Method and apparatus for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in ultra-wideband communications

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a method for scheduling sensing and ranging in an ultra wide band (UWB) system. The method comprises: determining a block comprising a plurality of cycles, wherein each of the plurality of cycles comprises a plurality of time slots; and determining whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or multiple sessions. Further, the method includes scheduling sensing and ranging by: in response to determining to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session, interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of slots of at least one of the plurality of cycles of the determined block; and in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in the plurality of sessions, providing ranging and sensing in a plurality of cycles of the determined block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for cooperatively scheduling sensing and ranging in UWB. Background Art

[0002] In general, the prior art in ultra-wideband (UWB) includes a time structure defined for scheduling ranging. The time structure for scheduling ranging includes an interval-based mode and a block-based mode. A set of messages has been defined to exchange or configure ranging scheduling between a controller and a plurality of controlled devices.

[0003] However, sensing scheduling in UWB has not been standardized. In addition, it should be noted that sensing also has scheduling requirements. There are sensing controllers, sensing controlees, and message exchanges between sensing controllers and sensing controlees that need to be defined. Existing methods for collaboratively scheduling ranging and sensing within a set of controllers and controlees that can perform both sensing and ranging activities have not been defined. Therefore, it is desirable to at least provide a mechanism for autofocus that does not have the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] [Technical solution]

[0005] The main purpose of the embodiments herein is to provide a method and a UWB system for co-scheduling sensing and ranging. The proposed method includes defining a method for co-scheduling ranging and sensing within a set of controllers and controlled devices that can perform both sensing and ranging activities.

[0006] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for scheduling sensing and ranging in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system. The method includes: determining a block including a plurality of cycles, wherein each of the plurality of cycles includes a plurality of time slots; and determining whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or in multiple sessions. The method also includes scheduling sensing and ranging in the following manner: in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of the plurality of cycles of the determined block; and in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, providing ranging and sensing in the plurality of cycles of the determined block.

[0007] In an embodiment, a sensing cycle is a time period for completing a complete sensing cycle, the time period for a complete sensing cycle involving multiple devices of the UWB system participating in a sensing exchange, and wherein a ranging cycle is a time period for completing a ranging cycle, the time period for a ranging cycle involving multiple devices of the UWB system participating in a ranging exchange.

[0008] In an embodiment, in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, scheduling sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of a plurality of cycles of the determined block includes: determining a configuration of the determined block for scheduling sensing and ranging, and determining a control message, the control message including a ranging control message (RCM) for at least one ranging time slot and a sensing control message (SCM) for at least one sensing time slot, wherein the duration of the at least one ranging time slot and the at least one sensing time slot may be different. The method also includes: scheduling sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of the determined block, wherein the at least one cycle is a session of at least one of ranging and sensing.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one cycle is at least one of: a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many ranging and / or sensing session, a many-to-many ranging and / or sensing session.

[0010] In an embodiment, a schedule for the determined blocks is provided at the beginning of at least one cycle, and wherein the schedule for the determined blocks comprises at least one of a ranging schedule and a sensing schedule.

[0011] In an embodiment, in response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, scheduling the sensing and the ranging by providing the ranging and the sensing in the determined block includes: determining a configuration of the determined block using an advanced ranging control (ARC) IE for scheduling the ranging, wherein the configuration of the determined block is updated using a ranging block update (RBU) IE. The method includes: using a sensing control message SCM, determining a configuration of the determined block for scheduling and configuring sensing, and determining a control message including a plurality of IEs, the plurality of IEs including a flag for indicating at least one cycle and at least one sensing cycle. The method also includes: providing an RCM for at least one cycle and an SCM for at least one sensing cycle in the control message; and scheduling sensing and ranging by continuously providing at least one cycle and at least one sensing cycle in the determined block, wherein the scheduling of at least one cycle is managed using an RDM IE, and the at least one sensing cycle is managed using an SCM.

[0012] In an embodiment, the configuration of the determined blocks for scheduling sensing and ranging includes a block duration, a cycle duration, a slot duration, a cycle index, a sensing cycle index.

[0013] In an embodiment, the control message is used to at least one of configure, control and schedule at least one of sensing and ranging.

[0014] In an embodiment, at least one cycle is used for at least one of a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-many ranging session, and a many-to-many ranging session, and wherein at least one sensing cycle is used for at least one of a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many sensing session, and a many-to-many sensing session.

