Barrier detection methods and apparatus to assist contact tracing

Abstract

Techniques are provided for contact tracing with wireless devices, and more specifically, for detecting barriers between devices to enhance contact tracing applications. An example method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device includes determining, by the first device, a first range measurement relative to the second device using a first positioning technique, determining, by the first device, a second range measurement relative to the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, and detecting a barrier between the first device and the second device based on the first range measurement and the second range measurement.

Description

[0001] BACKGROUND

[0002] Contact tracing is a technique for identifying and monitoring individuals who can have come into contact with an infected person, and can be implemented as a means of controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Wireless communication systems have been used to assist governments and private organizations in implementing large-scale contact tracing. For example, mobile devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other such user equipment can be used to determine a user’s location history, and to notify the user that they can have been exposed to an infectious disease so that they can monitor their health for signs and symptoms of the disease. However, such location-based contact tracing techniques can raise privacy concerns for some users, which can inhibit adoption of the technique. Furthermore, the correlation of location data with infection probability can vary substantially due to environmental and other factors. There is a need to improve the effectiveness of mobile devices for contact tracing applications.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] An example method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device, in accordance with the present disclosure, includes determining, by the first device, a first range measurement relative to the second device using a first positioning technique, determining, by the first device, a second range measurement relative to the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, and detecting a barrier between the first device and the second device based on the first range measurement and the second range measurement.

[0005] Implementations of such methods can include one or more of the following features. The first positioning technique can be based on a round trip time measurement between the first device and the second device. The round trip time measurement can be based on an exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device. The second positioning technique can be based on a received signal strength indication measurement. The first positioning technique can be based on one or more millimeter wave signals transmitted from the first device. The first positioning technique can be based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device. The method can include determining that the first device is within a predefined contact separation distance of the second device. The indication of the barrier can be provided to a contact tracing application. A separation distance between the first device and the second device can be provided to the contact tracing application. A first identification value associated with the first device and a second identification value associated with the second device can be provided to the contact tracing application. The probability model can be received from a server. Detecting the barrier can include providing the first separation distance measurement and the second separation distance measurement to the server. Detecting the barrier can include receiving an indication of a barrier between the first device and the second device from the server. The server can be a crowdsourcing server configured to receive separation distance measurements, barrier detection information, and location information from a plurality of devices in a network. Detecting the barrier can be performed by the first device. At least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique can be based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated according to a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol. At least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique can be based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated according to a New Radio sidelink protocol. A coarse location of the first device can be determined, and detecting the barrier can be based at least in part on the coarse location. The coarse location can be associated with an environmental tag. Date and time information can be determined, such that detecting the barrier can be based at least in part on the date and time information. The first device can be a mobile or stationary device, and the second device can be a mobile or stationary device. The barrier can be an architectural feature designed to separate a space. The barrier can be a safety device designed to separate and reduce the free transmission of airborne infectious diseases. The barrier can be a group of objects such that a density of the group of objects prevents the transmission of airborne infectious diseases.

[0006] A method for providing barrier detection information to a device, in accordance with the present disclosure, includes receiving, from the device, an indication of a first separation distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second separation distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, determining, based at least in part on the indication of the first separation distance measurement and the indication of the second separation distance measurement, a proximate barrier, and providing, to the device, an indication of the proximate barrier.

[0007] Implementation of such methods may include one or more of the following features: A first positioning technique may be based on round-trip time measurements, while a second positioning technique may be based on received signal strength indication measurements. The first positioning technique may be based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device. The first positioning technique may be based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device. Determining the proximity barrier may include querying a data structure based on indications of the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement. Determining a coarse location of the device, and determining the proximity barrier may be at least partially based on the coarse location of the device. The coarse location may be associated with an environmental tag. Determining date and time information, and determining the proximity barrier may be at least partially based on the date and time information. Providing an indication of the proximity barrier to a contact tracking application. Providing the contact tracking application with at least one of an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement. Providing the contact tracking application with an identification value associated with the device. Providing the contact tracking application with barrier classification information. The indication of the first distance measurement may include a distance value. The indication of the first distance measurement may include a time-of-flight value. The indication of the second distance measurement may include a distance value. The indication of this second spacing measurement may include the signal strength value.

[0008] A method for detecting barriers using network-assisted data, according to a root disclosure, includes: obtaining a first spacing measurement based on a round-trip time schedule; obtaining a second spacing measurement based on a signal strength measurement; providing an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement to a server; and receiving an indication of a neighboring barrier from the server.

[0009] An example device according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver and configured to: determine a first distance measurement relative to a user equipment using a first positioning technique; determine a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; and detect a barrier between the device and the user equipment based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement.

[0010] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver and configured to: receive an indication of a first spacing measurement based on a first positioning technology and an indication of a second spacing measurement based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; determine a proximity barrier based at least in part on the indication of the first spacing measurement and the indication of the second spacing measurement; and provide the device with an indication of the proximity barrier.

[0011] An example apparatus according to this disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor, the at least one processor being communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver and configured to: obtain a first spacing measurement based on a round-trip time protocol; obtain a second spacing measurement based on a signal strength measurement; provide an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement to a server; and receive an indication of a neighboring barrier from the server.

[0012] The items and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as others not mentioned. A first user equipment (UE) associated with a first user may be configured to detect neighboring UEs associated with other users. One or more radio frequency (RF) signals may be exchanged to determine the distance between UEs. In one example, the RF signals may be used to determine a distance estimate based on time-of-flight and signal strength information. The first UE may be configured to detect the presence of a barrier based on the distance estimate associated with the time-of-flight and signal strength information. The first UE may be configured to provide this time-of-flight and signal strength information to one or more network servers. The network servers may be configured to receive the time-of-flight and signal strength information from multiple UEs in a communication network. Crowdsourced data structures may be used to improve barrier detection. Contact tracking data may include an indication of the presence of a barrier. The number of false contact reports in contact tracking applications may be reduced. Other capabilities may be provided, and not every implementation according to this disclosure is required to provide any, let alone all, of the capabilities discussed. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of an example wireless communication system.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the components of an example user equipment.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the components of an example transmit / receive point.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of the components of the example server.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a sample message stream used for a round-trip time measurement session.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of contact tracking proximity measurement.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an example of a barrier-crossing contact tracking proximity measurement.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a graphical example of the probability function used to detect a barrier using radio frequency signals.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an illustration of an example barrier scene.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example contact tracking use case that includes user movement relative to a barrier.

[0024] Figure 11A and 11B It is aimed at Figure 10 Examples of contact tracking use cases include spacing and signal strength measurement.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram of an example system for crowdsourcing barrier detection measurements.

[0026] Figure 13 It is an example data structure that includes a barrier probability function.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an example framework diagram of user equipment used for contact tracking.

[0028] Figure 15A This is a process flow for an example method used to detect barriers using a device.

[0029] Figure 15B This is another example of a process flow for using devices to detect barriers.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a process flow for an example method of detecting barriers using network-assisted data.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a process flow for an example method used to provide barrier detection information to a device.

[0032] Figure 18 This is the process flow for an example method of detecting barriers based on probability thresholds.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a process flow for an example method used to initialize the barrier detection probability function on the device.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a process flow for an example method of calculating the probability of a barrier between two devices.

[0035] Figure 21A This is the process flow of an example method for periodically uploading barrier detection models to a crowdsourcing server.

[0036] Figure 21BThis is a process flow for providing a barrier detection model to a device.

[0037] Detailed description

[0038] This article discusses techniques for contact tracking using wireless devices, particularly techniques for detecting barriers between devices to enhance contact tracking applications. Detecting barriers between wireless devices (and associated users) can typically enhance contact tracking applications and services related to infectious diseases (e.g., SARS, H1N1, COVID-19, etc.) because barriers prevent transmission, even when two individuals are within 2 meters of each other (due to reduced air exchange or obstructed airflow between their respective locations). Wireless devices can use RF signaling to determine the distance between them. For example, round-trip time (RTT) signals can be used to generate a distance estimate between two capable devices by measuring the time it takes for an RF signal to travel round-trip between them. Distance estimates obtained using such time-of-flight methods are generally more accurate than those obtained via other RF techniques, such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), because RSSI-based distance estimates can be significantly degraded due to fading, congestion, and multipath. However, the combination of RTT and RSSI measurements can be used to determine whether devices are separated by barriers (such as concrete walls or glass windows), because some barriers will significantly affect RSSI while producing little or no change in the RTT spacing observed between devices. This can provide an indication of the presence of barriers to contact tracking applications. These techniques and configurations are examples, and other techniques and configurations can be used.

[0039] Reference Figure 1Examples of communication system 100 include UE 105, radio access network (RAN) 135 (here, fifth-generation (5G) next-generation (NG) RAN (NG-RAN)), and 5G core network (5GC) 140. UE 105 can be, for example, an IoT device, a location tracker device, a cellular phone, or other device. The 5G network can also be referred to as a new radio (NR) network; NG-RAN 135 can be referred to as 5G RAN or NR RAN; and 5GC 140 can be referred to as NG core network (NGC). Standardization of NG-RAN and 5GC is underway within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Accordingly, NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 can comply with current or future standards from 3GPP for 5G support. RAN 135 can be another type of RAN, such as 3G RAN, 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) RAN, etc. Communication system 100 may utilize information from constellation 185 of spacecraft (SVs) 190, 191, 192, 193 of a satellite positioning system (SPS) (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)), such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, or some other local or regional SPS (such as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the European Geostationary Navigation Coverage Service (EGNOS), or the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)). Additional components of communication system 100 are described below. Communication system 100 may include additional or replacement components.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, NG-RAN 135 includes NR B-nodes (gNB) 110a, 110b and a next-generation evolved B-node (ng-eNB) 114, and 5GC 140 includes Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 115, Session Management Functions (SMF) 117, Location Management Functions (LMF) 120 and Gateway Mobility Location Center (GMLC) 125. gNBs 110a, 110b and ng-eNB 114 are communicatively coupled to each other, each configured to conduct bidirectional wireless communication with UE 105, and each communicatively coupled to and configured to conduct bidirectional communication with AMF 115. AMF 115, SMF 117, LMF 120 and GMLC 125 are communicatively coupled to each other, and the GMLC is communicatively coupled to an external client 130. SMF 117 can be used as the initial contact point for Service Control Functions (SCF) (not shown) to create, control and delete media sessions.

[0041] Figure 1A general explanation of each component is provided, wherein any or all of the components may be used appropriately, and each component may be repeated or omitted as needed. Specifically, although one UE 105 is explained, many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may be used in the communication system 100. Similarly, the communication system 100 may include a larger (or smaller) number of SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 shown), gNBs 110a and 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The explained connections connecting the various components in the communication system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted depending on the desired functionality.

[0042] Although Figure 1 While 5G-based networks have been described, similar network implementations and configurations can be used for other communication technologies, such as 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The implementations described herein (for 5G technologies and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) can be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals, receive and measure directional signals at a UE (e.g., UE 105), and / or provide location assistance to UE 105 (via GMLC 125 or other location servers), and / or calculate the location of UE 105 at a location-capable device (such as UE 105, gNB 110a, 110b, or LMF 120) based on measurement parameters of such directional transmissions received at UE 105. Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125, Location Management Function (LMF) 120, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, SMF 117, ng-eNB (evolved B-node) 114, and gNB (g B-node) 110a, 110b are examples and may be replaced by or include various other location server functions and / or base station functions in various embodiments.

[0043] UE 105 may include and / or may be referred to as a device, mobile device, wireless device, mobile terminal, terminal, mobile station (MS), Secure User Plane Positioning Enabled (SUPL) terminal (SET), or some other name. Furthermore, UE 105 may correspond to a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop device, tablet device, PDA, tracking device, navigation device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, asset tracker, health monitor, security system, smart city sensor, smart meter, wearable tracker, or some other portable or mobile device. Typically, although not mandatory, UE 105 may support one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also known as Wi-Fi). Wireless communication can be achieved using technologies such as Bit-Band (BT), WiMAX, and 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140). UE 105 can support wireless communication using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), which can connect to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using, for example, digital subscriber line (DSL) or packet cable. Using one or more of these RATs allows UE 105 (e.g., via elements of 5GC 140) to... Figure 1 (not shown in the diagram) or possibly via GMLC 125, communicate with external client 130 and / or allow external client 130 (e.g., via GMLC 125) to receive location information about UE 105.

