Time offset in ultra wide band (UWB) ranging

Abstract

In some implementations, a first ultra wide band (UWB) device may determine a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambling timestamp sequences (STSs) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and a second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS in the series of STSs is determined from time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. The first UWB device may transmit the series of STSs via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during the UWB ranging session, wherein each STS in the series of STSs is transmitted at the respective time offset.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 057,753, filed on Nov. 21, 2022, entitled “TIME OFFSETS IN ULTRA-WIDEBAND (UWB) RANGING,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Disclosure 1. Field of the Technology

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of radio frequency (RF)-based positioning determination (or positioning) of electronic wireless devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to UWB-based positioning.

[0005] 2. Related Art

[0006] Positioning of devices can have a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial, military, and other applications. Relative to other RF-based ranging / positioning techniques for wireless electronic devices, UWB-based ranging (e.g., as defined in IEEE 802.15.4ab and / or other wireless specifications) provides a highly accurate low-power positioning solution. Such UWB-based ranging can implement some features to help mitigate the likelihood that RF signals can be illegally simulated (or “spoofed”). However, UWB-based positioning may still be vulnerable to such spoofing in some respects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an example method for enabling secure UWB ranging between a first ultra-wideband (UWB) device and a second UWB device may include determining, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STS is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. The method may further include transmitting, during the UWB ranging session, the series of STS by the first UWB device via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each of the series of STS is transmitted with the respective time offset.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an example method for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device may include determining, at the second UWB device, a respective time offset for each Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS) of a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. The method may further include receiving, during the UWB ranging session, at the second UWB device, the series of STSs via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each STS of the series of STSs is received with the respective time offset.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an example first Ultra-Wideband (UWB) device may include: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine a respective time offset for each Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS) of a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. The one or more processors may further be configured to transmit, during the UWB ranging session, via the transceiver, the series of STSs via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each STS of the series of STSs is transmitted with the respective time offset.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an example second Ultra-Wideband (UWB) device may include a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine a respective time offset for each Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS) of a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between a first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. The one or more processors may further be configured to receive, during the UWB ranging session, via the transceiver, the series of STSs via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each STS of the series of STSs is received with the respective time offset.

[0011] This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood with reference to the appropriate portions of the entire specification of this disclosure, any or all of the drawings, and each claim. The foregoing and other features and examples will be described in more detail in the following specification, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are simplified diagrams illustrating examples of how ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning / ranging may be performed in a network of UWB devices.

[0013] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are flowcharts illustrating the roles that different UWB devices may assume in a UWB ranging session that includes a control phase and a ranging phase.

[0014] Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating how time may be measured and utilized within a UWB ranging session.

[0015] Figure 4A is an illustration of different packet configurations that may be used in a UWB session at the UWB physical (PHY) layer.

[0016] Figure 4B is an illustration of a deterministic random bit generator (DRBG) that may be used to generate a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS).

[0017] Figure 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the transmission of a series of STS packets for UWB ranging.

[0018] Figure 6 is a timing diagram according to one embodiment similar to Figure 5 but in which each STS has a time offset.

[0019] Figure 7 is a timing diagram illustrating how a time offset may be performed at the pulse level according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8A is a timing diagram illustrating a series of NB UWB packets that may be transmitted by a transmitting UWB device in an NB-assisted ranging session.

[0021] Figure 8B is a timing diagram according to one embodiment similar to Figure 8A but with a time offset for a series of NB UWB packets.

[0022] Figure 9It is a flowchart of a method for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of another method for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a block diagram of an embodiment of a UWB device.

[0025] Similar reference symbols in the various figures indicate similar elements according to certain examples of embodiments. Additionally, multiple instances of an element may be indicated by adding a letter or a hyphen and a second number after the first number of the element. For example, multiple instances of element 110 may be indicated as 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, etc. or 110a, 110b, 110c, etc. When only the first number is used to refer to such an element, it should be understood that any instance of the element (e.g., element 110 in the previous example will refer to elements 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 or to elements 110a, 110b, and 110c). Detailed Description

[0026] The following description is directed to certain specific embodiments with the aim of describing the innovative aspects of the embodiments. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described specific embodiments can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to any communication standard, such as any one of the following: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard for ultra-wideband (UWB), IEEE 802.11 standards (including the standards identified as Wi-Fi ® technologies), Bluetooth ®Standards, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Revision A, EV-DO Revision B, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolutionary High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), or other known signals for communication within a wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) network (such as a system utilizing a technology of 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, or further specific implementations thereof).

[0027] As used herein, an "RF signal" includes an electromagnetic wave (or wave) that transmits information through the space between a transmitter (or transmitting device) and a receiver (or receiving device). As used herein, a transmitter may send a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multiple channels or paths, for example, when the transmitted RF signal arrives at the receiver via two or more different spatial paths (e.g., due to reflection), the receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal.

[0028] As previously mentioned, relative to other RF-based positioning technologies for wireless electronic devices, UWB-based ranging provides a highly accurate low-power positioning solution. UWB-based positioning can be used in industrial applications, such as by robots and / or other Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a factory environment, indoor positioning of consumer electronics, etc. Although UWB-based positioning can be used in an ad-hoc manner as an independent positioning technology between electronic devices capable of UWB positioning (also referred to herein as "UWB devices"), in some embodiments, UWB-based positioning can be used as one of many technologies for positioning electronic devices in a positioning system or a wireless network with positioning capabilities (e.g., a cellular network).

