Method, apparatus and system for obtaining distance of wireless device

Abstract

Disclosed are a distance acquisition method, device and system of a wireless device for measuring the distance between remote radio frequency devices. The method comprises: acquiring a first time delay, a second time delay and a third time delay, the first time delay being the time for a signal sent by a baseband device to return to the baseband device via a first remote radio frequency device, the second time delay being the time for a signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device via a second remote radio frequency device, and the third time delay being the time for a signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by an antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by an antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and then returned to the baseband device; and calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay and the third time delay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for obtaining the spacing of a wireless device. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios using distributed access points (APs), the distance between wireless devices is a crucial parameter. Algorithms such as dynamic channel allocation and power control require this distance as input to provide more accurate location information to the terminals. Therefore, after the wireless devices are installed, it is also necessary to obtain the distance between them.

[0003] Determining the distance between wireless devices typically requires on-site measurement, which involves significant manpower and resources. However, on-site measurement of the distance between wireless devices is costly and involves complex procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, and system for obtaining the distance between wireless devices.

[0005] A first aspect provides a method for obtaining the distance between wireless devices. The method can be executed by a computing device or a baseband device. The computing device is, for example, a computer, server, or smart terminal, a device with computing power. The baseband device is, for example, an indoor baseband unit (BBU). The method includes: obtaining a first delay, a second delay, and a third delay. The first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to travel through a first remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device. The second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to travel through a second remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device. The third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices is calculated based on the first, second, and third delays. The distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices can be obtained conveniently and quickly without on-site measurement.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a first implementation of the first aspect of this application, the step of calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay includes: calculating the product of the speed of light and the fifth delay. The fifth delay is obtained by subtracting the average of the first delay and the second delay from the third delay. Directly subtracting the average of the first delay and the second delay as the channel delay from the third delay provides a simple and fast way to obtain the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device.

[0007] In conjunction with the first implementation of the first aspect, in the second implementation of the first aspect of this application, the first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the second antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The method further includes: obtaining a fourth delay. The fourth delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna, received by the second antenna, and then return to the baseband device. The step of calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay includes: calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay. Therefore, it can eliminate the asymmetry of the time delay between the baseband device and the first remote radio frequency device / second remote radio frequency device, and improve the accuracy of the distance calculation between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in the second implementation of the first aspect of this application, calculating the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices based on the first, second, third, and fourth delays includes calculating the product of the speed of light and a sixth delay. The sixth delay is obtained by subtracting the average of the first and second delays from the average of the third and fourth delays. Therefore, the channel delay can be accurately canceled out, ensuring that the sixth delay does not contain the channel delay, thus improving the accuracy of the sixth delay and consequently improving the accuracy of the distance calculation between the first and second remote radio frequency devices.

[0009] In conjunction with the second implementation of the first aspect, in the fourth implementation of the first aspect of this application, calculating the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices based on the first, second, third, and fourth delays includes: calculating the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices based on the first propagation delay, the second propagation delay, the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay. Wherein, the first propagation delay is the signal propagation delay between the first and second antennas, and the second propagation delay is the signal propagation delay between the third and fourth antennas. Taking into account both the signal propagation delay between the antennas of the first and second remote radio frequency devices further improves the accuracy of the calculation results.

[0010] In conjunction with the second implementation of the first aspect, in the fifth implementation of the first aspect of this application, calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first propagation delay, the second propagation delay, the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay includes: calculating the product of the speed of light and the seventh delay, where the seventh delay is the average of the third delay and the fourth delay minus the average of the correction values ​​for the first delay and the second delay. The correction value for the first delay is the difference between the first delay and the first propagation delay, and the correction value for the second delay is the difference between the second delay and the second propagation delay. Eliminating the propagation delay in the first and second delays improves the accuracy of the channel delay, making the seventh delay of signal propagation between the first and second remote radio frequency devices more precise, thereby improving the accuracy of the distance calculation between the first and second remote radio frequency devices.

[0011] In a sixth implementation of the first aspect of this application, in conjunction with the first aspect or any of the first to fifth implementations of the first aspect, the first delay and the third delay are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device. The baseband device can obtain two detection results by sending one signal, thereby improving the speed of delay detection.

[0012] In a seventh implementation of the first aspect of this application, combining any of the second to sixth implementations, the second delay and the fourth delay are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device. The baseband device can obtain two detection results by sending one signal, thereby improving the speed of delay detection.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect or any of the first to sixth implementations of the first aspect, in the eighth implementation of the first aspect of this application, the baseband device is connected to at least three remote radio frequency (RF) devices. The first remote RF device is one of the at least three RF devices. The second remote RF device is another of the at least three RF devices. Even in scenarios with multiple remote RF devices, the distance between any two of the RF devices can be obtained.