[0044] UE 105 may include a single entity or may include multiple entities, such as in a personal area network, where the user may employ audio, video, and / or data I / O (input / output) devices, and / or body sensors, as well as separate wired or wireless modems. An estimate of the location of UE 105 may be referred to as location, location estimation, location locking, lock, positioning, location estimation, or location locking, and may be geographic, providing location coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of UE 105, which may or may not include an elevation component (e.g., height above sea level; height above ground level, floor level, or basement level, or depth below). Alternatively, the location of UE 105 may be expressed as a municipal location (e.g., expressed as a postal address or a designation of a point or smaller area within a building (such as a specific room or floor)). The location of UE 105 may be expressed as an area or volume (geographically or municipally defined) within which UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of UE 105 can be expressed as a relative location, which includes, for example, distance and direction from a known location. A relative location can be expressed as relative coordinates (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinates) defined relative to an origin at a known location, which can be, for example, geographically, municipally, or with reference to a point, area, or volume indicated, for example, on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, the use of the term "location" can include any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. When calculating the location of the UE, local x, y, and possibly z coordinates are typically solved, and then (if necessary) the local coordinates are converted to absolute coordinates (e.g., with respect to latitude, longitude, and elevation above or below mean sea level).

[0045] UE 105 can be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of a variety of technologies. UE 105 can be configured to indirectly connect to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. D2D P2P links can use any suitable D2D radio access technology (RAT) (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), etc.). Supported by 5G CV2X sidelinks, 5G ProSe, etc. One or more UEs in a group utilizing D2D communication can be within the geographic coverage area of ​​a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP) (such as one or more of gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114). Other UEs in the group may be outside such geographic coverage areas or may be unable to receive transmissions from the base station for other reasons. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication can utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each UE can transmit to other UEs in the group. The TRP facilitates the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication can be performed between UEs without involving a TRP.

[0046] Figure 1 The base stations (BSs) in the NG-RAN 135 shown include NRB nodes (referred to as gNBs 110a and 110b). Each pair of gNBs 110a and 110b in the NG-RAN 135 can be interconnected via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is provided to UE 105 via wireless communication between UE 105 and one or more of the gNBs 110a and 110b. gNBs 110a and 110b can use 5G to provide wireless communication access to the 5GC 140 on behalf of UE 105. Figure 1 In this context, it is assumed that the serving gNB of UE 105 is gNB 110a, but another gNB (e.g., gNB 110b) may act as the serving gNB or as a secondary gNB to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105 if UE 105 moves to another location.

[0047] Figure 1 The base station (BS) in NG-RAN 135 shown may include ng-eNB 114 (also referred to as a next-generation evolved B node). ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more of gNBs 110a and 110b in NG-RAN 135 (possibly via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs). ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE radio access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) radio access to UE 105. One or more of gNBs 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 may be configured to act as a location-only beacon, transmitting signals to aid in determining the location of UE 105, but may not be able to receive signals from UE 105 or other UEs.

[0048] BS110a, 110b, and 114 may each include one or more TRPs. For example, each sector within a BS cell may include a TRP, but multiple TRPs may share one or more components (e.g., share a processor but have separate antennas). System 100 may include macro TRPs, or system 100 may have different types of TRPs, such as macro, pico, and / or femto TRPs. Macro TRPs may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. Pico TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a pico cell) and allow unrestricted access by terminals with service subscriptions. Femto or home TRPs may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a femto cell) and allow restricted access by terminals associated with that femto cell (e.g., a user's terminal in a residence).

[0049] As mentioned, although Figure 1 The diagram depicts nodes configured to communicate according to 5G communication protocols, but nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols (such as, for example, LTE or IEEE 802.11x protocols) can also be used. For example, in an evolved packet system (EPS) providing LTE radio access to UE 105, the RAN may include an evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), which may include base stations containing evolved B-nodes (eNBs). The core network for the EPS may include an evolved packet core (EPC). The EPS may include the E-UTRAN plus the EPC, where the E-UTRAN corresponds to... Figure 1 NG-RAN 135 and EPC corresponds to Figure 1 5GC 140 in the middle.

[0050] gNB 110a, 110b, and ng-eNB 114 can communicate with AMF 115; for positioning functionality, AMF 115 communicates with LMF 120. AMF 115 supports the mobility of UE 105 (including cell changes and handover) and can participate in supporting signaling connections to UE 105 and possibly data and voice bearers for UE 105. LMF 120 can communicate directly with UE 105, for example, wirelessly. LMF 120 can support the positioning of UE 105 when UE 105 accesses NG-RAN 135 and can support various positioning protocols / methods, such as Auxiliary GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Real-Time Kinematics (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cellular ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), and / or other positioning methods. LMF 120 can process location service requests for UE 105, for example, received from AMF 115 or GMLC 125. LMF 120 can connect to AMF 115 and / or GMLC 125. LMF 120 may be referred to by other names, such as Location Manager (LM), Location Function (LF), Commercial LMF (CLMF), or Value-Added LMF (VLMF). Nodes / systems implementing LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as Enhanced Serving Mobility Location Center (E-SMLC) or Secure User Plane Positioning (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). At least some of the location functionality (including the derivation of the location of UE 105) can be performed at UE 105 (e.g., using signal measurements obtained by UE 105 against signals transmitted by radio nodes (such as gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114), and / or auxiliary data provided to UE 105, for example, by LMF 120).

[0051] GMLC 125 can support location requests for UE 105 received from external client 130 and can forward such requests to AMF 115 for forwarding to LMF 120, or can forward them directly to LMF 120. A location response from LMF 120 (e.g., containing a location estimate for UE 105) can be returned to GMLC 125 directly or via AMF 115, and GMLC 125 can then return the location response (e.g., containing the location estimate) to external client 130. GMLC 125 is shown connected to both AMF 115 and LMF 120, but in some implementations, 5GC 140 may support only one of these connections.

[0052] like Figure 1 Further explanation is provided: the LMF 120 can use the new Radio Positioning Protocol A (which may be referred to as NPPa or NRPPa) to communicate with gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114. This new Radio Positioning Protocol A is defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455. NRPPa can be the same as, similar to, or an extension of the LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa) defined in 3GPP TS 36.455, where NRPPa messages are transmitted via AMF 115 between gNB 110a (or gNB 110b) and the LMF 120, and / or between ng-eNB 114 and the LMF 120. Figure 1 As further explained, LMF 120 and UE 105 can communicate using the LTE Location Protocol (LPP), which is defined in 3GPP TS 36.355. LMF 120 and UE 105 can also communicate using a new radio positioning protocol (which may be referred to as NPP or NRPP), which may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LPP. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transmitted between UE 105 and LMF 120 via AMF 115 and UE 105's serving gNB 110a, 110b, or serving ng-eNB 114. For example, LPP and / or NPP messages can be transmitted between LMF 120 and AMF 115 using the 5G Location Services Application Protocol (LCS AP), and between AMF 115 and UE 105 using the 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocols can be used to support the location of UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based location methods (such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID). The NRPPa protocol can be used to support the location of UE 105 using network-based location methods (such as E-CID) (e.g., in conjunction with measurements obtained by gNB110a, 110b, or ng-eNB 114) and / or can be used by LMF 120 to obtain location-related information from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114, such as defining parameters for directional SS transmissions from gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0053] Using a UE-assisted positioning method, UE 105 can obtain location measurements and send these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating the location estimate of UE 105. For example, location measurements may include one or more of the following: Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), Round-Trip Time (RTT), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN AP. Location measurements may additionally or alternatively include measurements of GNSS pseudorange, code phase, and / or carrier phase for SV 190-193.

[0054] Using a UE-based positioning method, UE 105 can obtain a location measurement (e.g., which may be the same as or similar to a location measurement for a UE-assisted positioning method) and can calculate the location of UE 105 (e.g., by means of auxiliary data received from a location server (such as LMF 120) or broadcast by gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114 or other base stations or APs).

[0055] Using a network-based positioning method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs can obtain location measurements (e.g., measurements of RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or Time of Arrival (TOA) of signals transmitted by UE 105) and / or can receive measurements obtained by UE 105. These base stations or APs can then send these measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate for UE 105.

[0056] The information provided to the LMF 120 by the gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114 using NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directional SS transmissions, as well as location coordinates. The LMF 120 may provide some or all of this information as supplementary data to the UE 105 in LPP and / or NPP messages via NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140.

[0057] The LPP or NPP message sent from LMF 120 to UE 105 may instruct UE 105 to perform any of a variety of tasks, depending on the desired functionality. For example, the LPP or NPP message may contain instructions for UE 105 to obtain measurements for GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other positioning method). In the case of E-CID, the LPP or NPP message may instruct UE 105 to obtain one or more measurement parameters (e.g., beam ID, beamwidth, average angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements) of directional signals transmitted within a specific cell supported by one or more of gNB 110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB 114 (or supported by some other type of base station (such as eNB or WiFiAP)). UE 105 can send these measurement parameters back to LMF 120 via service gNB110a (or service ng-eNB 114) and AMF 115 in an LPP or NPP message (e.g., within a 5G NAS message).

[0058] As mentioned, while a communication system 100 is described in relation to 5G technology, the communication system 100 can be implemented to support other communication technologies (such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc.) used to support and interact with mobile devices (such as UE 105) (e.g., to enable voice, data, location, and other functionalities). In some such embodiments, the 5GC 140 can be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, non-3GPP interoperability functions (N3IWF) in the 5GC 150 can be used. Figure 1(Not shown) Connect 5GC 140 to a WLAN. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for UE 105 and may include one or more WiFi APs. Here, N3IWF may connect to the WLAN and other components in 5GC 140, such as AMF 115. In some embodiments, both NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 may be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in EPS, NG-RAN 135 may be replaced by E-UTRAN containing eNBs, and 5GC 140 may be replaced by EPC containing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) instead of AMF 115, an E-SMLC instead of LMF 120, and a GMLC similar to GMLC 125. In such EPS, the E-SMLC may use LPPa instead of NRPPa to send location information to and receive location information from eNBs in the E-UTRAN, and may use LPP to support UE 105's positioning. In these other embodiments, the location of UE 105 using directional PRS can be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks, the difference being that the functions and procedures described herein for gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115 and LMF120 can be applied alternatively to other network elements, such as eNB, WiFi AP, MME and E-SMLC, in some cases.

[0059] As mentioned, in some embodiments, positioning functionality can be achieved at least in part using directional SS beams transmitted by base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB 114) to determine the location of the UE (e.g., Figure 1 Within the range of UE 105. In some instances, the UE can use directional SS beams from multiple base stations (such as gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, etc.) to calculate the UE's location.

[0060] Also refer to Figure 2UE 200 is an example of UE 105 and includes a computing platform containing processor 210, a memory 211 containing software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, a transceiver interface 214 for transceivers 215 (which includes a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250), a user interface 216, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, a camera 218, and a positioning (motion) device 219. The processor 210, memory 211, sensors 213, transceiver interface 214, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, and positioning (motion) device 219 can be communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 220 (which can be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., camera 218, positioning (motion) device 219, and / or one or more of the sensors 213, etc.) can be omitted from UE 200. Processor 210 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). Processor 210 may include multiple processors, including a general-purpose / application processor 230, a digital signal processor (DSP) 231, a modem processor 232, a video processor 233, and / or a sensor processor 234. One or more of processors 230-234 may include multiple devices (e.g., multiple processors). For example, sensor processor 234 may include processors for radar, ultrasonic, and / or lidar, etc. Modem processor 232 may support dual SIM / dual connectivity (or even more SIMs). For example, one SIM (subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module) may be used by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and another SIM may be used by an end user of UE 200 to obtain connectivity. Memory 211 is a non-transient storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 211 stores software 212, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 210 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 212 may not be directly executable by processor 210, but may be configured (e.g., when compiled and executed) to cause processor 210 to perform various functions. This specification may refer to processor 210 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as processor 210 performing software and / or firmware implementations. This specification may refer to processor 210 performing functions as an abbreviation for one or more of processors 230-234 performing the function. This specification may refer to UE 200 performing functions as an abbreviation for one or more appropriate components of UE 200 performing the function.Processor 210 may include memory with stored instructions as a supplement to and / or replacement of memory 211. The functionality of processor 210 is discussed more fully below.

[0061] Figure 2 The configuration of UE 200 shown is exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure (including the claims), and other configurations may be used. For example, an exemplary configuration of the UE includes one or more of processors 230-234 in processor 210, memory 211, and wireless transceiver 240. Other exemplary configurations include one or more of processors 230-234 in processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver 240, and one or more of the following: (a) sensors 213, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, PMD 219, and / or wired transceiver 250.

[0062] UE 200 may include a modem processor 232, which may be capable of performing baseband processing on signals received and downconverted by transceiver 215 and / or SPS receiver 217. Modem processor 232 may also perform baseband processing on signals to be upconverted for transmission by transceiver 215. Alternatively, baseband processing may be performed by processor 230 and / or DSP 231. However, other configurations may be used to perform baseband processing.

