Method and apparatus for acquiring propagation time

Abstract

Provided are a signal propagation time acquisition method and device, which can improve the accuracy of the acquired signal propagation time. The method comprises: a first device sending a first signal through a first antenna and receiving the first signal through a second antenna to acquire a first receiving time of the first signal. A second device receives the first signal and sends a second signal. The first device receives the second signal from the second device through the second antenna to acquire a receiving time of the second signal. The first device determines the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal and time information. The second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal. The time information comprises a second receiving time of the first signal and a sending time of the second signal, or is a transceiving time delay of the second device, which is the difference between the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a propagation time acquisition method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The propagation time of a wireless signal between two devices, such as a round trip time (RTT), is often used to measure the distance between the devices, or to synchronize the clocks between the devices.

[0003] During the signal transceiving process, the internal hardware of a device can record the relevant time. However, directly using the relevant time recorded by the internal hardware to calculate the propagation time of the signal can result in a large error. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a propagation time acquisition method and device, which can improve the accuracy of the acquired signal propagation time.

[0005] In a first aspect, a propagation time acquisition method is provided. The method comprises: a first device sending a first signal through a first antenna and receiving the first signal through a second antenna to acquire a first receiving time of the first signal. The first device also receives a second signal from a second device through the second antenna to acquire a receiving time of the second signal. The first device acquires time information and determines a signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the time information. The first receiving time of the first signal is the time at which the first device receives the first signal with the second antenna. The second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal. The time information comprises a second receiving time of the first signal and a sending time of the second signal, or the time information is a transceiving time delay of the second device, the transceiving time delay being the difference between the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal being the time at which the second device receives the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal being the time at which the second device sends the second signal.

[0006] Based on the scheme, the first device acquires the time at which the first device receives the first signal with the second antenna through self-sending and self-receiving of the first signal. The receiving time of the second signal is acquired by receiving the second signal of the second device. The signal propagation time is determined according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the time information. That is, in the scheme of the present application, the channel hardware time delay of the device itself is considered through self-sending and self-receiving while the propagation time measurement is being performed, so that there is no time interval between the calibration process and the measurement process of the channel hardware time delay, the influence of changes in the external environment, channel conditions, and the like on the performance is reduced, and thus the accuracy of the acquired signal propagation time can be improved.

[0007] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the transceiving time delay is the second signal's sending time minus the second signal's second receiving time in case that the second signal is a response to the first signal. The second device's transceiving time delay is the first signal's second receiving time minus the second signal's sending time in case that the first signal is a response to the second signal.

[0008] Based on this possible implementation form, the second device's transceiving time delay can be accurately obtained, so as to improve the calculation accuracy of the signal propagation time.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the signal propagation time is a round trip time RTT, the RTT, the first signal's first receiving time, the second signal's receiving time, the first signal's second receiving time, and the second signal's sending time satisfy the following formula in case that the second signal is a response to the first signal:

[0010] RTT=(T4'-T5')-(T3-T2)

[0011] Or, the RTT, the first signal's first receiving time, the second signal's receiving time, and the transceiving time delay ΔT satisfy the following formula:

[0012] RTT=(T4'-T5')-ΔT

[0013] Wherein, T4' is the second signal's receiving time, T5' is the first signal's first receiving time, T3 is the second signal's sending time, and T2 is the first signal's second receiving time.

[0014] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the signal propagation time is a round trip time RTT, the RTT, the first signal's first receiving time, the second signal's receiving time, the first signal's second receiving time, and the second signal's sending time satisfy the following formula in case that the first signal is a response to the second signal:

[0015] RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6'-T2')

[0016] Or, the RTT, the second signal's receiving time, the first signal's first receiving time, and the transceiving time delay ΔT satisfy the following formula:

[0017] RTT=ΔT-(T6'-T2')

[0018] Wherein, T4 is the first signal's second receiving time, T1 is the second signal's sending time, T6' is the first signal's first receiving time, and T2' is the second signal's receiving time.

[0019] Based on the possible implementation, the RTT between the first device and the second device can be clearly calculated under different relationships between the first signal and the second signal.

[0020] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device is determined according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the time information, including: the signal propagation time is determined according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0021] Based on the possible implementation, when the signal propagation time is determined, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is considered, which can improve the accuracy of the obtained signal propagation time.

[0022] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the signal propagation time is RTT, and in the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula:

[0023] RTT = (T4'-T5')-(T3-T2)+d / c

[0024] Wherein, T4' is the receiving time of the second signal, T5' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T3 is the sending time of the second signal, T2 is the second receiving time of the first signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

[0025] The signal propagation time is RTT, and in the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula:

[0026] RTT = (T4-T1)-(T6'-T2')+d / c

[0027] Wherein, T4 is the second receiving time of the first signal, T1 is the sending time of the second signal, T6' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T2' is the receiving time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

[0028] Based on the possible implementation, the RTT between the first device and the second device can be clearly calculated under different relationships between the first signal and the second signal, and the accuracy of the signal propagation time can be improved.

[0029] Secondly, a time calibration method is provided, comprising: a calibration device receiving a first signal from another device via a first antenna to obtain the reception time of the first signal; the calibration device also transmitting a second signal via a second antenna and obtaining the transmission time of the second signal, and further receiving the second signal via the first antenna to obtain the reception time of the second signal; the calibration device adjusting time information based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, and transmitting the calibration time information to the other device. Wherein, the reception time of the first signal is the time when the calibration device receives the first signal using the first antenna. The second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal. The time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the transmit / receive delay being the difference between the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0030] Based on this scheme, the calibration device obtains the transmission time and reception time of the second signal by self-transmitting and self-receiving the second signal. By receiving the first signal from the first device, it obtains the time when the first signal was received by the first antenna, and performs time calibration based on the reception time of the first signal, the transmission time of the second signal, and the reception time of the second signal. In other words, in the scheme of this application, the calibration device performs time calibration by self-transmitting and self-receiving while simultaneously transmitting and receiving signals with another device, and sends the calibrated time information to the other device, facilitating the other device to determine the signal propagation time and thus improving the accuracy of the signal propagation time.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, when the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transmit / receive delay is the transmission time of the second signal minus the reception time of the first signal; when the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transmit / receive delay of the second device is the reception time of the first signal minus the transmission time of the second signal.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, when the time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, adjusting the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information includes:

[0033] Maintain the reception time of the first signal and add a channel hardware delay to the transmission time of the second signal. The value of the channel hardware delay is based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0034] Alternatively, subtract the channel hardware delay from the reception time of the first signal and maintain the transmission time of the second signal;

[0035] Alternatively, subtract the first value from the reception time of the first signal and add the second value to the transmission time of the second signal, where the sum of the first and second values ​​is the channel hardware delay.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, when the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, adjusting the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information includes: when the second signal is a response to the first signal, adding a channel hardware delay to the transmit / receive delay, the value of which is based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal; and subtracting the channel hardware delay from the transmit / receive delay when the first signal is a response to the second signal.

[0037] Based on the two possible implementation methods described above, the calibration device can acquire the channel hardware delay of another device simultaneously through self-transmission and self-reception. That is, in the scheme of this application, the calibration of the channel hardware delay and the measurement of the signal propagation time can be performed concurrently without interrupting the measurement service. Furthermore, the calibration process uses the signal from the measurement service, eliminating the need for additional air interface overhead, thus improving service continuity, reducing overhead, and saving air interface resources. In addition, this method allows for flexible calibration of the signal transmission and reception time of the second device using the channel hardware delay, improving the flexibility of time calibration.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the channel hardware delay is the difference between the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the calibration device determining the channel hardware delay based on the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0040] Based on this possible implementation, the distance between the first and second antennas is considered when determining the channel hardware, which can improve the accuracy of the determined channel hardware delay and thus further improve the accuracy of time calibration.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, the channel hardware delay, the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna satisfy the following formula:

[0042] t cali =T6′-T3′-d / c

[0043] Where T6′ is the reception time of the second signal, T3′ is the transmission time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

[0044] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be the first device described in the first aspect, or a device included in the first device, such as a chip; or, the communication device can be the calibration device described in the second aspect, or a device included in the calibration device, such as a chip. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module, respectively used to implement the receiving and transmitting functions of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or input / output interfaces. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0046] Fourthly, a first device is provided, comprising: a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor. Wherein:

[0047] The first antenna is used to transmit the first signal;

[0048] The second antenna is used to receive the first signal in order to obtain the first reception time of the first signal, which is the time when the first device receives the first signal using the second antenna.