[0014] A second aspect provides a distance calculation device for wireless devices. The device includes: an acquisition module for acquiring a first delay, a second delay, and a third delay, wherein the first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by a baseband device to travel through a first remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device; the second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to travel through a second remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device; and the third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device; and a calculation module for calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, in the first implementation of the second aspect of this application, the calculation module is specifically used to: calculate the product of the speed of light and the fifth time delay. The fifth time delay is obtained by subtracting the average of the first and second time delays from the third time delay.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, in a second implementation of the second aspect of this application, the first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the second antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The acquisition module is further configured to acquire a fourth delay. The fourth delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna, received by the second antenna, and then return to the baseband device. The calculation module is further configured to calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay.

[0017] In conjunction with the second implementation of the second aspect, in the third implementation of the second aspect of this application, the calculation module is specifically used to: calculate the product of the speed of light and the sixth time delay. The sixth time delay is obtained by subtracting the third average of the first and second time delays from the second average of the third and fourth time delays.

[0018] In conjunction with the second implementation of the second aspect, in the fourth implementation of the second aspect of this application, the calculation module is further configured to: calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first propagation delay, the second propagation delay, the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay. The first propagation delay is the propagation delay of the signal between the first antenna and the second antenna. The second propagation delay is the propagation delay of the signal between the third antenna and the fourth antenna.

[0019] In conjunction with the fourth implementation of the second aspect, in the fifth implementation of the second aspect of this application, the calculation module is specifically used to: calculate the product of the speed of light and the seventh delay. The seventh delay is obtained by subtracting the average of the correction values ​​for the first delay and the second delay from the average of the third delay and the fourth delay. Specifically, the correction value for the first delay is the difference between the first delay and the first propagation delay, and the correction value for the second delay is the difference between the second delay and the second propagation delay.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect or any of the first to fifth implementations of the second aspect, in the sixth implementation of the second aspect of this application, the first delay and the third delay are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device.

[0021] In conjunction with any of the second to sixth implementations of the second aspect, in the seventh implementation of the second aspect of this application, the second delay and the fourth delay are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect or any of the first to seventh implementations of the second aspect, in the eighth implementation of the second aspect of this application, the baseband device is connected to at least three remote radio frequency devices, the first remote radio frequency device is one of the at least three remote radio frequency devices, and the second remote radio frequency device is another of the at least three remote radio frequency devices.

[0023] A third aspect provides a distance acquisition system for wireless devices. The system includes a computing device, a baseband device, a first remote radio frequency (RF) device, and a second remote RF device. The first and second remote RF devices are used for transmitting and receiving signals. The baseband device measures the time delay of a signal transmitted by the baseband device returning to the baseband device after passing through the first RF device and / or the second remote video device. The computing device calculates the distance between the first RF device and the second RF device based on the time delay. The computing device includes the distance acquisition apparatus for wireless devices described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0024] In conjunction with the third aspect, in the first implementation of the third aspect of this application, the computing device includes a baseband device.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, in the second implementation of the third aspect of this application, the computing device and the baseband device are two independent devices.

[0026] A fourth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the spacing acquisition method of a wireless device as described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the spacing acquisition system for wireless devices provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the spacing acquisition system for wireless devices provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the method for obtaining the spacing of a wireless device provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the spacing acquisition device for wireless devices provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This application provides a method, apparatus, and system for obtaining the distance between wireless devices.

[0032] In indoor or outdoor settings such as large shopping malls, high-rise buildings, scenic spots, stadiums, and tunnels, the presence of obstructions from buildings, large open spaces, or high user density can cause significant signal attenuation, making it difficult for a single base station or wireless router to provide adequate coverage. To improve wireless signal quality and expand coverage, a distributed architecture can be used to deploy remote radio frequency (RF) devices. Specifically, a baseband device connects to at least two remote RF devices via wired connections such as fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, or fiber-optic composite cables. Multiple remote RF devices are then distributed across different locations within the same area, each independently transmitting and receiving wireless signals, thereby increasing the overall coverage of the wireless signal in that area.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the spacing acquisition system for wireless devices provided in this application. The spacing acquisition system 10 for wireless devices can specifically be a distributed antenna system (DAS) or a distributed access point (AP) system. The system 10 includes a baseband device 11, a computing device 22, and at least two remote radio frequency devices. Figure 1 Taking the Sino-Israeli system 10 as an example, it includes two remote radio frequency devices: a first remote radio frequency device 13 and a second remote radio frequency device 14.

