless communication circuit 1350. At least one processor (e.g., CP) may be implemented on a single chip with the main processor 121, or it may be implemented independently of the main processor.

[0158] The first wireless communication circuit 1340 and the second wireless communication circuit 1350 are operatively connected to the duplexer 1360. The duplexer 1360 may be operatively connected to the metal antenna 440.

[0159] The second wireless communication circuit 1350 can transmit signals for data communication to the metal antenna 440, or receive signals for data communication received by the metal antenna 440. For example, the second wireless communication circuit 1350 can use user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 to identify and authenticate electronic devices 1300 in communication networks such as the first network 198 or the second network 199.

[0160] The duplexer 1360 can separate the signals used for data communication from the UWB signals. The first processor 410 can use the UWB signals to perform positioning. The second processor 1310 can use the signals used for data communication to perform data communication.

[0161] When receiving data, the metal antenna 440 can receive signals associated with data communication. For example, signals associated with data communication may include signals in the frequency band used for Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication. The signals received by the metal antenna 440 can be passed to a duplexer 1360 to be divided into signals for data communication and UWB signals. Specifically, the signals for data communication and UWB signals can be separated between them without interference by the duplexer 1360. The signals for data communication can be filtered by filter 1330 and amplified by LNA 1320. The signals via LNA 1320 can be passed to a second processor 1310. The second processor 1310 can use the received signals to perform data communication.

[0162] Figure 14 The structure of an electronic device incorporating and designed for UWB, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0163] For ease of description, this can be omitted. Figure 14 The reference numerals in the attached figures are related to Figure 5a and Figure 13 The accompanying drawings contain descriptions of the parts corresponding to the reference numerals.

[0164] When a metallic antenna used for data communication meets the HB performance, it can be based on... Figure 14 Integrating and designing metal antennas. (With) Figure 5a Compared to the electronic device 400, the integrated and designed electronic device 1300 may further include a duplexer 1360 and / or a second wireless communication circuit 1350.

[0165] Reference Figure 14At least one processor can improve positioning accuracy by using the metal antenna 520 as an auxiliary antenna. At least one processor can perform data communication using the second wireless communication circuit 1350. When at least one controller transmits and receives signals for performing data communication and positioning using the metal antenna 520, the duplexer 1360 can divide the signal received by the metal antenna 520 into a signal for data communication and a UWB signal. The divided UWB signal and the divided signal for data communication can be transmitted to the first wireless communication circuit 1340 and the second wireless communication circuit 1350, respectively, for processing by at least one processor.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: case; First communication circuit; A second communication circuit, which is different from the first communication circuit; A plurality of first antennas, the plurality of first antennas including patch antennas and electrically connected to the first communication circuit; as well as A second antenna, comprising a metal antenna formed in at least a portion of the housing, is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit. The first communication circuit is configured as follows: A first positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; A first received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the first received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the first positioning signal; When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold, a second positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; A second received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the second received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the second positioning signal; The second antenna is used to receive a third received signal, which is transmitted from the positioning target in response to the second positioning signal; The arrival time is identified based on one of the second received signal and the third received signal, and the identified arrival time is corrected based on the other of the second received signal and the third received signal. Based on the corrected arrival time, the distance and angle of arrival of the positioning target are determined.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: Based on the third received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined; Based on the determined arrival time of the received signal, the distance to the positioning target is determined.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: Based on the determined arrival time of the received signal, the angle of arrival AoA with respect to the positioning target is determined.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: The strength of the second received signal is compared with the strength of the third received signal. When the strength of the second received signal is greater than the strength of the third received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined based on the second received signal. When the strength of the third received signal is greater than the strength of the second received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined based on the third received signal.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises: A duplexer, wherein the second antenna is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit via the duplexer, and The duplexer is configured to divide the signal received by the second antenna into a positioning signal for the first communication circuit and a data communication signal for the second communication circuit.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: The third positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna. A fourth received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the fourth received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the third positioning signal, and When the strength of the fourth received signal is greater than or equal to the threshold and the specified conditions are met, the arrival time is determined based on the fourth received signal.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The electronic device is included in the vehicle, and the electronic device further includes: At least one sensor, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: The speed of the vehicle is detected using the at least one sensor, and When the detected speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed, it is determined that the specified condition is met.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first communication circuit is further configured as follows: When it is determined that precise positioning is required, a third positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna. A fourth received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the fourth received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the third positioning signal. The second antenna is used to receive a fifth received signal, which is transmitted from the positioning target in response to the third positioning signal. Based on the fourth and fifth received signals, the distance and angle of arrival of the positioning target are determined.

9. A method of operating an electronic device, the method comprising: A first positioning signal is transmitted using one of a plurality of first antennas or using a second antenna, the plurality of first antennas including patch antennas and electrically connected to a first communication circuit, the second antenna including a metal antenna formed in at least a portion of the housing of the electronic device and electrically connected to the first communication circuit and a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit; A first received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the first received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the first positioning signal; When the strength of the first received signal is less than a threshold, a second positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or using the second antenna; A second received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the second received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the second positioning signal; The second antenna is used to receive a third received signal, which is transmitted from the positioning target in response to the second positioning signal; and The arrival time is identified based on one of the second received signal and the third received signal, and the identified arrival time is corrected based on the other of the second received signal and the third received signal. Based on the corrected arrival time, the distance and angle of arrival of the positioning target are determined.

10. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: Based on the third received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined; Based on the determined arrival time of the received signal, the distance to the positioning target is determined.

11. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: Based on the determined arrival time of the received signal, the angle of arrival AoA with respect to the positioning target is determined.

12. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: The strength of the second received signal is compared with the strength of the third received signal. When the strength of the second received signal is greater than the strength of the third received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined based on the second received signal. When the strength of the third received signal is greater than the strength of the second received signal, the arrival time of the received signal from the positioning target is determined based on the third received signal.

13. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: The signal received by the second antenna is divided into a positioning signal for the first communication circuit and a data communication signal for the second communication circuit by a duplexer included in the electronic device. The second antenna is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit via the duplexer.

14. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: The third positioning signal is transmitted using one of the plurality of first antennas or using the second antenna. A fourth received signal is received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, the fourth received signal being transmitted from the positioning target in response to the third positioning signal, and When the strength of the fourth received signal is greater than or equal to the threshold and the specified conditions are met, the arrival time is determined based on the fourth received signal.

15. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein, The electronic device is included in the vehicle, and the method of operation further includes: Detect the speed of the vehicle; and When the detected speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed, it is determined that the specified condition is met.

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