[0063] UE 200 may include sensors 213, which may include, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 270, one or more magnetometers 271, and / or one or more environmental sensors 272. IMU 270 may include one or more inertial sensors, such as one or more accelerometers (A) 273 (e.g., collectively responding to acceleration of UE 200 in three dimensions) and / or one or more gyroscopes 274. The magnetometers may provide measurements to determine orientation (e.g., relative to magnetic north and / or true north) that can be used for any of a variety of purposes (e.g., to support one or more compass applications). Environmental sensors 272 may include, for example, one or more temperature sensors, one or more barometric pressure sensors, one or more ambient light sensors, one or more camera imagers, and / or one or more microphones, etc. Sensors 213 may generate analog and / or digital signals, indications of which may be stored in memory 211 and processed by DSP 231 and / or processor 230 to support one or more applications (such as, for example, applications involving positioning and / or navigation operations). The sensor processing subsystem can be embedded in a low-power core that enables the continuous recording and derivation of sensor parameters required for advanced functions such as temperature sensing, position assistance, or dead reckoning.

[0064] Sensors 213 can be used for relative position measurement, relative position determination, motion determination, etc. Information detected by sensors 213 can be used for motion detection, relative displacement, dead reckoning, sensor-based position determination, and / or sensor-assisted position determination. Sensors 213 can be used to determine whether the UE 200 is stationary or moving and / or whether to report certain useful information related to the mobility of the UE 200 to the LMF 120. For example, based on information obtained / measured by sensors 213, the UE 200 can notify / report to the LMF 120 that the UE 200 has detected movement or that the UE 200 has moved, and report relative displacement / distance (e.g., via dead reckoning implemented by sensors 213, or sensor-based position determination, or sensor-assisted position determination). In another example, for relative positioning information, sensors / IMUs can be used to determine the angle and / or orientation of another device relative to the UE 200, etc.

[0065] IMU 270 can be configured to provide measurements of the direction and / or velocity of motion of UE 200, which can be used for relative position determination. For example, one or more accelerometers 273 and / or one or more gyroscopes 274 of IMU 270 can detect the linear acceleration and rotational velocity of UE 200, respectively. The linear acceleration and rotational velocity measurements of UE 200 can be integrated over time to determine the instantaneous direction of motion and displacement of UE 200. The instantaneous direction of motion and displacement can be integrated to track the position of UE 200. For example, a reference position of UE 200 at a given moment can be determined, for example, using SPS receiver 217 (and / or by some other means), and measurements acquired from (the) accelerometers 273 and (the) gyroscopes 274 after that moment can be used for dead reckoning to determine the current position of UE 200 based on the movement (direction and distance) of UE 200 relative to that reference position.

[0066] Magnetometers (M) 271 can determine the intensity of magnetic fields in different directions, which can be used to determine the orientation of the UE 200. For example, this orientation can be used to provide a digital compass for the UE 200. Magnetometers 271 may include a two-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field intensity in two orthogonal dimensions. Alternatively or alternatively, magnetometers 271 may include a three-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide an indication of magnetic field intensity in three orthogonal dimensions. Magnetometers 271 may provide means for sensing magnetic fields and, for example, providing a magnetic field indication to processor 210.

[0067] Transceiver 215 may include a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250 configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 240 may include a transmitter 242 and a receiver 244 coupled to one or more antennas 246 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) wireless signals 248 and converting signals from wireless signals 248 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 248. Thus, transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 244 may include multiple receivers that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 240 can be configured to support various radio access technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), V2C (Uu), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, 5G CV2X (sidelink), 5G ProSe, etc., can be used to transmit signals (e.g., with TRP and / or one or more other devices). The new radio can use millimeter-wave frequencies and / or sub-6 GHz frequencies. Wired transceiver 250 may include transmitter 252 and receiver 254 configured for wired communication (e.g., with network 135) to, for example, send and receive communications to and from gNB 110a. Transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 254 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. Wired transceiver 250 may be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communication. Transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to transceiver interface 214 (e.g., via optical and / or electrical connections). Transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with transceiver 215.

[0068] User interface 216 may include one or more of a number of devices, such as, for example, speakers, microphones, display devices, vibration devices, keyboards, touchscreens, etc. User interface 216 may include any device that includes more than one of these devices. User interface 216 may be configured to enable a user to interact with one or more applications stored in the main memory of UE 200. For example, user interface 216 may store indications of analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 in response to actions from the user, for processing by DSP 231 and / or general-purpose processor 230. Similarly, applications in the main memory of UE 200 may store indications of analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 to present output signals to the user. User interface 216 may include audio input / output (I / O) devices, including, for example, speakers, microphones, digital-to-analog circuitry systems, analog-to-digital circuitry systems, amplifiers, and / or gain control circuitry systems (any device including more than one of these devices). Other configurations of the audio I / O devices may be used. Alternatively or concurrently, the user interface 216 may include one or more touch sensors that respond to touch and / or pressure on, for example, the keyboard and / or touchscreen of the user interface 216.

[0069] SPS receiver 217 (e.g., a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver) can receive and acquire SPS signal 260 via SPS antenna 262. Antenna 262 is configured to convert the wireless signal 260 into a wired signal (e.g., an electrical signal or an optical signal) and can be integrated with antenna 246. SPS receiver 217 can be configured to process the acquired SPS signal 260 fully or partially to estimate the location of UE 200. For example, SPS receiver 217 can be configured to determine the location of UE 200 by using trilateration with SPS signal 260. SPS receiver 217 can be combined with general-purpose processor 230, memory 211, DSP 231 and / or one or more dedicated processors (not shown) to process the acquired SPS signal fully or partially and / or calculate the estimated location of UE 200. Memory 211 may store indications (e.g., measurements) of SPS signal 260 and / or other signals (e.g., signals acquired from wireless transceiver 240) for use during positioning operations. General-purpose processor 230, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors, and / or memory 211 may provide or support a position engine for processing measurements to estimate the position of UE 200.

[0070] UE 200 may include a camera 218 for capturing still or moving images. Camera 218 may include, for example, an imaging sensor (e.g., a charge-coupled device or a CMOS imager), lenses, analog-to-digital circuitry, frame buffers, etc. Additional processing, conditioning, encoding, and / or compression of the signals representing the captured images may be performed by a general-purpose processor 230 and / or a DSP 231. Alternatively, video processor 233 may perform conditioning, encoding, compression, and / or manipulation of the signals representing the captured images. Video processor 233 may decode / decompress stored image data for presentation on a display device (not shown), for example, a user interface 216.

[0071] A positioning (motion) device (PMD) 219 may be configured to determine the location and possible motion of the UE 200. For example, the PMD 219 may communicate with, and / or include some or all of, the SPS receiver 217. The PMD 219 may additionally or alternatively be configured to: use trilateration with ground-based signals (e.g., at least some signals 248), assist in obtaining and using the SPS signal 260, or both, to determine the location of the UE 200. The PMD 219 may be configured to: use one or more other techniques (e.g., those that rely on the UE's self-reported location (e.g., part of the UE's positioning beacon)) to determine the location of the UE 200, and may use a combination of techniques (e.g., SPS and ground positioning signals) to determine the location of the UE 200. PMD 219 may include one or more sensors 213 (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, etc.) that sense the orientation and / or motion of UE 200 and provide an indication of such orientation and / or motion. Processor 210 (e.g., processor 230 and / or DSP 231) may be configured to use this indication to determine the motion of UE 200 (e.g., velocity vector and / or acceleration vector). PMD 219 may be configured to provide an indication of uncertainty and / or error in the determined positioning and / or motion.

[0072] Also refer to Figure 3Examples of TRP 300 for BS110a, 110b, and 114 include a computing platform containing processor 310, a memory 311 containing software (SW) 312, a transceiver 315, and (optionally) an SPS receiver 317. Processor 310, memory 311, transceiver 315, and SPS receiver 317 are communicatively coupled to each other via bus 320 (which may be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., a wireless interface and / or SPS receiver 317) may be omitted from TRP 300. SPS receiver 317 may be configured similarly to SPS receiver 217 to receive and acquire SPS signal 360 via SPS antenna 362. Processor 310 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). Processor 310 may include multiple processors (e.g., including such...). Figure 2 (The general-purpose / application processor, DSP, modem processor, video processor, and / or sensor processor shown). Memory 311 is a non-transient storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 311 stores software 312, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 312 may not be directly executable by processor 310, but may be configured (e.g., when compiled and executed) to cause processor 310 to perform various functions. This specification may refer to processor 310 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as processor 310 performing software and / or firmware implementations. This specification may refer to processor 310 performing functions as a shorthand for one or more processors included in processor 310 performing that function. This description may refer to the TRP300 execution function as a shorthand for one or more appropriate components of the TRP 300 (and thus one of BS110a, 110b, 114) performing that function. The processor 310 may include memory with stored instructions as a supplement and / or replacement for memory 311. The functionality of the processor 310 is discussed more fully below.

[0073] Transceiver 315 may include a wireless transceiver 340 and a wired transceiver 350 configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 340 may include a transmitter 342 and a receiver 344 coupled to one or more antennas 346 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals 348 (e.g., on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels) and converting signals from wireless signals 348 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 348. Thus, transmitter 342 may include multiple transmitters that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 344 may include multiple receivers that may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 340 can be configured to support various radio access technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). The wired transceiver 350 may include a transmitter 352 and a receiver 354 configured to conduct wired communication (e.g., with network 140) to send and receive communications, for example, to LMF 120 or other network servers. The transmitter 352 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 354 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 350 may be configured for, for example, optical communication and / or electrical communication.

[0074] Figure 3 The configuration of TRP 300 shown is exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure (including the claims), and other configurations may be used. For example, the description herein discusses TRP 300 being configured to perform several functions or TRP 300 performing several functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by LMF 120 and / or UE 200 (i.e., LMF 120 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0075] Also refer to Figure 4Example servers (such as LMF 120) include a computing platform containing processor 410, a memory 411 containing software (SW) 412, and a transceiver 415. Processor 410, memory 411, and transceiver 415 are communicatively coupled to each other via bus 420 (which may be configured for, for example, optical and / or electrical communication). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., a wireless interface) may be omitted from server 400. Processor 410 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). Processor 410 may include multiple processors (e.g., including such...). Figure 2 (The general-purpose / application processor, DSP, modem processor, video processor, and / or sensor processor shown). Memory 411 is a non-transient storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk storage, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 411 stores software 412, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code containing instructions configured to cause processor 410 to perform the various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 412 may not be directly executable by processor 410, but may be configured (e.g., when compiled and executed) to cause processor 410 to perform various functions. This specification may refer to processor 410 performing functions, but this includes other implementations, such as processor 410 performing software and / or firmware implementations. This specification may refer to processor 410 performing functions as a shorthand for one or more processors included in processor 410 performing that function. This description may refer to server 400 (or LMF 200) performing functions as a shorthand for one or more appropriate components of server 400 performing that function. Processor 410 may include memory with stored instructions as a supplement to and / or replacement of memory 411. The functionality of processor 410 is discussed more fully below.

[0076] Transceiver 415 may include a wireless transceiver 440 and a wired transceiver 450 configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, wireless transceiver 440 may include a transmitter 442 and a receiver 444 coupled to one or more antennas 446 for transmitting (e.g., on one or more downlink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., on one or more uplink channels) wireless signals 448 and converting signals from wireless signals 448 to wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals and from wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signals to wireless signals 448. Thus, transmitter 442 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or receiver 444 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 440 can be configured to support various radio access technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). The wired transceiver 450 may include a transmitter 452 and a receiver 454 configured to conduct wired communication (e.g., with network 135) to send and receive communications to, for example, TRP 300. The transmitter 452 may include multiple transmitters, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 454 may include multiple receivers, which may be discrete components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 450 may be configured for, for example, optical communication and / or electrical communication.