[0034] The baseband device 11 is connected to the first remote radio frequency device 13 and the second remote radio frequency device 14 via cables (such as optical fibers, coaxial cables or optoelectronic composite cables). Figure 1The number of cables connecting the baseband device 11 and the remote radio frequency device is only an example. There can be one cable connecting the baseband device 11 and the remote radio frequency device, with uplink and downlink signals transmitted in the optical fiber and cable via time-division multiplexing or frequency-division multiplexing. Alternatively, there can be two cables connecting the baseband device 11 and the remote radio frequency device, used for transmitting uplink and downlink signals respectively. The time required for a signal to travel through the cable is called the channel delay. For example, the delay for a signal emitted from the baseband device 11 to travel through the cable to the first remote radio frequency device 13 is called the first channel delay T. chain_1 The delay of the signal transmitted from the first remote radio frequency device 13 to the baseband device 11 via the cable is the second channel delay T. chain_2 The delay of the signal emitted from the baseband device 11 being transmitted to the second remote radio frequency device 14 via cable is the third channel delay T. chain_3 The delay of the signal emitted from the second remote radio frequency device 14 to the baseband device 11 via the cable is the fourth channel delay T. chain_4 .

[0035] The first remote radio frequency device 13 and the second remote radio frequency device 14 each include at least one antenna. For example, Figure 1 Each remote radio frequency (RF) device includes two antennas. For example, the first remote RF device 13 includes a first antenna 131 and a second antenna 132, and the second remote RF device 14 includes a third antenna 141 and a fourth antenna 142. Of course, remote RF devices may also include three, four, or more antennas. The number of antennas in each remote RF device may be the same or different; this application does not impose any limitations on this. Figure 1 The antenna distances between the first remote radio frequency device 12 and the second remote radio frequency device 14, as well as the distances between the first remote radio frequency device 12, the second remote radio frequency device 14 and the baseband device 11, are merely exemplary. The distances between the antennas are subject to the actual distances of the remote radio frequency devices, and the distances between the first remote radio frequency device 12, the second remote radio frequency device 14 and the baseband device 11 are subject to the actual installation conditions. This application does not impose any restrictions on these aspects.

[0036] In this embodiment of the application, the baseband device 11 can be used to measure the transmission delay of a signal after passing through the first remote radio frequency device 13 and / or the second remote radio frequency device 14. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of signal transmission. Baseband device 11 sends a signal to the first remote radio frequency device 13 and records the time t1 when the signal is emitted from baseband device 11. After receiving the signal, the first remote radio frequency device 13 transmits the signal through the first antenna 131, receives the signal through the second antenna 132, and sends it back to baseband device 11. Baseband device 11 records the time t2 when it receives the signal. t2 minus t1 is the first transmission delay T1 of the signal in the first remote radio frequency device 13. Baseband device 11 sends a signal to the second remote radio frequency device 14 and records the time t3 when the signal is emitted from baseband device 11. After receiving the signal, the second remote radio frequency device 14 transmits the signal through the third antenna 141, receives the signal through the fourth antenna 142, and sends it back to baseband device 11. Baseband device 11 records the time t4 when it receives the signal. t4 minus t3 is the second transmission delay T2 of the signal in the second remote radio frequency device 14. Baseband device 11 sends a signal to first remote radio frequency device 13 and records the time t5 when the signal is emitted from baseband device 11. After receiving the signal, first remote radio frequency device 13 transmits the signal through first antenna 131, receives the signal through fourth antenna 142 of second remote radio frequency device 14, and sends it back to baseband device 11. Baseband device 11 records the time t6 when the signal returns to baseband device 11. t6 minus t5 equals the third delay T3, which is the time it takes for the signal emitted by baseband device 11 to be transmitted by the antenna of first remote radio frequency device 13, received by the antenna of second remote radio frequency device 14, and then return to baseband device 11. Times t1 to t6 are all recorded by baseband device 11. The first delay T1, second delay T2, and third delay T3 are the differences between two of these times. Whether the recorded t1 to t6 are aligned with standard time does not affect the accuracy of the first delay T1, second delay T2, and third delay T3. Time calibration is not required when measuring delays, reducing the requirements for delay measurement and simplifying the testing process.

[0037] The first delay T1 includes the first channel delay T chain_1 Second channel delay T chain_2 and the first propagation delay T air_1 First propagation delay T air_1 The time it takes for the signal to be transmitted wirelessly from the first antenna 131 to the second antenna 132. The second delay T2 includes the third channel delay T. chain_3 Fourth channel delay T chain_4 Second propagation delay T air_2 Second propagation delay T air_2 The time it takes for the signal to be transmitted wirelessly from the third antenna 141 to the fourth antenna 142. The third delay T3 includes the first channel delay T. chain_1 Third propagation delay T air_3 and the delay T of the fourth channel chain_4The third propagation delay T air_1 The time it takes for a signal to be transmitted wirelessly from the first antenna 131 to the fourth antenna 142.

