Use of a passive radio

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: means for storing a plurality of activation identifiers, where each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a respective passive radio of a plurality of passive radios; means for receiving a first activation signal; means for transmitting a response signal in response to the first activation signal, the response signal indicating at least one of a plurality of activation identifiers; means for receiving a response from a respective at least one passive radio that has been activated using at least one activation identifier; means for measuring at least one position characteristic of a response from the respective at least one passive radio, the at least one position characteristic being dependent on at least one relative position between the respective at least one passive radio and the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this application relate to passive radios. Background Art

[0002] The passive radio (device) allows information to be transmitted to the reader when activated by an activator. For example, the activator-reader device may transmit an activation signal indicating an activation identifier, and the passive radio receives the activation signal and is activated by the activation identifier. The activated passive radio then transmits a response signal in response to the received activation signal for receipt by the activation-reader device. The response signal may be used to transmit information from the passive radio to the activator-reader device.

[0003] Expect to find technical uses for passive radios. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various but not necessarily all examples, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0005] means for storing a plurality of activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a corresponding passive radio of a plurality of passive radios;

[0006] means for receiving a first activation signal;

[0007] means for transmitting, in response to the first activation signal, a signal indicative of at least one of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0008] means for receiving a response from the corresponding at least one passive radio, the corresponding at least one passive radio having been activated using the at least one activation identifier;

[0009] Means for measuring at least one position characteristic of a response from the respective at least one passive radio, the at least one position characteristic being dependent on at least one relative position between the respective at least one passive radio and the device.

[0010] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device includes an energy storage device for powering the device, and means for charging the energy storage device via energy collection from an external energy source, optionally via energy collection from radio signals received within a defined bandwidth.

[0011] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device is configured as a passive device that transmits only in response to receiving an activation signal (e.g., a first activation signal and a second activation signal) and does not transmit unless in response to receiving an activation signal (e.g., a first activation signal and a second activation signal).

[0012] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for enabling authentication of signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on location characteristics.

[0013] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for authenticating signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on the plurality of location characteristics.

[0014] In some examples, the signature is a signature for all of the passive radios, or the signature is a signature for a subset of the passive radios, optionally the subset is associated with an object.

[0015] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for receiving a second activation signal and for transmitting a signature response signal in response to the second activation signal, the signature response signal indicating signatures of the plurality of passive radios dependent on the plurality of location characteristics.

[0016] In some but not necessarily all examples, the authentication includes based on a comparison of the signature with a reference signature.

[0017] In some but not necessarily all examples, prior to comparison, the signature and the reference signature are time-of-arrival signatures adapted to time-of-flight signatures.

[0018] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus comprises means for receiving a signal, for each of the plurality of activation identifiers, the signal indicating a configuration for receiving the response from a corresponding at least one passive radio, the at least one passive radio having been selectively activated using the corresponding activation identifier. Optionally, the configuration signal is the first activation signal.

[0019] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus is configured to generate a reference signature as part of a setup process.The apparatus includes means for receiving a first setup activation signal;

[0020] means for sending a first setup response signal in response to the first setup activation signal, the first setup signal indicating some or all of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0021] means for receiving, for each of some or all of the plurality of activation identifiers, a setup response from a corresponding passive radio that has been selectively activated using the corresponding activation identifier;

[0022] means for measuring at least one position characteristic of each setup response from a corresponding passive radio, the at least one position characteristic being dependent at least on a relative position of the corresponding passive radio and the device;

[0023] Means for generating a reference signature for some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on the plurality of location features, wherein authentication of the signature uses the reference signature. In some examples, the reference signature is a reference signature for all of the passive radios, or the reference signature is a reference signature for a subset of the passive radios, optionally the subset is associated with an object.

[0024] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes: means for storing reference signatures for the plurality of passive radios, wherein each reference signature depends on reference location characteristics of the plurality of passive radios in a different configuration (optionally, the plurality of passive radios are associated with objects having different configurations), or wherein each reference signature depends on reference location characteristics of a subset of the plurality of passive radios in a different configuration (optionally, a subset of the plurality of passive radios are associated with objects having different configurations); and

[0025] Means for receiving a configuration signal indicative of one of a plurality of configurations, and means for transmitting a reference signature indication signal indicative of a reference signature for the configuration.

[0026] According to various but not necessarily all examples, a method is provided, comprising:

[0027] storing a plurality of activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a respective passive radio of the plurality of passive radios;

[0028] receiving a first activation signal;

[0029] in response to a first activation signal, transmitting a signal indicative of at least one of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0030] for each of the plurality of activation identifiers, receiving a response from the corresponding passive radio that has been activated using the corresponding activation identifier;

[0031] At least one position characteristic of each response from the respective passive radio is measured that is dependent on a relative position between the respective passive radio and the device.

[0032] According to various but not necessarily all examples, there are provided instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, may cause the device to:

[0033] storing a plurality of activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a corresponding passive radio of a plurality of passive radios;

[0034] responsive to the received first activation signal, transmitting a signal indicative of at least one of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0035] At least one position characteristic of a response from the passive radio is measured, wherein the position characteristic is dependent at least on a relative position of the corresponding passive radio and the device.

[0036] According to various but not necessarily all examples, there is provided an apparatus (e.g., an activator-reader device) comprising:

[0037] means for sending a first activation signal to another device; and

[0038] Means for receiving a response signal from the other device in response to the first activation signal, the response signal indicating one or more activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier is associated with a respective passive radio of a plurality of passive radios.

[0039] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using at least one of a plurality of activation identifiers.

[0040] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device includes: means for transmitting a second activation signal to the other device and receiving a response signal in response, the response signal providing a result of authenticating the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios, and / or means for sending a third activation signal to the other device and receiving a response signal in response, the response signal enabling the device to authenticate the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

[0041] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device includes:

[0042] means for sending a second activation signal to the device;

[0043] means for receiving from the device a signature response signal in response to the second activation signal, the signature response signal indicating signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios dependent on a relative position between the respective passive radios and the device at the time of activation; and

[0044] Means for authenticating the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

[0045] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes:

[0046] Means for determining whether the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios match a reference signature of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

[0047] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for receiving responses from some or all of the plurality of passive radios that have been selectively activated;

[0048] Means for adjusting the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on responses received from some or all of the plurality of passive radios that have been selectively activated.

[0049] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus includes means for transmitting a configuration signal indicative of one of a plurality of configurations, and means for receiving a reference signature indication signal indicative of a reference signature of the configuration.