[0077] Figure 4 The configuration of server 400 shown is exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure (including the claims), and other configurations may be used. For example, wireless transceiver 440 may be omitted. Alternatively or additionally, the description herein discusses server 400 being configured to perform several functions, but one or more of these functions may be performed by TRP 300 and / or UE 200 (i.e., TRP 300 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0078] Reference Figure 5The diagram illustrates an example of a round-trip time (RTT) measurement session 500. A typical approach involves an initiating station 502 and a responding station 504. Initiating station 502 and responding station 504 can be UEs (such as UE 200) or other radio devices configured to participate in time-of-flight (RTT) positioning. In one example, and not a limitation, the RTT measurement session 500 can be based on fine-timing measurement messages exchanged between the initiating and responding stations 502 and 504. Other messages and signals (such as Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), Detection Reference Signal (SRS), infrared camera signals, or other reference signals) can be used to determine the time-of-flight information between the two UEs. The RTT session 500 can utilize FTM protocols (e.g., 802.11MC D 4.3, Section 10.24.6) to enable the two stations to exchange round-trip measurement frames (e.g., FTM frames). Initiating station 502 can request a location session and calculate the round-trip time (RTT) by recording the TOA (t2) of an FTM frame from responding station 504 and the TOD (t3) of the acknowledgment (ACK) frame for that FTM frame. Responding station 504 can record the TOD (t1) of the FTM frame and the TOA (t4) of the ACK received from initiating station 502. Initiating station 502 can receive time 't4' in a subsequent FTM message (e.g., FTM2(t1,t4)). Variations in the message format allow timing values ​​to be transmitted between initiating and responding stations 502 and 504. The RTT is thus calculated as:

[0079] RTT = [(t4-t1) – (t3-t2)] (1) RTT session 500 allows initiating station 502 to obtain its distance from responding station 504. FTM session is an example of a ranging technique between initiating station 502 and responding station 504. Other ranging techniques (such as TDOA, TOA / TOF) can also be used to determine the relative positions of the two stations. Other signaling can also be used to implement negotiation procedures, measurement exchanges, and termination procedures.

[0080] Reference Figure 6The diagram 600 illustrates an example contact tracking proximity measurement. Diagram 600 includes a first mobile device 602 and an associated first user 602a, and a second mobile device 604 and an associated second user 604a. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may correspond to cellular phones, smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, laptops, tablets, PDAs, tracking devices, navigation devices, IoT devices, asset trackers, health monitors, wearable trackers, or some other portable or mobile device configured for wireless communication. In one embodiment, one or both of mobile devices 602 and 604 may be stationary devices. Contact tracking applications may establish a contact distance 606 (e.g., social distance, physical distance) based on a modeled propagation distance of an infectious disease 608. For example, a government entity (such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) may establish a target contact distance of 6 feet. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may exchange RF signals 610 to determine the distance between users 602a and 604a. RF signals can be based on existing wireless technologies, such as, for example, IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, and WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other device-to-device (D2D) interfaces. In one example, RF signal 610 may include messages for ranging techniques (e.g., RTT, TDOA, TOA) and / or for determining signal strength measurements (e.g., RSSI). RF signal 610 may be used to perform distance measurements to determine the distance between first and second mobile devices 602, 604. Mobile devices 602, 604 may be configured to report their presence to the network and / or notify corresponding users 602a, 604a via a user interface. In an example use case, second user 604a may be infected with infectious disease 608 and may be using a contact tracing application configured to alert other users to the condition. First user 602a may have a pre-existing condition that amplifies the severity of infectious disease 608 and may therefore also be using the contact tracing application. If RF signal 610 indicates a distance less than the established contact distance 606 for a period of time (e.g., duration), users 602a, 604a may receive an alert indicating proximity to each other. The contact tracing application can also be configured to report proximity information to a web server as part of a larger contact tracing effort or program. Compared to an established contact distance 606, the distance determined by the application based on the RF signal 610 can help identify and monitor individuals who may have been in contact with an infected person, and can help control the spread of infectious disease 608.

[0081] Reference Figure 7 and further refer to Figure 6, shows an illustration 700 of an example through-barrier 702 contact tracing measurement. As depicted in illustration 700, a barrier 702 is provided between a first user 602a having a first mobile device 602 and a second user 604a having a second mobile device 604. The barrier 702 can be a wall, window, floor, ceiling, or other architectural feature designed to separate spaces or restrict air flow between these spaces. The barrier 702 can be other objects, such as a plexiglass shield (e.g., for protection of a store clerk) provided around an employee, a divider in a taxi, or other safety equipment designed to separate people and reduce the free transmission of airborne diseases. A group of objects can also act as a barrier, such as traffic in a road, a large crowd, crowded bookshelves in a library, shelves in a grocery store, or other aisle configurations, such that the density of the objects can prevent the spread of an infectious disease 608. However, the mobile devices 602, 604 may exchange RF signals 710 through the barrier 702, and the barrier 702 can cause some signal attenuation 710a (e.g., reflection, refraction, absorption) of the RF signal 710. The physical properties (e.g., size, material composition, orientation, etc.) of the barrier 702 will affect the amount of attenuation 710a of the RF signal 710 and thus will affect the strength of the RF signal 710 received by the mobile devices 602, 604. Generally, the barrier 702 will not affect range measurements based on time-of-flight (e.g., RTT, TDOA, TOA / TOD). The mobile devices 602, 604 can be configured to compare range measurements with signal strength measurements to detect the presence of the barrier 702. For example, the difference between an expected RSSI signal and a range measurement based on RTT can be proportional to the probability that the RF signal 710 is traveling through the barrier 702. That is, the expected RSSI signal can be based on a known signal propagation model (e.g., shadowing model). In one example, the RSSI-based range 'd' can be determined based on a transmission formula such as:

[0082] log10 d = [L - 20 log10 (5745) +28 ] / 24 (2)

[0083] where d is the range; and

[0084] L is the path loss (e.g., L = 23dBm - <RSSI value>).

[0085] Contact tracking applications can use indications of a barrier between two users to modify user alerts and reduce the number of active contacts being tracked. For example, the presence of barrier 702 can cause a contact tracking application to extend the amount of time a user will be within contact distance 606 before generating an alert or providing a contact report. In one example, a contact tracking application can use distance and signal strength information to classify barrier 702 (e.g., based on material composition and intended function) and assess potential contact events in part based on the classification of barrier 702. That is, if barrier 702 is classified as an interior wall, the probability that infectious disease 608 may spread from the second user 604a to the first user 602a can be reduced.

[0086] Reference Figure 8 This figure illustrates a graphical example of a probability function used for detecting barriers with radio frequency signals. Figure 800 includes a spacing axis 802 (in meters (m)) and a signal strength axis 804 (in decibels-milliwatts (dBm)). An example probability function 806 is plotted on Figure 800 to illustrate the uncertainty of possible signal loss and gain as a function of spacing. The probability function 806 and the associated spacing and signal strength values ​​are examples and not limitations, as other probability functions can also be generated based on empirical observations and used for barrier detection. In one example, the spacing value could be based on RF signal measurements (such as RTT-based spacing), and the probability function 806 could be the correlation between RTT-based spacing and the corresponding RSSI measurement. (See reference...) Figure 6 RF signal 610 may correspond to a first measurement point 808, which indicates an RSSI measurement of approximately -25 dBm at a spacing of 2 m. The RSSI measurement value for the first measurement point 808 is within or greater than the probability function 806, and therefore indicates that there is no barrier between the mobile devices 602 and 604. For comparison, see... Figure 7 RF signal 710 may correspond to a second measurement point 810, which indicates an RSSI measurement of approximately -70 dBm at a spacing of 2 m. The RSSI measurement value for the second measurement point 810 is less than the probability function 806, and therefore indicates the presence of a barrier (i.e., barrier 702) between mobile devices 602 and 604.

[0087] In one embodiment, the probability function 806 can be expressed as:

[0088] P(Barrier)∝△(RangeEst rssi RangeEst t_flight (P(barrier)∝△(spacing estimation)) rssi Spacing estimation t_flight ))(3)

[0089] The Δ function provides a measure of the difference between distance estimates based on two relative positioning techniques. This measure can be binned (e.g., histogram bins), and the bin size can vary depending on the implementation. In one example, the probability function can be expressed using Bayesian estimation:

[0090]

[0091] Where 'd' is an indicator of the measurement that fell into the d-th box;

[0092] P(d|Barrier) can be measured from empirical data;

[0093] P(Barrier) is the prior probability that there is a barrier between two devices;

[0094] P(d) is the difference measure of the prior probability corresponding to the measured value.

[0095] In one embodiment, the probability function 806 may be based on crowdsourced experience data provided to one or more network servers from a large number of devices in the wireless network. In one example, one or both of mobile devices 602, 604 may be configured to provide the crowdsourcing server with RTT and RSSI spacing measurements and their current location. Other information associated with potential barriers, such as optical images (e.g., via a camera) or radio frequency (RF) sensing information, ultrasonic measurements, or other measurements based on mobile device capabilities, may be provided to the crowdsourcing server.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 Illustration 900 illustrates an example barrier scenario. The barrier scenario and corresponding measurements are examples and not limitations, as other materials and measurements can be used to derive probability functions and classification models. Illustration 900 includes an indicative spacing axis 902 and an RSSI measurement axis 904. The indicative spacing is based on RTT measurements through the indicative barrier, and the RSSI measurement represents the average RSSI recorded over 5 seconds. As indicated in Illustration 900, RSSI measurements can be significantly affected by the barrier material. As expected, denser structures (such as concrete) attenuate RF signals better than less dense structures (such as interior doors). Probability functions can be generated based on a large sample size of different barrier scenarios and used to predict the presence of a barrier based on ranging and signal strength measurements. In one example, RF signals can be measured at different frequency levels, and the corresponding attenuation differences can be used to further classify the barriers. In one embodiment, machine learning techniques can be used to further characterize time-based spacing and signal strength measurements based on the barrier's composition.

[0097] Reference Figure 10The diagram 1000 illustrates an example contact tracking use case involving user movement relative to a barrier. Diagram 1000 includes a first mobile device 1002 associated with a first user 1002a and a second mobile device 1004 associated with a second user 1004a. A barrier 1008, comprising one or more walls, is positioned between users 1002a and 1004a. The first user 1002a is moving toward an intersection 1006 and will have a direct line of sight with the second user 1004a for a portion of this passage (i.e., without a barrier). Mobile devices 1002 and 1004 exchange RF signals 1010 throughout the passage, and the barrier 1008 blocks the RF signals 1010 for a portion of the passage. In one example, mobile devices 1002 and 1004 may include map data or interior building floor plan data or fire route data, which can be used to identify specific areas, such as intersection 1006 and barrier 1008. Figure 11A and 11B This is an example RTT spacing and corresponding signal strength measurement spacing for RF signal 1010 when the first user 1002a passes through intersection 1006. The first time slot 1102 (i.e., 0-5000 ms) includes measurements when the first user 1002a is 2 meters from the starting point of intersection 1006. As indicated in the RSSI spacing, barrier 1008 provides stable signal loss during the first time slot 1102. The second time slot 1104 (i.e., 5000-10000 ms) includes measurements when the first user 1002a is at the starting point of intersection 1006 (i.e., the first corner). The RSSI spacing remains almost constant as the spacing decreases and subsequently increases as the first user approaches intersection 1006. The third time slot 1106 (i.e., 10000-15000 ms) includes measurements when the first user 1002a is within intersection 1006. The fourth time slot 1108 (i.e., 15000-20000 ms) includes measurements taken when the first user 1002a approaches the end of intersection 1006 (i.e., the second corner). Mobile devices 1002 and 1004 have unobstructed paths during the third and fourth time slots 1106 and 1108, and therefore the RSSI spacing decreases. The fifth time slot 1110 (i.e., 20000-25000 ms) includes measurements taken when the first user 1002a is 2 meters from intersection 1006 (i.e., on the other side). When barrier 1008 begins to block RF signal 1010, the RSSI spacing value increases as expected in the fifth time slot 1110. Time-based spacing and RSSI-based measurements can be used to provide early notification of barrier status to contact tracking applications. For example, the fusion of spacing reduction and a sharp drop in RSSI spacing can indicate that the barrier between two people may be disappearing.

[0098] Reference Figure 12 and further refer toFigure 1-1 Figure 1200 illustrates an example system for crowdsourcing barrier detection measurements. Figure 1200 includes a base station 1202 and an access point 1204 operatively coupled to a communication system 1206. The communication system 1206 is an example of a communication system 100, and the base station 1202 may be a TRP 300 (such as gNB 110a). The access point 1204 may also be a TRP 300 (such as a femtocell) or another WiFi-enabled wireless router configured to communicate via the Internet 1208. In one example, the access point 1204 may be an edge computing device configured to extend or proxy cloud capabilities. The crowdsourcing server 1210 is an example of a server 400 and may be included in the communication system 1206 (e.g., LMF 120) or may be accessed directly or indirectly via the Internet 1208 (e.g., external client 150). In one example, the crowdsourcing server 1210 can be configured as a web service and accessed via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Wireless devices can be configured to communicate with the crowdsourcing server 1210 via known wireless communication interfaces such as cellular communication 1202a (e.g., GSM, CDMA, HRPD, LTE, 5G NR, etc.) and WLAN communication 1204a (e.g., WiFi, BT, Zigbee, etc.). For example, one or more users in the first barrier detection event 1212 can provide distance and signal strength measurements to access point 1204 via WiFi (e.g., WLAN communication 1204a). Users in the second barrier detection event 1214 can utilize an LTE network, while users in the third barrier detection event 1216 can utilize a 5G network to provide distance and signal strength measurements.