[0049] The second antenna is also used to receive a second signal from the second device to obtain the reception time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal;

[0050] The processor is used to acquire time information, which includes the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the transmission and reception delay of the second device; the transmission and reception delay is the difference between the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the second reception time of the first signal is the time when the second device receives the first signal, and the transmission time of the second signal is the time when the second device transmits the second signal;

[0051] The processor is also configured to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, and time information.

[0052] The first device provided in the fourth aspect is used to implement the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and for details, please refer to the description in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0053] Fifthly, a calibration device is provided, comprising: a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor. Wherein:

[0054] The first antenna is used to receive a first signal from another device to obtain the reception time of the first signal, which is the time when the calibration device receives the first signal using the first antenna.

[0055] A second antenna is used to transmit a second signal; a processor is used to obtain the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal.

[0056] The first antenna is also used to receive the second signal in order to obtain the reception time of the second signal;

[0057] The processor is also configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, the time information including the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information being the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the transmit / receive delay being the difference between the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal;

[0058] The second antenna is also used to send calibration time information to another device.

[0059] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, where the time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the processor is configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0060] The processor is used to maintain the reception time of the first signal and add a channel hardware delay to the transmission time of the second signal, the value of which is based on the reception time and transmission time of the second signal.

[0061] Alternatively, the processor is used to subtract the channel hardware delay from the reception time of the first signal and maintain the transmission time of the second signal;

[0062] Alternatively, the processor is configured to subtract a first value from the reception time of the first signal and add a second value to the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the sum of the first and second values ​​is the channel hardware delay.

[0063] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, when the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the processor is configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0064] When the second signal is a response to the first signal, the processor adds the channel hardware delay to the transmit / receive delay, the value of which is based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal; when the first signal is a response to the second signal, the processor subtracts the channel hardware delay from the transmit / receive delay.

[0065] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the processor is further configured to determine the channel hardware delay based on the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0066] The first device provided in the fifth aspect is used to implement the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, and for details, please refer to the description in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, implement the methods of any of the above aspects and their respective embodiments.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the methods described in any of the preceding aspects to be implemented.

[0069] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a communication device, causes the methods described in any of the preceding aspects to be implemented.

[0070] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through eight can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a signal propagation process provided in this application;

[0072] Figure 2a A flowchart illustrating a fine time measurement method provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of another fine time measurement process provided for this application;

[0074] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining propagation time provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a signal propagation process provided for this application;

[0079] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another method for obtaining propagation time provided in this application.

[0080] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another signal propagation process provided for this application;

[0081] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a time calibration method provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the interaction process for a method of obtaining propagation time provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first device provided in this application;

[0084] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a calibration device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0086] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0087] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0088] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0089] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0090] The time it takes for a wireless signal to travel from one device to another is proportional to the distance between the two devices. Because the internal clocks of the two devices may be out of sync, the one-way propagation time cannot be calculated based on the timestamps of the two devices. The calculation of the two-way propagation time does not require consideration of clock skew between the devices.

[0091] Taking the round trip time (RTT) as an example, the two-way propagation time of the signal, such as Figure 1 As shown, device A sends signal 1 to device B at time T1, and device B receives signal 2 at time T2. Then, device B sends signal 2 back to device A at time T3, and device A receives signal 2 at time T4. Therefore, the RTT in this scenario is equal to (T4-T1)-(T3-T2)=2D / c, where D is the distance between device A and device B, and c is the speed of light.

[0092] To accurately calculate RTT, T1, T2, T3, and T4 need to be air interface times. For example, T1 and T3 are the times when the device transmits a signal over the air interface, and T2 and T4 are the times when the device receives a signal over the air interface. However, in practical applications, usually only the time recorded by the device's internal hardware is available, and the hardware-recorded time is not the air interface time. For example, after the device records the signal transmission time, the signal continues to be transmitted internally until it is transmitted out over the air interface through the transmitting antenna. Additionally, after the device receives a signal from the air interface using the receiving antenna, the signal continues to be transmitted internally until it reaches the recorded reception time, at which point the device records the reception time. Therefore, there is a time delay between the recorded time of the device's transmission and reception of wireless signals and the actual transmission and reception time of the wireless signal over the air interface.

[0093] based on Figure 1 The example shown assumes that the time recorded by the internal hardware of the device is T1′, T2′, T3′, T4′, and that it satisfies the following relationship with the air interface time:

[0094] T1=T1′+t A_TX T2 = T2′ - t B_RX ;

[0095] T3=T3′+t B_TX T4 = T4′ - t A_RX ;

[0096] Therefore, (T4-T1)-(T3-T2)=(T4′-T1′)-t A_cali -(T3′-T2′)-t B_cali , t A_cali =t A_TX +t A_RX , t B_cali =t B_TX +t B_RX , t A_TX For the hardware latency of the transmission channel of device A, t A_RX For the receive channel hardware delay of device A, t B_TX For the hardware latency of the transmission channel of device B, t B_RX This refers to the hardware latency of the receiving channel for device B.

[0097] In this application, the transmit channel delay may refer to the delay of the radio frequency channel used for signal transmission; the receive channel delay may refer to the delay of the radio frequency channel used for signal reception. Alternatively, the transmit channel delay may include the delay of the radio frequency channel used for signal transmission and the delay of baseband processing used for signal generation; the receive channel delay may include the delay of the radio frequency channel used for signal reception and the delay of baseband processing used for signal reception.

[0098] Based on the above analysis, it is clear that accurate channel hardware delay is required to obtain precise signal propagation time. Currently, the following two methods are commonly used to obtain or calibrate channel hardware delay:

[0099] Method 1: Obtain the channel hardware latency before the equipment leaves the factory.

[0100] Before the equipment leaves the factory, the channel hardware latency can be measured using instruments or other means. In reality, there will be differences in channel hardware latency between different channels of a single device, between different devices in the same batch, and between different batches of devices. These differences can reach the nanosecond (ns) level.

[0101] In this method, if only a small number of devices are measured to obtain a single channel hardware delay value, which is then used to compensate for all devices, an error on the order of nanoseconds (ns) will be introduced. However, 3 ns corresponds to a distance of 1 meter (m), so an ns-level delay error will lead to a significant distance error. If measurements are performed individually for each batch, each device, and each channel, it will introduce enormous labor and time costs.

[0102] Furthermore, this method only performs a single measurement before the equipment leaves the factory. However, in actual operating environments, factors such as temperature and equipment aging can cause changes in the hardware latency of the equipment's channels, resulting in the measurement value at the factory not reflecting the latency during actual use.

[0103] Method 2: During equipment operation, calibrate the channel hardware latency based on a period or other triggering conditions.

[0104] like Figure 2a The diagram illustrates a fine time measurement (FTM) procedure defined by the 802.11mc protocol. This procedure is executed by an initiating STA and a responding STA, and includes a negotiation phase and a measurement phase. The negotiation phase establishes the FTM measurement session, while the measurement phase involves frame exchanges between the two devices to measure the real-time time (RTT). The measurement phase comprises multiple bursts, each containing multiple frame exchanges. Specifically, FTM_1(0,0) in the negotiation phase is a response to the initiation of the FTM request. The FTM_2(0,0) frame is used for measurement.

[0105] like Figure 2b The diagram shows another FTM procedure. In this procedure, FTM_1(0,0) serves both as the response to the FTM request and as a measurement.

[0106] For the two FTM processes mentioned above, the existing technology proposes the following four calibration opportunities:

[0107] One approach is to perform a calibration once during chip startup, or periodically at set intervals. In this method, the calibration is not coupled with the actual measurement process.

[0108] Timing 2: After each negotiation is completed and an FTM measurement session is established, a calibration is performed. The transmission and reception times of all frames during this session are calibrated using this calibration value.

[0109] Thirdly, a calibration is performed before the start of each Burst, and the transmission and reception times of all frames within that Burst are calibrated using this calibration value.

[0110] Timing 4: Perform a calibration before each FTM frame is sent.