[0050] According to various but not necessarily all examples, a method is provided, comprising:

[0051] Sending a first activation signal to the device;

[0052] receiving, in response to the first activation signal, from the device a signal indicating a plurality of activation identifiers, the plurality of activation identifiers including an activation identifier for each of a plurality of passive radios;

[0053] activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using each of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0054] sending a second activation signal to the device;

[0055] receiving, in response to the second activation signal, a signal from the device indicating signatures of the plurality of passive radios dependent on relative positions between the respective passive radios and the device at the time of activation;

[0056] Signatures of the plurality of passive radios are authenticated.

[0057] According to various but not necessarily all examples, there are provided instructions that, when executed by a processor, may cause a device (e.g., an activator-reader device):

[0058] sending a first activation signal to another device;

[0059] receiving, in response to the first activation signal, a signal from another device indicating a plurality of activation identifiers, the plurality of activation identifiers including an activation identifier for each of a plurality of passive radios, and activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using each of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0060] sending a second activation signal to the device; and

[0061] In response to the second activation signal, receiving a signal from the device indicating signatures of the plurality of passive radios dependent on relative positions between the respective passive radios and the device at the time of activation, and authenticating the signatures of the plurality of passive radios.

[0062] According to various but not necessarily all examples, there is provided a system comprising:

[0063] multiple passive radios;

[0064] an activator-reader device; and

[0065] Means for measuring a location characteristic of each response from a corresponding passive radio.

[0066] In some but not necessarily all examples, the system includes an object carrying a plurality of passive radios, wherein the means for authenticating the plurality of passive radio signatures authenticates the integrity of the object, ie, the original plurality of passive radios maintain original relative positions.

[0067] In some but not necessarily all examples, the activator-reader device is or includes a cellular radio network node, such as a base station or user equipment.

[0068] Examples as claimed in the appended claims are provided in accordance with various, but not necessarily exhaustive, examples.

[0069] Although the above examples and optional features of the present application are described separately, it should be understood that all possible combinations and arrangements of them are included in the present application. It should be understood that various examples of the present application may include any or all features described with respect to other examples of the present application, and vice versa. In addition, it should be understood that any one or more or all features, in any combination, may be implemented / included in / executed by devices, methods and / or computer program instructions as needed and appropriate, by devices, methods and / or computer program instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0071] Figure 1 An activator-reader device 100 , an apparatus 200 , and a passive radio (device) 300 , such as passive radios 300_1 , 300_2 , 300_3 , are illustrated;

[0072] Figure 2A and 2Billustrates the use of a passive radio 300 for determining the physical integrity of an object 350;

[0073] Figure 3 illustrates the use of arrival time as a measured position feature to determine a signature 21 representing the physical integrity of an object 350;

[0074] Figure 4A The signature authentication at the device 200 is illustrated;

[0075] Figure 4B illustrates signature authentication at an activator-reader device 100;

[0076] Figure 4C An adaptation signature authentication at device 200 is illustrated;

[0077] Figure 4D illustrates adapted signature authentication at an activator-reader device 100;

[0078] Figures 5 to 12 An example of the subject matter described herein is shown.

[0079] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain features and views in the drawings may be schematically or exaggerated in scale for the sake of brevity and clarity. For example, the dimensions of certain elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in explanation. Similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate similar features. For clarity, not all reference numerals may be shown in all drawings.

[0080] In the following description, you can use a reference number without a subscript index (such as 10) to refer to a class (or collection), you can use a reference number with a numeric subscript index (such as 10_1) to refer to a specific instance of a class (a member of a collection), and you can use a reference number with a variable subscript index (such as 10_i) to refer to a non-specific instance of a class (a member of a collection).

[0081] definition

[0082] The term "signature" is used to denote a data structure that depends on a set of measured position features, such that a comparison of a first signature that depends on an ordered set of measured position features (first position feature) with a second signature that depends on an ordered set of measured position features (second position feature) is a comparison of the corresponding first and second position features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Figure 1 An activator-reader device 100 , an apparatus 200 , and a passive radio 300 are illustrated.

[0084] The device 200 stores a plurality of activation identifiers 212, including an activation identifier 212_i for each of the plurality of passive radios 300_i. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the activation identifiers 212 are provided by the passive radios 300 to the device 200 during a registration process. Each of the passive radios 300 is associated with a unique identifier (at least relative to other passive radios 300 associated with the same object).

[0085] The activator-reader 100 transmits and the device 200 receives a first activation signal 131 (identifier activation signal). In response to the first activation signal 131, the device 200 transmits and the activator-reader 100 receives a signal 231 indicating a plurality of activation identifiers 212, including an activation identifier 212 for each of the plurality of passive radios 300.

[0086] The activator-reader 100 selectively activates 133 the plurality of passive radios 300 using each of the plurality of activation identifiers 212. The activator-reader 100 transmits a first passive radio activation signal 133_1 to the first passive radio 300_1 that is dependent on the first activation identifier 212_1 of the first passive radio 300_1. The activator-reader 100 transmits a second passive radio activation signal 133_2 to the second passive radio 300_2 that is dependent on the second activation identifier 212_2 of the second passive radio 300_2. The activator-reader 100 transmits a third passive radio activation signal 133_3 to the third passive radio 300_3 that is dependent on the third activation identifier 212_3 of the third passive radio 300_3. Any number of passive radio activation signals 133 may be transmitted to the respective passive radios 300.

[0087] The passive radio activation signal 133_i causes the corresponding passive radio 300_i to transmit a corresponding response 331_i according to the corresponding activation identifier 212_i. The first passive radio activation signal 133_1 causes the first passive radio 300_1 to transmit a first response 331_1. The second passive radio activation signal 133_2 causes the second passive radio 300_2 to transmit a second response 331_2. The third passive radio activation signal 133_3 causes the third passive radio 300_3 to transmit a third response 331_1.

[0088] For each of the plurality of activation identifiers 212, the device 200 receives a response 331 from the corresponding passive radio 300 activated using the corresponding activation identifier 212. The device 200 receives a first response 331_1 from the first passive radio 300_1, a second response 331_2 from the second passive radio 300_2, and a third response 331_3 from the third passive radio 300_3.

[0089] The device 200 measures 240 at least a location characteristic of each response 331 from the respective passive radio 300 that depends at least on the relative location of the respective passive radio 300 and the device 200. The device 100 measures 240_1 a location characteristic of a first response 331_1 received, measures 240_2 a location characteristic of a second response 331_2 received, and measures 240_3 a location characteristic of a third response 331_3 received.