[0099] In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 may include one or more data structures comprising RF signal measurement and / or detection models based on barrier detection events. In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 may be hosted in a mobile edge computing device, and the MEC may be embedded in urban infrastructure (e.g., roadside units (RSUs)) and consumer devices (such as consumer equipment (CPEs)). In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 or another networking server 400 may be configured to generate one or more barrier probability functions based on a set of barrier detection events. In another embodiment, each device may be configured to develop local models and provide these models to the crowdsourcing server 1210. Referring to equations (3) and (4) above, the P(Barrier) and P(d) models can be further enhanced by considering real-life use case scenarios (such as barrier detection events 1212, 1214, 1216). For example, in a large number of use cases, the barrier may be used by employees (e.g., grocery store cashiers, bank tellers, etc.) who interact with a large number of customers. As a result, in some locations, for some users (e.g., employees working behind a barrier), the prior probability of a device being behind a barrier will be high at specific times of day and / or on certain days of week (e.g., during the employee's work hours). This characteristic can be learned by the device through maintaining a database of prior probabilities of being behind a barrier, which is updated as the device performs distance (e.g., RTT) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements (and consequently, estimates of d). In one example, to account for the temporal variability of the data structure, the data can be indexed by "time of day". As the system runs, each measurement of d can be used to create better models for P(d) and P(Barrier) to match the actual use of the device. Models created by individual devices can be periodically sent to a crowdsourcing server 1210 to create a global model of P(d) and P(Barrier) by aggregating device-based models. New devices in the network can be configured to download P(d) and P(Barrier) models from the crowdsourcing server 1210, and can further continue to update the models locally based on measurements taken by the device. In one example, the data structures(s) maintaining the models of P(d) and P(Barrier) can be location-dependent, and the index structure can be extended to include a coarse location index.

[0100] In one example, a data structure including probability functions containing P(Barrier) and P(d) can be maintained locally on each device, and each device can be configured to compute P(Barrier|d) individually. Because of the asymmetry between two different devices attributable to these learned models, two peer devices (e.g., device A and device B) may estimate different values ​​for P(Barrier|d), even if both devices estimate the same value for d. To address this asymmetry, P... A,B (Barrier|d) can be calculated as:

[0101] Max(P A->B (Barrier|d), P B->A (Barrier|d)) (5)

[0102] Where P A->B (Barrier|d) is the probability estimate made by device A that it is behind the barrier from the perspective of device B.

[0103] Example algorithms for maintaining a prior probability data structure to determine the probability of a barrier's existence may include a prior probability data structure (AprioriProbOfBarrier(prior probability of barrier)) indexed by the number of hours elapsed since 12:00 AM Sunday (i.e., 168 entries). This data structure is initialized to the variable Pbarrier_init for all entries. After the device performs distance (e.g., RTT) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements with any other nearby devices, the device can estimate d and update the data structure entries (corresponding to the current time) as follows:

[0104] AprioriProbOfBarrier(DBIndex(current time)) new =

[0105] α*AprioriProbOfBarrier(DBIndex(current time)) old +(1-α)*(1-exp(-△))

[0106] (Prior probability of the barrier (DB index (current time)) 新 =

[0107] Prior probability of α* barrier (DB index (current time)) 旧 +(1-α)*(1-exp(-△)))(6)

[0108] Where α is a parameter controlling the learning speed; and

[0109] △ is a measure of the difference between the spacing based on signal strength and the spacing based on round-trip time.

[0110] With this database maintained, P(Barrier) = AprioriProbOfBarrier(DBIndex(current time))(P(Barrier) = Prior probability of the barrier(DB index(current time))).

[0111] With this database maintained, the probability function can be determined as:

[0112] P(Barrier) = AprioriProbOfBarrier(DBIndex(current time)). (7)

[0113] Reference Figure 13The example data structure 1300, including a barrier probability function, is shown. Data structure 1300 can reside on a crowdsourcing server 1210, another network server 400 (such as LMF 120), or the UE 200. Data structure 1300 can be stored on a storage device 1302 (such as a solid-state or mechanical hard drive) and can include multiple data records stored in a relational database application (e.g., Amazon Aurora, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, DB2, etc.) or in one or more flat files (e.g., JSON, XML, CSV, etc.). The table structure and fields in data structure 1300 are examples and not limitations, as other data fields, tables, stored procedures, and indexing patterns can be used to construct data structure 1300. In one example, measurement table 1304 can be configured to capture elements associated with barrier detection events between two devices. The UEID field and the Target UEID field can be used to uniquely identify neighboring devices. These ID fields are optional and can be modified (e.g., encrypted) or eliminated to protect user privacy. Date and time fields, as well as a coarse location field, can be used to provide additional context for barrier detection events. In one example, the coarse location field can be used as an index for obtaining a probability function (also known as a model). Spacing and signal strength estimates indicate time-of-flight spacing (e.g., RTT) measurements and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements obtained by(the devices). The P(d) used field and the P(Barrier) used field can indicate the corresponding prior probabilities used to calculate the difference measure and probability of the barrier probability (i.e., P(Barrier|d) according to Equation (4)). In one example, the P(d) used value and the P(Barrier) used value can be obtained from model table 1306 based at least in part on the environmental label / coarse location. The duration field can indicate the extent of exposure to or contact with an infected person. One or more security / privacy fields (such as trusted location, trusted time, device authentication token, device ID (privacy protection), etc.) can be included in measurement table 1304. Model table 1306 may include model records computed locally by the device and / or received from crowdsourcing server 1210. In one example, model table 1306 may include a model ID field to identify records based on a group of models. A coarse location field, as well as date and time fields, may be used to constrain a list of potential models based on the corresponding measured location and time. The P(d) and P(Barrier) fields may indicate the difference measure and the corresponding prior probability that the device can use to compute the barrier probability according to equation (3). The coarse location may be an environmental label and may include additional fields to define the location, such as a city, campus, building, floor, or other zoning where a probabilistic model can be used.In one example, coarse location information can be associated with map data (such as building floor plans) and can be used to identify specific areas (e.g., intersections, corridors, etc.). In one embodiment, the BarrierType field can indicate the barrier's composition (e.g., concrete, glass, drywall, etc.) based on a crowdsourced dataset. For example, machine learning or neural networks can be used to estimate the barrier composition based on measured signal data. A duration field can be included to capture the degree of exposure to or contact with an infected person. Other fields can also be used. For example, transmitter power and receiver sensitivity associated with the device and measurement can be included to modify the observed signal strength. Measurement frequency values ​​can also be captured, as some devices may have the ability to obtain measurements at different frequencies, and the barrier can attenuate each of these frequencies differently. Other security fields that improve assurance of the measurement can be included, such as trusted location, trusted time, device authentication token, and device ID derived from the hardware root of trust. Additionally, other privacy-preserving attributes can be added, such as the device ID encrypted with a derived privacy-preserving key stored in a hardware electronic fuse.

[0114] Reference Figure 14 and further refer to Figure 2A sample frame 1400 diagram for a user equipment used for contact tracking is shown. Frame 1400 is an example of a frame utilized by UE 200. In one example, frame 1400 includes hardware modules such as a GNSS module 1402, a modem module 1404, a WiFi transceiver 1406, a sensor module 1408, and a Bluetooth (BT) transceiver 1410. GNSS module 1402 may include an SPS receiver 217, modem module 1404 may include a modem processor 232, WiFi transceiver 1406 may include a wireless transceiver 240, sensor module 1408 may include a sensor processor 234, and BT transceiver 1410 may include a wireless transceiver 240. Driver layer 1412 may include instructions for configuring WiFi transceiver 1406 and / or BT transceiver 1406 to perform ranging and signal strength measurements. In one example, UE 200 may include multiple transmit and receive antenna pairs, and the WiFi transceiver may be configured to determine channel state information (CSI) for each antenna pair. In one embodiment, the WiFi fusion firmware module 1414 may include hardware and software components for acquiring RF signal measurements and reducing the need for an application processor (e.g., application processor 230). The WiFi fusion firmware may interface with a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) 1416. An Advanced Operating System (HLOS) 1420 may provide an embedded OS to offer higher-level services such as multimedia playback, a graphical user interface (GUI) framework including built-in touchscreen support, and other features required by mobile device applications. Framework 1400 is an example and not a limitation, as other hardware, drivers, and firmware may be used. For example, additional firmware modules may include database applications, multimodal RF fusion, geofencing, and history / batch processing modules. UE 200 may include one or more secure processors, a trusted execution environment, and framework 1400 may utilize corresponding trusted applications and trust zones for secure processing and exchange of contact tracking information. For example, the secure processor may be an ARM Cortex-based processor and may include an ARM TrustZone to implement embedded security options. UE 200 may also include a super-supervisor running on the processor that supports multiple trusted virtual machines that perform sensing operations protected against malware that can run on advanced operating systems.

[0115] Reference Figure 15A And further refer to Figure 1-14 The method 1500 for detecting barriers using a device includes the phases shown. However, method 1500 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1500 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, executing concurrently, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0116] In stage 1502, the method includes determining a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technique. UE 200 is an apparatus for determining this first distance. The first device and the second device may include a combination of a mobile device and a stationary device. For example, both devices could be as follows: Figure 6 The mobile device depicted, or one of the devices, may be a stationary device, such as an access point, point-of-sale (POS) terminal, ATM, etc. In one embodiment, the first positioning technique may be time-based distance measurement (such as RTT measurement) or other time-of-flight positioning techniques (such as TDOA and TOA / TOD). In one example, RTT measurement may be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals may be used, such as sidechain SRS in a UE with 5G NR capability. In one embodiment, other positioning techniques may be used, such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging. For example, an ultrasonic sensor on the mobile device may be configured to generate an ultrasonic signal and determine the distance to the barrier based on the time required to detect the reflected signal. RF sensing may also be used to determine the distance to the barrier. For example, an RF transmitter may be configured to transmit RF signals and detect RF signals reflected from nearby objects. The distance to the barrier is based on the time required between transmitting the RF signal and detecting the reflections (e.g., radar). The first positioning technique may include utilizing more than one channel (i.e., multiple frequencies). Method 1500 can be initiated when the device is within a predefined contact gap (such as contact gap 606).

[0117] In phase 1504, the method includes determining a second distance between the first device and the second device by the first device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. The UE 200 is an apparatus for determining this second distance. In one example, the second positioning technique may be a signal strength measurement based on an RTT signal received from the second device, such as an RSSI measurement. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, the second positioning technique may utilize multiple frequencies. The first and second positioning techniques may utilize existing wireless technologies, such as, for example, WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5).

[0118] In stage 1506, the method includes detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. UE 200 is an apparatus for detecting the barrier. In one example, UE 200 may include a local data structure that includes prior probability values ​​associated with distance and signal strength measurements. For example, the local data structure may include one or more tables, records, and fields in data structure 1300. UE 200 may determine the probability value based on the measurements and the data structure to detect the barrier. For example, if the probability value is higher than an established threshold, a barrier can be detected. In one embodiment, UE 200 may query the data structure and obtain the probability value using one or more of the current time, current date, and current coarse location. The coarse location may correspond to an environmental tag associated with a location such as a campus, building, floor, or other geographic area. In one embodiment, data structure 1300 may reside on the first device and may be provided to the second device via a side link. In contact tracking applications, indications of barriers and / or probability values ​​may be provided to characterize contact events. In one example, the spacing between the first device and the second device and / or the identification value associated with the first device and the second device may be provided to the contact tracking application.

[0119] Reference Figure 15B And further refer to Figure 1-14 Another method 1550 for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device includes the phases shown. However, method 1550 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1550 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0120] In stage 1552, the method includes determining a first distance measurement relative to a second device using a first positioning technique by a first device. UE 200 is an apparatus for determining the first distance. The first device and the second device may include a combination of a mobile device and a stationary device. For example, both devices could be as follows: Figure 6 The devices described, or one of them, may be stationary devices, such as access points, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, etc. The first positioning technology may be one of RTT, RSSI, mmW measurement, and ultrasonic ranging. For example, refer to... Figure 6The first positioning technique can be a time-based distance measurement (such as RTT measurement) or other time-of-flight positioning techniques (such as TDOA and TOA / TOD). In one example, RTT measurement can be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals (such as sidechain SRS in a UE with 5G NR capability) can be used for distance measurement. In one embodiment, other positioning techniques (such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging) can be used to obtain the distance measurement. The first positioning technique may include utilizing more than one channel (i.e., multiple frequencies). Method 1500 can be initiated when the device is within a predefined contact distance (such as contact distance 606).