[0111] In the above scheme, the calibration process is completely independent of the measurement process. The calibration process requires the interruption of other services. If the calibration process requires frame interaction, then calibration will result in additional air interface overhead, and the more frequent the calibration, the greater the air interface overhead. The air interface overhead corresponding to the above-mentioned timings one through four gradually increases.

[0112] Furthermore, the calibration process is completely independent of the measurement process. Calibration is performed first, and then measurement is performed after a period of time. During this period, the external environment and the channel conditions of the equipment itself may change, which may cause the channel hardware delay obtained from calibration to fail to reflect the delay during measurement, thus causing a large error and reducing performance.

[0113] Based on this, this application provides a propagation time acquisition method. This method can use the signal itself of the measurement service to perform a channel hardware delay calibration process, which can improve service continuity, reduce overhead, and save air interface resources. Furthermore, since the measurement process is integrated into the calibration process, there is no time interval between the calibration and measurement processes, reducing the impact of changes in the external environment and channel conditions on performance. This makes the channel hardware delay used in calculating the signal propagation time more accurate, thereby improving the accuracy of the signal propagation time.

[0114] The solutions of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be used in various communication systems, such as wireless local area networks (WLAN), Bluetooth, Zigbee, cellular mobile networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or other next-generation communication systems.

[0115] First, this application provides a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication system includes a first device and a second device. The first device can act as the initiator of a signal propagation time measurement, and correspondingly, the second device acts as the responder of a signal propagation time measurement; alternatively, the first device can act as the responder of a signal propagation time measurement, and correspondingly, the second device acts as the initiator of a signal propagation time measurement.

[0116] As one possible implementation, when the technical solution of this application is used in a WLAN scenario, one of the first device and the second device can be an access point station (AP STA) and the other can be a non-access point station (non-AP STA); or, both the first device and the second device can be AP STAs; or, both the first device and the second device can be non-AP STAs, without limitation. For ease of description, AP STA will be described as AP in the following embodiments of this application.

[0117] As an example, please see Figure 3 The diagram shows an architecture diagram of a communication system provided in this application. Figure 3 Taking this communication system, which includes AP1, AP2, non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2, and non-AP STA3, as an example, it should be understood that... Figure 3 The number of AP and non-AP STAs listed is just an example; there could be more or fewer.

[0118] For example, in Figure 3 In the communication system shown, AP1 can be the first device, and non-AP STA1 or non-AP STA2 can be the second device. Alternatively, non-AP STA2 can be the first device, and non-AP STA3 can be the second device. Or, AP1 can be the first device, and AP2 can be the second device.

[0119] As another possible implementation, when the technical solution of this application embodiment is used in a cellular mobile network, one of the first device and the second device can be a terminal, and the other can be an access network device; or, both the first device and the second device can be terminals, without limitation.

[0120] As an example, please see Figure 4 This illustrates an architecture diagram of another communication system provided in this application. Figure 4 Taking this communication system, which includes access network equipment, terminal 1, terminal 2, terminal 3, and terminal 4, as an example, it should be understood that... Figure 4 The number of access network devices and terminals mentioned is just an example; there could be more or fewer.

[0121] For example, in Figure 4 In the communication system shown, the access network device can be the first device, and terminal 1 can be the second device. Alternatively, terminal 2 can be the first device, and terminal 3 can be the second device.

[0122] The communication system described in this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0123] The relevant functions of the first or second device involved in this application can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or by one or more functional modules within one device, or by one or more chips, or by a system on a chip (SOC) or chip system. A chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0124] The aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0125] In one possible implementation, the relevant functions of the first or second device involved in this application can be achieved through... Figure 5 This is achieved through communication device 50. See also Figure 5 The communication device 50 includes a processor 501, a transceiver 503, and multiple antennas. This embodiment uses antennas 504 and 505 as an example. In practice, the device may also include three or more antennas. Optionally, the communication device 50 may also include a memory 502.

[0126] The processor 501, memory 502 and transceiver 503 can be connected via a communication bus (not shown in the figure).

[0127] Processor 501 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire communication device, executing software programs, and processing software program data. Processor 501 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the scheme described in this application. Processor 501 can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, processor 501 can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0128] Memory 502 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Memory 502 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. Memory 502 can exist independently and be connected to processor 501 via a communication bus. Memory 502 can also be integrated with processor 501.

[0129] In this embodiment, memory 502 stores a computer program, which includes program instructions. Processor 501 invokes the computer program, and cooperating transceiver 503 implements the propagation time acquisition method or time calibration method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0130] Transceiver 503 is used to perform the device's transmit and receive operations. Optionally, see... Figure 5The transceiver 503 includes a baseband processing circuit 5031 and a radio frequency (RF) processing circuit 5032. The baseband processing circuit 5031 includes a signal generation circuit and a signal receiving circuit. The signal generation circuit and the signal receiving circuit can be two independent circuits, or they can share some circuitry. The signal generation circuit is used to generate and transmit signals. The signal receiving circuit is used to receive and process signals. The RF processing circuit 5032 includes a chain 1 and a chain 2. Chain 1 can be enabled as a transmit channel or a receive channel, and so can chain 2. This embodiment uses the example of chain 1 being enabled as a transmit channel and chain 2 being enabled as a receive channel. Optionally, chain 1 may include a filter, a digital-to-analog converter, and a power amplifier, etc. Chain 2 may include a filter, an analog-to-digital converter, and a power amplifier, etc. Chain 1 and chain 2 can be independent of each other, or they can share some components.

[0131] See Figure 5 Channel 1 is connected to the signal generation circuit and is also connected to antenna 504, meaning antenna 504 is the transmitting antenna. Channel 2 is connected to the signal receiving circuit and is also connected to antenna 505, meaning antenna 505 is the receiving antenna. The signal generated by the signal generation circuit in the baseband processing circuit 5031 is transmitted through channel 1 in the radio frequency processing circuit 5032 and then transmitted by antenna 504. The signal received by antenna 505 is transmitted through channel 2 in the radio frequency processing circuit 5032 to the signal receiving circuit in the baseband processing circuit 5031. This signal is then processed by the signal receiving circuit or further transmitted to processor 501 for processing.

[0132] The baseband processing circuit 5031 described above is implemented in hardware. In some implementations, the baseband processing function can also be implemented in software. For example, the baseband processing function can be implemented in the processor, that is, the baseband processing module is integrated in the processor. This application does not limit this. For ease of distinction, this application refers to the hardware that implements the baseband processing function as a baseband processing circuit and the software that implements the baseband processing function as a baseband processing module.

[0133] The recording time of signals received or transmitted by the communication device 50 can be acquired by the transceiver 503, specifically in the baseband processing circuit 5031, the radio frequency processing circuit 5032, or anywhere between them. For example, the recording time of signals transmitted by the communication device 50 can be the time when the signal reaches the output of the signal generation circuit in the baseband processing circuit 5031, specifically the time when the signal is emitted by the signal generation circuit as recorded by the signal generation circuit. The baseband processing circuit 5031 is implemented in hardware, and this recording time is the hardware recording time. In some embodiments, the baseband processing function can be implemented in software, and the signal transmission and reception time recorded by the baseband processing module is the software recording time. For another example, the recording time of signals transmitted by the communication device 50 can also be the time when the signal reaches the filter or other devices in channel 1 of the radio frequency processing circuit 5032. The recording time of signals received by the communication device 50 can be referred to the relevant description of the recording time of signals transmitted, and will not be repeated here.

[0134] Figure 5 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication equipment, except... Figure 5 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0135] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0136] See Figure 6 When the first device acts as the measurement responder and the second device acts as the measurement initiator, the propagation time acquisition method provided in this application embodiment includes:

[0137] S601, The first device transmits a first signal through the first antenna.

[0138] Optionally, the first antenna may only have a transmitting function. Alternatively, the first antenna may have both transmitting and receiving functions. In this application, the first antenna operates in a transmitting state, that is, this application uses the transmitting function of the first antenna.

[0139] As one possible implementation, the first device can select a first antenna from a plurality of antennas based on the received signal strength indication (RSSI) of historical signals received by the first device's antennas. For example, the first antenna can be the antenna with the strongest, weakest, or intermediate RSSI of the received historical signals.

[0140] As another possible implementation, the first device may select any one of its multiple antennas as the first antenna, and this application does not limit this.