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the term "positioning" as used herein (including, for example, UWB-based positioning, cellular-based positioning, satellite-based positioning, and hybrid cellular / UWB positioning) may include absolute position determination, relative position determination, ranging, or combinations thereof. For the purposes of location or sensing services, such positioning may include and / or be based on timing, angle, phase, or power measurements or combinations thereof (which may include RF sensing measurements). As used herein, "UWB positioning" and "UWB ranging" may be used interchangeably.

[0030] UWB-based positioning of UWB devices such as IoT devices, mobile phones, etc. can be an important feature for the functionality of the devices. For example, knowing the precise location of an IoT device on a factory floor can be crucial to ensure the correct operation of the IoT device. Positioning of devices such as shipping tags or location tags for items or people (e.g., patients in a hospital) can also be key to the functionality of such devices. Other devices such as mobile phones can also use UWB positioning to perform various functions. Thus, the stability of such positioning is important for the overall functionality of these devices. Embodiments herein may utilize time offsets to offset a scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) (e.g., the entire STS and / or its pulses) to mitigate or eliminate problems caused by potential spoofing of UWB ranging signals. After reviewing relevant UWB-based ranging / location technologies, the details are as follows.

[0031] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a simplified diagram illustrating how UWB positioning can be performed in a network (ad hoc network) of UWB anchors 110. As described herein, a "UWB anchor" (or simply "anchor") may include a UWB device with a known position that can be used to determine the positioning of a target 120 or "tag" using UWB RF signals. UWB positioning can be performed using relevant standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4ab), which enables high-accuracy low-power positioning.

[0032] If the positioning of one or more UWB anchors 110 is also unknown, such as in an ad hoc network, an initial configuration of the UWB anchors 110 can be performed. In this configuration, the UWB anchors 110 can perform ranging measurements to determine the relative distances (l1-l6) between the UWB devices 110, as Figure 1AAs shown. This allows the UWB anchors 110 to determine their relative positions to each other and, if the absolute position of any UWB anchor 110 is known, to determine the absolute position (e.g., relative to a coordinate system). Once the positioning of the UWB anchors 110 is known, the position of the target 120 can be determined by determining the distances (d1 - d6) between the UWB anchors 110 and the target 120. These distances can be determined using a variety of positioning-related measurements and / or processes. This can include, for example, reference signal time difference (RSTD), time of arrival (ToA), two-way ranging (TWR) (e.g., including single-sided TWR (SS-TWR) and / or double-sided TWR (DS-TWR)), time difference of arrival (TDoA), etc. Additionally or alternatively, angle-based measurements can be made for the positioning of the target 120, including angle of arrival (AoA) and / or angle of departure (AoD).

[0033] The UWB anchors 110 can vary in form and function. In some embodiments, for example, the UWB anchor 110 can include a mobile device such as a mobile phone having UWB functionality. Similarly, the anchor 110 can include other personal electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, personal media players, etc. Additionally, as described above, the UWB device can include a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a robot, or other mobile devices that can move autonomously and can be used in consumer, industrial, military, and / or other applications. The UWB anchor 110 can also include a private and / or dedicated RF beacon deployed at a known location for monitoring the position of tags or devices used in logistics applications. For example, this can be done to track packages, shipping containers, etc. The UWB anchor 110 can be used in proximity applications to, for example, unlock a door when a user (e.g., an authorized user) is nearby. The UWB anchor 110 can also be deployed in a factory environment to monitor robots, assembled parts, etc. The UWB anchor 110 can also be used in other applications and / or device types.

[0034] A set of UWB anchors 110 can conduct a session in which the UWB anchors 110 perform a series of operations to determine the location of one or more devices among the devices, and during this session, the UWB anchors 110 participate in direct communication (e.g., D2D communication) to coordinate data exchange, synchronization (e.g., for TDoA positioning). (As used herein, a "session" between devices may include a series of coordinated operations performed by the devices to carry out a task such as ranging or positioning. Different types of sessions may include different operations. Sessions can be conducted according to relevant standards, can be identified by a session ID, can be conducted in parallel with other tasks (e.g., other sessions), or any combination thereof. As described herein, a "UWB session" may refer to a session for UWB ranging and / or positioning.) A set of UWB anchors 110 can be referred to as a "cluster", and a network of UWB devices can include multiple clusters. Each cluster can include any number of UWB anchors 110, and different clusters can overlap such that one or more UWB anchors 110 can be part of one or more different clusters.

[0035] Figure 2A is a flowchart illustrating the roles that different devices can assume with respect to a UWB ranging session (or simply a "UWB session"), which can be conducted according to relevant UWB positioning standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4ab). Here, each UWB device can be referred to as an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV). ERDEV can refer to different terms at different layers of the network stack (e.g., initiator / responder or controller / controlled). The terms initiator / responder will be used at a lower layer (e.g., at the UWB Physical (PHY) layer and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer), while the terms controller and controlled can be used at a higher layer (e.g., the application layer of the ERDEV) (described below).

[0036] As indicated, for a pair of ERDEVs communicating with each other, the controller 210 is the ERDEV that transmits control information 225 to the receiving ERDEV designated as the controlled party 220. The control information 225 can include parameters for the UWB ranging session, such as timing, channels, etc. Although not illustrated, the controlled party 220 can transmit an acknowledgement to the control information 225, can negotiate changes to the parameters, etc.

[0037] The exchange between the control party 210 and the controlled party 220 (including the transmission of control information 225 and subsequent related exchanges regarding the control information between the control party 210 and the controlled party 220) can be carried out out-of-band (OOB) using different wireless communication technologies (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) before the ranging phase. In other words, the UWB session can be associated with a control phase and a ranging phase, where the control phase (which can occur over an OOB link) includes a preliminary exchange between the control party 210 and the controlled party 220 of parameter values for the ranging phase, and the subsequent ranging phase includes the part of the UWB session in which the devices exchange messages within the UWB band for ranging measurements. (However, it can be noted that some control information can be exchanged within the UWB band (e.g., a "ranging control phase" that occurs in the first time slot of a UWB round). Thus, after the preliminary OOB exchange between the control party 210 and the controlled party 220, some aspects of the control phase can be considered to occur within the band.)

