Time-aligned architecture for hybrid cellular and UWB positioning
By obtaining the device's capability information and positioning signal information in the cell network on the server side, determining the parameters of the UWB positioning session, and guiding the device to conduct the UWB positioning session, solving the problems of insufficient positioning accuracy and signal interference in the prior art, and achieving high-precision and low-power positioning effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024549525
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-31
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-15
AI Technical Summary
The prior art has problems of signal interference and insufficient positioning accuracy when realizing high-precision, low-power radio frequency (RF)-based positioning of electronic devices.
By sending requests to obtain the capability information of the device on the server side, and determining the parameters of the UWB positioning session based on the capability information of the device and the positioning signal information transmitted in the cell network, sending these parameters to the device, and guiding it to conduct the UWB positioning session.
Coordination between the cellular network and the UWB network is achieved, positioning accuracy is improved, power consumption is reduced, and resistance to signal interference is enhanced.
Smart Images

Figure 2025510503000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] 1. Field of disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to the field of radio frequency (RF)-based position determination (or positioning) of electronic wireless devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to ultra-wideband (UWB)-based positioning.
[0002] 2. Description of the Prior Art Positioning of devices can have a wide range of consumer, industrial, commercial, military, and other applications. UWB-based positioning provides a high accuracy, low power positioning solution over other RF-based positioning techniques for wireless electronic devices. Summary of the Invention
[0003] An exemplary method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning according to the present disclosure may include sending a request for capability information from a server to a first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals. The method may also include receiving a response at the server from the first wireless device, the response including capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. The method may also include determining first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device, based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information regarding the one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network. The method may also include sending the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device.
[0004] An exemplary server for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning according to the present disclosure may comprise a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, where the one or more processors are configured to send a request for capability information from the server via the transceiver to the first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals, the request including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. The one or more processors may be further configured to receive a response from the first wireless device via the transceiver, the response including the capability information. The one or more processors may be further configured to determine first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information related to the one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network. The one or more processors may be further configured to send the first UWB assistance data from the server via the transceiver to the first wireless device.
[0005] An exemplary method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning according to the present disclosure may include receiving a request for capability information from a server at a first wireless device capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals. The method may also include sending a response from the first wireless device to the server including capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. The method may also include receiving first UWB assistance data from the server at the first wireless device including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The method may also include conducting, using the first wireless device, a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device according to the one or more parameters and one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network.
[0006] An exemplary first wireless device for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning according to the present disclosure may comprise one or more transceivers capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more transceivers and the memory, the one or more processors configured to receive a request for capability information from a server via the one or more transceivers. The one or more processors may be further configured to send a response to the server via the one or more transceivers including capability information that includes information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. The one or more processors may be further configured to receive first UWB assistance data from the server via the one or more transceivers including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device. The one or more processors may be further configured to conduct a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device and one or more measurements of the one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network in accordance with the one or more parameters.
[0007] This Summary is not intended to identify key 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 by reference to the entire specification, any or all drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim of this disclosure. The above, together with other features and examples, are described in more detail below in the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a simplified diagram of a positioning system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A]FIG. 1 illustrates a scenario in which both ultra-wideband (UWB) and cellular (5G new radio (NR)) wireless technologies may be used to position a target device. [Figure 2B] 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating how positioning of a target device may be performed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the roles that different devices may assume with respect to a UWB ranging session. [Figure 3B] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the roles that different devices may assume with respect to a UWB ranging session. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating how a location server may be used to coordinate hybrid cellular / UWB positioning of a mobile device according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a timing diagram illustrating an approach to time domain alignment in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 6A] A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure a UWB session to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 6B] A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure a UWB session to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 7] A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure multiple UWB sessions to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 8] A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure multiple UWB sessions to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 9] A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure multiple UWB sessions to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 10]A timing diagram illustrating an example of how a location server may configure multiple UWB sessions to optimize hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. [Figure 11A] 4 is a flow diagram of a method for configuring a first wireless device for hybrid cellular / UWB positioning, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] 4 is a flow diagram of a method of using a first wireless device for hybrid cellular / UWB positioning, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a mobile UWB device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a stationary UWB device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system, according to one embodiment.
[0009] According to some exemplary implementations, like reference numbers in various figures refer to like elements. In addition, multiple instances of an element may be indicated by the first number of the element followed by a letter or a hyphen and a second number. For example, multiple instances of element 110 may be indicated as 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, etc., or as 110a, 110b, 110c, etc. When referring to such an element using only the first number, it should be understood to be any instance of that element (e.g., element 110 in the previous example refers to elements 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3, or elements 110a, 110b, and 110c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The following description is directed to several implementations for the purposes of illustrating the inventive aspects of various embodiments, however, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. Described implementations include those standards that support the following standards: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 standard for ultra-wideband (UWB), IEEE 802.11 standard (including those identified as Wi-Fi® technology), Bluetooth® standard, 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 Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term EvolutionThe present invention may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to any communications standard, such as any of the LTE (LTE Evolution), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), or other known signals used to communicate within a wireless, cellular, or internet of things (IoT) network, such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G technologies, or further implementations thereof.
[0011] As used herein, an "RF signal" includes electromagnetic waves that transport information through space between a transmitter (or transmitting device) and a receiver (or receiving device). As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single "RF signal" or multiple "RF signals" to a receiver. However, a receiver may receive multiple "RF signals" corresponding to each transmitted RF signal due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multiple channels or paths.
[0012] Additionally, unless otherwise specified, references to "reference signals," "positioning reference signals," "reference signals for positioning," and the like may be used to refer to signals used for positioning of user equipment (UE) in 5G New Radio (NR) networks. As described in more detail herein, such signals may include any of a variety of signal types, but may not necessarily be limited to Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) as defined in the relevant wireless standards.
[0013] Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the term "positioning" as used herein (including, for example, UWB-based positioning, cellular-based positioning, and hybrid cellular / UWB positioning) may include absolute location determination, relative location determination, ranging, or combinations thereof. Such positioning may include and / or be based on timing, angle, phase, or power measurements, or combinations thereof (which may include RF sensing measurements), for purposes of location or sensing services.
[0014] As previously mentioned, UWB-based positioning provides a high accuracy, low power positioning solution over other RF-based positioning techniques for wireless electronic devices. UWB-based positioning may be used in industrial applications by robots and / or other Internet of Things (IoT) devices in factory settings, indoor positioning of consumer electronics, etc. UWB-based positioning may be used in an ad-hoc manner as a standalone positioning technique between UWB positioning capable electronic devices (also referred to herein as "UWB devices"), but in some embodiments, UWB-based positioning may be used as one of many techniques for positioning electronic devices in a positioning system. FIG. 1 provides an example of such a positioning system.
[0015] 1 is a simplified diagram of a positioning system 100 in which a mobile device 105, a location server 160, and / or other components of the positioning system 100 can use techniques provided herein for a time alignment configuration for hybrid 5G and UWB positioning of a mobile device 105, according to one embodiment. Techniques described herein may be implemented by one or more components of the positioning system 100. The positioning system 100 can include a mobile device 105, one or more satellites 110 (also referred to as space vehicles (SVs)) for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, or Beidou, base stations 120, access points (APs) 130, a location server 160, a network 170, and external clients 180. In general, the positioning system 100 can estimate the location of the mobile device 105 based on RF signals received by and / or sent from the mobile device 105, as well as known locations of other components (e.g., GNSS satellites 110, base stations 120, APs 130) that transmit and / or receive RF signals. Additional details regarding specific location estimation techniques are described below.
[0016] It should be noted that FIG. 1 provides only a generalized view of the various components, and that any or all of the components may be utilized where appropriate, and that each of the components may be replicated as necessary. In particular, while only one mobile device 105 is shown, it will be understood that many mobile devices (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may utilize the positioning system 100. Similarly, the positioning system 100 may include more or fewer base stations 120 and / or APs 130 than those shown in FIG. 1. The illustrated connections connecting the various components in the positioning system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. Furthermore, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, substituted, and / or omitted depending on the desired functionality. In some embodiments, for example, the external client 180 may be directly connected to the location server 160. Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications to the illustrated components.
[0017] Depending on the desired functionality, network 170 may include any of a variety of wireless and / or wireline networks. Network 170 may include any combination of, for example, public and / or private networks, local area networks and / or wide area networks, etc. Furthermore, network 170 may utilize one or more wired and / or wireless communication technologies. In some embodiments, network 170 may include, for example, a cellular or other mobile network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless wide-area network (WWAN), and / or the Internet. Examples of network 170 include LTE wireless networks, Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks (also referred to as NR wireless networks or 5G NR wireless networks), Wi-Fi WLAN, and the Internet. LTE, 5G, and NR are wireless technologies defined or being defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Network 170 may also include two or more networks and / or two or more types of networks. In a wireless cellular network (e.g., LTE or 5G), the mobile device 105 may be referred to as user equipment (UE).