[0015] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an ultra-wideband (UWB) system for scheduling sensing and ranging. In the present disclosure, a method and device for a UWB system (100) can be implemented in an electronic device. The electronic device includes multiple controller devices that control multiple controlled devices. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, a communicator, and a scheduling controller. The scheduling controller is configured to: determine a block including multiple cycles, wherein each of the multiple cycles includes multiple time slots, and determine whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or multiple sessions. The scheduling controller is also configured to schedule sensing and ranging in the following manner: in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, interleaving ranging and sensing in multiple time slots of at least one cycle of multiple cycles of the determined block, and in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, providing ranging and sensing in multiple cycles of the determined block.

[0016] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description, although indicating preferred embodiments and many of their specific details, is given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present disclosure is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts in the various drawings. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a UWB system for coordinated scheduling of sensing and ranging according to an embodiment disclosed herein; Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for co-scheduling sensing and ranging of a UWB system according to an embodiment disclosed herein; Figure 3 is an example showing a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in a single session according to embodiments disclosed herein; Figure 4 is an example showing a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in multiple sessions according to embodiments disclosed herein; and Figure 5is an example illustration of blocks, cycles, and time slots with sensing and ranging performed in multiple cycles according to embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The embodiments of this article and their various features and beneficial details will be explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the following description. The description of well-known components and processing techniques is omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of this article. In addition, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, because some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" used herein refers to a non-exclusive or. The examples used herein are intended only to help understand the way in which the embodiments of this article can be practiced, and further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of this article. Therefore, the examples should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments of this article.

[0019] As is conventional in the art, embodiments may be described and illustrated in terms of blocks that perform one or more functions described. These blocks (which may be referred to herein as units or modules, etc.) are physically implemented by analog or digital circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hard-wired circuits, etc., and may optionally be driven by firmware. For example, the circuits may be implemented in one or more semiconductor chips, or on a substrate support such as a printed circuit board. The circuits that make up the blocks may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits), or by a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions of the blocks, and by a processor to perform other functions of the blocks. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, each block of the embodiments may be physically divided into two or more interacting and discrete blocks. Similarly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the blocks of the embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks.

[0020] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand each technical feature, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented here are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any changes, equivalents and substitutions in addition to those specifically set forth in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are usually only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0021] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for scheduling sensing and ranging in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system. The method includes: determining a block including a plurality of cycles, wherein each of the plurality of cycles includes a plurality of time slots; and determining whether sensing and ranging are scheduled in a single session or in multiple sessions. The method also includes: scheduling sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of the plurality of cycles of the determined block in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, and providing ranging and sensing in a plurality of cycles of the determined block in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions.

[0022] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an ultra-wideband (UWB) system for scheduling sensing and ranging. In the present disclosure, a method and device for a UWB system (100) can be implemented in an electronic device. The electronic device includes multiple controller devices that control multiple controlled devices. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, a communicator, and a scheduling controller. The scheduling controller is configured to: determine a block including multiple cycles, each of which includes multiple time slots, and determine whether sensing and ranging are scheduled in a single session or in multiple sessions. The scheduling controller is also configured to: schedule sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in multiple time slots of at least one cycle of multiple cycles of the determined block in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, and providing ranging and sensing in multiple cycles of the determined block in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions.

[0023] Conventional methods and systems include time structures defined for scheduling ranging on interval-based and block-based modes. A set of messages are defined for exchanging or configuring ranging scheduling between a controller and its controlled devices. Scheduling for UWB sensing is not yet standardized. It is necessary to define sensing controllers, sensing controlled devices, and message exchanges between them. There is no existing method defined for collaboratively scheduling ranging and sensing within a set of controllers and their controlled device devices that can perform both sensing and ranging activities.

[0024] Different from conventional methods and systems, the proposed method co-schedules ranging and sensing within the same block in the same session or multiple sessions.

[0025] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 1 to 5 , showing a preferred embodiment, wherein like reference numerals consistently denote corresponding features throughout the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1The invention is a block diagram of a UWB system (100) for coordinated scheduling of sensing and ranging according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The UWB system (100) includes a memory (120), a processor (140), a communicator (160), and a sensing controller (180). The sensing controller (180) is implemented by processing circuits such as logic gates, integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits, passive electronic components, active electronic components, optical components, hard-wired circuits, etc., and can be optionally driven by firmware. The circuit can, for example, be implemented in one or more semiconductors.

[0027] Figure 1 The UWB system (100) shown may be implemented as an electronic device. In the present disclosure, methods and devices for the UWB system (100) may be implemented within an electronic device.

[0028] The memory (120) is configured to store instructions to be executed by the processor (140). The memory (120) may include a non-volatile storage element. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a flash memory, or a form of an electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or an electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory. In addition, in some examples, the memory (120) may be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may mean that the storage medium is not embodied as a carrier wave or a propagating signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted as the memory (120) being non-removable. In some examples, the memory (120) may be configured to store a relatively large amount of information. In some examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that may change over time (e.g., in a random access memory (RAM) or a cache memory).