[0090] In some but not necessarily all examples, after the activator-reader 100 receives the signal 231 indicating the plurality of activation identifiers 212 in response to the transmitted first activation signal 131 and before it activates the passive radio 300, the activator-reader 100 transmits and the device 200 receives the signal 137 indicating, for each of the plurality of activation identifiers 212, a configuration for receiving a response 331 from the corresponding passive radio 300 that has been activated 133 using the corresponding activation identifier 212. The configuration for receiving the response 331 may, for example, indicate resources for the response, such as time resources / instances and frequency resources.

[0091] The device 200 comprises:

[0092] means 210 for storing a plurality of activation identifiers 212, the plurality of activation identifiers 212 comprising an activation identifier for each of the plurality of passive radios 300;

[0093] means 220 for receiving a first activation signal 131;

[0094] means 230 for transmitting a signal 231 in response to the first activation signal 131, the signal 231 indicating the plurality of activation identifiers 212;

[0095] means 220 for receiving, for each of the plurality of activation identifiers 212, a response 331 from a respective passive radio 300 that has been activated using the respective activation identifier 212;

[0096] Means 240 for measuring at least one position characteristic of each response 331 from the respective passive radio 300 , the at least one position characteristic being dependent at least on the relative position of the respective passive radio 300 and the device 200 .

[0097] The apparatus 200 further comprises means 20 for enabling authentication of signatures of the plurality of passive radios 300 based on the plurality of measured location characteristics.

[0098] In some examples, device 200 is configured to authenticate signatures of multiple passive radios based on multiple measured location characteristics.

[0099] In some examples, device 200 is configured to enable activator-reader 100 to authenticate signatures for multiple passive radios based on multiple measured location features. In some examples, device 200 is configured to transmit signal 174 to activator-reader 100 in response to receipt of second activation signal 173 (signature activation signal), signal 174 indicating to activator-reader 100 signatures for multiple passive radios 300 that are dependent on multiple location features (see Figure 4B , 4D ).

[0100] In some examples, authentication includes based on comparison of the signature and a reference signature. In some examples, the signature and the reference signature are arrival time signatures. In some examples, before comparison, the signature and the reference signature are flight time signatures, adapted to be flight time signatures.

[0101] The activator-reader device 100 comprises:

[0102] means 130 for transmitting a first activation signal 131 to the device 200;

[0103] means 120 for receiving a signal 231 from the device 200 in response to the first activation signal 131, the signal 231 indicating a plurality of activation identifiers 212 including an activation identifier 212 for each of the plurality of passive radios 300;

[0104] Means for selectively activating 133 the plurality of passive radios 300 using each of the plurality of activation identifiers.

[0105] In at least some examples, the activator-reader device 100 also includes means for sending a second activation signal 173 (a signature request signal) to the device 200;

[0106] means for receiving a signature response signal 174 from the device 200 in response to the second activation signal 173, the signature response signal 174 indicating signatures of the plurality of passive radios 300 dependent on the relative positions of the respective passive radios 300 and the device 200;

[0107] Means for authenticating signatures of a plurality of passive radios 300.

[0108] In some but not necessarily all examples, the device 200 includes an energy storage 204 ( Figure 1100 ), and an energy collection device 202 for charging an energy storage device 204 by collecting energy from an external energy source 101. In the illustrated example, the external energy source 101 is a received radio signal 101 within a defined bandwidth. In this example, the radio signal 101 is transmitted by the activator-reader 100. The energy storage device 204 supplies power to the storage device 210, the transmitting device 230, the receiving device 220 and the measuring device 240.

[0109] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus 200 includes an energy harvesting device 202 for directly providing electrical energy harvested from the external energy source 101 to the storage device 210 , the transmitting device 230 , the receiving device 220 , and the measuring device 240 .

[0110] In at least some examples, device 200 is a passive device that transmits only in response to receipt of an activation signal (it operates in a page-response mode). For example, device 200 transmits signal 231 indicating multiple activation identifiers 212 in response to first activation signal 131, and device 200 transmits 235 signal 235 indicating signatures of multiple passive radios dependent on multiple location characteristics in response to second activation signal 173.

[0111] Device 200 may be an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. An AIoT device is an IoT device that supports ambient power. It is an IoT device powered by energy harvesting, does not require batteries or has limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors). For example, device 200 may be a Class A, Class B, or Class C AIoT device.

[0112] The passive radio 300 is a radio device that transmits in response to a received signal. The passive radio may be configured as a passive radio tag. The term "tag" indicates that the passive radio is attached to another object. The passive radio 300 and the passive radio tag are characterized by a compact form factor.

[0113] Passive radio tags are attached to objects to monitor the physical integrity of the object. Passive radio tags can also be called physical integrity tags. They are passive radios attached to objects for the purpose of monitoring the physical integrity of the object.

[0114] The activation signal emitted from the activator-reader 100 may be encoded with specific identifiers (or have a specific sequence associated with such identifiers) resulting in activation.

[0115] The replies from the passive radios 300 may be mutually orthogonal (especially if they are received simultaneously).

[0116] The interaction between the activator-reader 100 and the device 200 may take the form of a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or (when the process is part of a 3GPP cellular telecommunications network) in the form of radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or if handled by upper layers, in the form of application-specific messages. Core network entities may facilitate such interactions (e.g. using NSA signaling), and applications (outside of 3GPP) may control the interaction between the activator and the reader and use application-specific messages.

[0117] Figure 1 The system shown includes: an activator-reader device 100, an apparatus 200, and a plurality of passive radios (devices) 300. An object may carry a plurality of passive radios 300. The system includes means for authenticating a signature for the plurality of passive radios 300 to authenticate the integrity of the object, i.e., the original plurality of passive radios maintain the original relative positions. In some examples, the activator-reader system 100 is or includes a cellular radio network node, such as a base station or user equipment.

[0118] Figure 2A and 2B An example of a change in location features and a signature represented by a set of location features is illustrated.Passive radios 300 may be used to determine the physical integrity of an object 350 carrying them by authenticating the signature.

[0119] exist Figure 2A , a plurality of passive radios 300_1, 300_2, 300_3 have a first arrangement. Each passive radio 300_i has a position p1(i), and these positions define a first signature for the plurality of passive radios 300. The first signature of the plurality of passive radios 300 depends on a plurality of measured position characteristics 10 of the passive radios 300. For example, the measured position characteristics may include time of arrival, signal strength and / or angle of arrival.