[0018] The base stations 120 and access points (APs) 130 may be communicatively coupled to a network 170. In some embodiments, the base stations 120s may be owned, maintained, and / or operated by a cellular network provider and may utilize any of a variety of wireless technologies, as described herein below. Depending on the technology of the network 170, the base stations 120 may include a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station (RBS), an NR NodeB (gNB), a Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), etc. A base station 120 that is a gNB or ng-eNB may be part of a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), which may connect to a 5G Core Network (5GC) if the network 170 is a 5G network. The functions performed by base station 120 in previous generation networks (e.g., 3G and 4G) may be separated into different functional components (e.g., radio units (RUs), distributed units (DUs), and central units (CUs)) and layers (e.g., L1 / L2 / L3) in consideration of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) and / or Virtualized Radio Access Networks (V-RAN or vRAN) in 5G or later networks, which may be executed on different devices in different locations connected, for example, via fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul connections. As referred to herein, a "base station" (or ng-eNB, gNB, etc.) may include any or all of these functional components.The AP 130 may include, for example, a Wi-Fi AP or a Bluetooth AP or an AP with cellular capabilities (e.g., 4G LTE and / or 5G NR). Thus, the mobile device 105 can send and receive information to and from network connectivity devices, such as the location server 160, by accessing the network 170 via the base station 120 using the first communication link 133. Additionally or alternatively, the AP 130 may also be communicatively coupled to the network 170 such that the mobile device 105 can communicate with network connectivity devices, including the location server 160, and Internet connectivity devices using the second communication link 135 or via one or more other mobile devices 145.
[0019] The term "base station" as used herein may generally refer to a single physical transmission point or multiple co-located physical transmission points that may be located at a base station 120. A Transmission Reception Point (TRP) (also known as a transmit / receive point) corresponds to this type of transmission point, and the term "TRP" may be used interchangeably with the terms "gNB", "ng-eNB", and "base station" herein. In some cases, a base station 120 may include multiple TRPs, e.g., each TRP associated with a different antenna or different antenna array for the base station 120. As used herein, the transmission function of a TRP may be performed using a transmission point (TP) and / or the reception function of a TRP may be performed by a reception point (RP), which may be physically separate or distinct from the TP. However, a TRP may include both a TP and an RP. A physical transmission point may include an array of antennas of the base station 120 (e.g., as in the case of a Multiple Input-Multiple Output (MIMO) system and / or if the base station employs beamforming). The term "base station" may additionally refer to multiple non-co-located physical transmission points, which may be a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transport medium) or a Remote Radio Head (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station).
[0020] The term "cell" as used herein may generally refer to a logical communication entity used for communication with base station 120 and may be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCID), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCID)) that distinguishes neighboring cells operating over the same or different carriers. In some examples, a carrier may support multiple cells, and different cells may be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., Machine-Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), etc.) that may provide access to different types of devices. In some cases, the term "cell" may refer to a portion (e.g., a sector) of a geographic coverage area in which the logical entity operates.
[0021] The satellites 110 may be utilized for positioning of the mobile device 105 in one or more ways. For example, the satellites 110 (also referred to as space vehicles (SVs)) may be part of a GNSS, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or Beidou. Positioning using RF signals from GNSS satellites may include measuring multiple GNSS signals at a GNSS receiver of the mobile device 105 to perform code-based and / or carrier-based positioning, which may be highly accurate. Additionally or alternatively, the satellites 110 may be utilized for Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)-based positioning, in which the satellites 110 may functionally operate as a TRP (or TP) of a network (e.g., an LTE and / or NR network) and may be communicatively coupled to the network 170. In particular, the reference signals (e.g., PRS) transmitted by the satellites 110 NTN-based positioning may be similar to the reference signals transmitted by the base stations 120 and may be coordinated by the location server 160. In some embodiments, the satellites 110 used for NTN-based positioning may be different from the satellites used for GNSS-based positioning.
[0022] Location server 160 may include servers and / or other computing devices configured to determine an estimated location of mobile device 105 and / or provide data (e.g., “assistance data”) to mobile device 105 to facilitate location measurement and / or location determination by mobile device 105. According to some embodiments, location server 160 may include a Home SUPL Location Platform (H-SLP), which may support a SUPL user plane (UP) location solution defined by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), and may support location services for mobile device 105 based on subscription information for mobile device 105 stored in location server 160. In some embodiments, location server 160 may include a Discovered SLP (D-SLP) or an Emergency SLP (E-SLP). The location server 160 may also include an Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) that supports the location of the mobile device 105 using a control plane (CP) location solution for LTE radio access by the mobile device 105. The location server 160 may further include a Location Management Function (LMF) that supports the location of the mobile device 105 using a control plane (CP) location solution for NR or LTE radio access by the mobile device 105.
[0023] In a CP location solution, signaling for controlling and managing the location of the mobile device 105 may be exchanged between elements of the network 170 and to and from the mobile device 105 as signaling from the network 170's perspective using existing network interfaces and protocols. In a UP location solution, signaling for controlling and managing the location of the mobile device 105 may be exchanged between the location server 160 and the mobile device 105 as data from the network 170's perspective (e.g., data transported using Internet Protocol (IP) and / or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)).
[0024] As mentioned previously (and described in more detail below), the estimated location of the mobile device 105 may be based on measurements of RF signals sent from and / or received by the mobile device 105. In particular, these measurements may provide information regarding the relative distance and / or angle of the mobile device 105 from one or more components in the positioning system 100 (e.g., GNSS satellites 110, APs 130, base stations 120). The estimated location of the mobile device 105 may be estimated geometrically (e.g., using multi-angulation and / or multi-lateration) based on the distance and / or angle measurements along with the known locations of the one or more components.
[0025] Terrestrial components such as APs 130 and base stations 120 may be fixed, although embodiments are not so limited. Mobile components may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the location of the mobile device 105 may be estimated based at least in part on measurements of RF signals 140 communicated between the mobile device 105 and one or more other mobile devices 145, which may be mobile or fixed. As shown, the other mobile devices may include, for example, a mobile phone 145-1, a vehicle 145-2, a static communication / positioning device 145-3, or other static and / or mobile devices capable of providing wireless signals used to position the mobile device 105, or combinations thereof. Wireless signals from the mobile device 145 used for positioning the mobile device 105 may include RF signals using, for example, Bluetooth (including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), IEEE 802.11x (e.g., Wi-Fi), UWB, IEEE 802.15x, or combinations thereof. The mobile device 145 may additionally or alternatively use non-RF wireless signals for positioning of the mobile device 105, such as infrared signals or other optical techniques.
[0026] The mobile device 145 may include other mobile devices communicatively coupled to a cellular or other mobile network (e.g., network 170). When one or more other mobile devices 145 are used in determining the location of a particular mobile device 105, the mobile device 105 whose location is to be determined may be referred to as a "target mobile device" and each of the other mobile devices 145 used may be referred to as an "anchor mobile device." (In a cellular / mobile broadband network, the terms "anchor UE" and "target UE" may be used.) For purposes of determining the location of a target mobile device, the location of each of the one or more anchor mobile devices may be known and / or may be determined together with the target mobile device. Direct communication between the one or more other mobile devices 145 and the mobile device 105 may include sidelink and / or similar device-to-device (D2D) communication techniques. Sidelink, as defined by 3GPP, is a form of D2D communication under the cellular-based LTE and NR standards. UWB may be one such technology in which positioning of a target device (eg, mobile device 105) may be facilitated using measurements from one or more anchor devices (eg, mobile device 145).
[0027] According to some embodiments, one form of D2D communication used by the mobile device 105, such as when the mobile device 105 includes and / or is integrated into a vehicle, may include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. V2X is a communication standard for vehicles and associated entities to exchange information about the traffic environment. V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication between V2X-enabled vehicles, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication between vehicles and infrastructure-based devices (usually called roadside units (RSUs)), vehicle-to-person (V2P) communication between vehicles and nearby people (pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users), and the like. Additionally, V2X may use any of a variety of wireless RF communication technologies. Cellular V2X (CV2X) is a form of V2X that uses cellular-based communications, such as LTE (4G), NR (5G), and / or other cellular technologies in a direct communication mode defined by 3GPP. The mobile device 105 shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to a vehicle, an RSU, or a component or device on another V2X entity used to communicate V2X messages. Thus, in an embodiment in which V2X is used, the static communication / positioning device 145-3 (which may correspond to an RSU) and / or the vehicle 145-2 may communicate with the mobile device 105 and be used to determine the position of the mobile device 105 using techniques similar to those used by the base station 120 and / or the AP 130 (e.g., using multi-angulation and / or multi-lateration). It should be further noted that the mobile device 145 (which may include a V2X device), the base station 120, and / or the AP 130 may be used together (e.g., in a WWAN positioning solution) to determine the position of the mobile device 105 in accordance with some embodiments.