[0141] Optionally, the first signal can be a signal of a service between the first device and the second device. For example, when this method is applied to the FTM process, the first device is a responding station, the service is an FTM service, and correspondingly, the first signal is a signal carrying an FTM frame.

[0142] Optionally, when this method is applied to the FTM process, before step S601, the method may further include: the first device receiving an FTM request frame from the second device, the FTM request frame being used to request measurement of the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device. Correspondingly, step S601 can be: based on the FTM request frame, the first device transmits a first signal through a first antenna. That is, receiving the FTM request frame from the second device can serve as a trigger condition for step S601.

[0143] Optionally, the first device may record the transmission time T1′ of the first signal inside the device.

[0144] S602. The first device receives the first signal via the second antenna to obtain the first reception time T5′ of the first signal. The first reception time of the first signal is the time it takes for the first device to receive the first signal via the second antenna.

[0145] As one possible implementation, the first device can select one antenna from multiple antennas as the second antenna before step S602, based on the RSSI of historical signals received by the multiple antennas of the first device. In step S602, the first signal is received through the selected antenna, and the time of receiving the first signal recorded by the radio frequency processing circuit or baseband processing circuit (or baseband processing module) connected to the antenna is taken as the first reception time T5′ of the first signal. For example, when the first device selects the second antenna based on the RSSI of historical signals received by multiple antennas, if the first antenna is the antenna with the strongest RSSI of the received historical signal, the second antenna can be the antenna with the strongest RSSI of the received historical signal other than the first antenna, that is, the second antenna can be the antenna with the second strongest RSSI of the received historical signal.

[0146] As another possible implementation, the first device may select any antenna other than the first antenna as the second antenna to receive the first signal, so as to obtain the first reception time T5′ of the first signal.

[0147] As another possible implementation, in step S602, the first device can receive the first signal through all antennas except the first antenna (denoted as N antennas). The radio frequency processing circuit or baseband processing circuit (or baseband processing module) connected to these N antennas records the time of receiving the first signal, thus obtaining the reception times of the N first signals. Then, the first device takes the earliest of the N reception times as the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, and the antenna corresponding to this time is the second antenna. Alternatively, the first device can take the antenna with the strongest RSSI of the first signal received from the N antennas as the second antenna, and the time recorded by the radio frequency processing circuit or baseband processing circuit (or baseband processing module) connected to this antenna is the first reception time T5′ of the first signal.

[0148] As another possible implementation, the second antenna may include all antennas in the first device except for the first antenna. Accordingly, in this implementation, the first reception time of the first signal is the average time of receiving the first signal recorded by the radio frequency processing circuit or baseband processing circuit (or baseband processing module) connected to each antenna.

[0149] S603, The first device receives the second signal from the second device via the second antenna to obtain the reception time T4′ of the second signal.

[0150] The second signal is a response to the first signal. For example, when this method is applied to FTM, the first signal is a signal carrying an FTM frame, and the second signal is a signal carrying an acknowledgment (ACK) frame.

[0151] The antenna used to receive the second signal in step S603 is the same antenna used to receive the first signal in step S602. That is, the antenna used to receive the first signal in step S602 is the same antenna used to receive the second signal in step S603.

[0152] Optionally, in step S602, the first device can receive the first signal through all antennas except the first antenna (denoted as N antennas) and record the reception times of the N first signals. In step S603, the second signal is then received through the same N antennas, and the reception times of the N second signals are recorded. The reception times of the first signal and the second signal corresponding to the same antenna can form a set of times, and the first device can arbitrarily select one set from the N sets of times as the first reception time T5′ of the first signal and the second reception time T4′ of the second signal.

[0153] S604, The first device acquires time information.

[0154] The time information includes the second reception time T2 of the first signal and the transmission time T3 of the second signal. Alternatively, the time information is the transmit / receive delay ΔT of the second device, which is the difference between the second reception time T2 of the first signal and the transmission time T3 of the second signal. When the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transmit / receive delay is the transmission time T3 of the second signal minus the second reception time T2 of the first signal, i.e., ΔT = T3 - T2.

[0155] Wherein, the second reception time T2 of the first signal is the time when the second device receives the first signal, and the transmission time T3 of the second signal is the time when the second device transmits the second signal.

[0156] Optionally, the second reception time T2 of the first signal and the transmission time T3 of the second signal can be the time recorded internally by the second device, or the time after the second device calibrates the internally recorded time, without limitation.

[0157] Optionally, the first device acquiring time information may include: the first device receiving time information from the second device. In this scenario, the time information may be requested by the first device from the second device, or it may be actively sent by the second device to the first device; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0158] S605. The first device determines the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, the reception time T4′ of the second signal, and time information.

[0159] Optionally, the signal propagation time can be RTT, or it can be the one-way propagation time of the signal. The one-way propagation time of the signal can be half of RTT, i.e., RTT / 2.

[0160] Optionally, when the signal propagation time is RTT, RTT, the reception time of the second signal T4′, the first reception time of the first signal T5′, the transmission time of the second signal T3, and the second reception time of the first signal T2 satisfy the following formula (1), or various variations of formula (1):

[0161] RTT=(T4′-T5′)-(T3-T2) (1)

[0162] Alternatively, RTT, the reception time T4′ of the second signal, the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, and the transmit / receive delay ΔT satisfy the following formula (2), or various variations of formula (2):

[0163] RTT=(T4′-T5′)-ΔT (2)

[0164] Furthermore, the first device can determine the signal propagation time based on the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, the reception time T4′ of the second signal, the aforementioned time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0165] Optionally, when the signal propagation time is RTT, RTT, the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, the reception time T4′ of the second signal, the second reception time T2 of the first signal, and the transmission time T3 of the second signal satisfy the following formula (3), or various variations of formula (3):

[0166] RTT=(T4′-T5′)-(T3-T2)+d / c (3)

[0167] Alternatively, RTT, the first reception time T5′ of the first signal, the reception time T4′ of the second signal, and the transmit / receive delay ΔT satisfy the following formula (4), or various variations of formula (4):

[0168] RTT=(T4′-T5′)-ΔT+d / c (4)

[0169] Where d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c represents the speed of wireless signal propagation in the air medium, which is usually taken as the speed of light.

[0170] Optionally, the first device can also determine the channel hardware delay of the first device based on the transmission time T1′ and the first reception time T5′ of the first signal recorded internally by the first device. This channel hardware delay may include the transmit channel hardware delay corresponding to the first antenna and the receive channel hardware delay corresponding to the second antenna.

[0171] For example, the channel hardware delay t of the first device cali_1 The transmission time T1′ and the reception time T5′ of the first signal recorded inside the first device can satisfy the following formula (5), or various variations of formula (5):

[0172] t cali_1 =T5′-T1′ (5)

[0173] Furthermore, when determining the channel hardware delay of the first device, the first device can also consider the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna. For example, the channel hardware delay t of the first device... cali_1 It can satisfy the following formula (6), or various transformations of formula (6):

[0174] t cali_1 =T5′-T1′-d / c (6)

[0175] Optionally, after acquiring the channel hardware delay, the first device can calibrate the internally recorded transmission time T1′ of the first signal and reception time T4′ of the second signal based on the channel hardware delay, to obtain the calibrated transmission time T1′ of the first signal and reception time T4′ of the second signal. For example, T1′, T1, T4′, and T4 can satisfy the following relationship:

[0176]

[0177] The sum of x1 and x2 equals the channel hardware delay.