[0120] exist Figure 2B , the same plurality of passive radios 300_1, 300_2, 300_3 have a second arrangement. Each passive radio 300_i has a position p2(i), and these positions define a second signature for the plurality of passive radios 300. The second signatures of the plurality of passive radios 300 depend on a plurality of measured position characteristics 10 of the passive radios 300. For example, the measured position characteristics may include time of arrival, signal strength and / or angle of arrival.

[0121] In some examples, the location characteristics 10 of the response 331 from the corresponding passive radio 300 depend on the separation distance between the device 200 and the corresponding passive radio 300. For example, the measured location characteristics may include time of arrival and / or signal strength.

[0122] In the illustrated example, the second arrangement is different from the first arrangement. One or more sets of positions p2(i) are different from the set of positions p1(i). Therefore, the second signature is different from the first signature.

[0123] In this example, passive radios 300_1 , 300_2 , 300_3 are attached to object 350 . Figure 2A Object 350 is illustrated in an intact and undamaged condition. Figure 2B The diagram shows a situation when the object 350 no longer has integrity and has been damaged. In this example, part of the object 350 carrying the passive radio 300_1 has been damaged and the passive radio 300_1 has moved relative to the other passive radios 300_2, 300_3.

[0124] Authenticating the signature (which has not changed) verifies the integrity of the object, ie, the original multiple passive radios remain in the original relative positions.

[0125] In with Figure 1 In a related example, the device 200 measures the location characteristic 10 from the response 331 of the corresponding passive radio 300 when activated 133 .

[0126] In some but not necessarily all examples, the initiator-reader 100 measures the location characteristic 10 from the response 331 of the corresponding passive radio 300 when activated 133 .

[0127] The signature can be authenticated by comparing the current signature to a reference signature. If the current signature is authenticated, the object is not damaged. If the current signature is not authenticated, the object is damaged.

[0128] The collection of measured position characteristics 10 (eg, signatures) may be used to determine the physical integrity of the object 350 .

[0129] Reference Figure 1 In some examples, the device 200 transmits a signal 231 in response to the first setup activation signal 161, the signal 231 associating the plurality of activation identifiers 212 with the object 350, or associating a dedicated subset of the plurality of activation identifiers 212 with the corresponding object 350. If the current signature of the object is authenticated, the object is not damaged. If the current signature of the object is not authenticated, the object is damaged.

[0130] Figure 3An example of using time of arrival (ToA) as a measurement of position feature 10 to determine the physical integrity of object 350 is illustrated.

[0131] In this example, time is measured from a time reference at time t0 when the activator-reader device 100 transmits the passive radio activation signal 133. However, this time reference is arbitrary and any time reference may be used. It will be assumed below that t0 is zero.

[0132] The time of arrival (ToA) of the passive radio activation signal 133 at the passive radio 300 is t1.

[0133] In response to receiving the passive radio activation signal 133, a response signal 331 is transmitted by the passive radio 300. The time of arrival (ToA) of the response signal 331 at the device 200 is t2. The time of arrival (ToA) of the response signal 331 at the activator-reader device 100 is t3.

[0134] If this is repeated for multiple passive radios 300, then a ToA set {t1}, {t2}, {t3} will appear. {t2} can be measured by device 200 (signature of device 200). {t3} can be measured by activator-reader device 100 (signature of activator-reader device 100)

[0135] The reference signature can be based on a reference time such as {t2} ref at {t2}.

[0136] The signature in use may be based on {t2} at a later time, such as {t2}use.

[0137] If there is a consistent positional relationship between the activator-reader 100 and the passive radio 300 during setup and use, the signature {t2}use can be compared to the reference signature {t2} ref The comparison is performed to authenticate the physical integrity. This determination may occur at the device 200 or at the activator-reader device 100 (if the signature and reference signature are transmitted from the device 200 to the activator-reader device 100).

[0138] Figure 4A The diagram shows that the signature 21 ({t2} use ) with reference signature 22({t2} ref ) compare 170 to authenticate the physical integrity of 20. The result of the comparison 170, i.e., the authentication determination, is communicated from the device 200 to the activator-reader device 100. The activator-reader device 100 transmits an activation request signal 171, and the device 200 responds with an authentication response signal 172 based on the authentication determination.

[0139] Figure 4B The diagram shows the signature 21 ({t2} use ) with reference signature 22({t2} ref ) comparison 170 to authenticate 20 an example of physical integrity. To enable comparison at the activator-reader device 100, the signature 21 ({t2} use ) and reference signature 22({t2} ref ) is transmitted from the device 200 to the activator-reader apparatus 100. Reference signature 22 ({t2} ref ) can be found in signature 21({t2} use The activator-reader device 100 transmits a signature request signal 173, and the device 200 responds with a signature response signal 174, which includes the reference signature 22 and / or the signature in use 21, depending on the circumstances or configuration of the request signal 173.

[0140] The flight time of the passive radio activation signal 133 between the activator-reader device 100 and the radio tag 300 is t1. The flight time is proportional to the distance between the activator-reader device 100 and the radio tag 300.

[0141] The flight time of the passive radio activation signal 133 between the radio tag 300 and the device 200 is t2-t1. The flight time is proportional to the distance between the radio tag 300 and the device 200.

[0142] The flight time of the passive radio activation signal 133 between the radio tag 300 and the activator-reader device 100 is t3-t1. The flight time is proportional to the distance between the radio tag 300 and the activator-reader device 100.

[0143] The signature {t2} may be adjusted to represent the time of flight (t2-t1) between the radio tag 300 and the device 200. The adjusted signature is the time of flight signature {ΔT}, where {ΔT} = {t2-t1}.

[0144] The set {t1} has no measurements, but if it is approximately half of time t3, then:

[0145] {ΔT}={t2-t3 / 2}

[0146] This is independent of the distance between the activator and the reader 100 and the passive radio 300 .

[0147] The reference signature may be based on a reference time (eg, {ΔT} ref ) at the time of flight signature {ΔT}. The signature in use can be based on the subsequent {ΔT}use The time-of-flight signature {ΔT} at .

[0148] Signature {ΔT} use Can be compared with the reference signature {ΔT} ref The comparison is performed to “authenticate” the physical integrity. However, the signature {ΔT} is a function of t2 (the arrival time of the response signal 331 measured at the device 200) and t3 (the arrival time of the same response signal 331 measured at the activator-reader device 100).