[0028] The estimated location of the mobile device 105 may be used in a variety of applications, such as to assist in direction finding or navigation for a user of the mobile device 105, or to assist another user (e.g., associated with the external client 180) in locating the mobile device 105. "Location" may also be referred to herein as a "location estimate," "estimated location," "location," "position," "position estimate," "position fix," "estimated position," "location fix," or "fix." The process of determining a location may be referred to as a "positioning," "position determination," "location determination," or the like. The location of the mobile device 105 may include the absolute location of the mobile device 105 (e.g., latitude and longitude and possibly altitude) or the relative location of the mobile device 105 (e.g., location expressed as a distance north-south, east-west, and possibly up-down from some other known fixed location (e.g., including the location of a base station 120 or AP 130) or some other location, such as the location of the mobile device 105 at some known prior time or the location of the mobile device 145 (e.g., another mobile device) at some known prior time). A location may be specified as a geodetic location including coordinates that may be absolute (e.g., latitude, longitude and optionally altitude), relative (e.g., relative to some known absolute location), or local (e.g., X, Y, and optionally Z coordinates according to a coordinate system defined for a local area such as a factory, warehouse, university campus, shopping mall, sports stadium, or convention center). A location may alternatively be a civic location, which may include one or more of a street address (e.g., including a country, state, county, city, road and / or street name or sign, and / or road number or street number), and / or a sign or name, such as a point, a building, a part of a building, a floor of a building, and / or a room within a building.The location may further include an uncertainty or error indication, such as the horizontal and possibly vertical distance over which the location is expected to be in error, or a representation of an area or volume (e.g., a circle or ellipse) within which the mobile device 105 is expected to be located with some level of confidence (e.g., 95% confidence).
[0029] The external client 180 may be a web server or remote application that may have some association with the mobile device 105 (e.g., that may be accessed by a user of the mobile device 105), or may be a server, application, or computer system that provides location services to some other user or users that may include obtaining and providing the location of the mobile device 105 (e.g., to enable services such as finding friends or relatives or locating children or pets). Additionally or alternatively, the external client 180 may obtain and provide the location of the mobile device 105 to an emergency services provider, a government agency, or the like.
[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates a scenario in which both UWB and cellular (5G NR) technologies may be used to position a target device 205, where the target device 205 may correspond to the mobile device 105 of FIG. 1. Generally, according to some embodiments, hybrid cellular / UWB positioning of a device (or simply "cellular / UWB positioning") may utilize both cellular and UWB positioning technologies to determine the location of a device capable of making positioning-related measurements in both cellular and UWB technologies. The use of both cellular and UWB technologies may utilize additional anchors (cellular anchors and / or UWB anchors) for positioning measurements, which may enable positioning of a device in situations where the use of a single technology does not, and / or with greater accuracy than the use of a single technology. Hybrid cellular / UWB positioning may also be referred to as (hybrid) "5G / UWB" or "NR / UWB" positioning when the cellular technology includes 5G NR.
[0031] In this scenario, the target device 205 may comprise a UE of a cellular network within the coverage area 210 of a base station 220, which may comprise the serving base station of the target device 205. Communication between the base station 220 and the target device 205 may occur over a network (Uu) interface 230, which may also be used to communicate DL and / or UL reference signals for the cellular aspects of hybrid cellular / UWB positioning. According to some embodiments, positioning of the target device 205 may be coordinated by the network via a location server (not shown), and related configuration and / or assistance data may be associated with the target device 205 by the base station 220 via the network interface 230.
[0032] In the UWB aspect of hybrid cellular / UWB positioning, the target device 205 may send and / or receive UWB RF signals from a UWB device 240 acting as a UWB anchor. The UWB RF signals may be coordinated using an out of band (OOB) interface 250, which may utilize, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar wireless technology, which may have a corresponding wireless coverage area 245. According to some embodiments, the UWB aspect of hybrid cellular / UWB positioning may be coordinated by the target device 205 and / or the UWB device 240, or may be coordinated by a location server or other server (not shown). In some embodiments, configuration data and / or assistance data may be provided directly to the target device 205 and / or the UWB device 240 by the base station 220. In some embodiments, the configuration data and / or assistance data may be provided directly to the target device 205 by the base station 220 (e.g., via the network interface 230), and the target device 205 may relay the configuration data and / or assistance data to the UWB device 240 (e.g., via the OOB interface 250).
[0033] Although FIG. 2 shows a single base station 220 and a single UWB device 240, it should be noted that scenarios in which the hybrid cellular / UWB positioning of the target device 205 may involve one or more base stations and one or more UWB devices.
[0034] 2B is a simplified diagram illustrating how positioning of a target device 205 may be performed, according to some embodiments. Here, measurements using cellular technology may include round trip signal propagation delay (RTT) measurements performed between the target device 205 and each of the first base station 220-1 and the second base station 220-2 to determine the distance between the target device 205 and the base station 220. (These distances are represented by circle 260.) In addition, as shown, measurements and UWB may include RTT measurements (also called two-way ranging (TWR) in UWB) performed to determine the distance between the target device 205 and one or more UWB anchors, such as the UWB device 240. (The distance between the target device 205 and the UWB device 240 is represented by circle 270.) Using multilateration, the location of the target device 205 may be determined as the location where the distance circles (circles 260 and 270) intersect. Because the distance may have some uncertainty, the resulting location of the target device 205 may also have some uncertainty.
[0035] 3A is a flow diagram illustrating the roles that different devices may assume with respect to a UWB ranging session (or simply "UWB session"). Here, each UWB device may be referred to as an enhanced ranging device (ERDEV). The ERDEV may be referred to by different terms (e.g., initiator / responder or controller / controller) at different layers of the network stack. The terms initiator and responder (described below) will be used at lower layers (e.g., UWB physical (PHY) layer and media access control (MAC) layer), and the terms controller and controller (also described below) may be used at higher layers (e.g., application layer of the ERDEV). Here, any ERDEV may correspond to target device 205 or UWB device 240 of FIG. 2, or mobile device 105 of FIG. 1.
[0036] As shown, for a pair of ERDEVs communicating with each other, the controller 310 is the ERDEV that sends control information 325 to a receiving ERDEV designated as the controllee 320. The control information 325 may include parameters for the UWB ranging session, such as timing, channel, etc. Although not shown, the controllee 320 may send acknowledgments to the control information 325, negotiate changes to the parameters, etc.
[0037] The exchange between the controller 310 and the controlley 320, including the transmission of the control information 325 and subsequent associated exchanges between the controller 310 and the controlley 320 regarding the control information, may occur out-of-band (OOB) using different wireless communication technologies (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) prior to the ranging phase. In other words, a UWB session may be associated with a control phase and a ranging phase, where the control phase (which may occur over an OOB link) includes a preliminary exchange between the controller 310 and the controlley 320 of parameter values for the ranging phase, and the subsequent ranging phase includes the portion of the UWB session where the devices exchange messages within the UWB band for ranging measurements. (Note, however, that some control information may be exchanged within the UWB band (e.g., the "ranging control phase" that occurs in the first slot of a UWB round. Thus, some aspects of the control phase may be considered to occur in-band after the preliminary OOB exchanges between the controller 310 and the controlley 320.)
[0038] A UWB session may occur later according to parameters provided in the control information. In the ranging phase of the UWB session, one ERDEV may play the role of initiator 330 and the other ERDEV may play the role of responder 340. As shown in FIG. 3A, the initiator 330 may start UWB ranging by sending a ranging start message 345 to the responder 340, which may respond with a ranging response message 350, and timing measurements may be made from these messages (by the device receiving the message) to perform two-way ranging (TWR). Depending on the parameters of the control information 325, additional exchanges may take place in the ranging phase between the initiator 330 and the responder 340 to enable additional ranging measurements.
[0039] The roles of initiator 330 and responder 340 may be indicated in the control information 325. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3A, the controller 310 in the control phase may be the initiator 330 in the ranging phase of the UWB session. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the controller 310 in the control phase may be the responder 340 in the ranging phase. The determination of which device is the initiator 330 and which is the responder 340 may depend on parameters set forth in the control information 325, in which case the controllee 320 will be either the responder 340 or the initiator 330, correspondingly. According to some embodiments, a controller / initiator may perform ranging with multiple controllees / responders.
[0040] Embodiments herein can help ensure that UWB and cellular measurements hybrid cellular / UWB positioning are aligned in the time domain to accurately reflect the location (e.g., at a given time) of a target UE. To do this, embodiments provide for measurement coordination between cellular reference signals and UWB positioning sessions. Figure 4 shows how this coordination can be performed according to some embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating how a location server (e.g., an LMF in a 5G network) may be used to coordinate hybrid cellular / UWB positioning of a UE according to some embodiments. Here, a first UE 405 may communicate with a location server 410 to coordinate a UWB positioning session with one or more UWB devices 415 capable of UWB positioning. In some embodiments, the UWB device(s) 415 may be capable of 5G wireless communication and / or positioning and thus may be a UE(s) in a 5G wireless network. In some embodiments, the UWB device(s) 415 may not be capable of 5G wireless communication and / or positioning. Communication between the location server 410 and the first UE 405 may be via an associated communication protocol of the 5G wireless network, such as the LTE positioning protocol (LPP). The first UE 405 may include a target UE for which a position determination is desired.