[0178] For example, taking the first device as the AP and the second device as the non-AP STA, the first antenna as Ant1 and the second antenna as Ant2, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the first device transmits a first signal via Ant1, and the internally recorded transmission time of the first signal is T1′. The time the first signal is transmitted from the air interface via the first antenna is T1. Both the second device and the first device's Ant2 receive the first signal. The second device receives the first signal at time T2, and the first device receives the first signal from the air interface via the second antenna at time T5. The internally recorded reception time of the first signal is T5′. After receiving the first signal, the second device transmits a second signal to the first device at time T3. The first device receives the second signal from the air interface via the second antenna at time T4, and the internally recorded reception time of the second signal is T4′. Figure 7 In the example shown:

[0179]

[0180] Among them, t cali_1 =t TX1 +t RX2 , t TX1 For the hardware latency of the transmit channel corresponding to Ant1, t RX2 This represents the hardware delay of the receiving channel corresponding to Ant2. Ignoring the impact of the distance between the first and second antennas on the delay, based on the time recorded by the first device during its self-transmission and self-reception of the first signal, we can obtain:

[0181] T5′-T1′=t TX1 +t RX2 =t cali_1 (9)

[0182] Substituting formula (9) into formula (8) yields:

[0183]

[0184] When considering the effect of the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna on the time delay, based on the time recorded by the first device during its self-transmission and self-reception of the first signal, we can obtain:

[0185] T5′-T1′=t TX1 +t RX2 +d / c=t cali_1 +d / c (11)

[0186] Substituting formula (11) into formula (8) yields:

[0187]

[0188] In other words, the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device can be determined by the time the first device receives the first signal and the second signal, as recorded by the first device, and the time the second device receives the first signal and sends the second signal.

[0189] In the propagation time acquisition method provided in this application embodiment, a first device, acting as a measurement response end, transmits a first signal to a second device via a first antenna and receives the first signal via a second antenna, recording the time of receiving the first signal. Furthermore, it also receives a second signal from the second device via the second antenna and records the time of receiving the second signal. Finally, the signal propagation time between the first and second devices is determined based on the recorded time of receiving the first signal, the recorded time of receiving the second signal, and the time when the second device receives the first signal and transmits the second signal.

[0190] In other words, the first device can acquire the channel hardware delay of the device simultaneously with the propagation time measurement through self-transmission and self-reception. That is, in the scheme of this application, the calibration of the channel hardware delay and the measurement of the signal propagation time can be performed concurrently without interrupting the measurement service. Furthermore, the calibration process uses the signal from the measurement service, eliminating the need for additional air interface overhead, thus improving service continuity, reducing overhead, and saving air interface resources. In addition, the calibration process uses the signal from the measurement service, and there is no time interval between the calibration and measurement processes, reducing the impact of changes in the external environment and channel conditions on performance. This makes the channel hardware delay used in the signal propagation time calculation more accurate, thereby improving the accuracy of the signal propagation time.

[0191] The above describes a scheme where the first device acts as the measurement responder and the second device acts as the measurement initiator. The following section uses the example of the first device acting as the measurement initiator and the second device acting as the measurement responder to illustrate another method for obtaining propagation time provided in this application. Figure 8 As shown, the scheme and Figure 6 The solutions shown are similar, the difference being: Figure 6In the illustrated scheme, when the first device acts as the measurement responder and the second device acts as the measurement initiator, the second signal is a response to the first signal. Figure 8 In the illustrated scheme, when the first device acts as the measurement initiator and the second device acts as the measurement responder, the first signal is a response to the second signal. See also Figure 8 The method includes the following steps:

[0192] S801, the first device receives a second signal from the second device via the second antenna to obtain the reception time T2′ of the second signal.

[0193] Optionally, the second signal can be a signal of a service between the first device and the second device. For example, when this method is applied to an FTM process, the first device is the initiating site, the service is an FTM service, and correspondingly, the second signal is a signal carrying an FTM frame.

[0194] S802, The first device transmits a first signal through the first antenna.

[0195] In this method, the first signal is a response to the second signal. For example, when this method is applied to FTM, the second signal is a signal carrying the FTM frame, and the first signal is a signal carrying the ACK frame.

[0196] Optionally, the first device may also record the transmission time T3′ of the first signal.

[0197] S803. The first device receives the first signal via the second antenna to obtain the first reception time T6′ of the first signal. The first reception time of the first signal is the time it takes for the first device to receive the first signal via the second antenna.

[0198] The antenna used to receive the first signal in step S803 is the same antenna used to receive the second signal in step S801. That is, the antenna used to receive the second signal in step S801 is the same antenna used to receive the first signal in step S803.

[0199] S804, The first device acquires time information.

[0200] The time information includes the second reception time T4 of the first signal and the transmission time T1 of the second signal. Alternatively, the time information is the transmission and reception delay ΔT of the second device. When the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transmission and reception delay is the second reception time T4 of the first signal minus the transmission time T1 of the second signal, i.e., ΔT = T4 - T1.

[0201] Optionally, the first device acquiring time information may include: the first device receiving time information from the second device. Refer to the relevant description in step S604 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0202] S805. The first device determines the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time T6′ of the first signal, the reception time T2′ of the second signal, and time information.

[0203] Optionally, when the signal propagation time is RTT, RTT, the reception time of the second signal T2′, the first reception time of the first signal T6′, the transmission time of the second signal T1, and the second reception time of the first signal T4 satisfy the following formula (13), or various variations of formula (13):

[0204] RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6′-T2′) (13)

[0205] Alternatively, the RTT, the reception time T2′ of the second signal, the first reception time T6′ of the first signal, and the transmit / receive delay ΔT satisfy the following formula (14), or various variations of formula (14):

[0206] RTT=ΔT-(T6′-T2′) (14)

[0207] Furthermore, the first device can determine the signal propagation time based on the first reception time T6′ of the first signal, the reception time T2′ of the second signal, the aforementioned time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0208] Optionally, when the signal propagation time is RTT, RTT, the first reception time T6′ of the first signal, the reception time T2′ of the second signal, the second reception time T4 of the first signal, and the transmission time T1 of the second signal satisfy the following formula (15), or various variations of formula (15):

[0209] RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6′-T2′)+d / c (15)

[0210] Alternatively, RTT, the first reception time T6′ of the first signal, the reception time T2′ of the second signal, and the transmit / receive delay ΔT satisfy the following formula (16), or various variations of formula (16):

[0211] RTT=ΔT-(T6′-T2′)+d / c (16)

[0212] Where d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c represents the speed of wireless signal propagation in the air medium, which is usually taken as the speed of light.

[0213] Optionally, the first device can also determine the channel hardware delay based on the transmission time T3′ and the reception time T6′ of the first signal recorded internally by the first device. (See reference...) Figure 6The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0214] For example, taking the first device as the AP and the second device as the non-AP STA, the first antenna as Ant1 and the second antenna as Ant2, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the second device sends a second signal to the first device at time T1. The first device receives the second signal from the air interface via the second antenna at time T2, and the internally recorded reception time of the second signal is T2′. After receiving the second signal, the first device sends the first signal via Ant1. The internally recorded transmission time of the first signal is T3′, and the first signal is transmitted from the air interface via the first antenna at time T3. Both the second device and the first device's Ant2 receive the first signal. The second device receives the first signal at time T4, and the first device receives the first signal from the air interface via the second antenna at time T6, and the internally recorded reception time of the first signal is T6′. Figure 11 In the example shown:

[0215]

[0216] Among them, t cali_1 =t TX1 +t RX2 , t TX1 For the hardware latency of the transmission channel corresponding to Ant1, t RX2 This represents the hardware delay of the receiving channel corresponding to Ant2. Ignoring the impact of the distance between the first and second antennas on the delay, based on the time recorded by the first device during its self-transmission and self-reception of the first signal, we can obtain:

[0217] T6′-T3′=t TX1 +t RX2 =t cali_1 (18)

[0218] Substituting formula (18) into formula (17) yields:

[0219]

[0220] When considering the effect of the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna on the time delay, based on the time recorded by the first device during its self-transmission and self-reception of the first signal, we can obtain:

[0221] T6′-T3′=t TX1 +t RX2 +d / c=t cali_1 +d / c (20)

[0222] Substituting formula (20) into formula (17) yields:

[0223]

[0224] In other words, the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device can be determined by the time the first device receives the first signal and the second signal, as recorded by the first device, and the time the second device receives the first signal and sends the second signal.

[0225] Based on this scheme, the measurement initiator can simultaneously perform channel hardware delay calibration and signal propagation time measurement, thereby improving service continuity, reducing overhead, and saving air interface resources. Furthermore, the calibration process uses the signal from the measurement service, and there is no time interval between the calibration and measurement processes. This reduces the impact of changes in the external environment and channel conditions on performance, making the channel hardware delay used in signal propagation time calculation more accurate, thus improving the accuracy of signal propagation time.