[0149] Authentication may occur at the device 200 if the signature {t3} is communicated by the activator-reader device 100 to the device 200. The signature {t3} is an ordered set of arrival time measurements made at the activator-reader device 100 for the ordered set of response signals 331 generated by the set of passive radios 300 in response to the ordered set of passive radio activation signals 133.

[0150] Authentication may occur at the activator-reader device 100 if the signature {t2} is communicated by the device 200 to the activator-reader apparatus 100. The signature {t2} is an ordered set of arrival time measurements made at the device 200 for the same ordered set of response signals 331 generated by the same set of passive radios 300 in response to the same ordered set of passive radio activation signals 133.

[0151] Figure 4C An example is illustrated, where, at device 200, signature 21({ΔT} use ) and reference signature 22({ΔT} ref ) is compared 170 to authenticate 20 the physical integrity. Signature 21 ({ΔT} use ) requires {t2} (the arrival time of the response signal 331 measured at the device 200) and {t3} (the arrival time of the same response signal 331 measured at the activator-reader device 100). The set {t3} (the arrival time of the same response signal 331 measured at the activator-reader device 100) is transmitted from the activator-reader device 100 to the device 200 to determine the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ). The activator-reader device 100 transmits a transmission signal 175 including the set {t3}. The comparison 170 requires the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ) and reference signature 22({ΔT} ref ). Reference signature 22({ΔT} ref ) can be combined with signature 21({ΔT} use) in the same manner as, but earlier in time. The result of the comparison, i.e., the authentication determination, is transmitted from the device 200 to the activator-reader device 100. The activator-reader device 100 transmits an activation request signal 171, and the device 200 responds with an authentication response signal 172 based on the authentication determination.

[0152] Figure 4D An example is illustrated in which, at the activator-reader device 100, the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ) and reference signature 22({ΔT} ref ) performs 170 comparison to authenticate 20 physical integrity.

[0153] Signature 21({ΔT} use ) requires {t2} (the arrival time of the response signal 331 measured at the device 200) and {t3} (the arrival time of the same response signal 331 measured at the activator-reader device 100). The set {t2} (the arrival time of the response signal 331 measured at the device 200) is transmitted from the device 200 to the activator-reader device 100 to determine the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ). The activator-reader device 100 transmits a transmission request signal 177 requesting the transmission of the set {t2}, and the device transmits a transmission response signal 178 including the set {t2} in reply. The comparison 170 requires the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ) and reference signature 22({ΔT} ref ). The reference signature 22 can be compared with the signature 21 ({ΔT} use ) in the same way, but earlier.

[0154] In some examples, the activator-reader device 100 (or device 200) determines whether the comparison 170 is based on the arrival time signature based on {t2} (the arrival time of the response signal 331 measured at the device 200) or the flight time signature 21 based on {ΔT} (the flight time of the response signal 331 from the passive radio 300 to the device 200), and / or whether the comparison 170 is performed at the device 200 or at the activator-reader device 100. For example, in some examples, if the activator-reader device 100 is detected to be moving and / or if the passive radios 300 are detected to be moving collectively, the comparison 170 will use the flight time signature 21 based on {ΔT} (the flight time of the response signal 331 from the passive radio 300 to the device 200). This may be determined, for example, if the device 200 is attached to the same object as the passive radio 200 and the device 200 is detected to be moving.

[0155] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that different signatures may be used based on measured location characteristics including not only time of arrival, but also angle of arrival and / or signal strength, among others.

[0156] The device 200 is configured to measure a location characteristic 10 of each response 331 from a respective passive radio 300 that depends at least on the relative location of the respective passive radio and the device 200. These signatures define a signature 21 for the device 200 (eg, a ToA signature {t2}).

[0157] In such Figure 4C and Figure 4D In the illustrated example, the activator-reader device 100 is configured to measure location characteristics 10 of each response 331 from a corresponding passive radio 300 that depend at least on the relative positions of the corresponding passive radio and the device 200. These define a signature for the activator-reader device 100 (e.g., ToA signature {t3}), which is used to adjust the signature 21 of the device 200 (e.g., ToA signature {t2}) to obtain an adjusted signature for the device 200 (e.g., time-of-flight signature {ΔT}).

[0158] exist Figure 4C In the example of , the activator-reader device 100 receives responses 331 from the plurality of passive radios 300 that have been selectively activated 133, and adjusts a signature of the plurality of passive radios, such as {t2}, based on the received responses from the plurality of passive radios that have been selectively activated, such as based on {t3}. The signature is based on the responses 331 received at the device 200 from the plurality of passive radios 300 that have been selectively activated 133.

[0159] exist Figure 4D In the example of , the apparatus 100 receives responses 331 from the plurality of passive radios 300 that have been selectively activated 133, and adjusts the signatures of the plurality of passive radios, eg, {t2}, based on the received responses from the plurality of passive radios that have been selectively activated, eg, based on {t3}.

[0160] Therefore, from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D As can be appreciated in the example of , the signature 21 is compared 170 with the reference signature 22 to authenticate 20 the physical integrity.

[0161] The comparison determines whether the signature 21 of the plurality of passive radios 300 matches the reference signature 22 of the plurality of passive radios 300 .

[0162] Figure 5 The diagram shows Figure 1 and Figure 4CIn this example, like reference numerals are used to identify like features. In this example, all passive radios 300 are attached to object 350.

[0163] Device 200 is charged via radio signal 101 and activated via first activation signal 131. It sends response 231 indicating a plurality of activation identifiers for a corresponding plurality of passive radios 300. Signal 137 prepares 250 device 200 to receive passive radio responses. Activator-reader 100 activates passive radio 300 of object 350 via passive radio activation signal 133. Activation is selective because each passive radio activation signal 133 uses one of a plurality of activation identifiers 212. Passive radio 300 transmits response 331. Location feature 10 of response 331 is measured to obtain signature 21 at device 200 (and activator-reader 100). Activator-reader 100 activates device 200 via second activation signal 173 (signature request signal), and device 200 transmits signature response signal 174, which includes information dependent on the obtained signature 21. The activator-reader 100 determines whether the object 350 maintains physical integrity based on the signature 21 of the location feature 10 of the passive radio response 331 from the passive radio 300 of the object 350 .

[0164] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an extension of this concept to multiple scenarios, where the object to which the passive radio 300 is attached has different canonical (standard) physical configurations 360. Each different canonical physical configuration 360 of the object (in an undamaged state) is associated with a corresponding reference signature. Thus, each of the multiple different physical configurations 360_i of the object to which the passive radio 300 is attached is associated with a corresponding signature 21_i and a corresponding reference signature 22_i.