[0121] In stage 1554, the method includes determining a second distance measurement relative to a second device by the first device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. UE 200 is an apparatus for determining this second distance measurement. The second positioning technique may be one of RTT, RSSI, mmW measurement, and ultrasonic ranging. For example, refer to... Figure 7 The second positioning technique can be a distance measurement based on signal strength measurement, such as RSSI. In one embodiment, the second positioning technique can utilize multiple frequencies to obtain the distance measurement. Both the first and second positioning techniques can utilize existing wireless technologies, such as, for example, WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5). In one embodiment, the first and second positioning techniques can be based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0122] At stage 1556, the method includes detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. UE 200 is an apparatus for detecting the barrier. In one example, UE 200 may include a local data structure that includes prior probability values ​​associated with the first and second distance measurements. For example, the local data structure may include one or more tables, records, and fields in data structure 1300. UE 200 may determine a probability value to detect the barrier based on the distance measurement and the data structure, the probability value indicating the probability that a barrier exists between the first device and the second device. For example, if the probability value is higher than an established threshold, a barrier can be detected. In one embodiment, UE 200 may use one or more of the current time, current date, and current coarse location to query the data structure and obtain the probability value. This policy location may correspond to an environmental label associated with a location such as a campus, building, floor, or other geographic area. In one embodiment, data structure 1300 may reside on the first device and may be provided to the second device via a side link. In contact tracking applications, indications of barriers and / or probability values ​​can be provided to characterize contact events. In one example, the spacing between a first device and a second device and / or an identification value associated with the first and second devices can be provided to the contact tracking application.

[0123] Reference Figure 16 And further refer to Figure 1-14 Method 1600 for detecting barriers using network-assisted data includes the phases shown. However, method 1600 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1600 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0124] In phase 1602, the method includes obtaining a first spacing measurement based on a round-trip time (RTT) scheduler. UE 200 is an apparatus for obtaining this first spacing measurement. The spacing estimation can be based on RTT measurements or other time-of-flight positioning techniques (such as TDOA and TOA / TOD). In one example, the RTT measurement can be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals can be used, such as sidechain SRS in a UE with 5G NR capability. In one example, the spacing estimation can be obtained on more than one channel (i.e., multiple frequencies).

[0125] In phase 1604, the method includes obtaining a second spacing measurement based on a signal strength measurement. The UE 200 is an apparatus for obtaining this second spacing measurement. In one example, the received signal strength measurement may be an RSSI measurement based on an RTT signal received from the device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, the RSSI measurement may be obtained for multiple frequencies. Spacing estimation and signal strength measurement may utilize existing wireless technologies, such as, for example, WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5).

[0126] At stage 1606, the method includes providing a server with an indication of a first distance measurement and an indication of a second distance measurement. UE 200 is an apparatus for providing the server with the first and second indications of the measurements. UE 200 may use communication system 100 to provide the indications of the measurements to a server (such as LMF 120 or external client 150). In one example, one or both of these indications may be a distance value (e.g., distance) calculated by a mobile device and provided to the server. In one example, one or both of these indications may be a measurement value (e.g., time-of-flight information, signal strength information), and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the measurement. In one example, crowdsourcing server 1210 may receive the measurement value and determine a barrier probability value. The server may use data structure 1300 to calculate the barrier probability based on the received distance and the received signal strength measurement. In one example, the server may use one or more of the current time, current date, and the current coarse location of the requesting device (e.g., environmental tag) to query data structure 1300 and obtain the probability value. In one embodiment, data structure 1300 may be associated with a single channel, or may include records based on multiple channels.

[0127] In phase 1608, the method includes receiving an indication of a nearby barrier from the server. UE 200 is an apparatus for receiving the indication of a nearby barrier. For example, UE 200 may receive the indication via LPP / NPP messaging. Other messaging protocols, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), may also be used. For example, in V2X applications, UE 200 may receive the indication via a Uu or PC5 interface. In operation, the received indication of a nearby barrier may be associated with a contact tracking event record and provided to the contact tracking application. In one embodiment, the indication of a nearby barrier and a contact tracking index field may be provided directly to the contact tracking server, and the contact tracking server may be configured to associate barrier information with contact events.

[0128] Reference Figure 17 And further refer to Figure 1-14The method 1700 for providing barrier detection information to a device includes the stages shown. However, method 1700 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1700 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, executing concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0129] At stage 1702, the method includes receiving from the device an indication of a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. Server 400 is an apparatus for receiving the indications of the first and second distance measurements. The device may utilize a contact tracking application and may have potential contact events to be evaluated. In one example, the first positioning technique may be based on RTT protocols or other time-of-flight positioning techniques, such as TDOA and TOA / TOD between the device and another UE (such as another device or a stationary device). The indication of the first distance measurement may be a distance value (e.g., distance) calculated by the device, or the indication may be time-of-flight information, and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the time-of-flight information. The second positioning technique may be an RSSI measurement based on the RTT signal received by the device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. The indication of the second distance measurement may be a distance value (e.g., distance) calculated by the device, or the indication may be a signal strength measurement (e.g., dB value), and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the signal strength measurement. In one embodiment, multiple distance estimates and signal strength values ​​can be received, allowing the device to acquire these distance estimates and / or signal strength values ​​at multiple frequencies. Other ranging techniques (such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging) can also be used as the first and / or second positioning techniques.

[0130] At stage 1704, the method includes determining a proximity barrier near the device based at least in part on indications of a first distance measurement and indications of a second distance measurement. Server 400 is an apparatus for determining the proximity barrier. Server 400 may include a data structure (such as data structure 1300) that includes prior probability values ​​associated with the first and second distance measurements. For example, the data structure may include RTT distance estimates and RSSI signal strength values. Server 400 may determine a probability value based on the first and second distance estimates and these probability values ​​in data structure 1300 to detect a proximity barrier. For example, a proximity barrier may be detected if the probability value is higher than an established threshold. In one embodiment, UE 200 may query the data structure and obtain the probability value using one or more of the current time, current date, and the current coarse location of the requesting device. In one example, the coarse location may correspond to an environmental label associated with a previously defined location (such as a campus, building, floor, or other geographic area).

[0131] In phase 1706, the method includes providing the device with an indication of the presence of a nearby barrier. Server 400 is an apparatus for providing this indication to the device. In one example, the indication may be included in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, and the device may be configured to interpret the indication as indicating the presence of a nearby barrier. Other signaling, such as LPP / NPP, may also be used to provide the indication. Method 1700 can provide remote barrier detection capability for devices with limited capabilities. For example, NR-light UEs may have reduced memory and processing power and therefore may rely on network resources to perform the data management and processing described herein. Server 400 may be configured to provide contact tracking application information associated with contact events. For example, identification information, spacing information, and barrier information associated with the device may be provided to the contact tracking application.

[0132] Reference Figure 18 And further refer to Figure 1-14 Method 1800 for detecting barriers based on probability thresholds includes the stages shown. However, method 1800 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1800 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages. For example, stages 1812 and 1814 are indicated by dashed lines and are optional.

[0133] In phase 1802, the method includes determining a distance estimate and a signal strength value based on one or more signals transmitted to or received from the device. UE 200 and server 400 are example apparatuses for determining the distance estimate and signal strength value. Method 1800 may be performed locally by UE 200 or by network resources such as LMF 120, crowdsourcing server 1210, or another server 400. In one example, the distance estimate may be based on RTT measurements between the device and another UE or other time-of-flight positioning techniques. The signal strength measurement may be an RSSI measurement based on the RTT signal received by the device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, the one or more signals may include multiple distance estimates and signal strength values ​​obtained by the device at multiple frequencies.

[0134] In stage 1804, the method includes determining a barrier probability based on the spacing estimate and the signal strength value. UE 200 and server 400 are example apparatuses for determining the barrier probability. UE 200 and server 400 may include data structures (such as data structure 1300) that include prior probability values ​​associated with the spacing estimate and the signal strength value. UE 200 and server 400 may determine probability values ​​based on the spacing estimate, the signal strength value, and these probability values ​​in data structure 1300 to detect a nearby barrier. In one example, date / time and / or location information (e.g., environmental tags) may be used to determine the barrier probability (e.g., based on records in data structure 1300).

[0135] In stage 1806, the method includes determining whether the barrier probability is below a threshold. UE 200 and server 400 are example devices for determining whether the barrier probability is below a threshold. In one example, the threshold may be an established value used for network or contact tracing applications (e.g., 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, etc.). However, the threshold may vary based on application requirements or other operational constraints. In one example, different frequency layers may have different thresholds. Infection rates and the transmissibility of diseases may affect the thresholds (i.e., highly transmissible diseases may utilize higher thresholds for barrier detection). Other application-specific considerations may also be used to determine these thresholds. If the barrier probability determined in stage 1804 is below the threshold, no barrier is detected in stage 1808, and method 1800 may iterate back to stage 1802. If the barrier probability determined in stage 1804 is greater than or equal to the threshold, a barrier is detected in stage 1810, and method 1800 may iterate back to stage 1802.

[0136] In stage 1812, the method may optionally include classifying the barrier at least in part based on the difference between the signal strength value and the expected signal strength. UE 200 and server 400 are example apparatuses for classifying the barrier. The barrier classification may be based on the physical composition of the barrier (which may be related to the amount of RF signal attenuation). In one embodiment, the expected signal strength may be based on a propagation model, and the difference between the signal strength value and the expected signal strength may be an indication of the material composition of the barrier. Attenuation at different frequencies may also be used to classify the barrier. In one example, data structure 1300 may include a classification field associated with a priori measurements. The classification field may be updated based on machine learning or other analyses (e.g., neural network training) of spacing, signal strength, and other predictor variables such as location, date, and time.

[0137] In phase 1814, the method may optionally include determining contact tracking relevance based at least in part on barrier classification. UE 200 and server 400 are example apparatuses for determining this contact tracking relevance. This contact tracking relevance may be established based on the nature of the infectious disease. For example, contact events with highly infectious diseases may be tracked for some lighter barrier classifications (e.g., lightweight doors, windows), while not tracking for more robust barriers (e.g., high-density barriers such as concrete walls). Other relevance decisions may be based on the nature of the pathogen and its potential interactions with different barrier classifications.

[0138] Reference Figure 19 And further refer to Figure 1-14 The method 1900 for initializing the barrier detection probability function on the device includes the stages shown. However, method 1900 is an example and not a limitation. Method 1900 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, executing concurrently, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0139] In stage 1902, the method includes obtaining a global barrier probability function (if available) from a server and initializing a local barrier probability function based on that global barrier probability function. UE 200 is an apparatus for obtaining the global barrier probability function. In one embodiment, UE 200 may query server 400 (such as crowdsourcing server 1210) to determine if a globally learned model of P(Barrier) and P(d) is available. This model may be a record in data structure 1300. UE 200 may download and initialize a device-local model based on the global model received from the server. In one example, the global barrier probability function may be associated with a coarse location (such as a city, campus, building, floor, or other area), which may be defined and associated with a record in the data structure.

[0140] In phase 1904, the method includes: if the global barrier probability function is unavailable, initializing the local barrier probability function to a default value. UE 200 is an apparatus for initializing the local barrier probability model. In one example, if the global model is unavailable in phase 1902, UE 200 may be configured to initialize a uniform distribution of all possible values ​​of local P(Barrier) = 0.001 and P(d) = across d.

[0141] Reference Figure 20 And further refer to Figure 1-14 Method 2000 for calculating the probability of a barrier between two devices includes the stages shown. However, method 2000 is an example and not a limitation. Method 2000 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0142] In phase 2002, this method is initiated when device A is detected to be near device B. UE 200 is an example of device A or device B. (See reference...) Figure 7 The first mobile device 602 is an example of device A, and the second mobile device 604 is an example of device B. The mobile devices are within an established contact gap 606, which is an example of devices that are adjacent to each other.

[0143] In phase 2004, the method included measuring Δ(RangeEst) rssi RangeEst t_flight The UE200 is a device for calculating d. In one example, the first mobile device 602 and the second mobile device 604 may perform an RTT procedure to determine RangeEst. t_flight Value. Other time-of-flight techniques (such as TDOA, TOA / TOD) may also be used. The first mobile device 602 may also determine the RangeEst by measuring the RSSI of the RF signal 710. rssi Values. UE 200 can be configured to update the device local model for the P(Barrier) value and P(d) value in phase 2010.

[0144] In phase 2006, the method included calculating P using P(d) and P(Barrier) from the device-native model for P(Barrier) and P(d). A->B (Barrier|d). UE 200 is used to calculate P. A->B A device with (Barrier|d). In one example, P A->B (Barrier|d) can be calculated based on Equation 3.