[0226] In addition to the above Figure 6 and Figure 8 In addition to the propagation time acquisition method shown, this application also provides a time calibration method for calibrating signal transmission and reception time. See also Figure 10 The time calibration method includes the following steps:

[0227] S1001. The calibration equipment receives a first signal from another device via a first antenna to obtain the reception time of the first signal. The reception time of the first signal is the time it takes for the calibration equipment to receive the first signal using the first antenna.

[0228] Optionally, the calibration device can be the measurement initiator, and correspondingly, the other device can be the measurement responder. Alternatively, the calibration device can be the measurement responder, and correspondingly, the other device can be the measurement initiator.

[0229] Optionally, when the calibration device is the measurement initiator and the other device is the measurement responder, the reception time of the first signal can be expressed as T2′. When the calibration device is the measurement responder and the other device is the measurement initiator, the reception time of the first signal can be expressed as T4′. This application Figure 10 In the embodiments shown, the various formulas are represented by the example of a calibration device being the measurement initiator and another device being the measurement responder. When the calibration device is the measurement responder and another device is the measurement initiator, the labels in the formulas can be replaced accordingly.

[0230] S1002, The calibration equipment sends a second signal through the second antenna and obtains the transmission time of the second signal.

[0231] In the case where the calibration device acts as the measurement initiator and the other device acts as the measurement responder, the second signal is a response to the first signal, and the transmission time of the second signal can be expressed as T3′. In the case where the calibration device acts as the measurement responder and the other device acts as the measurement initiator, the first signal is a response to the second signal, and the transmission time of the second signal can be expressed as T1′. The first and second signals can be referred to the relevant explanations in steps S601 and S603 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] Optionally, the method for selecting the second antenna for the calibration device can refer to the relevant instructions for selecting the first antenna for the first device in step S601 above. The relevant instructions for the first antenna of the calibration device can refer to the relevant instructions for selecting the second antenna for the first device in step S602 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0233] Optionally, the transmission time of the second signal can be the time of transmission of the second signal recorded by the radio frequency processing circuit or baseband processing circuit (or baseband processing module) connected to the second antenna.

[0234] S1003. The calibration equipment receives the second signal through the first antenna to obtain the reception time of the second signal.

[0235] The antenna used to receive the second signal in step S1003 is the same antenna used to receive the first signal in step S1001. That is, the antenna used to receive the first signal in step S1001 is the same antenna used to receive the second signal in step S1003.

[0236] Optionally, when the calibration device is the measurement initiator and the other device is the measurement responder, the reception time of the second signal can be expressed as T6′. When the calibration device is the measurement responder and the other device is the measurement initiator, the reception time of the second signal can be expressed as T5′.

[0237] S1004. The calibration equipment adjusts the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information.

[0238] The time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, which is the difference between the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0239] Optionally, when the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transmit / receive delay is the transmission time of the second signal minus the second reception time of the first signal. When the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transmit / receive delay of the second device is the reception time of the first signal minus the transmission time of the second signal. Optionally, the calibration device can determine the channel hardware delay of the calibration device based on the transmission time of the second signal and the reception time of the second signal; that is, the value of the channel hardware delay is based on the transmission time of the second signal and the reception time of the second signal. Then, the calibration device can adjust the timing information based on the channel hardware delay to obtain calibration timing information. For example, the channel hardware delay may include the receive channel hardware delay corresponding to the first antenna and the transmit channel hardware delay corresponding to the second antenna.

[0240] As one possible implementation, the channel hardware delay t cali The transmission time and reception time of the second signal satisfy the following formula (22):

[0241] t cali =T6′-T3′ (22)

[0242] As another possible implementation, when determining the channel hardware delay of the calibration device, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna can also be considered. That is, the calibration device determines the channel hardware delay of the calibration device based on the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna. For example, the channel hardware delay of the calibration device can satisfy the following formula (23), or various variations of formula (23):

[0243] t cali =T6′-T3′-d / c (23)

[0244] Where d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c represents the speed of wireless signal propagation in the air medium, which is usually taken as the speed of light.

[0245] As one possible implementation, when the time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the calibration device adjusts the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, which can include the following three cases:

[0246] Scenario 1: Maintain the reception time of the first signal and add the channel hardware delay to the transmission time of the second signal, i.e., T2 = T2′, T3 = T3′ + t. cali Where T2 is the reception time of the first calibrated signal, and T3 is the transmission time of the second calibrated signal.

[0247] In other words, the reception time T2 of the first signal after calibration is equal to the reception time T2′ of the first signal before calibration, and the transmission time T3 of the second signal after calibration is the sum of the transmission time T3′ of the second signal before calibration and the channel hardware delay.

[0248] Case 2: Subtract the channel hardware delay from the reception time of the first signal, and maintain the transmission time of the second signal, i.e., T2 = T2′ - t cali ,T3=T3′.

[0249] In other words, the reception time T2 of the first signal after calibration is the difference between the reception time T2′ of the first signal before calibration and the channel hardware delay, and the transmission time T3 of the second signal after calibration is equal to the transmission time T3′ of the second signal before calibration.

[0250] Case 3: Subtract a first value from the reception time of the first signal and add a second value to the transmission time of the second signal. The sum of the first and second values ​​represents the channel hardware delay, i.e., T2 = T2′ - y1, T3 = T3′ + y2, y1 + y2 = t cali .

[0251] Where y1 is the first value and y2 is the second value. That is, the reception time T2 of the first signal after calibration is the difference between the reception time T2′ of the first signal before calibration and the first value, and the transmission time T3 of the second signal after calibration is the sum of the transmission time T3′ of the second signal before calibration and the second value.

[0252] As another possible implementation, when the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, adjusting the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information may include:

[0253] When the second signal is a response to the first signal, the channel hardware delay is added to the transmit / receive delay. When the first signal is a response to the second signal, the channel hardware delay is subtracted from the transmit / receive delay.

[0254] S1005. The calibration device sends calibration time information to another device.

[0255] Based on this scheme, the calibration equipment can acquire the channel hardware latency of the device while performing measurement services, reducing overhead and saving air interface resources. Furthermore, the calibration process uses the measurement service signal, improving the preparedness of the channel hardware latency. After the calibration equipment sends the calibrated time information to another device, the other device can use the calibrated time information to determine the signal propagation time, further improving the accuracy of the signal propagation time.

[0256] In this application, the above Figure 6and Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments can be combined with each other to form new embodiments. For example, Figure 6 The second device in the illustrated scheme can be Figure 10 The calibration equipment in the middle. Similarly, Figure 8 and Figure 10 The illustrated embodiments can also be combined with each other. That is, in steps S604 and S804 above, the time information obtained by the first device can be obtained by the second device. Figure 10 The time information after calibration using the method shown.

[0257] For example, the following are examples Figure 8 and Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment, using the example of a first device as the measurement initiator and a second device as the measurement responder, provides an exemplary description of the interaction process between the measurement initiator and the measurement responder. It is assumed that the measurement responder includes antennas 1 and 2, and the measurement initiator includes antennas 3 and 4. The second signal carries a measurement frame (e.g., an FTM frame), and the first signal carries a response frame (e.g., an ACK frame). Figure 11 The diagram shows the interaction flow between the measurement initiator and the measurement responder, including:

[0258] S1101, the measurement responder transmits a measurement frame via antenna 1. Correspondingly, the measurement initiator receives the measurement frame via antenna 3. The measurement responder receives the measurement frame via antenna 2.

[0259] Optionally, the measurement responder can obtain the transmission time T1′ of the measurement frame by sending a measurement frame through antenna 1. After receiving the measurement frame through antenna 2, the measurement responder can obtain the reception time T5′ of the measurement frame. After receiving the measurement frame through antenna 3, the measurement initiator can obtain the reception time T2′ of the measurement frame.

[0260] S1102, the measurement initiator sends a response frame via antenna 4. Correspondingly, the measurement responder receives the response frame via antenna 2. The measurement initiator receives the response frame via antenna 3.

[0261] Optionally, the measurement initiator receives the response frame via antenna 3 and can obtain the reception time T6′ of the response frame. The measurement responder receives the response frame via antenna 2 and can obtain the reception time T4′ of the response frame. Refer to the relevant explanations in steps S803, S1002, and S1003 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0262] S1103, The measurement response party obtains the calibrated time information.