[0029] The processor (140) communicates with the memory (120), the communicator (160) and the contact pressure management controller (180). The processor (140) is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (120) and perform various processes. The processor may include one or more processors, which may be general-purpose processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc., a graphics processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an artificial intelligence (AI) dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0030] The communicator (160) includes electronic circuitry specific to a standard that allows wired or wireless communication. The communicator (160) is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components of the wearable device (100) and to communicate with external devices via one or more networks.

[0031] In an embodiment, the sensing controller (180) includes a ranging manager (181), a sensing manager (182), and a scheduling manager (183).

[0032] The ranging manager (181) is configured to determine a block comprising a plurality of cycles. Each of the plurality of cycles comprises a plurality of time slots. A schedule for the determined block is provided at the beginning of at least one cycle, and wherein the schedule for the determined block comprises at least one of a ranging schedule and a sensing schedule.

[0033] The sensing manager (182) is configured to determine sensing related parameters and sensing cycles. A sensing cycle is a period of time used to complete a complete sensing cycle involving multiple devices of the UWB system (100) participating in a sensing exchange.

[0034] The scheduling manager (183) is configured to: determine whether sensing and ranging are scheduled in a single session or in multiple sessions; and when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, schedule sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in multiple time slots of at least one cycle of the multiple cycles of the determined block; and in response to determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, provide ranging and sensing in multiple cycles of the determined block. The at least one cycle is a time period for completing one ranging cycle involving multiple devices of the UWB system (100) participating in a ranging exchange.

[0035] The scheduling manager (183) is configured to, upon determining that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, schedule sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of a plurality of cycles of the determined block. The scheduling manager (183) is configured to determine a configuration of the determined block for scheduling sensing and ranging, and determine a control message including a ranging control message (RCM) for the ranging time slot and a sensing control message (SCM) for the sensing time slot. The duration of the ranging time slot and the sensing time slot are different. Here, the at least one cycle is at least one of the following: a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many ranging and / or sensing session, a many-to-many ranging and / or sensing session.

[0036] The scheduling manager (183) is configured to: schedule sensing and ranging by providing ranging and sensing in the determined blocks when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions. The scheduling manager (183) is configured to use an advanced ranging control (ARC) IE to determine the configuration of the determined blocks for scheduling sensing and ranging, and determine a control message including multiple IEs, the multiple IEs including a flag for indicating at least one loop and at least one sensing loop. The configuration of the determined blocks is updated using a ranging block update (RBU) IE. In addition, the scheduling manager (183) is configured to use an SCM to determine the configuration of the determined blocks for scheduling and configuring sensing. In addition, the scheduling manager (183) is configured to provide a ranging control message (RCM) for at least one loop and an SCM for at least one sensing loop in the control message, and schedule sensing and ranging by continuously providing at least one loop and at least one sensing loop in the determined blocks. The scheduling of at least one loop is managed using an RDMIE, and the at least one sensing loop is managed using an SCM. The determined block configuration for scheduling sensing and ranging includes a block duration, a cycle duration, a slot duration, a cycle index, a sensing cycle index, at least one cycle is used for at least one of a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-many ranging session, and a many-to-many ranging session, and at least one sensing cycle is used for at least one of a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many sensing session, and a many-to-many sensing session.

[0037] At least one of the multiple modules / components of the sensing controller (180) may be implemented by an AI model. Functions associated with the AI ​​model may be performed by the memory (120) and the processor (140). One or more processors control the processing of input data according to predetermined operating rules or AI models stored in non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The predetermined operating rules or artificial intelligence models are provided by training or learning.

[0038] Here, providing by learning means generating a predetermined operating rule or AI model of desired characteristics by applying a learning process to a plurality of learning data. The learning may be performed in the device itself that executes the AI ​​according to the embodiment, and / or may be implemented by a separate server / system.

[0039] AI models can be composed of multiple neural network layers. Each layer has multiple weight values ​​and performs layer operations by calculating the operations of the previous layer and multiple weights. Examples of neural networks include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep neural networks (DNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), and deep Q networks.

[0040] The learning process is a method for training a predetermined target device (e.g., a robot) using a plurality of learning data to enable, allow, or control the target device to make a determination or prediction. Examples of the learning process include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

[0041] although Figure 1 Various hardware components of the UWB system (100) are shown, but it should be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the UWB system (100) may include fewer or greater numbers of components. In addition, the labels or names of the components are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. One or more components may be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions to manage contact pressure in the UWB system (100).