[0145] In phase 2008, the method included calculating the probability of a barrier between device A and device B as P(Barrier|d) = MAX(P A->B (Barrier|d),P B->A (Barrier|d)). UE 200 is a device for calculating the probability of a barrier. In one example, both the first mobile device 602 and the second mobile device 604 can be configured to calculate the probability of the barrier and provide each other with their respective probability results. Because the two mobile devices 602 and 604 have an asymmetric value of P(Barrier|d) attributable to these learned models, the two mobile devices 602 and 604 can estimate different values ​​for P(Barrier|d) even if both devices estimate the same d value. This asymmetry can be addressed by calculating MAX(P). A->B (Barrier|d),P B->A (Barrier|d)) can be used to resolve this.

[0146] Reference Figure 21A And further refer to Figure 1-14 Method 2100 for periodically uploading a barrier detection model to a crowdsourcing server includes the phases shown. However, method 2100 is an example and not a limitation. Method 2100 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single phase into multiple phases.

[0147] In stage 2102, the method includes determining whether the number of updates since the last occurrence is greater than a threshold count. UE200 is an apparatus for determining this number of updates. The threshold can be established for a network or a subset of networks. For example, the threshold can be based on frequency layer, coarse location, number of users, or other technical criteria. Operational requirements (such as the infectiousness of a disease and corresponding contact tracing requirements) can determine the threshold. The threshold can be based on 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, etc. Other values ​​may also be used.

[0148] In phase 2104, the method includes sending local copies of P(Barrier) and P(d) to the server. UE 200 is the means for sending these local copies. The server can be LMF 120 or other network server 400 (such as crowdsourcing server 1210). UE 200 can use communication system 100 to provide the P(Barrier) and P(d) values ​​to the server. In one example, UE 200 can use RRC, LPP, or other interfaces to update the server. Other signaling protocols (such as WiFi and BT) can also be used to send these updates.

[0149] Reference Figure 21B And further refer toFigure 1-14 Method 2150 for providing a barrier detection model to a device includes the stages shown. However, method 2150 is an example and not a limitation. Method 2150 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, concurrently executing, and / or splitting a single stage into multiple stages.

[0150] In phase 2152, the method includes accumulating or aggregating P(Barrier) and P(d) from devices in the network to create a processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model. Server 400 is an apparatus for accumulating P(Barrier) and P(d) from devices in the network to create the processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model. Crowdsourcing server 1210 may receive local copies of P(Barrier) and P(d) sent in phase 2104 of method 2100 and average the results received from multiple devices. In one example, the processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model can be obtained through various statistical and logical operations and can be quantified based on other factors such as coarse location and time and date information. Other operational and technical factors may also be used to determine the processed value.

[0151] In phase 2154, the method includes sending processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) models to one or more devices. Server 400 is an apparatus for sending the processed models. In one example, crowdsourcing server 1210 may utilize communication system 100 to send global models. Global models may be sent in response to a request from a UE (e.g., pull implementation) and / or on a periodic basis (e.g., push implementation). These models may be provided to the UE in one or more System Information Blocks (SIBs), RRC messages, LPPs, or other signaling mechanisms. In one embodiment, the UE may utilize a sidelink protocol to propagate global models to neighboring UEs. Other data propagation techniques may also be used to provide global P(Barrier) and P(d) models to UEs in the network.

[0152] Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software and computers, the above-described functions can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof executed by a processor. Features implementing the functions can also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that portions of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. For example, one or more functions or portions thereof that occur in the LMF 120 as discussed above can be performed outside the LMF 120 (such as by the TRP 300).

[0153] As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “some,” and “the” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “processor” can include one or more processors. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and / or “containing” indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0154] Similarly, as used herein, the "or" used in a list of items followed by "at least one of" or "one or more of" indicates a disjunctive list such that a list of, for example, "at least one of A, B or C" or "one or more of A, B or C" represents A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination having more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.).

[0155] Substantial modifications can be made to suit specific requirements. For example, custom hardware can be used, and / or specific elements can be implemented in the hardware, in processor-executed software (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connectivity to other computing devices (such as network input / output devices) can be employed.

[0156] The systems and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may appropriately omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components. For example, features described with reference to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of a configuration may be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, technology evolves, and thus many elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

[0157] A wireless communication system is a system in which communication is transmitted wirelessly, that is, through the atmospheric space via electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves rather than through wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication network may not necessarily transmit all communications wirelessly, but may be configured to transmit at least some communications wirelessly. Furthermore, the term "wireless communication device" or similar terms do not require that the device's functionality be exclusively or uniformly primarily used for communication, or that the device is a mobile device, but rather indicate that the device includes wireless communication capabilities (one-way or two-way), for example, including at least one radio (each radio being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) for wireless communication.

[0158] Specific details are set forth in this specification to provide a thorough understanding of the example configurations (including implementations). However, these configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring these configurations. This description provides example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations provides a description for implementing the techniques described. Various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0159] As used herein, the terms “processor-readable medium,” “machine-readable medium,” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing data that enables a machine to operate in a particular manner. Using a computing platform, various processor-readable media may involve providing instructions / code to (such as) processors for execution, and / or being used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., as signals). In many implementations, processor-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory.

[0160] A statement whose value exceeds (or is greater than or higher than) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement whose value meets or exceeds a second threshold slightly greater than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value higher than the first threshold. A statement whose value is less than the first threshold (or within or below the first threshold) is equivalent to a statement whose value is less than or equal to a second threshold slightly lower than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value lower than the first threshold.

[0161] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0162] 1. A method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device, comprising:

[0163] The first device uses a first positioning technique to determine a first distance measurement relative to the second device;

[0164] The second distance measurement relative to the second device is determined by the first device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; and

[0165] The barrier between the first device and the second device is detected based on the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

[0166] 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement between the first device and the second device.

[0167] 3. The method of Clause 2, wherein the round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device.

[0168] 4. The method of Clause 1, wherein the second positioning technique is based on a received signal strength indication measurement.

[0169] 5. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the first device.

[0170] 6. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device.

[0171] 7. The method of Clause 1 further includes: determining the first device within a predefined contact gap of the second device.

[0172] 8. The method of Clause 1 further includes: providing an indication of the barrier to the contact tracking application.

[0173] 9. The method of Clause 8 further includes: providing a spacing between the first device and the second device to the contact tracking application.

[0174] 10. The method of Clause 8 further includes: providing the contact tracking application with a first identification value associated with the first device and a second identification value associated with the second device.

[0175] 11. The method of Clause 1 further includes: receiving a probability model from a server.

[0176] 12. The method of Clause 1, wherein detecting the barrier includes providing the server with the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

[0177] 13. The method of Clause 12, wherein detecting the barrier includes receiving an indication from the server of a barrier between the first device and the second device.

[0178] 14. The method of Clause 12, wherein the server is a crowdsourcing server configured to receive spacing measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network.

[0179] 15. The method of Clause 1, wherein the detection of the barrier is performed by the first device.

[0180] 16. The method of Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0181] 17. The method of Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted in accordance with the new radio sidelink protocol.

[0182] 18. The method of Clause 1 further includes: determining a coarse location of the first device, wherein the barrier is detected at least in part based on the coarse location.

[0183] 19. The method of Clause 18, wherein the approximate location is associated with an environmental label.

[0184] 20. The method of Clause 1 further includes: determining date and time information, wherein the barrier is detected at least in part based on the date and time information.

[0185] 21. The method of Clause 1, wherein the first device is a mobile or stationary device, and the second device is a mobile or stationary device.

[0186] 22. The method of Clause 1, wherein the barrier is an architectural feature designed to divide space.

[0187] 23. The method of Clause 1, wherein the barrier is a safety device designed to separate people and reduce the free spread of airborne infectious diseases.

[0188] 24. The method of Clause 1, wherein the barrier is a group of objects such that the density of the group of objects prevents the spread of airborne infectious diseases.

[0189] 25. A method for providing barrier detection information to a device, comprising:

[0190] The device receives instructions for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technology and instructions for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology;

[0191] The proximity barrier is determined at least in part based on indications of the first spacing measurement and indications of the second spacing measurement; and

[0192] Provide the device with instructions regarding the nearby barrier.

[0193] 26. The method of Clause 25, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

[0194] 27. The method of Clause 25, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device.

[0195] 28. The method of Clause 25, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device.

[0196] 29. The method of Clause 25, wherein determining the proximity barrier comprises: querying a data structure based on an indication of a first spacing measurement and an indication of a second spacing measurement.

[0197] 30. The method of Clause 25 further includes: determining a rough location of the device, and determining that the adjacent barrier is at least partially based on the rough location of the device.

[0198] 31. The method of Clause 30, wherein the approximate location is associated with an environmental label.

[0199] 32. The method of Clause 25 further includes: determining date and time information, and determining that the proximity barrier is at least partially based on the date and time information.

[0200] 33. The method of Clause 25 further includes: providing the contact tracking application with an indication of the proximity barrier.

[0201] 34. The method of Clause 23 further includes: providing the contact tracking application with at least one of an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement.

[0202] 35. The method of Clause 33 further includes: providing the contact tracking application with an identification value associated with the device.

[0203] 36. The method of Clause 33 further includes: providing barrier classification information to the contact tracking application.

[0204] 37. The method of Clause 25, wherein the indication of the first spacing measurement includes a spacing value.

[0205] 38. The method of Clause 25, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a flight time value.

[0206] 39. The method of Clause 25, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes the spacing value.

[0207] 40. The method of Clause 25, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a signal strength value.

[0208] 41. An apparatus comprising:

[0209] Memory;

[0210] At least one transceiver;

[0211] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0212] The first positioning technique is used to determine the first distance measurement relative to the user equipment;

[0213] A second positioning technique, different from the first positioning technique, is used to determine a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment; and

[0214] The barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected based on the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

[0215] 42. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technology is based on a round-trip time measurement between the apparatus and the user equipment, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the round-trip time measurement between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0216] 43. The device as described in Clause 42, wherein the round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the device and the user equipment.

[0217] 44. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the second positioning technique is based on a received signal strength indication measurement, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the received signal strength indication measurement.

[0218] 45. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first spacing measurement based on the one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0219] 46. ​​The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first spacing measurement based on the one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0220] 47. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the apparatus within a predefined contact gap in the user equipment.

[0221] 48. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide an indication of the barrier to a contact tracking application.

[0222] 49. The apparatus of Clause 48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with the spacing between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0223] 50. The apparatus of clause 48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with a first identification value associated with the apparatus and a second identification value associated with the user equipment.

[0224] 51. The apparatus as described in Clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a probability model from a server.

[0225] 52. The apparatus of clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: provide the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement to a server; and receive from the server an indication of a barrier between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0226] 53. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the first spacing measurement, the second spacing measurement, barrier detection information, and location information to the crowdsourcing server.

[0227] 54. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted in accordance with a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0228] 55. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted in accordance with the new radio sidelink protocol.

[0229] 56. The apparatus of clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine a coarse location; and detect the barrier based at least in part on the coarse location.

[0230] 57. The device as described in Clause 56, wherein the approximate location is associated with an environmental label.

[0231] 58. The apparatus of Clause 41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine date and time information; and detect the barrier based at least in part on the date and time information.

[0232] 59. The device as described in Clause 41, wherein the device is mobile or stationary, and the user equipment is mobile or stationary.

[0233] 60. An apparatus comprising:

[0234] Memory;

[0235] At least one transceiver;

[0236] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0237] Receive instructions for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technology and instructions for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology;

[0238] The proximity barrier is determined at least in part based on indications of the first spacing measurement and indications of the second spacing measurement; and

[0239] Provide the device with indications of nearby barriers.

[0240] 61. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

[0241] 62. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the first positioning technology is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0242] 63. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0243] 64. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to query a data structure based on an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement.

[0244] 65. The apparatus of clause 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine a coarse location of the device; and detect the adjacent barrier based at least in part on the coarse location of the device.

[0245] 66. The device as described in Clause 65, wherein the approximate location is associated with an environmental label.

[0246] 67. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determine date and time information; and detect the proximity barrier based at least in part on the date and time information.

[0247] 68. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide an indication of the proximity barrier to a contact tracking application.

[0248] 69. The apparatus of Clause 68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with at least one of an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement.

[0249] 70. The apparatus of Clause 68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with an identification value associated with the device.

[0250] 71. The apparatus of Clause 68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide barrier classification information to the contact tracking application.

[0251] 72. The apparatus of Clause 68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the duration of the contact event to the contact tracking application.

[0252] 73. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the indication of the first spacing measurement includes a spacing value.

[0253] 74. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a flight time value.

[0254] 75. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a spacing value.

[0255] 76. The apparatus of Clause 60, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a signal strength value.