[0042] As shown, the process may begin with an exchange of the first UE's UWB capabilities. This exchange may include the location server 410 requesting UWB capabilities, as indicated by arrow 420, to which the first UE 405 may respond by providing its UWB capabilities, as indicated by arrow 425. According to some embodiments, the first UE 405 (acting as a controller) may inform the location server 410 (acting as a controller) of information to negotiate UWB configuration parameters. This information may include conventional UWB configuration parameters as provided in the relevant UWB standard. Additionally or alternatively, the parameters may include quality of service (QOS) related parameters, such as pulse shape selection, desired accuracy (either by Tx or Rx), type of positioning algorithm to be utilized (allowing the location server to measure the latency involved), or any combination thereof.
[0043] Based on these UWB capabilities, the location server 410 can then provide UWB assistance data, as indicated by arrow 430. The UWB assistance data may also be based on prior knowledge of the location of the first UE 405 and the presence of nearby UWB device(s) 415 that have UWB capabilities.
[0044] The assistance data may include relevant parameters for conducting a UWB session between the UE 405 and the UWB device(s) 415. This may include the ranging method (e.g., one-way ranging (OWR), single-sided TWR (SS-TWR), double-sided TWR (DS-TWR)), number of controllers, multi-node mode (e.g., one-to-one or one-to-many), ranging message formats supported (SP0-SP3), time of flight (ToF) and / or angle of arrival (AoA) reporting, clock draft (which may include a numerical value, a range, or a threshold, such as whether the clock drift is within 25 ppm), scrambled timestamp sequence (STS) configuration (e.g., static or dynamic), maximum number of retries allowed, block stride (e.g., whether UWB blocks can be skipped), session start time until the first UWB packet is sent, block / round / slot duration, PRF mode (e.g., B PRF or H PRF). The assistance data may include a PRF, a channel number, a key rotation, or a CAP size range (e.g., minimum and maximum range values for CAP size), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the assistance data may indicate which UE should be the initiator and which UE should be the responder for each UWB session between the first UE 405 and the UWB device(s) 415.
[0045] The exchanges indicated by arrows 420 and 425 may be similar to the OOB exchanges made by a controller and a controllee in a control phase of a UWB session (e.g., as shown in Figures 3A and 3B), where the OOB technology used includes a 5G communication link (e.g., using LPP messages), the location server 410 includes the controller, and the first UE 405 includes the controllee. The UWB assistance data (provided at arrow 430) may include control information for the UWB session.
[0046] Optionally (as indicated by the dotted arrow 435), the location server 410 may request UWB location information from the first UE 405. The requested UWB location information may include UWB measurements performed by the first UE 405 and / or the UWB device(s) 415. According to some embodiments, the request may include new parameters for optimizing UWB and 5G measurements. This action may be performed by the location server 410 for UE-assisted positioning where the location server 410 determines the location of the first UE 405 and / or where the location of the first UE 405 is desired by the network (e.g., in response to a positioning request made by a positioning function in the mobile / cellular network or an external client). Alternatively, the location server 410 may not request UWB location information (e.g., in the case of UE-based positioning).
[0047] At block 440, the first UE 405 and the UWB device(s) 415 engage in one or more UWB sessions to perform UWB measurements. The UWB session(s) may be conducted according to parameters provided by the location server 410 in the assistance data.
[0048] The remaining actions in the process illustrated in FIG. 4 may depend on whether the position is determined by the first UE 405 (e.g., UE-based positioning) or whether the position is determined by the location server 410 (e.g., UE-assisted positioning). In the case of UE-based positioning, the UE may perform a positioning calculation, as illustrated in block 445. Alternatively, in the case of UE-assisted positioning (e.g., the location server 410 sends a request for UWB location information, as illustrated in arrow 435), the UE may provide the requested UWB location information to the location server, as illustrated in arrow 450. Upon receiving the UWB location information, the location server 410 may calculate the position of the first UE 405, as illustrated in block 455. To enable position determination, the UWB location information may include measurement information of UWB measurements performed during the UWB procedure of block 440. This information may include the measurement, the UE-UWB-ID, and a timestamp. It may also include location information of the UWB device(s) 415, if known. This location information may be provided to the first UE 405 by the UWB device(s) 415 during the UWB procedure of block 440. In the case of a UE-assisted mode, the location information may include a position estimate of the UE calculated by the UE.
[0049] Because the location server may be used to centrally coordinate UWB and cellular measurements for hybrid cellular / UWB positioning, the location server may implement optimizations to help ensure accurate positioning. As mentioned, this may include ensuring that cellular and UWB measurements are aligned in the time domain (e.g., occur within a threshold amount of time from each other). This may help to minimize changes in the wireless channel when cellular and UWB measurements are performed. Other optimizations may include ensuring that UWB sessions occurring during the same time do so using different frequencies or channels.
[0050] The location server may include configuration information in the assistance data (or any other data constituting the UWB and / or cellular positioning session in which UWB and cellular measurements are made) to help implement such optimization. This optimized configuration information may include, for example, a measurement time window in which both UWB and cellular measurements are to be made. Upon receiving this configuration information, the UE is expected to perform measurements in UWB and cellular within the proposed measurement time window. This may allow for time alignment to avoid errors due to UE mobility. This may also drive the start and duration of the UWB ranging session. The optimized configuration information may further include adjusting the cellular frequency (e.g., 5G band PRS) based on information regarding the channel frequency to be used for UWB and / or knowledge of the UWB band used. This may be done to help minimize any interference between cellular signal(s) (e.g., PRS) and UWB occurring in overlapping frequency bands and / or to increase diversity.
[0051] 5 is a timing diagram illustrating an approach to time domain alignment according to some embodiments. The diagram shows the relative timing for cellular (5G) measurements (using measurements of 5G PRS) and UWB measurements.
[0052] The PRS may be used for positioning in NR (and / or other cellular) wireless networks and may be transmitted by wireless network nodes, such as base stations (e.g., TRPs) and network-attached UEs communicatively coupled to the NR wireless network. Depending on the type of positioning performed, the PRS may be used for positioning measurements, such as time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of departure (AoD), round-trip signal propagation delay (RTT), or combinations thereof. A "PRS instance" or "PRS opportunity" is one instance of a periodically repeating time window (e.g., a group of one or more contiguous slots in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) used in NR wireless networks) during which the PRS is expected to be transmitted. A PRS opportunity may also be referred to as a "PRS positioning occasion", "PRS positioning instance", "positioning occasion", "positioning instance", or simply an "opportunity" or "instance". Since the PRS may be broadcast, the first PRS 510 and the second PRS 520 may be received by either or both of the initiator and responder devices in a UWB positioning session (e.g., depending on their capabilities). The first PRS 510 and the second PRS 520 may include two instances of a PRS sequence (which may include more instances) transmitted in a periodicity 530. The default value of the periodicity 530 for the PRS is 160 ms, but this is configurable (e.g., by a location server) and may vary depending on the desired functionality.
[0053] Timing in a UWB session may occur over a time period divided into subparts according to a hierarchical structure. Similar to the TDMA method, a UWB session defines the timing during which ranging may occur. This timing includes one or more consecutive ranging blocks 540, which may have a configurable duration (e.g., 200 ms). Each ranging block 540 may be divided into one or more consecutive rounds 550 (e.g., N rounds), the number and length of which are configurable. The rounds 550 are further divided into different slots 560, also with a configurable number and length. According to some embodiments, a single round in each ranging block 540 may be used for UWB positioning to help reduce RF collisions.
[0054] Since the location server is aware of the parameters of the first and second PRSs 510, 520 (e.g., periodicity 530, duration (e.g., 4 ms), frequency, etc.), it can help ensure that the UWB ranging block 540 of a UWB positioning session for hybrid NR / UWB positioning is aligned with the first and second PRSs 510, 520 in an optimal manner by providing assistance data to configure the UWB device to help ensure this alignment. In particular, the location server (acting as a controller) can provide assistance data to a controlley UE (e.g., the first UE 405 of FIG. 4) that configures the controlley UE to specify the start of the ranging block 540, which round 550 should be used within the ranging block for UWB positioning, which number of slots should be used within the ranging round, or a combination thereof, based on the capabilities of the controlley UE.