[0263] The calibrated time information is based on the measurement frame reception time T5′, the measurement frame transmission time T1′, and the response frame reception time T4′. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1004 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0264] S1104. The measurement response party sends calibrated time information to the measurement initiator. Correspondingly, the measurement initiator receives calibrated time information from the measurement response party.

[0265] S1105, the measurement initiator determines the signal propagation time between the measurement initiator and the measurement responder based on the reception time T6′ of the response frame, the reception time T2′ of the measurement frame, and the calibrated time information. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S805 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0266] In the above embodiments, the signal propagation time between the measurement responder and the measurement initiator is determined as described. In another implementation scenario of this application, the measurement responder and the measurement initiator can send their respective calibrated time information to a third device, which then determines the signal propagation time based on the calibrated times from the measurement responder and the measurement initiator.

[0267] For example, the measurement responder can perform the above. Figure 10 The method shown obtains the transmission time T1 of the calibrated first signal and the reception time T4 of the second signal, and sends them to the third device. The measurement initiator also performs the above procedure. Figure 10 The method shown obtains the reception time T2 of the calibrated first signal and the transmission time T3 of the second signal, and sends them to a third device. After receiving T1, T4, T2, and T3, the third device can calculate the signal propagation time between the measurement responder and the measurement initiator. For example, it determines RTT = (T4 - T1) - (T3 - T2).

[0268] In the above embodiments, the application of the solution of this application to the FTM protocol is used as an example for illustration. It is understood that the solution of this application can also be applied to other standard or non-standard protocols related to RTT measurement, and is not limited thereto.

[0269] The above mainly describes the solutions provided in this application from the perspective of various devices. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device can be a first device in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in the first device; or, the communication device can be a second device in the above method embodiments, or a component that can be used in the second device.

[0270] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0271] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. The module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0272] In one implementation scenario, taking a communication device as the first device in the above method embodiment as an example. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first device 120 is shown. The first device 120 includes a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first device 120 may further include a storage module ( Figure 12 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0274] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or an input / output interface.

[0275] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which may be used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the first device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1201 may be used to execute the processing steps (e.g., determining, acquiring, etc.) performed by the first device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein. For example:

[0276] Transceiver module 1202 is used to transmit a first signal through a first antenna;

[0277] The transceiver module 1202 is also used to receive the first signal via the second antenna to obtain the first reception time of the first signal, wherein the first reception time of the first signal is the time when the first device receives the first signal via the second antenna;

[0278] The transceiver module 1202 is also used to receive a second signal from a second device via a second antenna to obtain the reception time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal;

[0279] The processing module 1201 is used to acquire time information, which includes the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the transmission and reception delay of the second device; the transmission and reception delay is the difference between the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the second reception time of the first signal is the time when the second device receives the first signal, and the transmission time of the second signal is the time when the second device sends the second signal;

[0280] The processing module 1201 is also used to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, and time information.

[0281] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the time information, including: the processing module 1201 is further configured to determine the signal propagation time based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, the time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0282] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0283] In this application, the first device 120 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above-mentioned functions.

[0284] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the first device 120 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 5 The communication device 50 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0285] As an example, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 50 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 502 to implement this.Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1201 can be obtained through Figure 5 This is achieved using the transceiver 503 and antenna in the communication device 50 shown.

[0286] Since the first device 120 provided in this embodiment can perform the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] In one implementation scenario, taking a communication device as the calibration equipment in the above method embodiment as an example. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a calibration device 130 is shown. The calibration device 130 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302.

[0288] In some embodiments, the calibration device 130 may further include a storage module. Figure 13 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0289] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1302 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or an input / output interface.

[0290] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, which may be used to perform the receiving and transmitting steps performed by the calibration device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1301 may be used to perform the processing steps (e.g., determining, acquiring, etc.) performed by the calibration device in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein. For example:

[0291] The transceiver module 1302 is used to receive a first signal from another device to obtain the reception time of the first signal, wherein the reception time of the first signal is the time when the calibration device receives the first signal with the first antenna.

[0292] The transceiver module 1302 is used to send a second signal; the processor is used to obtain the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal;

[0293] The transceiver module 1302 is also used to receive a second signal in order to obtain the reception time of the second signal;

[0294] The processing module 1301 is further configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information. The time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, and the transmit / receive delay is the difference between the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0295] The transceiver module 1302 is also used to send calibration time information to another device.

[0296] Optionally, if the time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the processing module 1301 is used to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0297] The processing module 1301 is used to maintain the reception time of the first signal and add a channel hardware delay to the transmission time of the second signal. The value of the channel hardware delay is based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal.

[0298] Alternatively, the processing module 1301 is used to subtract the channel hardware delay from the reception time of the first signal and maintain the transmission time of the second signal.

[0299] Alternatively, the processing module 1301 is used to subtract a first value from the reception time of the first signal and add a second value to the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the sum of the first value and the second value is the channel hardware delay.

[0300] Optionally, if the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the processing module 1301 is used to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0301] When the second signal is a response to the first signal, the processing module 1301 adds the channel hardware delay to the transmit / receive delay, the value of which is based on the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal; when the first signal is a response to the second signal, the processing module 1301 subtracts the channel hardware delay from the transmit / receive delay.

[0302] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is also configured to determine the channel hardware delay based on the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0303] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0304] In this application, the calibration device 130 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0305] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the calibration device 130 can be implemented in hardware using... Figure 5 The communication device 50 shown is in the form of [example device].

[0306] As an example, Figure 13 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1301 can be achieved through... Figure 5 The processor 501 in the communication device 50 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 502 to implement this. Figure 13 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1302 can be obtained through Figure 5 This is achieved using the transceiver 503 and antenna in the communication device 50 shown.

[0307] Since the calibration device 130 provided in this embodiment can perform the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0308] In one optional embodiment of this application, a first device is provided, comprising: a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor;

[0309] The first antenna is used to transmit the first signal;

[0310] The second antenna is used to receive the first signal in order to obtain the first reception time of the first signal, which is the time when the first device receives the first signal using the second antenna.

[0311] The second antenna is also used to receive a second signal from the second device to obtain the reception time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal;

[0312] The processor is used to acquire time information, which includes the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information is the transmission and reception delay of the second device; the transmission and reception delay is the difference between the second reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, where the second reception time of the first signal is the time when the second device receives the first signal, and the transmission time of the second signal is the time when the second device transmits the second signal;

[0313] The processor is also configured to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, and time information.

[0314] Optionally, the processor is further configured to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, and time information, including: the processor is further configured to determine the signal propagation time based on the first reception time of the first signal, the reception time of the second signal, time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0315] In another optional embodiment of this application, a calibration device is provided, comprising: a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor.

[0316] The first antenna is used to receive a first signal from another device to obtain the reception time of the first signal, which is the time when the calibration device receives the first signal using the first antenna.

[0317] A second antenna is used to transmit a second signal; a processor is used to obtain the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal.

[0318] The first antenna is also used to receive the second signal in order to obtain the reception time of the second signal;

[0319] The processor is also configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, the time information including the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, or the time information being the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the transmit / receive delay being the difference between the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal;

[0320] The second antenna is also used to send calibration time information to another device.

[0321] Optionally, if the time information includes the reception time of the first signal and the transmission time of the second signal, the processor is configured to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0322] The processor is used to maintain the reception time of the first signal and add a channel hardware delay to the transmission time of the second signal, the value of which is based on the reception time and transmission time of the second signal.

[0323] Alternatively, the processor is used to subtract the channel hardware delay from the reception time of the first signal and maintain the transmission time of the second signal.

[0324] Alternatively, the processor is configured to subtract a first value from the reception time of the first signal and add a second value to the transmission time of the second signal, wherein the sum of the first and second values ​​is the channel hardware delay.

[0325] Optionally, if the time information is the transmit / receive delay of the calibration device, the processor is used to adjust the time information according to the reception time of the second signal and the transmission time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, including:

[0326] When the second signal is a response to the first signal, the processor adds a channel hardware delay to the transmit / receive delay, the value of which is based on the reception time and transmission time of the second signal. When the first signal is a response to the second signal, the processor subtracts the channel hardware delay from the transmit / receive delay.