[0042] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for co-scheduling sensing and ranging of a UWB system (100) according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 In step 202, the method includes the UWB system (100) determining a block including a plurality of cycles. For example, Figure 1 In the described UWB system (100), a scheduling controller (180) is configured to determine a block comprising a plurality of cycles.

[0044] At step 204, the method includes the UWB system (100) determining whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or multiple sessions. Figure 1 In the described UWB system (100), a scheduling controller (180) is configured to determine whether sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session or in multiple sessions.

[0045] At step 206, the method includes the UWB system (100) scheduling sensing and ranging by: interleaving ranging and sensing in multiple time slots of at least one cycle of multiple cycles of the determined block when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session (step 208), and providing ranging and sensing in multiple cycles of the determined block when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions (210). For example, at Figure 1 In the described UWB system (100), the scheduling controller (180) is configured to schedule sensing and ranging by interleaving ranging and sensing in multiple time slots of at least one cycle of multiple cycles of the determined block when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in a single session (step 208), and to provide ranging and sensing in multiple cycles of the determined block when it is determined that sensing and ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions (210).

[0046] The various actions, actions, blocks, steps, etc. in the flowchart (200) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. In addition, in some embodiments, some actions, actions, blocks, steps, etc. may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, etc. without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 3 is an example showing a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in a single session according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 , a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in a single session is provided. Here, the timing structure includes blocks, cycles, and time slots. Each block is composed of building blocks called cycles; each cycle is also composed of building blocks called time slots. Each cycle can have a different size and a different duration than other cycles, and each time slot can have a different size and a different duration than other time slots.

[0049] Each cycle can be used for a one-to-one ranging or sensing session, a one-to-many ranging and / or sensing session, or a many-to-many ranging and / or sensing session. Each cycle consists of a building block called a time slot. A time slot can be a sensing time slot or a ranging time slot. Figure 3 In , slot 1 and slot 2 are ranging slots, and slot 3 is a sensing slot. The schedule for the blocks is shared at the beginning of the cycle, and the schedule is a combination of ranging schedule and / or sensing schedule.

[0050] In addition, control and configuration messages for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in a single session are defined. IEs are defined to share initial scheduling and updates to already shared scheduling. It must be noted that the sensing slot and ranging slot durations can be different. The control and configuration messages are provided in Table 1 below: [Table 1]

[0051] [Table 2]

[0052] [Table 3]

[0053] [Table 4]

[0054] [Table 5]

[0055] Here, RCM and SCM are used together in one message to coordinately schedule sensing and ranging in a single session.

[0056] Figure 4 is an example showing a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in multiple sessions according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 , a timing structure for co-scheduling sensing and ranging in multiple sessions is provided. Here, a flag is defined and sent at the beginning of a cycle to indicate whether it is a ranging cycle or a sensing cycle. Each ranging cycle can be used for one-to-one ranging or one-to-many ranging sessions or many-to-many sensing sessions. Each ranging cycle consists of building blocks called ranging slots. Each sensing cycle can be used for one-to-one sensing sessions or one-to-many sensing sessions or many-to-many sensing sessions. Each sensing cycle consists of building blocks called sensing slots.

[0058] The sensing slot is the duration during which sensing activity occurs. For sensing, a sensing control and configuration message (SCM) is defined and provided in Table 6 for control and configuration of sensing and is sent at the beginning of a sensing cycle. IEs are defined to exchange initial scheduling and updates to scheduling. The sensing slot and ranging slot durations may be different.

[0059] [Table 6]

[0060] [Table 7]

[0061] [Table 8]

[0062] [Table 9]

[0063] [Table 10]

[0064] Here, a block consists of a ranging cycle and a sensing cycle. The cycle will be a session of ranging or sensing only. The ranging cycle consists of ranging slots, while the sensing cycle consists of sensing slots where sensing transmissions occur. The proposed timing structure uses RCM with ARC IE, RBU IE, and RDM IE to configure ranging. Here, a sensing control message (SCM) is defined along with the IE to configure and update the sensing session. A single control message can be used with a flag to convey whether the cycle is for ranging or sensing.

[0065] Figure 5is an example illustration of blocks, cycles, and time slots with sensing and ranging performed in multiple cycles according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 , the controller can perform ranging and sensing activities with the controlled device by using block and loop structures. Here, each block includes a total number of loops, where a loop is a time period of sufficient duration to complete a complete sensing cycle involving a group of SC-ERDEVs participating in a sensing exchange, or a time period of sufficient duration to complete a complete ranging cycle involving a group of ERDEVs participating in a ranging exchange. Each loop is further subdivided into an integer number of sensing time slots or ranging time slots based on whether the loop is a sensing loop or a loop, respectively. Figure 5 In the RCM, blocks are divided into N cycles, which can be adapted for sensing or ranging activities. Each sensing cycle consists of P sensing slots. Each cycle consists of M ranging slots. The sensing slot and ranging slot durations can be different from each other. The slot duration and the number of slots that make up the cycle can be changed between cycles. Whenever a change is needed, a controller that sends an RCM with a modified configuration can achieve sensing and ranging coordinated scheduling.