[0055] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of how a location server may configure a UWB session to optimize hybrid NR / UWB positioning. Here, the location server provides assistance data to configure the controlley UE to use a selected round 610 of the ranging block 620 to be used for UWB positioning. The selected round 610 may be identified in the assistance data using its corresponding round index (e.g., round #2). To help ensure time domain alignment with NR positioning, a round may be selected for UWB positioning based on how close it is in time to the PRS. In FIG. 6A, the selected round 610 is the round in the ranging block 620 that is closest in time to the PRS 630 without overlapping in time with the PRS 630 (thereby avoiding potential interference). In general, a round may be selected based on whether it occurs within a threshold amount of time from the PRS. This time threshold may be based on the QoS capabilities of the controlley UE, the mobility of the controlley UE, the QoS requirements of the positioning session, or other such factors, or a combination thereof. The selected round 610 may occur after the closest PRS 630, as shown in FIG. 6A, or may occur before the closest PRS 630, as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0056] 7 illustrates an example of coordination of NR and UWB positioning sessions for hybrid NR / UWB positioning, where three UWB positioning sessions are conducted between three devices capable of both NR and UWB positioning (herein "NR / UWB devices"). The UWB sessions occur between a different pair of NR / UWB devices for each of session 1, session 2, and session 3, as shown in configuration 700. (In configuration 700, the shaded NR / UWB devices may include initiators for the UWB sessions. In this example, the same NR / UWB device is the initiator for both session 1 and session 2.)
[0057] In this example, PRS 710 may be broadcast (e.g., by a base station or other wireless network node of a 5G network) and received by all three NR / UWB devices. To avoid interference between PRS 710 and the UWB ranging sessions, the location server may configure the NR / UWB devices such that the UWB sessions occur after PRS 710, as shown. In this example, the ranging blocks for each of Session 1, Session 2, and Session 3 start at the same time, although in alternative embodiments, the sessions may occur at different times. To avoid RF collisions, the different sessions use different rounds for UWB positioning. (As indicated by the shading, Session 1 uses Round #1, Session 2 uses Round #2, and Session 3 uses Round #3.) 5G NR positioning may utilize multiple PRSs, and UWB ranging sessions may utilize multiple ranging blocks (which may use the same respective rounds, as shown in FIG. 7).
[0058] 7 shows just one example configuration. The time alignment between different UWB sessions and / or between UWB sessions and PRSs may vary depending on the desired functionality. Additional examples are provided in the following figures.
[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of cooperation of NR and UWB positioning sessions for hybrid NR / UWB positioning. Here again, three UWB positioning sessions are performed (e.g., between three NR / UWB devices). However, in this example, the ranging blocks are offset in time from each other, and the same round (round #1) is selected in each ranging block for UWB positioning. This example does not show any overlap between ranging blocks of different sessions, but alternative embodiments may have overlap. Additionally or alternatively, different sessions may use different respective rounds for UWB positioning (e.g., rather than using the same respective round). The location server may configure the NR / UWB device with non-overlapping ranging blocks (e.g., rather than overlapping ranging blocks as shown in FIG. 7) to accommodate NR / UWB device capabilities, if the NR / UWB device may not be able to participate in multiple UWB positioning sessions at once.
[0060] 9 illustrates another example of NR and UWB positioning session coordination for hybrid NR / UWB positioning. In this example, UWB sessions (Session 1 and Session 2) are performed, with the ranging block for Session 1 configured to occur before PRS 910 and the ranging block for Session 2 configured to occur after PRS 910. As can be seen, this can allow UWB positioning to be more aligned with PRS 910 if both ranging blocks occur after (or before) PRS 910. Additionally, as shown, the rounds within the ranging block can be selected to align UWB positioning even more with PRS 910. Although, alternative embodiments may use rounds different from those illustrated.
[0061] 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of cooperation of NR and UWB positioning sessions for hybrid NR / UWB positioning. This example combines simultaneous (or overlapping) ranging blocks of different sessions (as shown in FIG. 7) with selecting rounds that are time-aligned close to the PRS 1010 (as shown in FIG. 9). In this case, the rounds in the ranging blocks of different sessions are selected to be close to the PRS 1010. However, to avoid interference with the PRS 1010, the rounds in the ranging blocks that overlap with the PRS 1010 (round #2) are not selected for UWB positioning.
[0062] As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, different combinations of the principles illustrated in Figures 7-10 may be applied in different hybrid NR / UWB positioning configurations depending on the desired functionality. That is, the ranging blocks and rounds selected for UWB positioning aligned with the PRS in any of a variety of ways to help optimize time alignment and reduce interference. Furthermore, depending on device capabilities, the location server may configure multiple UWB positioning sessions in parallel using different channels. For example, two pairs of devices may perform UWB positioning simultaneously (even using the same or overlapping rounds) without interference on different channels if different devices are used. (A single device may not be able to operate on two channels simultaneously given hardware limitations.) For devices involved in multiple positioning sessions simultaneously on different channels / frequencies, the location server may consider the time it may take to retune RF components from one frequency / channel to another when determining the hybrid NR / UWB positioning configuration. Additionally, alternative embodiments may use forms of hybrid cellular / UWB positioning that include additional and / or alternative cellular technologies (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to 5G NR).
[0063] As mentioned previously, a UWB session may include multiple ranging blocks, and multiple ranging blocks may occur consecutively over a period of time. For a given UWB session, UWB measurements are made in the same round of each ranging block (e.g., the same round index is used for each ranging block) unless a new round index is specified (e.g., in new assistance data) or hopping is selected (in which case different rounds are used for different ranging blocks). In some implementations, the periodicity between PRSs (e.g., periodicity 530 in FIG. 5) may not be a multiple of the length of a ranging block. Thus, a given round in a first ranging block that does not overlap (and potentially collide) with a PRS may collide in a subsequent ranging block / PRS. Thus, a hopping mode for round usage in UWB positioning (also referred to herein as "UWB round hopping") may be used, where different rounds (e.g., rounds with different round indexes) are used in consecutive ranging blocks of a UWB session.
[0064] According to the relevant UWB standard, UWB round hopping utilizes a random sequence generator using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) that generates a randomized round index for every round in a given block. The sequence generator uses the session ID of the UWB session, which can help ensure that a secure pattern is generated. The use of a random sequence generator can help reduce collisions. However, since the hopping is random, random collisions can still occur.
[0065] While some embodiments may utilize such random hopping, some embodiments may utilize a designated hopping pattern that may be determined by the location server and provided to the cellular / UWB device via the assistance data. That is, since the location server may know the PRS transmission timing, the location server may determine (e.g., prior to UWB positioning in a hybrid cellular / UWB positioning session) whether a collision may occur between the PRS transmission and the round used for UWB positioning, for example, if a static round index is used for the UWB positioning session. To help avoid collisions (and avoid any possible collisions that may occur if random hopping is utilized), the location server may determine a hopping pattern that avoids collisions with the PRS transmission (and other UWB mono sessions that the location server may be aware of) and include the hopping pattern in the assistance data to the cellular / UWB device(s) of the affected UWB positioning session(s). According to some embodiments, this predetermined hopping pattern may be multicast by the location server to multiple cellular / UWB devices (e.g., over a secure link as part of UWB assistance data), which may be wirelessly relayed to the multiple cellular / UWB devices, e.g., via one or more base stations of the cellular network.
[0066] Although embodiments described herein illustrate providing UWB assistance data for each UWB positioning session, embodiments are not so limited. Embodiments may include, for example, providing UWB assistance data applicable to more than one UWB positioning session (e.g., positioning sessions occurring in succession). Thus, according to some embodiments, parameters and / or other information provided to a UWB device for use in a UWB positioning session may apply to a set of one or more UWB positioning sessions.
[0067] Figure 11A is a flow diagram of a method 1100-A for cellular / UWB positioning, according to one embodiment. The means for performing the functions illustrated in one or more of the blocks illustrated in Figure 11A may be performed by hardware and / or software components of a server (e.g., a computer server). Exemplary components of a computer system that may include a server are illustrated in Figure 14, which is described in more detail below.
[0068] In block 1110, the function includes sending a request from the server to the first wireless device, the first wireless device capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals, for capability information including information regarding the capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. According to some embodiments, the exchange between the server and the first wireless device may be similar to the exchange between a controller and a controllee in a control phase of a UWB positioning session. Thus, the server may act as a controller and the first wireless device may act as a controllee. The communication between the server and the first wireless device may be relayed by one or more additional devices (e.g., a base station of a cellular wireless network, such as an LTE or NR network). Means for performing the functions in block 1110 may include a bus 1405, a processor(s) 1410, a memory 1435, a communications subsystem 1430 (e.g., including an optional wireless communications interface 1433 and / or an optional UWB transceiver 1434), and / or other components of computer system 1400, as shown in FIG. 14 and described below.
[0069] The function at block 1120 includes receiving a response from the first wireless device at the server including capability information. The capability information (including information regarding the capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning) may include capability information including channel capabilities, measurement capabilities (type of measurement, accuracy / precision, etc.), timing capabilities (e.g., availability of UWB positioning), message format capabilities, etc. Also, as mentioned, the device may also provide QoS related parameters for the s UWB positioning session. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 1100-A, the response received at block 1120 may further include QoS parameters including information indicating pulse shape, desired accuracy, or type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof. Means for performing the functions in block 1120 may include a bus 1405, a processor(s) 1410, a memory 1435, a communications subsystem 1430 (e.g., including an optional wireless communications interface 1433 and / or an optional UWB transceiver 1434), and / or other components of computer system 1400, as shown in FIG. 14 and described below.