[0038] In some other embodiments, the baseband device 11 can start a timer when it sends a signal to the first remote radio frequency device 13. The timer starts counting from 0 and stops counting when the signal returns to the baseband device 11 after passing through the first remote radio frequency device 13. The time when the timer stops counting is the first delay T1. Similarly, the second delay T2 and the third delay T3 can be measured.

[0039] In the aforementioned measurement of the first delay T1 and the second delay T2, the first remote RF device 13 / second remote RF device 14 transmits the signal to the baseband device 11 after transmitting and receiving the signal via an antenna. In some other embodiments, when the signal reaches the first remote RF device 13 / second remote RF device 14 via a cable, the first remote RF device 13 / second remote RF device 14 can transmit the signal to the baseband device 11 via a loopback line. That is, the first delay T1 does not include the first propagation delay T. air_1 The second delay T2 does not include the second propagation delay T. air_2 .

[0040] The first delay T1 and the second delay T2 are obtained directly from the remote radio frequency device. The signal is not transmitted through a third device, which avoids the error introduced during the transmission of the signal through a third-party device. This can improve the accuracy and precision of the measurement data and reduce the measurement cost of the distance between wireless devices.

[0041] Optionally, the baseband device 11 can also send a signal to the first remote radio frequency device 13 and record the time t7 when the signal is sent from the baseband device 11. After receiving the signal, the second remote radio frequency device 14 transmits the signal through the third antenna 141. After receiving the signal through the second antenna 132 of the first remote radio frequency device 13, the signal is sent back to the baseband device 11. The baseband device 11 records the time t8 when the signal returns to the baseband device 11. t8 minus t7 is the fourth delay T4 of the signal transmission through the second remote radio frequency device 14 and the first remote radio frequency device 13. The fourth delay T4 includes the third channel delay T. chain_1 Fourth propagation delay T air_4 Second channel delay T chain_2 Fourth propagation delay T air_4 The time it takes for the signal to be transmitted wirelessly from the third antenna 141 to the second antenna 132.

[0042] The first delay T1, the second delay T2, the third delay T3, and the fourth delay T4 can be obtained from a single measurement, improving measurement efficiency; or they can be obtained from multiple measurements and the average value, which can improve the accuracy of the first delay T1, the second delay T2, the third delay T3, and the fourth delay T4.

[0043] The first delay T1 and the third delay T3 can be measured based on the same signal. Specifically, the baseband device 11 sends a signal to the first remote radio frequency device 13 and records the signal transmission time t9. After receiving the signal, the first remote radio frequency device 13 transmits it through the first antenna 131, and the second antenna 132 and the fourth antenna 142 receive the signal and send it back to the baseband device 11. The baseband device 11 records the time t1 for the signal to travel from the first remote radio frequency device 13 back to the baseband device 11. 10 And the time t it takes to return to the baseband device 11 after passing through the second remote radio frequency device 14. 11 The first delay T1 is t9 minus t. 10 The third delay T3 is obtained. 11 The delay is obtained by subtracting t9. Similarly, the second delay T2 and the fourth delay T4 can also be obtained based on the same signal measurement. This reduces the number of delay measurements, improves delay detection efficiency, reduces errors that may be introduced in different testing processes, and improves measurement accuracy. Of course, the first delay T1 and the third delay T3 can also be obtained based on different signals, and / or the second delay T2 and the fourth delay T4 can also be obtained based on different signals; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0044] Because the time delay of signal transmission from baseband device 11 to remote radio frequency device, and from the same remote radio frequency device to the same baseband device 11, has a certain asymmetry, in order to improve the accuracy of the measurement, during the time delay measurement process, the first antenna 131 and the third antenna 141 both act as transmitting antennas in different measurement processes, and the second antenna 132 and the fourth antenna 142 both act as receiving antennas. For example, during the measurement of the second time delay T2 and the third time delay T3, the fourth antenna 142 acts as a receiving antenna to receive the signal. Of course, in some scenarios where the measurement accuracy requirement is not high, it is not required for the same antenna to remain as a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna in different measurement processes.