[0038] According to the parameters provided in the control information, the UWB session can then occur. In the ranging phase of the UWB session, one ERDEV can take the role of the initiator 230, and the other ERDEV can take the role of the responder 240. As Figure 2A indicated, the initiator 230 can initiate UWB ranging by transmitting a ranging initiation message 245 to the responder 240, the responder 240 can reply to the ranging initiation message with a ranging response message 250, and the messages can be (by the devices receiving these messages) timed to perform two-way ranging (TWR). According to the parameters of the control information 225, additional exchanges can be made between the initiator 230 and the responder 240 in the ranging phase to allow for additional ranging measurements.

[0039] The roles of the initiator 230 and the responder 240 can be indicated in the control information 225. In addition, as Figure 2A indicated, the control party 210 in the control phase can be the initiator 230 in the ranging phase of the UWB session. Alternatively, as Figure 2B indicated, the control party 210 in the control phase can be the responder 240 in the ranging phase. The determination of which device is the initiator 230 and which device is the responder 240 can depend on the parameters set forth in the control information 225, in which case the controlled party 220 correspondingly becomes the responder 240 or the initiator 230. According to some embodiments, the control party / initiator can perform ranging with multiple controlled parties / responders.

[0040] Figure 3FIG. 300 is an illustration of how time can be segmented and utilized within a UWB ranging session, which may be used in some embodiments. The UWB session may occur over a time period that is divided into sub-parts according to a hierarchy. The timing includes one or more consecutive ranging blocks 310, which may have a configurable duration (e.g., 200 ms). (For simplicity, only one ranging block 310 is shown in Figure 3 . However, the UWB session may utilize multiple ranging blocks that may occur consecutively.) Each ranging block 310 may be divided into one or more consecutive rounds 320 (e.g., N rounds). The number and length of the rounds may be configurable. The rounds 320 may be further divided into different time slots 330, which may also have configurable numbers and lengths. According to some embodiments, to help reduce RF collisions, each cluster of UWB anchors may use a single round in each ranging block 310 for UWB positioning. Adjacent clusters may utilize different rounds.

[0041] The time slots within a round 320 may be allocated for different purposes. For example, an initial time slot may be dedicated to a ranging control phase 340, in which the initiating UWB anchor or Init anchor of the cluster sends control information for the other UWB anchors in the cluster. This information may include, for example, the time slot allocation between different UWB anchors in the cluster. During a subsequent ranging phase 350, different UWB anchors may transmit according to the allocated time slots. That is, each anchor may be allocated a corresponding time slot in the ranging phase 350 to transmit one or more ranging signals. After the ranging phase 350 may be a measurement reporting phase 360, in which the UWB anchors in the cluster may report measurement results (e.g., the measurement results of the signals measured during the ranging phase 350).

[0042] Figure 4AThis is an illustration of different packet configurations that can be used in a UWB session at the UWB Physical (PHY) layer in some embodiments. These packet configurations can be defined and / or used in relevant UWB standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4z). As shown, the ranging functionality can be based on channel estimation using a SYNC preamble, which is included in each of the possible configurations (e.g., configurations 0 to 3) used in the current configuration. (Configuration 0 is currently used as the default configuration.) The SYNC preamble can include a bit sequence (such as Ipatov ternary sequence, Gold sequence, Golay sequence, polyphase sequences like Zadoff-Chu sequence, etc.) that exhibits good autocorrelation properties (e.g., sufficient for ranging measurements). As illustrated, the different packet configurations can also include a Frame Start Delimiter (SFD) to help distinguish the SYNC preamble from the rest of the packet, a PHY payload for transmitting data (e.g., for communication, timestamp information, etc.), and / or a Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS). The STS is a security feature with a unique sequence known to the transmitter and receiver, which can authenticate the data packet source and help prevent illegal over-the-air RF signals (spoofing signals) that can forge ToA estimates for ranging in a UWB session. Regarding Figure 4B This aspect of UWB ranging is described in more detail.

[0043] Figure 4B This is an illustration of a Deterministic Random Bit Generator (DRBG) 400 that can be used to generate the STS and can be used in some embodiments. Here, in the counter mode, the DRBG 400 is based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-128. As illustrated, the DRBG 400 uses a 96-bit value, a 32-bit counter, and an STS key. The STS key can be securely exchanged between the ERDEV (e.g., the initiator and one or more responders) before the UWB session. For example, the STS key can be provided by a control party (e.g., Figure 2A or Figure 2B the control party 210) of

[0044] Despite the security measures provided by STS, STS is not used in all STS group configurations (e.g., STS group configuration 0). Even with STS present, ranging using STS can still be vulnerable to potential spoofing. An example way in which an STS group configuration can be spoofed is provided in Singh, Mridula, et al., "Security analysis of IEEE 802.15.4z / HRPUWB time-of-flight distance measurement". Proceedings of the 14th ACM Conference on Security and Privacy in Wireless and Mobile Networks. 2021. Briefly, a spoofing device can randomly generate pulses that overlap with legitimate STS transmissions, which results in higher sidelobes after correlation at the receiving UWB device, which may cause the receiving UWB device to mistake the sidelobe for a legitimate signal. In scenarios where the signal travels via a multipath or non-line-of-sight (NLOS) channel, the authors have demonstrated success in impairing the performance of ToA estimation (even after using STS) through the use of "Cicada++" and "adaptive injection" spoofing. Additional information regarding Figure 5 provides additional information about these types of RF spoofing.