[0070] The functions in block 1130 include determining first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network. As mentioned, the server may include a location server (e.g., an LMF server) that may have knowledge of where a PRS is transmitted in the cellular wireless system and will be used by one or more devices participating in the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions. Thus, the server may determine the first UWB assistance data that time-aligns the UWB positioning measurements with the PRS (e.g., in the manner shown in the previously described embodiment). The one or more parameters of the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions may include configurations that convey this time domain alignment. According to some embodiments, the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a starting time of a ranging block, a round of a ranging block to use, a number of slots to use within a round of a ranging block, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, as previously described, the server may determine a hopping pattern to use during the set of one or more UWB positioning sessions to avoid interference with the PRS. Thus, some embodiments of method 1100-A may further include determining a hopping pattern for round use in the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions based on information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network, and the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include the determined hopping pattern.Means for performing the functions in block 1130 may include a bus 1405, a processor(s) 1410, a memory 1435, a communication subsystem 1430, and / or other components of the computer system 1400, as shown in FIG. 14 and described below.
[0071] At block 1140, the method 1100-A includes sending the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device. As mentioned, according to some embodiments, the cellular wireless network may include an NR wireless network and the server may include an LMF of the cellular wireless network. In such embodiments, the request, response, or the first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, may be communicated via LPP. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more positioning signals may include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances. However, other types of signals used for positioning, such as a tracking reference signal (TRS), a Channel-State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), etc., may be used.
[0072] The means for performing the functions in block 1140 may include bus 1405, processor(s) 1410, memory 1435, communication subsystem 1430 (e.g., including optional wireless communication interface 1433 and / or optional UWB transceiver 1434), and / or other components of computer system 1400, as shown in FIG. 14 and described below. [We should have another flow diagram that captures the operations / functions from the UE's perspective (e.g., receiving a request for capability information from a location server, providing capability information to a server, receiving assistance data from a server including UWB ranging configuration information, performing UWB ranging based on the configuration information, etc.).]
[0073] As mentioned in the previously described embodiments, configuring the first wireless device for cellular / UWB positioning may implement one or more additional features depending on the desired functionality. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, a round of UWB ranging blocks closest to the PRS may be selected to help ensure time alignment. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 1100-A, one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions may specify using one selected round from multiple rounds of ranging blocks. For a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals, the selected round may be closest in time to the particular positioning signal of the multiple rounds, and the selected round may not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal.
[0074] As mentioned in FIGS. 7-10, the location server may configure the multiple UWB sessions to be optimally time-aligned with the PRS according to some embodiments. Accordingly, some embodiments of method 1100-A may further include sending second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, where the second UWB assistance data may be sent from the server to the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or a third wireless device, or a combination thereof. In such an embodiment, the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions may specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions may specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index, where the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time.
[0075] As shown in Figures 7 and 10, overlapping ranging blocks may use different rounds to optimize time alignment with the PRS. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 1100-A, for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first round, the first round may occur after the particular positioning signal, and the second round may occur after the first round. According to some embodiments, for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first round, the first and second ranging blocks may overlap in time with the particular positioning signal, and the first round may occur before the particular positioning signal, and the second round may occur after the particular positioning signal.
[0076] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, separate ranging blocks may be used for time alignment. According to some embodiments of the method 1100-A, the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index, where the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time. In such an embodiment, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block may occur after the particular positioning signal, the second ranging block may occur after the first round, and the second round index may be the same as the first round index. According to some embodiments, for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first ranging block, the first ranging block may occur before the particular positioning signal and the second ranging block may occur after the particular positioning signal.
[0077] Figure 11B is a flow diagram of a method 1100-B for cellular / UWB positioning, according to one embodiment. The means for performing the functions illustrated in one or more of the blocks illustrated in Figure 11B may be performed by hardware and / or software components of a UWB device. Exemplary components of a UWB device are illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, which are described in more detail below.
[0078] In block 1150, the function includes receiving a request for capability information from a server at a first wireless device capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals. As mentioned, according to some embodiments, the exchange between the server and the first wireless device may be similar to the exchange between a controller and a controlee in a control phase of a UWB positioning session. Thus, the server may act as a controller and the first wireless device may act as a controlee. The communication between the server and the first wireless device may be relayed by one or more additional devices (e.g., a base station of a cellular wireless network, such as, for example, an LTE or NR network). Means for performing the function in block 1150 may include a bus 1205, a processor(s) 1210, a memory 1260, a wireless communication interface 1230 (including an optional UWB transceiver 1235), and / or other components of the mobile UWB device 1200, as shown in FIG. 12 and described below. The means for performing the functions in block 1150 may alternatively include a bus 1305, a processor(s) 1310, a memory 1360, a wireless communication interface 1330 (including an optional UWB transceiver 1335), and / or other components of the stationary UWB device 1300, as shown in FIG. 13 and described below.
[0079] The function at block 1160 includes sending a response from the first wireless device to the server including capability information including information regarding the capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning. The capability information (including information regarding the capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning) may include capability information including channel capabilities, measurement capabilities (type of measurement, precision / accuracy, etc.), timing capabilities (e.g., availability of UWB positioning), message format capabilities, etc. Also, as mentioned, the device may also provide QoS related parameters for the s UWB positioning session. Thus, according to some embodiments of method 1200-B, the response received at block 1160 may further include QoS parameters including information indicating pulse shape, desired accuracy, or type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof. Means for performing the functions in block 1160 may include bus 1205, processor(s) 1210, memory 1260, wireless communication interface 1230 (including optional UWB transceiver 1235), and / or other components of mobile UWB device 1200, as shown in Figure 12 and described below. Means for performing the functions in block 1160 may alternatively include bus 1305, processor(s) 1310, memory 1360, wireless communication interface 1330 (including optional UWB transceiver 1335), and / or other components of stationary UWB device 1300, as shown in Figure 13 and described below.
[0080] The functions in block 1170 may include receiving first UWB assistance data from a server at the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and the second wireless device. As mentioned, the server may include a location server (e.g., an LMF server) that may have knowledge of where the PRS is transmitted in the cellular wireless system and used by one or more devices participating in the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions. Thus, the server may determine the first UWB assistance data that time-aligns the UWB positioning measurements with the PRS (e.g., in the manner shown in the previously described embodiment). The one or more parameters of the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions may include configurations that convey this time domain alignment. According to some embodiments, the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a starting time of a ranging block, a round of ranging blocks to use, a number of slots to use within a round of ranging blocks, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, as previously described, the server may determine a hopping pattern to use in the set of one or more UWB positioning sessions to avoid interference with the PRS. Thus, in some embodiments of method 1100-B, the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include the determined hopping pattern. Means for performing the functions in block 1170 may include bus 1205, processor(s) 1210, memory 1260, wireless communication interface 1230 (including optional UWB transceiver 1235), and / or other components of mobile UWB device 1200, as shown in FIG. 12 and described below.The means for performing the functions in block 1170 may alternatively include a bus 1305, a processor(s) 1310, a memory 1360, a wireless communication interface 1330 (including an optional UWB transceiver 1335), and / or other components of the stationary UWB device 1300, as shown in FIG. 13 and described below.
[0081] At block 1180, the method 1100-B includes using the first wireless device to conduct a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device according to the one or more parameters and one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network. As mentioned, according to some embodiments, the cellular wireless network may include an NR wireless network and the server may include an LMF of the cellular wireless network. In such embodiments, the request, response, or first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, may be communicated via LPP. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more positioning signals may include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances. Although, other types of signals used for positioning, such as tracking reference signals (TRS), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), etc., may be used. Means for performing the functions in block 1180 may include bus 1205, processor(s) 1210, memory 1260, wireless communication interface 1230 (including optional UWB transceiver 1235), and / or other components of mobile UWB device 1200, as shown in FIG. 12 and described below. Means for performing the functions in block 1180 may alternatively include bus 1305, processor(s) 1310, memory 1360, wireless communication interface 1330 (including optional UWB transceiver 1335), and / or other components of stationary UWB device 1300, as shown in FIG. 13 and described below.