[0045] When baseband device 11 is connected to N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 3) remote radio frequency devices, baseband device 11 can measure the time delay using the same method. For example, to improve detection efficiency, baseband device 11 transmits a signal from the first antenna 131 of the first remote radio frequency device 13. The receiving antennas of N remote radio frequency devices (including the second antenna 132 and the fourth antenna 142, etc.) all receive the signal transmitted by the first antenna 131 and send the signal back to baseband device 11. Baseband device 11 records the time corresponding to the received signal from each remote radio frequency device, and can measure the time delay within a remote radio frequency device (first time delay T1) and the time delay between N-1 remote radio frequency devices (including the third time delay T3); baseband device 11 transmits a signal from the first antenna 131 of the first remote radio frequency device 13. The third antenna 141 of the second remote radio frequency device 14 transmits signals. The receiving antennas of N remote radio frequency devices (including the second antenna 132 and the fourth antenna 142, etc.) all receive the signals transmitted by the third antenna 141 and send the signals back to the baseband device 11. The baseband device 11 records the time corresponding to the received signal from each remote radio frequency device, and can measure the time delay within a remote radio frequency device (second time delay T2) and the time delay between N-1 remote radio frequency devices (including the fourth time delay T4); and so on, until the time delay within N remote radio frequency devices and the time delay between N*(N-1) remote radio frequency devices are obtained. Of course, the delay within a remote RF device and the delay between remote RF devices can be measured separately. The delay between two remote RF devices can also be measured by measuring only one remote RF device delay. For example, between the first remote RF device 13 and the second remote RF device 14, only the third delay T3 is measured and the fourth delay T4 is not measured. In this way, N*(N-1) / 2 remote RF device delays can be measured to simplify the subsequent calculation process of the distance between remote RF devices.

[0046] The computing device 22 is connected to the baseband device 11. In some embodiments, the baseband device 11 may include the computing device 22, for example, the computing device 22 may be the processor of the baseband device 11. Figure 1 As shown. In other embodiments, the computing device 22 and the baseband device 11 can also be two independent devices, such as the computing device 22 being a server, computer, or smart terminal, etc. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the distance acquisition system for wireless devices provided in this application. The computing device 22 can obtain a first delay T1, a second delay T2, and a third delay T3 from the baseband device 11, and thereby calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device 13 and the second remote radio frequency device 14 based on these data.

[0047] Based on the aforementioned wireless device spacing acquisition system 10, this application provides the following embodiments of a wireless device spacing acquisition method. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the method for obtaining the distance of a wireless device provided in this application. The executing entity in this embodiment is a computing device. This embodiment includes the following steps:

[0048] S301: Obtain the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay.

[0049] The baseband device measures t1 to t6 using the time delay measurement method described above.

[0050] Subtracting t1 from t2 gives the first delay, subtracting t3 from t4 gives the second delay, and subtracting t5 from t6 gives the third delay.

[0051] The first, second, and third delays can be calculated by the computing device built into the baseband device, or by a remote computing device connected to the baseband device.

[0052] Optionally, if the baseband device measures the fourth delay, the computing device can also obtain the fourth delay from the baseband device.

[0053] S302: Calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay and the third delay.

[0054] The installation location of remote RF equipment is determined by factors such as the actual spatial environment and space size. The straight-line distance and cable length between the remote RF equipment and the baseband equipment are often uncertain and unknown, depending on the actual situation. In some scenarios with large spaces, the distance between the remote RF equipment and the baseband equipment may be large, resulting in longer cables. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the cables connecting the remote RF equipment and the baseband equipment, there may be bends and coils in the cable routing, potentially increasing the actual cable length between the two equipments beyond the straight-line distance. The sum of the cable lengths between two remote RF devices and the baseband equipment can be significant, even exceeding the distance between the two devices themselves. Signals in cables and in air can be considered to travel at the speed of light. Longer cables result in greater channel delays, which, if ignored, can cause substantial errors. Since the third delay includes channel delay, it is necessary to use the first and second delays to eliminate the channel delay in the third delay.

[0055] There are various methods for calculating the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices based on the first, second, and third time delays. To meet different accuracy and efficiency requirements, this embodiment provides the following calculation method:

[0056] Calculation Method 1: Calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device using only the first delay, the second delay, and the third delay.

[0057] In this calculation method, since the spacing between the first antenna and the second antenna, the third antenna and the fourth antenna is relatively small compared to the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device, as well as the distance between the baseband device and the first remote radio frequency device / the second remote radio frequency device, the first propagation delay of the signal propagating through the air interface between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the second propagation delay of the signal propagating through the air interface between the third antenna and the fourth antenna are small, the air interface propagation delay in the first delay and the second delay can be ignored.

[0058] Although the first channel delay of the signal transmission in the channel from the baseband device to the first remote RF device may differ from the second channel delay of the signal transmission in the channel from the first remote RF device to the baseband device, and the third channel delay of the signal transmission in the channel from the baseband device to the second remote RF device may differ from the fourth channel delay of the signal transmission in the channel from the second remote RF device to the baseband device, since the distance between the two channels is the same, the difference between the first channel delay and the second channel delay is not large. The average value of the first channel delay and the second channel delay can be regarded as the first channel delay or the second channel delay.