[0045] Figure 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the transmission of a series 500 of STS packets for UWB ranging, which series of STS packets can be transmitted in a UWB ranging session between two UWB devices. As illustrated, series 500 includes a ranging control message (RCM) 505, followed by a series of STS packets. As previously described, RCM 505 can be transmitted during the first time slot in a round (e.g., round 320 as described with respect to Figure 3 ), and each STS packet can be transmitted in subsequent time slots. It can be noted that while series 500 includes packets with STS packet configuration three, the principles described with respect to Figure 5 and the subsequent figures can be applied to other STS packet configurations. Additionally, depending on the desired functionality, alternative scenarios can include a greater or lesser number of STS packets in the sequence.

[0046] Although there are STS 510-1, 510-2, and 510-3 (collectively referred to herein as STS 510), which are sequences unknown to the spoofing device, the spoofing device can still determine when to send STS 510 (e.g., based on an insecure synchronization packet) and send a signal that interrupts the reception of STS 510 at the receiving device, which can cause the receiving device to determine an incorrect ToA of STS 510. (Specifically, this can include range reduction spoofing, where sidelobes caused by spoofing are mistaken for early legitimate signals.) This in turn can lead to incorrect positioning determinations of the receiving and / or transmitting UWB devices, which may compromise the security of the UWB devices. In Cicada++ spoofing, the spoofing device can inject pulses at a fraction of the repetition frequency of the STS, where each injected pulse is stronger than the legitimate pulse. In adaptive injection spoofing, the spoofing device can perform a similar pulse injection to Cicada++, but can further stop sending the injected pulses when it observes that the correlation of the receiving UWB device has been affected.

[0047] As Figure 6 shown, embodiments herein can help mitigate problems caused by these and similar types of spoofing by sending STS 510 with a time offset.

[0048] Figure 6 is a timing diagram similar to Figure 5 the illustration shown. However, here, each STS has a time offset. Specifically, the first STS 610-1 has a first offset t1, the second STS 610-2 has a first offset t2, and the third STS 610-3 has a first offset t3 . As shown, this time offset can offset the STS from the rest of the STS packet. In the case of including a time offset, the STS can be sent at a time unknown to the spoofing device, thus preventing the spoofing device from superimposing its own fake transmission on the legitimate STS.

[0049] The time offset can be a pseudorandom offset shared between the transmitting UWB device and the receiving UWB device, such that the spoofing device cannot determine when to send the STS. For example, a controlling UWB device (e.g., the transmitting UWB device) can share the time offset information with a controlled UWB device (e.g., the receiving UWB device) via a secure means such as Bluetooth or another OOB communication channel before the UWB session. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the time offset information can be transmitted by the transmitting UWB device to the receiving UWB device via the RCM 615 during the UWB session.

[0050] Depending on the desired functionality, the value of the time offset itself can be conveyed in different ways. According to some embodiments, the time offset can be conveyed as, for example, a length of time in nanoseconds (ns), symbols, or chips. Additionally or alternatively, the time offset can be conveyed as a multiple of a ranging counter time unit (RTCU) that can be as low as 15.65 ps.

[0051] Depending on the desired functionality, the time offset can be implemented in a variety of ways. As Figure 6 shown, the offset can include shifting the entire STS. Additionally or alternatively, as explained below, the time offset can be applied to each pulse within the STS. Further, for each STS in the series of STS packets 600, the time offset can be uniform (e.g., t1 = t2 = t3), or can vary from one STS to the next (e.g., t1, t2, and t3 are different, as Figure 6 shown). When sharing the time offset information with the controlled UWB device, the controlling UWB device can convey the time offset itself to the controlled UWB device (e.g., for all STSs in the series of STS packets 600 or for each STS 610) or can convey a key or seed value to the controlled UWB device, and the receiving UWB device can determine the value for the time offset from the key or seed value using a known algorithm in a manner similar to the creation of the STS itself (again, for all STSs in the series of STS packets 600 or for each STS 610).

[0052] Figure 7 is a timing diagram 700 illustrating how time offset can be performed at the pulse level according to some embodiments. In Figure 7 , a series of bits 710 (e.g., in an STS) are shown as pulses 720 being transmitted between a transmitting UWB device and a receiving UWB device. Each pulse represents a corresponding bit, where (in this example) a positive pulse represents a "1" and a negative pulse represents a "0". As shown, each pulse has a pulse width, and time gaps separate the pulses to help mitigate any interference between the pulses. For example, for a UWB transmission with a 500 MHz bandwidth, the pulse width will be 2 ns. In this example, the ratio of the duration of the time gap to the pulse width is approximately 3:1, but alternative embodiments can vary in these respects.

[0053] According to some embodiments, in addition to Figure 6 the larger time offsets shown or as an alternative thereto, pulse-level time offset can be performed. That is, the time of each pulse (e.g., pulse time 730) can be offset (e.g., forward or backward in time as shown by arrow 740). Similar to regarding Figure 6The described time offset can be the same for all pulses 720 or can be different such that each individual pulse has its own corresponding time offset. According to some embodiments, the time offset can be on the order of the duration of the pulse or less, such as 0.5, 0.25, or 0.125 of the pulse width. For example, for a 2 ns pulse width, options can include one nanosecond, 0.5 ns, or 0.25 ns. Other embodiments can have additional options for the time offset, which can include options with longer or shorter durations. Time offset information known only to the UWB transmitter and receiver (e.g., a pseudo-random time offset generation strategy, hopping pattern, etc.) can be used to determine the time offset for each pulse in a manner similar to that described previously for STS time offsets.