[0165] Figure 6 or Figure 7 The signature 21 and the reference signature 22 are not shown in FIG. 1 , but are illustrated in other figures.

[0166] Thus, an object may have a plurality of different configurations 300_1, 300_2. Each different configuration 300_1, 300_2 has an expected arrangement of the passive radio 300, and each of those expected individual arrangements of the passive radio 300 has an associated expected reference signature 22_i suitable for that configuration 300_i.

[0167] If the target is in one of a plurality of different configurations 300_j, it has a current arrangement of the passive radio 300, and the current arrangement of the passive radio 300 has an associated corresponding current signature 21_j.

[0168] If the current signature 21_j of the current configuration 300_j matches the reference signature 22_j of the same current configuration 300_j, it can be concluded that the object is not damaged.

[0169] If the current signature 21_j of the current configuration 300_j does not match the reference signature 22_j of the same current configuration 300_j, it can be concluded that the object is damaged.

[0170] In this example, the device generating, storing or using the reference signature stores a reference signature 22_i for each expected configuration 360_i of the plurality of passive radios 300. As previously described, the reference signature 22 of the plurality of passive radios 300 is dependent on the reference position features 10 of the plurality of passive radios 300.

[0171] When a reference signature 22_i is to be used, it may be selected from a stored reference signature set or a transmitted reference signature set based on the current configuration 360_i. Alternatively, a reference signature 22_i selected from a stored reference signature set may also be transmitted for use.

[0172] exist Figure 4A or Figure 4C In the illustrated example, the reference signature 22 used in the comparison 170 is selected at the device 200 from a set of reference signatures.

[0173] exist Figure 4B or Figure 4D In the illustrated example, the reference signature 22 used in comparison 170 is selected at the activator-reader device 100 from a reference signature set transmitted (e.g., previously transmitted) from the device 200, or the reference signature 22 used in comparison 170 is selected at the device 200 from a reference signature set and transmitted to the activator-reader device 100.

[0174] In at least some examples, a device selecting a reference signature 22_i from the set of reference signatures 22 may receive a signal 139 indicating one of a plurality of configurations 260 .

[0175] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the reference signature 22 used in the comparison 170 is selected at the activator-reader device 100 .

[0176] The signal 231 indicating the plurality of activation identifiers 212 also includes information for each registered physical structure configuration 360, the plurality of activation identifiers 212 including the activation identifier 212 for each of the plurality of passive radios 300. The information may include the reference signature set 22.

[0177] The activator-reader device 100 selects 160 a physical structure configuration 250_i.

[0178] The activator-reader device 100 transmits a signal 139 indicating, for each of the plurality of activation identifiers 212, a configuration 360 for receiving a response 331 from a corresponding passive radio 300 that was activated 133 using the corresponding activation identifier 212. Optionally, an option may also be selected to identify the configuration being tested.

[0179] Then proceed as described above.

[0180] The activator-reader 100 activates the passive radio 300 of the object 350 via the passive radio activation signal 133. The activation is selective because each passive radio activation signal 133 uses one of the plurality of activation identifiers 212. The passive radio 300 transmits a response 331. The location characteristics 10 of the response 331 are measured to obtain the signature 21 at the device 200 (and the activator-reader 100).

[0181] The activator-reader 100 activates the device 200 via the second activation signal 173 (signature request signal), and the device 200 sends a signature response signal 174, which includes information dependent on the signature 21 obtained.

[0182] Comparison 170 determines whether object 350 (for the selected test structure configuration) maintains physical integrity.Comparison compares the current signature provided by device 200 via signal 174 to the appropriate reference signature for configuration 360_i.

[0183] Figure 7 An example of an object 350 (vehicle) is illustrated having a first configuration 360_1 (doors closed) and a second configuration 360_2 (doors open). Each door has a different passive radio 300. The system is able to interrogate these passive radios 300 to detect damage (loss of integrity) in both the first configuration 360_1 and the second configuration 360_2.

[0184] Figure 8 An example of setting the system is illustrated so that it has a reference signature 22. The process of generating the in-use signature 21 may be performed at an earlier time to obtain the reference signature 22.

[0185] The activator-reader device 100 sends a first setup activation signal 161 which is received by the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 transmits a signal 231 indicating a plurality of activation identifiers in response to the first setup activation signal 161. The signal 231 is received by the activator-reader device 100.

[0186] The activator-reader device 100 sends a (set) passive radio activation signal 133 to the passive radio 300 using the corresponding activation identifier 212. The passive radio 200 responds with a (set) response signal 331.

[0187] The device 200 measures 242 at least a location characteristic 10 of each setup response 331 from a corresponding passive radio 300 that depends at least on the relative position of the corresponding passive radio 300 and the device 200. This defines a reference signature at the device 200 for the plurality of passive radios (e.g., ToA reference signature {t2}).

[0188] Optionally, the device 100 measures 262 at least a location characteristic 10 of each setup response 331 from a corresponding passive radio 300 that depends at least on the relative position of the corresponding passive radio 300 and the activator-reader device 100. This defines a reference signature (e.g., ToA reference signature {t3}) at the activator-reader device 100 for the plurality of passive radios.

[0189] In some examples, a reference signature of the activator-reader device 100 (eg, ToA reference signature {t3}) and a reference signature of the device 200 (eg, ToA reference signature {t2}) are merged 160 to create an adapted signature (eg, a time-of-flight signature {ΔT} of the device 200).

[0190] In the illustrated example, the activator-reader device 100 transmits a ToA second setup activation signal 163 to the device 200, which is received by the device 200. In response to the second setup activation signal 163, the device 200 transmits a setup signal 261 indicating a reference signature 22 (e.g., ToA reference signature {t2}) for multiple passive radios that depends on multiple location features.

[0191] In this example, reference signature 22 is stored 162 for future use.

[0192] Fig. 9An example is illustrated in which an activator-reader device 100 is divided into an activator device 100_A and one or more reader devices 100_R1, 100_R2. The device 200 is optionally charged via a radio signal (not shown) and activated via a first activation signal 131. The device 200 sends a response 231 indicating a plurality of activation identifiers 212 for a corresponding plurality of passive radios 300. The response 231 is received at the reader 100_R1 (and / or 100_R2). The activator 100_A and the reader 100_R1 (and / or 100_R2) communicate to inform the activator 100 of the plurality of activation identifiers 212. The activator 100_A activates the passive radio 300 of the object 350 via the transmission of the passive radio activation signal 133. The activation is selective in that each passive radio activation signal 133 uses one of the plurality of activation identifiers 212. The passive radio 300 transmits a response 331. The location characteristics 10 of the response 331 are measured at the device 200 to obtain the signature 21 at the device 200. The location characteristics 10 of the response 331 are measured at the reader 100_R1 (and / or the reader 100_R2) to obtain the signature at the reader. The activator 100 activates the device 200 via the second activation signal 173 (signature request signal), and the device 200 transmits a signature response signal 174, which includes information dependent on the obtained signature 21. The activator 100_A or the reader 100_R1, 100_R2 determines whether the physical object 350 maintains physical integrity based on at least the signature 21 of the location characteristics 10 of the passive radio response 331 from the passive radio 300 of the object 350.