[0059] Therefore, the first delay can be considered as the round-trip channel delay of the signal between the baseband device and the first remote RF device, and half of the first delay can be considered as the first channel delay. The second delay can be considered as the round-trip channel delay of the signal between the baseband device and the second remote RF device, and half of the second delay can be considered as the fourth channel delay. That is, the average of the first delay and the second delay is the channel delay of the signal from the baseband device to the first remote RF device and the signal from the second remote RF device to the baseband device.

[0060] The third delay is the sum of the first channel delay of the first remote RF device, the air interface propagation delay from the first antenna to the fourth antenna, and the second channel delay of the second remote RF device. Subtracting the average of the first and second delays from the third delay yields the fifth delay, which is the air interface propagation delay from the first antenna to the fourth antenna.

[0061] By further calculating the product of the speed of light and the fifth time delay, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna can be obtained. Since the first antenna is integrally formed with the first remote radio frequency device and the fourth antenna is integrally formed with the second remote radio frequency device, the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna is the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device.

[0062] The formula for this calculation method is expressed as follows:

[0063]

[0064] d = c·T5 (Equation 2)

[0065] In Equation 1, T1 is the first time delay, T2 is the second time delay, and T3 is the third time delay. In Equation 2, d is the distance between the first antenna and the fourth antenna, i.e., the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device, and c is the speed of light.

[0066] In this calculation method, the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices can be calculated using only a small amount of data, thereby reducing the number of measurement delays of the baseband device and simplifying the measurement and calculation process.

[0067] Calculation Method 2: Calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device using the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay.

[0068] Compared to calculation method one, this calculation method introduces a fourth delay to calculate the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices. As mentioned above, the fourth delay is the time it takes for the signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna, received by the second antenna, and then return to the baseband device. The fourth delay can be used to eliminate errors caused by the unequal delays of the first and second channels, as well as the unequal delays of the third and fourth channels.

[0069] Specifically, the first delay is the sum of the first propagation delay, the first channel delay, and the second channel delay; the second delay is the sum of the second propagation delay, the third channel delay, and the fourth channel delay; the third delay is the sum of the first channel delay, the third propagation delay from the first antenna to the fourth antenna, and the fourth channel delay; and the fourth delay is the sum of the three channel delays, the fourth propagation delay from the third antenna to the second antenna, and the second channel delay. In this calculation method, the first and second propagation delays can also be ignored, meaning the first delay is considered the sum of the first and second channel delays, and the second delay is considered the sum of the third and fourth channel delays. Given the first, second, third, and fourth delays, the sum of the third and fourth propagation delays can be calculated by subtracting the sum of the first and second delays from the sum of the third and fourth delays.

[0070] Generally, since the distance between the first and second remote RF devices is relatively large, while the distances between the first and second antennas, and between the third and fourth antennas, are relatively small, the distance from the first antenna to the fourth antenna and the distance from the third antenna to the second antenna can be considered equal. The signal propagates in the air as a radio frequency signal between the first and fourth antennas, and between the third antenna and the second antenna. Therefore, the third propagation delay can be considered equal to the fourth propagation delay. The average of the third and fourth propagation delays is the sixth delay of the signal propagation between the first and second remote RF devices; that is, the sixth delay is the average of the third and fourth delays minus the average of the first and second delays.

[0071] The distance between the second and third far-end radio frequency (RF) devices is obtained by calculating the product of the speed of light and the sixth time delay. The formula is as follows:

[0072]

[0073] d = c·T6 Equation 4

[0074] In Equation 3, T1 is the first time delay, T2 is the second time delay, T3 is the third time delay, T4 is the fourth time delay, and T6 is the sixth time delay. In Equation 4, d is the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices, and c is the speed of light.

[0075] Calculation Method 3: Calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first propagation delay, the second propagation delay, the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay.

[0076] In scenarios where higher accuracy is required for the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices, the first propagation delay and the second propagation delay can be removed from the first delay and the second delay to correct the first delay and the second delay, thereby obtaining a more accurate channel delay and further improving the distance between the first and second remote radio frequency devices.

[0077] The first propagation delay can be calculated by dividing the antenna distance between the first and second antennas by the speed of light, and the second propagation delay can be calculated by dividing the antenna distance between the third and fourth antennas by the speed of light. The antenna distances of the remote RF device are determined during the design and manufacturing process, and the positions of each antenna are relatively fixed. The antenna distances can be pre-stored in the remote RF device or baseband device and retrieved when the first or second propagation delay needs to be calculated. Alternatively, the baseband device or computing device can obtain the antenna distance of the remote RF device from the network based on its product brand or model.