[0054] Although the previously described embodiments apply to UWB ranging using traditional STS packet configurations, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, some embodiments can utilize time offsets for narrowband (NB)-aided ranging. Examples of this are provided below with respect to Figure 8A and Figure 8B which provide examples of this.

[0055] Figure 8A is a timing diagram of a series of NB UWB packets 800a that can be transmitted by a transmitting UWB device in an NB-aided ranging session. It can be seen that this series of NB UWB packets 800a is similar to Figure 5 the series of STS packets 500 shown for UWB ranging. However, here, the NB UWB packets only correspond to a portion of a complete STS packet configuration. After an initial NB packet 810 is used for timing and frequency synchronization estimation, and an initial SYNC packet 820 is transmitted to obtain a more accurate estimate for timing and frequency synchronization. Subsequently, an STS 830 can be transmitted to achieve secure positioning.

[0056] Although an STS 830 is used, the series of NB UWB packets 800a for NB-aided ranging can be vulnerable to spoofing in ways similar to those described previously for UWB positioning using traditional STS packets. Blocks 840 and 850 illustrate times at which a spoofing device can inject a fake transmission during the transmission of this series of UWB packets 800a. The spoofing device can perform Cicada++ or adaptive injection spoofing by, for example, transmitting at block 840 after determining (e.g., from SYNC 820) when the STS 830 will be transmitted. Additionally or alternatively, the spoofing device can transmit a forged SYNC at block 850 to change the transmission time 860 of the STS 830.

[0057] Figure 8B is illustrative of a similar to Figure 8ABut a timing diagram of a series of NB UWB packets 800b with time offsets t1, t2, and t3. Here, the time offsets can be implemented in a manner similar to the previous embodiments, where the time offsets t1, t2, and t3 can be the same for the entire series of UWB NB packets 800b, or can change from one STS to another. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the time offsets are known to the UWB transmitter and receiver, and in-band or OOB means as described herein can be used to share the time offset information. Depending on the desired functionality, the STS can be offset sufficiently to completely avoid spoofing (e.g., the duration of the offset is greater than the duration of the expected spoofing), and / or can be offset at the pulse level such that the pulses of the STS are offset from the pulses from any spoofing. It can be noted that even if the spoofing device successfully spoofs the SYNC (as shown by the spoofing at block 870) and changes the expected (non-offset) transmission time 880 of the STS packet, the time offset used in the STS transmission can still mitigate the effects of any subsequent spoofing. This is because the spoofing device does not know the time offset and will perform any subsequent spoofing at the expected transmission time 880, as changed by the spoofed SYNC.

[0058] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device according to one embodiment. For example, it can be performed by the transmitting UWB device in a UWB ranging (positioning) session Figure 9 of the functions illustrated by the blocks. Components for performing Figure 9 one or more of the functions illustrated by the blocks shown can be performed by the hardware and / or software components of the UE. Figure 11 Example components of the UE are illustrated in, and are described in more detail below.

[0059] At block 910, the functionality includes determining, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each STS in a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS in the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. As noted in embodiments herein, such time offsets may be implemented in any of a variety of ways. For example, according to some embodiments, the respective time offset is the same for each STS in the series of STSs. According to some embodiments, the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs. As noted in embodiments described elsewhere herein, the time offset information may include a description of the length of the time offset (e.g., in nanoseconds, chips, symbols, RTCUs, or any combination thereof). Additionally or alternatively, the time offset information may include a seed or key for an algorithm that both the transmitting UWB device and the receiving UWB device can use to determine the time offset.

[0060] As noted herein, according to some embodiments, the time offset may be at the pulse level. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 900, the STSs in the series of STSs include a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each STS in the series of STSs includes the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses. In such embodiments, the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses may be less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses. Additionally or alternatively, the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the respective series of pulses, or may be the same for all pulses in the series.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments may employ one or more of the following features. For example, according to some embodiments, the time offset information may be shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device prior to a UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication. Additionally or alternatively, the time offset information may be shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session. According to some embodiments, the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0062] The components for performing the functionality at block 910 may include bus 1105, processor 1110, digital signal processor (DSP) 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or as Figure 11Other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below.

[0063] At block 920, the functionality includes transmitting the series of STSs via a UWB RF signal using a first UWB device during a UWB ranging session, where each STS in the series of STSs is transmitted with a corresponding time offset. Here, if traditional UWB positioning is being performed, the series of STSs may be included in a traditional STS packet configuration (e.g., as Figure 4A shown). Additionally or alternatively, when NB-assisted positioning is being performed, the STSs may not be part of a larger STS packet.

[0064] Components for performing the functionality at block 920 may include a bus 1105, a processor 1110, a digital signal processor (DSP) 1120, a wireless communication interface 1130 (including a UWB transceiver 1135), a memory 1160, and / or other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below. Figure 11 Other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below.

[0065] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another method 1000 for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device according to one embodiment. For example, the functions illustrated by the blocks of Figure 10 may be performed by a receiving UWB device in a UWB ranging (positioning) session. Components for performing the functionality illustrated by one or more of the blocks shown in Figure 10 may be performed by hardware and / or software components of the UE. Figure 11 Example components of the UE are illustrated in

[0066] At block 1010, the functionality includes determining, at the second UWB device, a respective time offset for each STS of a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device. Also, as noted in embodiments herein, such time offsets may be implemented in any of a variety of ways. For example, according to some embodiments, the respective time offset is the same for each STS of the series of STSs. According to some embodiments, the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs. As noted in embodiments described elsewhere herein, the time offset information may include a description of the length of the time offset (e.g., in nanoseconds, chips, symbols, RTCUs, or any combination thereof). Additionally or alternatively, the time offset information may include a seed or key for an algorithm that both the transmitting UWB device and the receiving UWB device can use to determine the time offset.