[0193] Fig.10 An example is illustrated in which the device 200 is configured for energy harvesting.

[0194] The device 200 comprises an energy storage 204 for powering the device 200. The device 200 further comprises an energy harvesting arrangement 202 for charging the energy storage via harvested energy from the external energy source 101 .

[0195] In at least some examples, the external energy source 101 is a received radio signal 101 within a defined bandwidth. The received radio signal 101 may be transmitted by the activator-reader device 100 .

[0196] The device 200 is configured to use the energy storage 204 to power the controller 400 for measurement and storage, the transmitter 230 (Tx) for transmission, and the receiver 220 (Rx) for reception.

[0197] Fig.11An example of a controller 400 suitable for use in devices 100, 200 is shown. The controller 400 may be implemented as a controller circuit. The controller 400 may be implemented solely in hardware, may have certain aspects in software including separate firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0198] like Fig.11 As shown, the controller 400 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 406 in a general or special purpose processor 402 , which may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such processor 402 .

[0199] The processor 402 is configured to read from and write to the memory 404. The processor 402 may also include an output interface and an input interface, through which the processor 402 outputs data and / or commands, and through which data and / or commands are input to the processor 402.

[0200] The memory 404 stores a computer program 406, which includes computer program instructions (computer program code), which, when loaded into the processor 402, can control the operation of the devices 100 and 200. The computer program instructions in the computer program 406 provide logic and routines to enable the device to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The processor 402 can load and execute the computer program 406 by reading the memory 404.

[0201] In some examples, the device 200 includes:

[0202] at least one processor 402; and

[0203] at least one memory 404 comprising computer program code,

[0204] at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 402, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0205] storing a plurality of activation identifiers 212, wherein each activation identifier 212 of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a corresponding passive radio 300 of the plurality of passive radios;

[0206] In response to receiving the first activation signal, transmitting a signal indicative of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0207] At least one location characteristic of a response from the passive radio is measured, wherein the location characteristic is dependent on at least a relative location of the corresponding passive radio and the device.

[0208] In some examples, the device 100 includes:

[0209] at least one processor 402; and

[0210] at least one memory 404 comprising computer program code,

[0211] at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 402, cause the apparatus to at least:

[0212] Sending a first activation signal to another device 200;

[0213] receiving, in response to the first activation signal, a signal from the other device indicating a plurality of activation identifiers including an activation identifier for each of the plurality of passive radios, and activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using each of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0214] sending a second activation signal to the device; and

[0215] A signal is received from the device in response to the second activation signal indicating signatures of a plurality of passive radios dependent on relative positions between the respective passive radios and the device when activated, and authenticating the signatures of the plurality of passive radios.

[0216] like Fig.12 As shown, the computer program 406 may arrive at the device 100, 200 via any suitable transmission mechanism 408. For example, the transmission mechanism 408 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a storage device, a recording medium (such as a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies the computer program 406. The transmission mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transmit the computer program 406. The device 100, 200 may propagate or transmit the computer program 406 as a computer data signal.

[0217] In some examples, computer program instructions are provided for causing the device 200 to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:

[0218] storing a plurality of activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios;

[0219] In response to receiving the first activation signal, transmitting a signal indicative of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0220] At least one location characteristic of a response from the passive radio is measured, wherein the location characteristic is dependent on at least a relative location of the corresponding passive radio and a device.

[0221] In some examples, computer program instructions are provided for causing the device 200 to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:

[0222] sending a first activation signal to another device;

[0223] receiving, in response to the first activation signal, a signal from the other device indicating a plurality of activation identifiers, the plurality of activation identifiers including an activation identifier for each of the plurality of passive radios, and activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using each of the plurality of activation identifiers;

[0224] sending a second activation signal to the device; and

[0225] A signal is received from the device in response to the second activation signal indicating signatures of a plurality of passive radios dependent on relative positions between the respective passive radios and the device at the time of activation, and authenticating the signatures of the plurality of passive radios.

[0226] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed among multiple computer programs.

[0227] Although memory 404 is illustrated as a separate component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuit, some or all of which may be integrated / removable, and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0228] Although processor 402 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuit, some or all of which may be integrated / detachable. Processor 402 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0229] References to "computer-readable storage medium", "computer program product", "tangibly embodied computer program", etc., or "controller", "computer", "processor", etc., should be understood to include not only computers with different architectures (such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von-Neumann) / parallel architectures), but also special-purpose circuits (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other processing circuits. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to include software or firmware for programmable processors, such as, for example, the programmable content of hardware devices, whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device, etc.

[0230] In this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0231] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog and / or digital circuits only) and

[0232] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0233] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware; and

[0234] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor and software (including a digital signal processor), software and a memory or memories that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform its functions); and

[0235] (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when not required to operate.

[0236] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of a hardware-only circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and where applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0237] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying drawings may represent steps in the method and / or code portions in the computer program 406. The illustration of a particular order of blocks does not necessarily mean that the order of the blocks is required or preferred, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may vary. In addition, some blocks may also be omitted.

[0238] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by a means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature, whether that function or functions are explicitly described or implicitly described.

[0239] The above example finds use as the following application parts:

[0240] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content (including audio, video and audiovisual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality); personal systems (including personal health systems or personal fitness systems); navigation systems; user interfaces (also known as human-machine interfaces); networks (including cellular, non-cellular and optical networks); ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0241] According to the examples of the present application, the device can be provided in an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal. However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal only illustrates an electronic device that can benefit from the implementation examples of the present application, and therefore, it should not be considered that the scope of the present application is limited to the same. Although in some implementation examples, the present device can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as but not limited to: mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, notebook computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems, can adopt the examples of the present application at any time. In addition, devices can easily adopt the examples of the present application, regardless of their intention to provide mobility.