[0327] Optionally, the processor is also configured to determine the channel hardware delay based on the transmission time of the second signal, the reception time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0328] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0329] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0330] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0331] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)). In embodiments of this application, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0332] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0333] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A time of flight acquisition method characterized in that, The method is applied to a first device, and the method comprises: sending a first signal through a first antenna; receiving the first signal through a second antenna to obtain a first receiving time of the first signal, the first receiving time of the first signal being a time at which the first device receives the first signal using the second antenna; receiving a second signal from a second device through the second antenna to obtain a receiving time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal; obtaining time information, the time information comprising a second receiving time of the first signal and a sending time of the second signal, or the time information being a transceiving time delay of the second device, the transceiving time delay being a difference between the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal being a time at which the second device receives the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal being a time at which the second device sends the second signal; determining a signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal and the time information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transceiving time delay is the sending time of the second signal minus the second receiving time of the first signal. In the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transceiving time delay of the second device is the second receiving time of the first signal minus the sending time of the second signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The signal propagation time is a round trip time (RTT). In the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula: RTT=(T4'-T5')-(T3-T2) wherein T4' is the receiving time of the second signal, T5' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T3 is the sending time of the second signal, and T2 is the second receiving time of the first signal. In the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula: RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6'-T2') wherein T4 is the second receiving time of the first signal, T1 is the sending time of the second signal, T6' is the first receiving time of the first signal, and T2' is the receiving time of the second signal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination of the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal and the time information comprises: The signal propagation time is determined according to a first receiving time of the first signal, a receiving time of the second signal, the time information, and a distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The signal propagation time is RTT; In the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula: RTT=(T4'-T5')-(T3-T2)+d / c wherein T4' is the receiving time of the second signal, T5' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T3 is the sending time of the second signal, T2 is the second receiving time of the first signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light; In the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula: RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6'-T2')+d / c wherein T4 is the second receiving time of the first signal, T1 is the sending time of the second signal, T6' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T2' is the receiving time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

6. A method of time calibration, characterized by, The method is applied to a calibration device, and the method comprises: receiving a first signal from another device through a first antenna to obtain a receiving time of the first signal, wherein the receiving time of the first signal is a time when the calibration device receives the first signal by using the first antenna; sending a second signal through a second antenna and obtaining a sending time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal; receiving the second signal through the first antenna to obtain a receiving time of the second signal; adjusting time information according to the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal to obtain calibration time information, wherein the time information comprises the receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal, or the time information is a transceiving time delay of the calibration device, and the transceiving time delay is a difference between the receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal; sending the calibration time information to the other device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, In the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transceiving time delay is the sending time of the second signal minus the receiving time of the first signal; In the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transceiving time delay of the second device is the receiving time of the first signal minus the sending time of the second signal.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The adjusting of the time information according to the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal to obtain the calibration time information comprises: maintaining the receiving time of the first signal, and adding the channel hardware delay to the sending time of the second signal, the value of the channel hardware delay being based on the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal; or, subtracting the channel hardware delay from the receiving time of the first signal, and maintaining the sending time of the second signal; or, subtracting a first value from the receiving time of the first signal, and adding a second value to the sending time of the second signal, wherein the sum of the first value and the second value is the channel hardware delay; or, when the second signal is a response to the first signal, adding the channel hardware delay to the transceiver delay, the value of the channel hardware delay being based on the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal; or, when the first signal is a response to the second signal, subtracting the channel hardware delay from the transceiver delay.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The channel hardware delay is the difference between the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the channel hardware delay according to the sending time of the second signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The channel hardware delay, the sending time of the second signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna satisfy the following formula: t cali = T6' - T3' - d / c wherein T6' is the receiving time of the second signal, T3' is the sending time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

12. A first device, comprising: The first device comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor; The first antenna is configured to send a first signal; The second antenna is configured to receive the first signal to obtain a first receiving time of the first signal, the first receiving time of the first signal being the time at which the first device receives the first signal using the second antenna; The second antenna is further configured to receive a second signal from a second device to obtain a receiving time of the second signal, wherein the second signal is a response to the first signal, or the first signal is a response to the second signal; The processor is configured to obtain time information, the time information comprising a second receiving time of the first signal and a sending time of the second signal, or the time information being a transceiver delay of the second device; the transceiver delay being the difference between the second receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal being the time at which the second device receives the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal being the time at which the second device sends the second signal; The processor is further configured to determine a signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the time information.

13. The first device of claim 12, wherein, The transceiving time delay is the sending time of the second signal minus the second receiving time of the first signal in the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal; The transceiving time delay of the second device is the second receiving time of the first signal minus the sending time of the second signal in the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal.

14. The first device of claim 12 or 13, wherein, The signal propagation time is a round trip time RTT; The RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula in the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal: RTT=(T4'-T5')-(T3-T2) Wherein, T4' is the receiving time of the second signal, T5' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T3 is the sending time of the second signal, and T2 is the second receiving time of the first signal; The RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula in the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal: RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6'-T2') Wherein, T4 is the second receiving time of the first signal, T1 is the sending time of the second signal, T6' is the first receiving time of the first signal, and T2' is the receiving time of the second signal.

15. The first device of claim 12 or 13, wherein, The processor is further configured to determine the signal propagation time between the first device and the second device according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the time information. The processor is further configured to determine the signal propagation time according to the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the time information, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

16. The first device of claim 15, wherein, The signal propagation time is a round trip time RTT; The RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula in the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal: RTT=(T4'-T5')-(T3-T2)+d / c Wherein, T4' is the receiving time of the second signal, T5' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T3 is the sending time of the second signal, T2 is the second receiving time of the first signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light; The RTT, the first receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the second signal, the second receiving time of the first signal, and the sending time of the second signal satisfy the following formula in the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal: RTT=(T4-T1)-(T6'-T2')+d / c Wherein, T4 is the second receiving time of the first signal, T1 is the sending time of the second signal, T6' is the first receiving time of the first signal, T2' is the receiving time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

17. A calibration apparatus comprising: The first antenna, the second antenna, and the processor: The first antenna is configured to receive a first signal from another device to obtain a receiving time of the first signal, the receiving time of the first signal being a time when the first signal is received by the calibration device using the first antenna. The second antenna is configured to send a second signal, and the processor is configured to obtain a sending time of the second signal, the second signal being a response to the first signal or the first signal being a response to the second signal. The first antenna is further configured to receive the second signal to obtain a receiving time of the second signal. The processor is further configured to adjust time information to obtain calibration time information according to the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal, the time information comprising the receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal, or the time information being a transceiver delay of the calibration device, the transceiver delay being a difference between the receiving time of the first signal and the sending time of the second signal. The second antenna is further configured to send the calibration time information to the other device.

18. The calibration device of claim 17, wherein, In the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the transceiver delay is the sending time of the second signal minus the receiving time of the first signal. In the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the transceiver delay of the second device is the receiving time of the first signal minus the sending time of the second signal.

19. The calibration device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The processor is configured to adjust time information to obtain calibration time information according to the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal, comprising: The processor is configured to maintain the receiving time of the first signal and add a channel hardware delay to the sending time of the second signal, a value of the channel hardware delay being based on the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal. Alternatively, the processor is configured to subtract the channel hardware delay from the receiving time of the first signal and maintain the sending time of the second signal. Alternatively, the processor is configured to subtract a first value from the receiving time of the first signal and add a second value to the sending time of the second signal, wherein a sum of the first value and the second value is the channel hardware delay. Alternatively, in the case that the second signal is a response to the first signal, the processor is configured to add a channel hardware delay to the transceiver delay, a value of the channel hardware delay being based on the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal. Alternatively, in the case that the first signal is a response to the second signal, the processor is configured to subtract the channel hardware delay from the transceiver delay.

20. The calibration device of claim 19, wherein, The channel hardware delay is a difference between the receiving time of the second signal and the sending time of the second signal.

21. The calibration device of claim 19, wherein, The processor is further configured to determine the channel hardware delay according to a sending time of the second signal, a receiving time of the second signal, and a distance between the first antenna and the second antenna.

22. The calibration device of claim 21, wherein, The channel hardware delay, the sending time of the second signal, the receiving time of the second signal, and the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna satisfy the following formula: t cali = T6' - T3' - d / c wherein T6' is the receiving time of the second signal, T3' is the sending time of the second signal, d is the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna, and c is the speed of light.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by the communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1-5, or implement the method of any one of claims 6-11.

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