[0067] As noted herein, according to some embodiments, the time offset may be at the pulse level. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 1000, the STSs in the series of STSs include a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs includes the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses. In such embodiments, the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses may be less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses. Additionally or alternatively, the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the respective series of pulses, or may be the same for all pulses in the series.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments may employ one or more of the following features. For example, according to some embodiments, the time offset information may be shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device prior to a UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication. Additionally or alternatively, the time offset information may be shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session. According to some embodiments, the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0069] The components for performing the functionality at block 1010 may include bus 1105, processor 1110, digital signal processor (DSP) 1120, wireless communication interface 1130 (including UWB transceiver 1135), memory 1160, and / or as Figure 11The other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below.

[0070] At block 1020, the functionality includes transmitting the series of STS via a UWB RF signal using a first UWB device during a UWB ranging session, where each STS in the series of STS is transmitted with a corresponding time offset. Here, if traditional UWB positioning is being performed, the series of STS may be included in a traditional STS packet configuration (e.g., as Figure 4A shown). Additionally or alternatively, when NB-assisted positioning is being performed, the STS may not be part of a larger STS packet.

[0071] The components for performing the functionality at block 1020 may include a bus 1105, a processor 1110, a digital signal processor (DSP) 1120, a wireless communication interface 1130 (including a UWB transceiver 1135), a memory 1160, and / or other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below. Figure 11 The other components of the UE device 1100 shown and described below.

[0072] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an implementation of a UWB device 1100 that can be utilized as described herein, the UWB device including a UWB transmitter, a receiver, an initiator, a responder, a controller, a controlled party, or any combination thereof. It should be noted that Figure 11 is only intended to provide a generalization of the various components, any or all of which may be utilized as appropriate. For example, a more basic / simple type of UWB device may omit various components that may be included in a more advanced / complex UWB device. A mobile UWB device may include some components that are not in a fixed UWB device (e.g., a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver 1180), and vice versa. Additionally, as previously noted, the functionality of the UE discussed in the previously described implementations may be performed by Figure 11 one or more of the hardware and / or software components shown.

[0073] The mobile UWB device 1100 is shown as including hardware elements that may be electrically coupled (or otherwise communicatively appropriate) via a bus 1105. The hardware elements may include a processor 1110, which may include but is not limited to one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., an application processor), one or more dedicated processors (such as a digital signal processor (DSP) chip, a graphics acceleration processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and / or other processing structures or components. The processor 1110 may include one or more processing units, which may be housed in a single integrated circuit (IC) or multiple ICs. As Figure 11As shown, depending on the desired functionality, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1120. Location determination based on wireless communication and / or other determinations (discussed below) may be provided in the processor 1110 and / or the wireless communication interface 1130. The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include one or more input devices 1170, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more keyboards, touchscreens, touchpads, microphones, buttons, dials, switches, etc.; and one or more output devices 1115, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more displays (e.g., touchscreens), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, etc.

[0074] The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a wireless communication interface 1130, which may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a network card, an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device, and / or a chipset (such as Bluetooth ® devices, IEEE 802.11 devices, IEEE 802.15.4 devices, Wi-Fi devices, WiMAX devices, WAN devices, and / or various cellular devices, etc.), which may enable the mobile UWB device 1100 to communicate with other devices as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1130 may permit communicating (e.g., sending and receiving) data and signaling with an access point, various base stations, and / or other access node types and / or other network components, computer systems, and / or any other electronic devices communicatively coupled thereto. Communication may be performed via one or more wireless communication antennas 1132 that transmit and / or receive wireless signals 1134. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication antennas 1132 may include a plurality of discrete antennas, antenna arrays, or any combination thereof. The antennas 1132 may be capable of sending and receiving wireless signals using beams (e.g., Tx beams and Rx beams). Beamforming may be performed using digital and / or analog beamforming techniques with corresponding digital and / or analog circuits. The wireless communication interface 1130 may include such circuits.

[0075] As illustrated, the wireless communication interface 1130 may also include a UWB transceiver 1135. The UWB transceiver 1135 may be operable to perform the UWB operations described herein and / or may implement the functionality illustrated by the previously described UWB hardware and / or software components (e.g., with respect to FIG. 8). Additionally, the wireless communication interface 1130 may include one or more additional communication technologies for performing any of the OOB functionality described herein. According to some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1135 may be one of a plurality of UWB transceivers of the mobile UWB device 1100. Additionally, the UWB transceiver may be used for functionality other than the UWB ranging or positioning functionality described herein. Although illustrated as part of the wireless communication interface 1130, in some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1135 may be separate from the wireless communication interface 1130.

[0076] Depending on the desired functionality, the wireless communication interface 1130 may include separate receivers and transmitters, or any combination of transceivers, transmitters, and / or receivers to communicate with base stations (e.g., ng-eNBs and gNBs) and other terrestrial transceivers such as wireless devices and access points. The mobile UWB device 1100 may communicate with different data networks that may include various network types. For example, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) may be a CDMA network, a time division multiple access (TDMA) network, a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) network, a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) network, a WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) network, etc. A CDMA network may implement one or more RATs such as CDMA2000 ® , WCDMA, etc. CDMA2000 ® includes the IS-95, IS-2000, and / or IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement GSM, digital advanced mobile phone system (D-AMPS), or some other RAT. An OFDMA network may employ LTE, LTE-Advanced, 5G NR, etc. 5G NR, LTE, LTE-Advanced, GSM, and WCDMA are described in documents from 3GPP. CDMA2000 ® is described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. A wireless local area network (WLAN) may also be an IEEE 802.11x network, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) may be a Bluetooth network, IEEE 802.15x, or some other type of network. The techniques described herein may also be used for any combination of WWAN, WLAN, and / or WPAN.