[0067] The above description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the overall nature of the embodiments herein, so that other embodiments can be easily modified and / or adapted to various applications by applying current knowledge, such specific embodiments do not depart from the general concept, and therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be understood as being within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the words or terms used herein are for descriptive purposes rather than for limiting purposes. Therefore, although the embodiments herein have been described according to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced by modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1. A method for scheduling sensing and ranging in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system, comprising: determining a block comprising a plurality of cycles, wherein each of the plurality of cycles comprises a plurality of time slots; determining whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or in multiple sessions; and Sensing and ranging are scheduled in one of the following ways: In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, interleaving the ranging and the sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of a plurality of cycles of the determined block, or In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, the ranging and the sensing are provided in multiple cycles of the determined block.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, A cycle in the plurality of cycles comprises one of a sensing cycle, a ranging cycle, or a combination of the sensing cycle and the ranging cycle, wherein the sensing cycle is a time period to complete a complete sensing cycle, wherein the complete sensing cycle involves multiple devices of the UWB system participating in a sensing exchange, and The ranging cycle is a time period for completing a ranging cycle, and the ranging cycle involves multiple devices of the UWB system participating in ranging exchange.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, scheduling the sensing and the ranging by interleaving the ranging and the sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of a plurality of cycles of the determined block comprises: determining a configuration of the determined blocks for scheduling the sensing and the ranging; determining a control message, the control message comprising a ranging control message RCM for at least one ranging time slot and a sensing control message SCM for at least one sensing time slot, wherein the at least one ranging time slot and the at least one sensing time slot have different durations; and The sensing and the ranging are scheduled by interleaving the ranging and the sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of the determined block, wherein the at least one cycle is a session of at least one of the ranging and the sensing.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one cycle is at least one of: a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many ranging and / or sensing session, a many-to-many ranging and / or sensing session.

5. The method according to claim 3, in, A schedule for the determined blocks is provided at the beginning of the at least one cycle, and The scheduling for the determined block includes at least one of ranging scheduling and sensing scheduling.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in a plurality of sessions, scheduling the sensing and the ranging by providing the ranging and the sensing in the determined blocks comprises: determining a configuration of the determined block using an advanced ranging control ARC information element IE for scheduling the ranging, wherein the configuration of the determined block is updated using a ranging block update RBU IE; determining, using sensing control messages SCM, a configuration of the determined blocks for scheduling and configuring sensing; determining a control message including a plurality of IEs, the plurality of IEs including a flag for indicating the at least one cycle and at least one sensing cycle; providing, in the control message, a ranging control message RCM for the at least one cycle and a sensing control message SCM for the at least one sensing cycle; and The sensing and the ranging are scheduled by continuously providing the at least one cycle and the at least one sensing cycle in the determined block, wherein the scheduling of the at least one cycle is managed using an RDM IE, and the at least one sensing cycle is managed using an SCM.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The control message is used to at least one of configure, control and schedule at least one of the sensing and the ranging.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The configuration of the determined block for scheduling the sensing and the ranging includes a block duration, a cycle duration, a slot duration, a cycle index, and a sensing cycle index.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one cycle is for at least one of: a one-to-one ranging session, a one-to-many ranging session, and a many-to-many ranging session, and The at least one sensing cycle is used for at least one of the following: a one-to-one sensing session, a one-to-many sensing session, and a many-to-many sensing session.

10. An electronic device for scheduling sensing and ranging in an ultra-wideband (UWB) system, wherein: The device comprises: Memory; a processor connected to the memory; a communicator connected to the memory and the processor; a scheduling controller connected to the memory, the processor and the communicator, and configured to: determining a block comprising a plurality of cycles, wherein each of the plurality of cycles comprises a plurality of time slots; determining whether to schedule sensing and ranging in a single session or in multiple sessions; and Sensing and ranging are scheduled in one of the following ways: In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in a single session, interleaving the ranging and the sensing in a plurality of time slots of at least one cycle of a plurality of cycles of the determined block, or In response to determining that the sensing and the ranging are to be scheduled in multiple sessions, the ranging and the sensing are provided in multiple cycles of the determined block.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The scheduling controller is further configured to perform any one of the methods of claims 2-9.

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