[0242] The term "include" used in this document has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including Y means that X may include only one Y or multiple Ys. If the exclusive meaning of "include" is intended, the context should clearly indicate "include only one..." or use "consisting of..."

[0243] In this specification, "connected", "coupled" and "in communication" and their derivative meanings refer to operational connection / coupling / communication. It should be understood that there may be any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components), that is, providing direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0244] As used herein, the term "determine" (and its grammatical variations) may include: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database or other data structure), determining, etc. In addition, "determine" also includes receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. In addition, "determine" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0245] In this specification, reference is made to various examples. The description of features or functions associated with an example indicates that these features or functions are present in the example. The terms "example" or "for example" or "may" or "may" used in the text, whether explicitly stated or not, mean that these features or functions are present in at least the described example, and whether or not described as an example, they may, but not necessarily, be present in some or all other examples. Therefore, "example", "for example", "may" or "may" refer to a specific instance of a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be attributes of the instance, or attributes of the class, or attributes of a subclass of the class, which includes some instances in the class, but not all instances. Therefore, it is implied that the features described with reference to one example but not another example may, where possible, be used as part of a working combination in another example, but not necessarily in the other example.

[0246] Although the preceding paragraphs have described the examples with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0247] Features described in the preceding description may also be used in other combinations than those explicitly described above.

[0248] Although features have been described with reference to certain signatures, those features may be performed by other signatures whether or not described.

[0249] Although features have been described with reference to some examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0250] The terms "a", "an" or "the" used in this document have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, whenever X is mentioned to include a / an / theY, it indicates that X may include only one Y or multiple Ys, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If "a", "an" or "the" has an exclusive meaning, it should be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be intended to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be regarded as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0251] The feature (or feature combination) appearing in the claim refers to the feature or (feature combination) itself, and also refers to the feature that achieves substantially the same technical effect (equivalent feature). For example, equivalent features include variant features and features that achieve substantially the same effect in substantially the same way. For example, equivalent features include features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same effect.

[0252] In this specification, adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe the features of various examples. Such feature related to the examples indicates that the feature is completely consistent with the description in some examples and exists as described in other examples.

[0253] The above description describes some examples of the present application. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that there may be alternative structures and method features that provide functions equivalent to the specific examples of the above structures and features. For the sake of brevity and clarity, the above description omits these alternative structures and method features. Nevertheless, the above description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functions, unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the description of the above examples of the present application.

[0254] While an effort has been made in the foregoing description to call attention to those features regarded as important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by way of claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not emphasized.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: means for storing a plurality of activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers is associated with a corresponding passive radio of a plurality of passive radios; means for receiving a first activation signal; means for sending a response signal in response to the first activation signal, the response signal indicating at least one of the plurality of activation identifiers; means for receiving a response from the corresponding at least one passive radio, the corresponding at least one passive radio having been activated using the at least one activation identifier; Means for measuring at least one position characteristic of a response from the respective at least one passive radio, the at least one position characteristic being dependent on at least one relative position between the respective at least one passive radio and the device.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising: Means for authenticating a signature of some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on the plurality of location features, the signature being a signature for all of the passive radios, or the signature being a signature for a subset of the passive radios, optionally the subset being associated with an object.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: Means for receiving a second activation signal and for transmitting a signature response signal in response to the second activation signal, the signature response signal indicating a signature of some or all of the plurality of passive radios that is dependent on the plurality of location characteristics, wherein the signature is a signature for all of the passive radios or the signature is a signature for a subset of the passive radios.

4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein: The authentication comprises based on a comparison of the signature and a reference signature.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein: Before comparison, the signature and the reference signature are arrival time signatures, adapted to the flight time signature.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: means for receiving a configuration signal, for each activation identifier of the plurality of activation identifiers, the signal indicating a configuration for receiving the response from a corresponding at least one passive radio that has been activated using the corresponding activation identifier, or Means are included for receiving a configuration signal indicating, for each of the plurality of activation identifiers, a configuration for receiving the response from a respective at least one passive radio that has been activated using the respective activation identifier.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, configured to generate a reference signature as part of a setup process, comprising: means for receiving a first setting activation signal; means for transmitting a first setup response signal in response to the first setup activation signal, the first setup activation signal indicating some or all of the plurality of activation identifiers; means for receiving, for each of some or all of the plurality of activation identifiers, a setup response from a corresponding passive radio that has been activated using the corresponding activation identifier; means for measuring at least one position characteristic of each setup response from a corresponding passive radio, the at least one position characteristic being dependent at least on a relative position between the corresponding passive radio and the device; means for generating reference signatures for some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on the plurality of location features, wherein Authentication of the signature uses the reference signature, wherein the reference signature is a reference signature for all of the passive radios, or the reference signature is a reference signature for a subset of the passive radios, or the reference signature is a reference signature for a subset of the passive radios associated with an object.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising: means for storing reference signatures, wherein each reference signature depends on reference position characteristics of all of the plurality of passive radios in different configurations, or wherein each reference signature depends on reference position characteristics of a subset of the plurality of passive radios in different configurations; as well as means for receiving a configuration signal indicating one of a plurality of configurations, and Means for transmitting a reference signature indication signal indicative of a reference signature for the indicated one of the plurality of configurations.

9. A device for communication, comprising: means for transmitting a first activation signal to another device; as well as Means for receiving a response signal from the other device in response to the first activation signal, the response signal indicating one or more activation identifiers, wherein each activation identifier is associated with a respective passive radio of a plurality of passive radios.

10. The device of claim 9, comprising: Means for activating a corresponding passive radio of the plurality of passive radios using at least one of the plurality of activation identifiers.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising: Means for transmitting a second activation signal to the other device, and means for receiving a second response signal in response to the second activation signal, the second response signal providing a result of authenticating the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios, and / or means for transmitting a third activation signal to the other device and receiving a third response signal in response, the third response signal enabling the device to authenticate the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, 10 or 11, comprising: means for sending a second activation signal to the device; means for receiving, from the device, a signature response signal in response to the second activation signal, the signature response signal indicating signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios dependent on a relative position between the respective passive radios and the device; as well as Means for authenticating the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising: Means for determining whether the signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios match a reference signature of some or all of the plurality of passive radios.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, comprising: means for receiving responses from some or all of the plurality of passive radios that have been activated; Means for adjusting signatures of some or all of the plurality of passive radios based on responses received from some or all of the plurality of passive radios that were activated.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising: means for transmitting a configuration signal indicative of one of a plurality of configurations; and means for receiving a reference signature indication signal indicative of said configured reference signature.

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