[0077] The mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a sensor 1140. The sensor 1140 may include, but is not limited to, one or more inertial sensors and / or other sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, magnetometers, altimeters, microphones, proximity sensors, light sensors, barometers, etc.), and some of these sensors may be used to obtain location-related measurements and / or other information.

[0078] Embodiments of the mobile UWB device 1100 may also include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 1180 capable of receiving signals 1184 from one or more GNSS satellites using an antenna 1182 (which may be the same as antenna 1132). The positioning based on GNSS signal measurements may be used to supplement and / or incorporate the techniques described herein. The GNSS receiver 1180 may use conventional techniques to extract the positioning of the UWB device 1100 from GNSS satellites of GNSS systems (such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo, GLONASS, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) above Japan, the IRNSS above India, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) above China, etc.). In addition, the GNSS receiver 1180 may be used in conjunction with various + storage devices, such as solid-state storage devices like random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM), which may be programmable, flash-updateable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems, database structures, etc.

[0079] The memory 1160 of the mobile UWB device 1100 may also include software elements ( Figure 11 not shown), which include an operating system, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code (such as one or more applications). The software elements may include computer programs provided by various embodiments, and / or may be designed to implement the methods provided by other embodiments and / or configure the systems provided by other embodiments, as described herein. By way of example only, one or more procedures described with respect to the methods discussed above may be implemented as code and / or instructions in the memory 1160 that can be executed by the mobile UWB device 1100 (and / or the processor 1110 or DSP 1120 within the mobile UWB device 1100). Then, in some embodiments, such code and / or instructions may be used to configure and / or adapt a general-purpose computer (or other device) to perform one or more operations in accordance with the described methods.

[0080] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that basic variations can be made in accordance with specific requirements. For example, customized hardware can also be used, and / or specific elements can be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets, etc.), or both. In addition, connections to other computing devices such as network input / output devices can be employed.

[0081] Referring to the accompanying drawings, components that may include a memory may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any storage medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a particular manner. In the embodiments provided above, various machine-readable media may be involved in providing instructions / code to a processor and / or other devices for execution. Additionally or alternatively, the machine-readable medium may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code. In many specific implementations, the computer-readable medium is a physical and / or tangible storage medium. Such media may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: magnetic and / or optical media, any other physical media with a hole pattern, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or memory cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code.

[0082] The methods, systems, and devices discussed herein are examples. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, the features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. The various components of the drawings provided herein may be embodied in hardware and / or software. Additionally, technology evolves, and thus many elements are examples that do not limit the scope of the present disclosure to those specific examples.

[0083] It has proven convenient, for commonly used reasons, to sometimes refer to such signals as bits, information, values, elements, symbols, characters, variables, items, numbers, numerals, etc. However, it should be understood that all of these or similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless otherwise specifically stated, as will be apparent from the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that throughout this specification, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "ascertaining," "identifying," "associating," "measuring," "performing," etc., refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device. Thus, in the context of this specification, a special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical, electronic, electrical, or magnetic quantities in the memory, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special-purpose computer or similar special-purpose electronic computing device.

[0084] As used herein, the terms "and" and "or" may include a variety of meanings that also are expected to depend, at least in part, upon the context in which such terms are used. Generally, "or" if used in connection with a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C (the inclusive meaning as used herein) as well as A, B, or C (the exclusive meaning as used herein). In addition, as used herein, the term "one or more" may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular form or may be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and the claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Further, the term "at least one of" if used in connection with a list, such as A, B, or C, may be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, AB, AA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.

[0085] Several embodiments have been described and various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalent forms may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be merely components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over the application of various embodiments or may otherwise modify the application of various embodiments. Additionally, multiple steps may be performed before, during, or after consideration of the above elements. Accordingly, the foregoing description does not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0086] In view of this specification, the various embodiments may include different combinations of features. Specific examples of the embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0087] Clause 1. A method for implementing secure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging between a first UWB device and a second UWB device, the method comprising: determining, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each Scrambled Time Stamp Sequence (STS) of a series of STSs for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and transmitting, during the UWB ranging session, the series of STSs by the first UWB device via a UWB Radio Frequency (RF) signal, wherein each STS of the series of STSs is transmitted with the respective time offset.

[0088] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the respective time offset is the same for each STS of the series of STSs.

[0089] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

[0090] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 1, wherein each STS of the series of STSs comprises a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each STS of the series of STSs comprises a respective time offset for each pulse of the respective series of pulses.

[0091] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 4, wherein the respective time offset for each pulse of the respective series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

[0092] Clause 6. The method according to any one of Clauses 4 to 5, wherein the respective time offset for each pulse of the respective series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the respective series of pulses.

[0093] Clause 7. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

[0094] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a Ranging Control Message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

[0095] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0096] Clause 10. A method for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first ultra-wideband (UWB) device and a second UWB device, the method comprising: determining, at the second UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STS is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and receiving, during the UWB ranging session, at the second UWB device, the series of STS via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each of the series of STS is received with the respective time offset.

[0097] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the respective time offset is the same for each of the series of STS.

[0098] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STS.