[0082] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a mobile UWB device 1200 that may be utilized as described herein. The mobile UWB device 1200 may have cellular (e.g., 5G NR) capabilities and thus may function as a UE in a cellular wireless network and / or perform cellular / UWB positioning as described herein. It should be noted that FIG. 12 is only intended to provide a generalized view of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as desired. 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. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the functionality of the UE described in the previously described embodiments may be performed by one or more of the hardware and / or software components illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0083] A mobile UWB device 1200 is shown including hardware elements that may be electrically coupled (or otherwise in communication as needed) via a bus 1205. The hardware elements may include processor(s) 1210, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., application processors), one or more special-purpose processors (such as digital signal processor (DSP) chips, graphics acceleration processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.), and / or other processing structures or processing means. The processor(s) 1210 may include one or more processing units that may be housed in a single integrated circuit (IC) or multiple ICs. As shown in FIG. 12, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1220, depending on the desired functionality. Location determination and / or other determinations based on wireless communication may be performed in the processor(s) 1210 and / or in the wireless communication interface 1230 (described below). The mobile UWB device 1200 may also include one or more input devices 1270, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more keyboards, touch screens, touch pads, microphones, buttons, dials, switches, etc., and one or more output devices 1215, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more displays (e.g., touch screens), light emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, etc.
[0084] The mobile UWB device 1200 may also include a wireless communication interface 1230, 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 a Bluetooth device, an IEEE 802.11 device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMAX device, a WAN device, and / or various cellular devices), which may enable the mobile UWB device 1200 to communicate with other devices as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1230 may enable data and signaling to be communicated (e.g., transmitted and received) with access points, 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 antenna(s) 1232 that send and / or receive wireless signals 1234. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication antenna(s) 1232 may include multiple individual antennas, an antenna array, or any combination thereof. The antenna(s) 1232 may be capable of transmitting 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 respective digital and / or analog circuitry. The wireless communication interface 1230 may include such circuitry.
[0085] As shown, the wireless display interface 1230 may further include a UWB transceiver 1235. The UWB transceiver 1235 may be operated to perform UWB operations as described herein. Additionally, the wireless communication interface 1230 may include one or more additional communication technologies upon which any OOB functions as described herein may be performed. According to some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1235 may be one of multiple UWB transceivers of the mobile UWB device 1200. Additionally, the UWB transceiver may be used for functions in addition to the UWB positioning functions as described herein. Although shown as part of the wireless communication interface 1230, the UWB transceiver 1235 may be separate from the wireless communication interface 1230 in some embodiments.
[0086] Depending on the desired functionality, the wireless communication interface 1230 may include separate receivers and transmitters, or any combination of transceivers, transmitters, and / or receivers, for communicating with base stations (e.g., ng-eNBs and gNBs) and other terrestrial transceivers, such as wireless devices and access points. The mobile UWB device 1200 may communicate with different data networks, which may include a variety of network types. For example, a WWAN may be a CDMA network, a TDMA network, an 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 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 utilize 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 a consortium named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available.A WLAN may also be an IEEE 802.11x network, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) may be a Bluetooth network, an 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.
[0087] The mobile UWB device 1200 may further include sensor(s) 1240. The sensor(s) 1240 may include, but are not limited to, one or more inertial sensors and / or other sensors (e.g., accelerometer(s), gyroscope(s), camera(s), magnetometer(s), altimeter(s), microphone(s), proximity sensor(s), light sensor(s), barometer(s), etc.), some of which may be used to obtain positional measurements and / or other information.
[0088] An embodiment of the mobile UWB device 1200 may also include a GNSS receiver 1280 capable of receiving signals 1284 from one or more GNSS satellites using an antenna 1282 (which may be the same as antenna 1232). Positioning based on GNSS signal measurements may be utilized to complement and / or incorporate the techniques described herein. The GNSS receiver 1280 may use conventional techniques to extract a position of the mobile UWB device 1200 from GNSS satellites of GNSS systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) over Japan, IRNSS over India, and the Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) over China. Additionally, the GNSS receiver 1280 may be used with a variety of storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM), which may be programmable, flash updatable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data store, including, but not limited to, various file systems, database structures, etc.
[0089] Memory 1260 of mobile UWB device 1200 may also include software elements (not shown in FIG. 12 ) including other code, such as an operating system, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or one or more application programs, which may include computer programs provided by various embodiments as described herein and / or may be designed to implement methods and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments. By way of example only, one or more procedures described with respect to the method(s) described above may be implemented as code and / or instructions in memory 1260 executable by mobile UWB device 1200 (and / or processor(s) 1210 or DSP 1220 within mobile UWB device 1200). In some embodiments, such code and / or instructions may then 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.
[0090] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a stationary UWB device 1300 that may be utilized as described herein. The stationary UWB device 1300 may function, for example, as a UWB anchor for UWB and / or hybrid cellular / UWB positioning of a mobile UWB device (e.g., mobile UWB device 1200). Note that FIG. 13 is only intended to provide a generalized view of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as desired. In some embodiments, the stationary UWB device 1300 may correspond to an anchor UWB having a known location that may be used to determine the location of other UWB devices, including mobile UWB devices. According to some embodiments, the stationary UWB device 1300 may be permanently stationary or temporarily stationary.
[0091] A stationary UWB device 1300 is shown including hardware elements that may be electrically coupled (or otherwise in communication as needed) via a bus 1305. The hardware elements may include a processor(s) 1310, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more general purpose processors, one or more special purpose processors (such as DSP chips, graphics acceleration processors, ASICs, etc.), and / or other processing structures or processing means. As shown in FIG. 13, some embodiments may have a separate DSP 1320, depending on the desired functionality. According to some embodiments, location determination and / or other determinations based on wireless communication may be performed in the processor(s) 1310 and / or in the wireless communication interface 1330 (described below). The stationary UWB device 1300 may also include one or more input devices, which may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a display, a mouse, a microphone, button(s), dial(s), switch(es), etc., and one or more output devices, which may include, but are not limited to, a display, a light emitting diode (LED), a speaker, etc.
[0092] The stationary UWB device 1300 may also include a wireless communication interface 1330, 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 a Bluetooth device, an IEEE 802.11 device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMAX device, a cellular communication facility, etc.), which may enable the stationary UWB device 1300 to communicate as described herein. The wireless communication interface 1330 may enable data and signaling to be communicated (e.g., transmitted and received) to mobile devices, wireless network nodes (e.g., base stations, access points, etc.), and / or other network components, computer systems, and / or any other electronic devices described herein. Communication may be performed via one or more wireless communication antenna(s) 1332 that send and / or receive wireless signals 1334.
[0093] As shown, the wireless display interface 1330 may further include a UWB transceiver 1335. The UWB transceiver 1335 may be operated to perform UWB operations as described herein. Additionally, the wireless communication interface 1330 may include one or more additional communication technologies upon which any OOB functions as described herein may be performed. According to some embodiments, the UWB transceiver 1335 may be one of multiple UWB transceivers of the mobile UWB device 1300. Additionally, the UWB transceiver may be used for functions in addition to the UWB positioning functions as described herein. Although shown as part of the wireless communication interface 1330, the UWB transceiver 1335 may be separate from the wireless communication interface 1330 in some embodiments.
[0094] The stationary UWB device 1300 may also include a network interface 1380, which may include support for wireline communication technologies. The network interface 1380 may include a modem, a network card, a chipset, etc. The network interface 1380 may include one or more input and / or output communication interfaces to allow data to be exchanged with a network, a communication network server, a computer system, and / or any other electronic device described herein. In some embodiments, the stationary UWB device 1300 may be communicatively coupled to one or more servers and / or other stationary UWB devices via the network interface 1380.
[0095] In many embodiments, the stationary UWB device 1300 may further include memory 1360. Memory 1360 may include, but is not limited to, local and / or network accessible storage, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as RAM and / or ROM that may be programmable, flash updatable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data store, including, but not limited to, various file systems, database structures, etc.
[0096] The memory 1360 of the stationary UWB device 1300 may also include software elements (not shown in FIG. 13 ) including other code, such as an operating system, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or one or more application programs, which may include computer programs provided by various embodiments as described herein and / or may be designed to implement methods and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments. By way of example only, one or more procedures described with respect to the method(s) described above may be implemented as code and / or instructions in the memory 1360 executable by the stationary UWB device 1300 (and / or the processor(s) 1310 or DSP 1320 within the stationary UWB device 1300). In some embodiments, such code and / or instructions may then 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.
[0097] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system 1400 that may be used in whole or in part to provide the functionality of a server (e.g., a location server and / or an LMF) as described in the embodiments herein. It should be noted that FIG. 14 is only intended to provide a generalized view of various components, any or all of which may be utilized as desired. Thus, FIG. 14 broadly illustrates how individual system elements may be implemented in a relatively separated or relatively more integrated manner. In addition, it should be noted that the components illustrated by FIG. 14 may be localized in a single device and / or distributed among various networked devices that may be located in different geographic locations.
[0098] A computer system 1400 is shown including hardware elements that may be electrically coupled (or otherwise in communication as needed) via a bus 1405. The hardware elements may include a processor(s) 1410, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more general purpose processors, one or more special purpose processors (such as digital signal processing chips, graphics acceleration processors, etc.), and / or other processing structures that may be configured to perform one or more of the methods described herein. The computer system 1400 may also include one or more input devices 1415, which may include, but is not limited to, a mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone, etc., and one or more output devices 1420, which may include, but is not limited to, a display device, printer, etc.