[0078] Furthermore, the antenna distance can be calculated based on the relative positions of the antennas selected when the baseband device measures the time delay. For example, a remote radio frequency device includes three collinear antennas a, b, and c arranged at equal intervals x. If the baseband device selects antenna a as the transmitting antenna and antenna c as the receiving antenna, then the antenna distance between antenna a and antenna c can be determined to be 2x.

[0079] In some other implementations, the first propagation delay and the second propagation delay can be pre-stored in a remote radio frequency device, baseband device, or computing device, which can improve computing efficiency.

[0080] The correction value for the first delay is obtained by subtracting the first propagation delay from the first delay. The corrected first delay is the sum of the first channel delay and the second channel delay. The correction value for the second delay is obtained by subtracting the second propagation delay from the second delay. The corrected second delay is the sum of the third channel delay and the fourth channel delay. The third and fourth propagation delays are obtained by subtracting the correction values ​​for the first and second delays from the sum of the third and fourth delays. Similarly, the third and fourth propagation delays are considered equal. The average of the third and fourth propagation delays is the seventh delay, which is obtained by subtracting the average of the correction values ​​for the first and second delays from the average of the average of the third and fourth delays. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0081]

[0082] d = c·T7 Equation 6

[0083] In equations five and six, T7 is the seventh time delay, T air_1 For the first propagation delay, T air_2 This represents the second propagation delay; the other symbols have the same meaning as in Formula 3.

[0084] With more accurate correction values ​​for the first and second delays, the calculated third and fourth propagation delays are also more accurate.

[0085] When there are at least three remote radio frequency devices connected to the baseband device, the distance between any two remote radio frequency devices can be calculated using the above method, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the spacing acquisition device for a wireless device provided in this application. The device 40 includes:

[0087] The acquisition module 41 is used to acquire a first delay, a second delay, and a third delay. The first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to travel through the first remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device. The second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to travel through the second remote radio frequency device and return to the baseband device. The third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device.

[0088] The calculation module 42 is used to calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay and the third delay.

[0089] In some implementations, the calculation module 42 is specifically used to: calculate the product of the speed of light and the fifth time delay, the fifth time delay being obtained by subtracting the average of the first and second time delays from the third time delay.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the second antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The second delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The third delay is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and then return to the baseband device. The acquisition module 41 is also used to acquire a fourth delay, which is the time it takes for a signal emitted by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna, received by the second antenna, and then return to the baseband device. The calculation module 42 is also used to calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay.

[0091] In some implementations, the calculation module 42 is specifically used to calculate the product of the speed of light and the sixth time delay. The sixth time delay is obtained by subtracting the third average of the first and second time delays from the second average of the third and fourth time delays.

[0092] In some embodiments, the calculation module 42 is further configured to: calculate the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the first propagation delay, the second propagation delay, the first delay, the second delay, the third delay, and the fourth delay. The first propagation delay is the propagation delay of the signal between the first antenna and the second antenna. The second propagation delay is the propagation delay of the signal between the third antenna and the fourth antenna.

[0093] In some embodiments, the calculation module 42 is specifically used to: calculate the product of the speed of light and the seventh delay, where the seventh delay is obtained by subtracting the average of the correction values ​​for the first delay and the second delay from the average of the third delay and the fourth delay. The correction value for the first delay is the difference between the first delay and the first propagation delay, and the correction value for the second delay is the difference between the second delay and the second propagation delay.

[0094] In some implementations, the first delay and the third delay are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device.

[0095] In some implementations, the second and fourth delays are measured based on the same signal emitted by the baseband device.

[0096] In some implementations, the baseband device is connected to at least three remote radio frequency (RF) devices. The first remote RF device is one of the at least three remote RF devices, and the second remote RF device is another of the at least three remote RF devices.