[0099] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 10, wherein each of the series of STS includes a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STS includes a respective time offset for each of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

[0100] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the respective time offset for each of the pulses in the respective series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

[0101] Clause 15. The method according to any one of Clauses 13 to 14, wherein the respective time offset for each of the pulses in the respective series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the respective series of pulses.

[0102] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 15, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

[0103] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 16, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

[0104] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 10 to 17, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0105] Clause 19. A first ultra-wideband (UWB) device, the first ultra-wideband (UWB) device comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: determine a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and a second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and transmit the series of STSs via the transceiver via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal during the UWB ranging session, wherein each of the series of STSs is transmitted with the respective time offset.

[0106] Clause 20. The first UWB device according to Clause 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that: (i) the respective time offset is the same for each of the series of STSs, or (ii) the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

[0107] Clause 21. The first UWB device according to Clause 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that each of the series of STSs includes a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs includes a respective time offset for each of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

[0108] Clause 22. The first UWB device according to Clause 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that the respective time offset for each of the pulses in the respective series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

[0109] Clause 23. The first UWB device according to any one of Clauses 19 to 22, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to share the time offset information between the first UWB device and the second UWB device before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

[0110] Clause 24. The first UWB device according to any one of Clauses 19 to 23, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to share the time offset information between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

[0111] Clause 25. The first UWB device according to any one of Clauses 19 to 24, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0112] Clause 26. A second ultra-wideband (UWB) device, the second ultra-wideband (UWB) device comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: determine a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between a first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STS is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and receive, during the UWB ranging session via the transceiver, the series of STS via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein each of the series of STS is received with the respective time offset.

[0113] Clause 27. The second UWB device according to Clause 26, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that: (i) the respective time offset is the same for each of the series of STS, or (ii) the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STS.

[0114] Clause 28. The second UWB device according to Clause 26, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that each of the series of STS includes a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STS includes a respective time offset for each of the respective series of pulses.

[0115] Clause 29. The second UWB device according to any one of Clauses 26 to 28, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device under the following conditions: (i) before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication, or (ii) in the ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

[0116] Clause 30. The second UWB device according to any one of Clauses 26 to 29, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

[0117] Clause 31. An apparatus having components for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18.

[0118] Clause 32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, the instructions including code for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18.

Claims

1. A method for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first ultra-wideband (UWB) device and a second UWB device, the method comprising: Determine, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and During the UWB ranging session, transmit, by the first UWB device via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the series of STSs, wherein each of the series of STSs is transmitted with the respective time offset.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the respective time offset is the same for each STS in the series of STSs.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein each STS in the series of STSs includes a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each STS in the series of STSs includes a respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the respective series of pulses.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device prior to the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

10. A method for implementing secure UWB ranging between a first ultra-wideband (UWB) device and a second UWB device, the method comprising: Determine, at the second UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and During the UWB ranging session, receive, by the second UWB device via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the series of STSs, wherein each of the series of STSs is received with the respective time offset.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the respective time offset is the same for each STS in the series of STSs.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein each STS in the series of STSs includes a corresponding series of pulses, and wherein the corresponding time offset for each STS in the series of STSs includes a corresponding time offset for each pulse in the corresponding series of pulses.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the corresponding time offset for each pulse in the corresponding series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the corresponding series of pulses.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the corresponding time offset for each pulse in the corresponding series of pulses varies from one pulse to another in the corresponding series of pulses.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

19. A first ultra-wideband (UWB) device, the first ultra-wideband (UWB) device comprising: Transceiver; Memory; And One or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: Determine, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and During the UWB ranging session, transmit, via the transceiver via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the series of STSs, wherein each of the series of STSs is transmitted with the respective time offset.

20. The first UWB device according to claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the corresponding time offset such that: (i) the corresponding time offset is the same for each STS in the series of STSs, or (ii) the corresponding time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

21. The first UWB device according to claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the corresponding time offset such that each STS in the series of STSs includes a corresponding series of pulses, and wherein the corresponding time offset for each STS in the series of STSs includes a corresponding time offset for each pulse in the corresponding series of pulses.

22. The first UWB device according to claim 21, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses is less than or equal to the duration of the pulses in the respective series of pulses.

23. The first UWB device according to claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to share the time offset information between the first UWB device and the second UWB device before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication.

24. The first UWB device according to claim 19, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to share the time offset information between the first UWB device and the second UWB device in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

25. The first UWB device according to claim 19, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

26. A second ultra-wideband (UWB) device, the second ultra-wideband (UWB) device comprising: Transceiver; Memory; And One or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: Determine, at the first UWB device, a respective time offset for each of a series of scrambled timestamp sequences (STS) for ranging in a UWB ranging session between the first UWB device and the second UWB device, wherein the respective time offset for each of the series of STSs is determined according to time offset information shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device; and During the UWB ranging session, receive, via the transceiver via a UWB radio frequency (RF) signal, the series of STSs, wherein each of the series of STSs is received with the respective time offset.

27. The second UWB device according to claim 26, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that: (i) the respective time offset is the same for each STS in the series of STSs, or (ii) the respective time offset varies from one STS to another in the series of STSs.

28. The second UWB device according to claim 26, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the respective time offset such that each STS in the series of STSs includes a respective series of pulses, and wherein the respective time offset for each STS in the series of STSs includes the respective time offset for each pulse in the respective series of pulses.

29. The second UWB device according to claim 26, wherein the time offset information is shared between the first UWB device and the second UWB device under the following conditions: (i) before the UWB ranging session using non-UWB RF communication, or (ii) in a ranging control message (RCM) of the UWB ranging session.

30. The second UWB device according to claim 26, wherein the UWB ranging session includes a narrowband (NB) UWB ranging session.

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