[0256] 77. An apparatus comprising:

[0257] Memory;

[0258] At least one transceiver;

[0259] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0260] The first positioning technology is used to determine the first distance between the device and the user equipment;

[0261] A second positioning technique, different from the first positioning technique, is used to determine a second distance between the device and the user equipment; and

[0262] The barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0263] 78. An apparatus for detecting barriers, comprising:

[0264] Device for determining a first distance measurement relative to user equipment using a first positioning technique;

[0265] A device for determining a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; and

[0266] A device for detecting the barrier based on the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

[0267] 79. An apparatus for providing barrier detection information to a device, comprising:

[0268] A means for receiving an instruction for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technology and an instruction for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology;

[0269] A means for determining an adjacent barrier based at least in part on an indication of a first spacing measurement and an indication of a second spacing measurement; and

[0270] A means for providing the device with indication of the proximity of a barrier.

[0271] 80. An apparatus for detecting a barrier, comprising:

[0272] A means for determining a first distance between the device and user equipment using a first positioning technology;

[0273] A means for determining a second distance between the device and the user equipment using a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; and

[0274] A device for detecting a barrier between the device and the user equipment based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0275] 81. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium including processor-readable instructions configured to enable one or more processor detection barriers, comprising:

[0276] Code used to determine a first distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a first positioning technique;

[0277] Code for determining a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; and

[0278] Code used to detect the barrier based on the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

[0279] 82. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide barrier detection information to a device, comprising:

[0280] Code for receiving instructions for a first spacing measurement based on a first positioning technology and instructions for a second spacing measurement based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology;

[0281] Code for determining adjacent barriers based at least in part on indications of the first spacing measurement and indications of the second spacing measurement; and

[0282] Code used to provide the device with indication of nearby barriers.

[0283] 83. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium including processor-readable instructions configured to enable one or more processor detection barriers, comprising:

[0284] Code used by the first device to determine a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technology;

[0285] Code for determining a second distance between a first device and a second device using a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; and

[0286] Code for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0287] 84. A method for detecting a barrier, comprising:

[0288] The first distance between the first device and the second device is determined by the first device using a first positioning technology;

[0289] The second distance between the first device and the second device is determined by the first device using a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; and

[0290] The barrier between the first device and the second device is detected based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

[0291] 85. A method for detecting barriers using network-assisted data, comprising:

[0292] Obtain the first spacing measurement based on the round-trip time protocol;

[0293] Obtain a second spacing measurement based on signal strength measurement;

[0294] Provide the server with instructions for the first spacing measurement and instructions for the second spacing measurement; and

[0295] Receive instructions on nearby barriers from the server.

[0296] 86. The method of Clause 85, wherein the indication of the first spacing measurement includes a distance value.

[0297] 87. The method of Clause 85, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a flight time value.

[0298] 88. The method of Clause 85, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a distance value.

[0299] 89. The method of Clause 85, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a signal strength value.

[0300] 90. An apparatus comprising:

[0301] Memory;

[0302] At least one transceiver;

[0303] At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to:

[0304] Obtain the first spacing measurement based on the round-trip time protocol;

[0305] Obtain a second spacing measurement based on signal strength measurement;

[0306] Provide the server with instructions for the first spacing measurement and instructions for the second spacing measurement; and

[0307] Receive instructions on nearby barriers from the server.

[0308] 91. The apparatus of Clause 90, wherein the indication of the first spacing measurement includes a distance value.

[0309] 92. The apparatus of Clause 90, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a flight time value.

[0310] 93. The apparatus of Clause 90, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a distance value.

[0311] 94. The apparatus of Clause 90, wherein the indication of the second spacing measurement includes a signal strength value.

[0312] 95. An apparatus for detecting barriers using network-assisted data, comprising:

[0313] A device for obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time protocol;

[0314] A device for obtaining a second spacing measurement based on signal strength measurement;

[0315] A means for providing a server with indications of the first distance measurement and indications of the second distance measurement; and

[0316] A means for receiving instructions on nearby barriers from the server.

[0317] 96. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to use network-assisted data to detect a barrier, comprising:

[0318] Code used to obtain the first interval measurement based on the round-trip time protocol;

[0319] Code used to obtain a second spacing measurement based on signal strength measurement;

[0320] Code used to provide the server with instructions on the first spacing measurement and instructions on the second spacing measurement; and

[0321] Code used to receive instructions on nearby barriers from the server.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device, comprising: The first device uses a first positioning technique to determine a first distance measurement relative to the second device; The second distance measurement relative to the second device is determined by the first device using a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; as well as The barrier between the first device and the second device is detected based on the difference between the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, and the barrier probability based on the first distance measurement, the second distance measurement and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the first device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determine that the first device is within the predefined contact distance of the second device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Provide the contact tracking application with an indication of the barrier.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Provide the contact tracking application with the spacing between the first device and the second device.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: The contact tracking application is provided with a first identifier value associated with the first device and a second identifier value associated with the second device.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receive the probability model from the server.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, Detecting the barrier includes providing the server with the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Detecting the barrier includes receiving an indication from the server of the barrier between the first device and the second device.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The server is a crowdsourcing server configured to receive spacing measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, The detection of the barrier is performed by the first device.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to the new radio sidelink protocol.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The approximate location of the first device is determined, wherein the barrier is detected at least in part based on the approximate location.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The approximate location is associated with the environment label.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determine date and time information, wherein the barrier is detected at least in part based on the date and time information.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first device is a mobile or stationary device, and the second device is a mobile or stationary device.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein, The barrier is an architectural feature designed to divide space.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein, The barrier is a safety device designed to separate people and reduce the free spread of airborne diseases.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein, The barrier is a group of objects, the density of which prevents the spread of airborne infectious diseases.

23. A method for providing barrier detection information to a device, comprising: The device receives an instruction for a first distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a first positioning technology and an instruction for a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; The proximity barrier is determined at least in part based on the difference between an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement, and based on the barrier probability of the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements; and Provide the device with an indication of the adjacent barrier.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein, Determining the proximity barrier involves querying a data structure based on indications of the first spacing measurement and indications of the second spacing measurement.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising: The approximate location of the device is determined, and the proximity barrier is determined to be at least partially based on the approximate location of the device.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The approximate location is associated with the environment label.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising: The date and time information is determined, and the proximity barrier is determined to be at least partially based on the date and time information.

30. The method of claim 23, further comprising: Provides indication of the proximity barrier to the contact tracking application.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: Provide the contact tracking application with at least one of an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement.

32. The method of claim 30, further comprising: Provide the contact tracking application with an identifier value associated with the device.

33. The method of claim 30, further comprising: Provide barrier classification information to the contact tracking application.

34. The method of claim 23, wherein, The indication of the first spacing measurement includes the spacing value.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein, The indication of the first distance measurement includes the flight time value.

36. The method of claim 23, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the spacing value.

37. The method of claim 23, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the signal strength value.

38. An apparatus comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: The first positioning technique is used to determine the first distance measurement relative to the user equipment; A second positioning technique, different from the first positioning technique, is used to determine a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment; as well as A barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected based on the difference between the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, and the barrier probability based on the first distance measurement, the second distance measurement and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to determine the round-trip time measurement between the device and the user equipment.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein, The round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of finely timed measurements between the device and the user equipment.

41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to determine the received signal strength indication measurement.

42. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first distance measurement based on the one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device.

43. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first distance measurement based on the one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device.

44. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to determine that the device is within a predefined contact gap in the user equipment.

45. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide an indication of the barrier to the contact tracking application.

46. ​​The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with the spacing between the device and the user equipment.

47. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with a first identification value associated with the device and a second identification value associated with the user equipment.

48. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to receive a probability model from the server.

49. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to: provide the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement to the server; and receive from the server an indication of the barrier between the device and the user equipment.

50. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the crowdsourcing server with the first spacing measurement, the second spacing measurement, barrier detection information, and location information.

51. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, At least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol.

52. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, At least one of the first positioning technology and the second positioning technology is based on one or more radio frequency signals transmitted according to the new radio sidelink protocol.

53. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: determine a coarse location; and detect the barrier based at least in part on the coarse location.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein, The approximate location is associated with the environment label.

55. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: determine date and time information; and detect the barrier based at least in part on the date and time information.

56. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The device is mobile or stationary, and the user equipment is mobile or stationary.

57. An apparatus comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: Receives an instruction for a first distance measurement between a device and a second device based on a first positioning technology and an instruction for a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; The proximity barrier is determined at least in part based on the difference between an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement, and based on the barrier probability of the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements; and Provide the device with indication of nearby barriers.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device.

59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The first positioning technology is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device.

60. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to query the data structure based on an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement.

61. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: determine the approximate location of the device; and determine the proximity barrier based at least in part on the approximate location of the device.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein, The approximate location is associated with the environment label.

63. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: determine date and time information; and determine the proximity barrier based at least in part on the date and time information.

64. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with indications of the proximity barrier.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with at least one of an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with an identification value associated with the device.

67. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide barrier classification information to the contact tracking application.

68. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to provide the duration of contact events to the contact tracking application.

69. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The indication of the first spacing measurement includes the spacing value.

70. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The indication of the first distance measurement includes the flight time value.

71. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the spacing value.

72. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the signal strength value.

73. An apparatus for detecting barriers, comprising: Device for determining a first distance measurement relative to user equipment using a first positioning technique; A device for determining a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; as well as An apparatus for detecting a barrier based on the difference between a first spacing measurement and a second spacing measurement, and a barrier probability based on the first spacing measurement, the second spacing measurement, and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

74. An apparatus for providing barrier detection information to a device, comprising: A means for receiving an indication of a first distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a first positioning technology and an indication of a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; A means for determining a neighboring barrier based at least in part on the difference between an indication of a first spacing measurement and an indication of a second spacing measurement, and a barrier probability based on the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements; and A means for providing the device with indication of a nearby barrier.

75. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium including processor-readable instructions configured to enable one or more processor detection barriers, comprising: Code used to determine a first distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a first positioning technique; Code for determining a second distance measurement relative to the user equipment using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; as well as Code for detecting the barrier based on the difference between the first spacing measurement and the second spacing measurement, and the barrier probability based on the first spacing measurement, the second spacing measurement and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurement and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurement.

76. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide barrier detection information to a device, comprising: Code for receiving an indication of a first distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a first positioning technology and an indication of a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technology different from the first positioning technology; Code for determining a neighboring barrier based at least in part on the difference between an indication of a first spacing measurement and an indication of a second spacing measurement, and a barrier probability based on the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements; and Code used to provide the device with indication of nearby barriers.

77. A method for detecting barriers using network-assisted data, comprising: Obtain a first distance measurement between the first and second devices based on a round-trip time schedule; Obtain a second distance measurement between the first device and the second device based on signal strength measurement; Provide the server with an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement; as well as The server receives indications for neighboring barriers, which are determined at least in part based on the difference between indications for the first spacing measurement and indications for the second spacing measurement, and barrier probabilities based on the indications for the first spacing measurement, the indications for the second spacing measurement, and the difference.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein, The indication of the first spacing measurement includes a distance value.

79. The method of claim 77, wherein, The indication of the first distance measurement includes the flight time value.

80. The method of claim 77, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes a distance value.

81. The method of claim 77, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the signal strength value.

82. An apparatus comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; At least one processor, communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, and configured to: Obtain a first distance measurement between the first and second devices based on a round-trip time schedule; Obtain a second distance measurement between the first device and the second device based on signal strength measurement; Provide the server with an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement; as well as The server receives indications for neighboring barriers, which are determined at least in part based on the difference between indications for the first spacing measurement and indications for the second spacing measurement, and barrier probabilities based on the indications for the first spacing measurement, the indications for the second spacing measurement, and the difference.

83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein, The indication of the first spacing measurement includes a distance value.

84. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein, The indication of the first distance measurement includes the flight time value.

85. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes a distance value.

86. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein, The indication for the second spacing measurement includes the signal strength value.

87. An apparatus for detecting barriers using network-assisted data, comprising: A means for obtaining a first distance measurement between the device and the user equipment based on a round-trip time schedule; A means for obtaining a second distance measurement between the device and the user equipment based on signal strength measurement; A means for providing a server with an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement; as well as A means for receiving an indication of a neighboring barrier from the server, the neighboring barrier being determined at least in part based on the difference between an indication of a first spacing measurement and an indication of a second spacing measurement, and a barrier probability based on the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference.

88. A non-transient processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to use network-assisted data to detect a barrier, comprising: Code used to obtain a first distance measurement between the first and second devices based on a round-trip time protocol; Code used to obtain a second distance measurement between the first device and the second device based on signal strength measurement; Code used to provide the server with indications for the first spacing measurement and indications for the second spacing measurement; as well as Code for receiving an indication of a neighboring barrier from the server, the neighboring barrier being determined at least in part based on the difference between an indication of the first spacing measurement and an indication of the second spacing measurement, and a barrier probability based on the indication of the first spacing measurement, the indication of the second spacing measurement, and the difference.

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