[0097] This application also relates to a computer program product, which includes computer software instructions that can be loaded by a processor to implement the above-mentioned features. Figure 3 The process in the illustrated embodiment.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0100] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0101] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0102] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A method for range acquisition of a wireless device, the method comprising: The method comprises: acquiring a first time delay, a second time delay and a third time delay, the first time delay being a time for a signal sent by a baseband device to return to the baseband device via a first remote radio frequency device, the second time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device via a second remote radio frequency device, and the third time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device after being transmitted by an antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by an antenna of the second remote radio frequency device; calculating a distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay and the third time delay.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The calculation of the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay and the third time delay comprises: calculating a product of a light speed and a fifth time delay, the fifth time delay being obtained by subtracting an average of the first time delay and the second time delay from the third time delay.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first time delay is a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device after being transmitted by a first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by a second antenna of the first remote radio frequency device, the second time delay is a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device after being transmitted by a third antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and received by a fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device, and the third time delay is a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device after being transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device. The method further comprises acquiring a fourth time delay, the fourth time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device after being transmitted by the third antenna and received by the second antenna. The calculation of the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay and the third time delay comprises: calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The calculation of the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay comprises: calculating a product of a light speed and a sixth time delay, the sixth time delay being obtained by subtracting an average of the first time delay and the second time delay from an average of the third time delay and the fourth time delay.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The calculation of the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay comprises: The distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device is calculated according to the first propagation time delay, the second propagation time delay, the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay, the first propagation time delay being a time delay of signal propagation between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the second propagation time delay being a time delay of signal propagation between the third antenna and the fourth antenna.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The calculating the distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first propagation time delay, the second propagation time delay, the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay comprises: The product of the speed of light and a seventh time delay is calculated, the seventh time delay being obtained by subtracting the average of the first time delay correction value and the second time delay correction value from the average of the third time delay and the fourth time delay, the first time delay correction value being the difference between the first time delay and the first propagation time delay, and the second time delay correction value being the difference between the second time delay and the second propagation time delay.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first time delay and the third time delay are measured based on the same signal sent by the baseband device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The second time delay and the fourth time delay are measured based on the same signal sent by the baseband device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The baseband device is connected to at least three remote radio frequency devices, the first remote radio frequency device being one of the at least three remote radio frequency devices, and the second remote radio frequency device being another of the at least three remote radio frequency devices.

10. A range acquisition apparatus of a wireless device, characterized by comprising: The apparatus comprises: The acquisition module is configured to acquire a first time delay, a second time delay and a third time delay, the first time delay being a time for a signal sent by a baseband device to return to the baseband device via a first remote radio frequency device, the second time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to return to the baseband device via a second remote radio frequency device, and the third time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by an antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by an antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and then returned to the baseband device; The calculation module is configured to calculate a distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay and the third time delay.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The calculation module is specifically configured to: The product of the speed of light and a fifth time delay is calculated, the fifth time delay being obtained by subtracting the average of the first time delay and the second time delay from the third time delay.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The first time delay is a time for a signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by a first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by a second antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and then returned to the baseband device, the second time delay is a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by a third antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and received by a fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and then returned to the baseband device, and the third time delay is a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by the first antenna of the first remote radio frequency device and received by the fourth antenna of the second remote radio frequency device and then returned to the baseband device. The acquisition module is further configured to acquire a fourth time delay, the fourth time delay being a time for the signal sent by the baseband device to be transmitted by the third antenna and received by the second antenna and then returned to the baseband device. The calculation module is further configured to calculate a distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The calculation module is specifically configured to: calculate a product of a light speed and a sixth time delay, the sixth time delay being a second average value of the third time delay and the fourth time delay minus a third average value of the first time delay and the second time delay.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The calculation module is further configured to: calculate a distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device according to a first propagation time delay, a second propagation time delay, the first time delay, the second time delay, the third time delay and the fourth time delay, the first propagation time delay being a propagation time delay of the signal between the first antenna and the second antenna, and the second propagation time delay being a propagation time delay of the signal between the third antenna and the fourth antenna.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The calculation module is specifically configured to: calculate a product of a light speed and a seventh time delay, the seventh time delay being an average value of the third time delay and the fourth time delay minus an average value of a corrected value of the first time delay and a corrected value of the second time delay, wherein the corrected value of the first time delay is a difference between the first time delay and the first propagation time delay, and the corrected value of the second time delay is a difference between the second time delay and the second propagation time delay.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein, The first time delay and the third time delay are measured based on a same signal sent by the baseband device.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 12-15, wherein, The second time delay and the fourth time delay are measured based on a same signal sent by the baseband device.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-15, wherein, The baseband device is connected to at least three remote radio frequency devices, the first remote radio frequency device is one of the at least three remote radio frequency devices, and the second remote radio frequency device is another of the at least three remote radio frequency devices.

19. A range acquisition system of a wireless device, characterized by The system comprises a computing device, a baseband device, a first remote radio frequency device and a second remote radio frequency device, wherein the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device are configured to transceive signals, the baseband device is configured to measure a time delay of a signal emitted by the baseband device back to the baseband device via the first remote radio frequency device and / or the second remote radio frequency device, and the computing device is configured to calculate a distance between the first remote radio frequency device and the second remote radio frequency device based on the time delay. The computing device comprises the distance acquisition apparatus of the wireless device according to any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, The baseband device comprises the computing device.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the distance acquisition method of the wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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