[0099] The computer system 1400 may further include (and / or be in communication with) one or more non-transitory storage devices 1425, which may include, but are not limited to, local and / or network accessible storage and / or solid-state storage devices, such as, but not limited to, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, RAM and / or ROM, which may be programmable, flash updatable, etc. Such storage devices may be configured to implement any suitable data store, including, but not limited to, various file systems, database structures, etc. Such data stores may include database(s) and / or other data structures used to store and manage messages and / or other information to be sent via the hub to one or more devices, as described herein.
[0100] Computer system 1400 may also include a communications subsystem 1430, which may include wireless communications technologies managed and controlled by wireless communications interface 1433 (optionally as indicated by the dotted line) as well as wired technologies (such as Ethernet, coaxial communications, universal serial bus (USB)). Wireless communications interface 1433 may include one or more wireless transceivers that may send and receive wireless signals 1455 (e.g., signals according to 5G NR or LTE) via wireless antenna(s) 1450. Optionally, these one or more wireless transceivers may include a UWB transceiver 1434. Thus, communications subsystem 1430 may include modems, network cards (wireless or wired), infrared communications devices, wireless communications devices, and / or chipsets, etc., that may enable computer system 1400 to communicate over any or all of the communications networks described herein with any device on the respective network. Thus, the communications subsystem 1430 may be used to receive and send data as described in the embodiments herein.
[0101] In many embodiments, the computer system 1400 will further include a working memory 1435, which may include a RAM device or a ROM device, as described above. The software elements shown as residing in the working memory 1435 may include other code, such as an operating system 1440, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or one or more applications 1445, which may include computer programs provided by various embodiments as described herein and / or may be designed to implement methods and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments. By way of example only, one or more procedures described with respect to the method(s) described above may be implemented as code and / or instructions executable by a computer (and / or a processor within a computer), and in one aspect, such code and / or instructions may then 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.
[0102] A set of these instructions and / or code may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as storage device(s) 1425 described above. In some cases, the storage medium may be incorporated within a computer system, such as computer system 1400. In other embodiments, the storage medium may be separate from the computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as an optical disk) and / or provided in an installation package, such that the storage medium may be used to program, configure, and / or adapt a general-purpose computer with the instructions / code stored thereon. These instructions may take the form of executable code that is executable by computer system 1400 and / or may take the form of source and / or installable code that, when compiled and / or installed on computer system 1400 (e.g., using any of a variety of commonly available compilers, installation programs, compression / decompression utilities, etc.), is then in the form of executable code.
[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be made according to particular requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used and / or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets), or both. Further, connection to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, might be utilized.
[0104] With reference to the accompanying figures, components that may include memory may include non-transitory machine-readable media. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable media" and "computer-readable media" refer to any storage medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operate in a specific manner. In the embodiments provided above, various machine-readable media may participate in providing instructions / code to a processor and / or other device(s) for execution. Additionally or alternatively, machine-readable media may be used to store and / or transport such instructions / code. In many implementations, the computer-readable media 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 media and / or optical media, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code.
[0105] The methods, systems, and devices described herein are examples. Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components, as appropriate. For example, features described with respect to some embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Various components of the diagrams provided herein may be embodied in hardware and / or software. Also, technology evolves, and thus many of the elements are examples that do not limit the scope of the disclosure to those specific examples.
[0106] It has proven convenient at times, primarily for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, information, values, elements, symbols, characters, variables, terms, numbers, numeric values, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. As is apparent from the above description, unless otherwise indicated, throughout this specification, descriptions utilizing terms such as "processing," "calculating," "calculating," "determining," "ascertaining," "identifying," "associating," "measuring," "performing," and the like refer to the actions or processes of a particular 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 that are commonly represented as physical electronic, electrical, or magnetic quantities in the memory, registers, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.
[0107] The terms "and" and "or" as used herein may include various meanings that are expected to depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or," when used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, which are used herein in an inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, which are used herein in an exclusive sense. In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular, or may be used to describe any combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example, and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term "at least one of," when used to associate 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.
[0108] Although several embodiments have been described, various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the above elements may only be components of a larger system, and other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the various embodiments. Also, some steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Thus, the above description does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0109] In light of this description, embodiments may include different combinations of features. Example implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.
[0110] Clause 1. A method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, the method comprising: sending a request for capability information from a server to a first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular wireless signals and UWB wireless signals; receiving a response at the server from the first wireless device, the response including capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; determining first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device, based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network; and sending the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device.
[0111] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a start time of a ranging block, a round of a ranging block to use, a number of slots to use within a round of a ranging block, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof.
[0112] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 or 2, further comprising determining a hopping pattern for round use in a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions based on information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include the determined hopping pattern.
[0113] Clause 4. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify the use of a selected round from a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals, the selected round is, of the plurality of rounds, closest in time to the particular positioning signal, and the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal.
[0114] Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising sending second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, wherein the second UWB assistance data is sent from the server to the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or a third wireless device, or a combination thereof.
[0115] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index, and the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time.
[0116] Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal and the second round occurs after the first round.
[0117] Clause 8. The method of clause 6, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal, the first round occurring before the particular positioning signal and the second round occurring after the particular positioning signal.
[0118] Clause 9. The method of clause 5, wherein the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index, and the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time.
[0119] Clause 10. The method of clause 9, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal, the second ranging block occurs after a first round, and the second round index is the same as the first round index.
[0120] Clause 11. The method of clause 10, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal and the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal.
[0121] Clause 12. The method of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the response further includes Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters including information indicating a pulse shape, a desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof.
[0122] Clause 13. The method of any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the cellular wireless network includes a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) for the NR wireless network.
[0123] Clause 14. The method of any of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the request, response, or first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, is communicated via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP).
[0124] Clause 15. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the one or more positioning signals include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances.
[0125] Clause 16. A server for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising a transceiver, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the one or more processors send a request for capability information from the server via the transceiver to the first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular wireless signals and UWB wireless signals, the request including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning, and send a response including the capability information to the first wireless device via the transceiver. a server configured to receive from the wireless device first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device, based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information regarding the one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network, and send the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device via the transceiver.
[0126] Clause 17. The server of clause 16, wherein the one or more processors are configured to configure the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions to include a start time of a ranging block, a round of a ranging block to use, a number of slots to use within a round of a ranging block, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof.
[0127] Clause 18. A server as described in any of clauses 16 to 17, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a hopping pattern for round use in a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions based on information relating to one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network, and the one or more processors are configured to include the determined hopping pattern in one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions.
[0128] Clause 19. A server as described in any of clauses 16 to 18, wherein one or more processors are configured to include in one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions a selected round to be used, the selected round being selected from a plurality of rounds of the ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals, the selected round is, of the plurality of rounds, closest in time to the particular positioning signal, and the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal.
[0129] Clause 20. A server as described in any of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to send second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, and the one or more processors are configured to send the second UWB assistance data via the transceiver to the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or a third wireless device, or a combination thereof.
[0130] Clause 21. The server of clause 20, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the one or more parameters such that for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more parameters specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index, and such that the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time.
[0131] Clause 22. The server of clause 21, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the one or more parameters such that the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal and the second round occurs after the first round.
[0132] Clause 23. A server as described in any of Clauses 21, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine one or more parameters such that for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal, the first round occurring before the particular positioning signal and the second round occurring after the particular positioning signal.
[0133] Clause 24. The server of clause 20, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine the one or more parameters such that for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more parameters specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index, and the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time.
[0134] Clause 25. The server of clause 24, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal, the second ranging block occurs after the first round, and the second round index is the same as the first round index.
[0135] Clause 26. The server of clause 24, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal and the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal.
[0136] Clause 27. A server as described in any of clauses 16 to 26, wherein to receive the response, one or more processors are configured to receive Quality of Service (QoS) parameters including information indicating a pulse shape, a desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof.
[0137] Clause 28. The server of any of clauses 16 to 27, wherein the cellular wireless network includes a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) for the NR wireless network.
[0138] Clause 29. A method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: receiving a request for capability information from a server at a first wireless device capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals; sending a response from the first wireless device to the server including capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; receiving first UWB assistance data from the server at the first wireless device including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device; and conducting, using the first wireless device, the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device and one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network in accordance with the one or more parameters.
[0139] Clause 30. The method of clause 29, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a start time of a ranging block, a round of a ranging block to use, a number of slots to use within a round of a ranging block, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof.
[0140] Clause 31. The method of any of clauses 29 to 30, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a hopping pattern.
[0141] Clause 32. A method according to any of clauses 29 to 31, wherein the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify the use of a selected round from a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals, the selected round is, among the plurality of rounds, closest in time to the particular positioning signal, and the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal.
[0142] Clause 33. The method of any of clauses 29 to 32, further comprising receiving, at the first wireless device, second UWB assistance data comprising one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, wherein the second UWB assistance data is sent from a server.
[0143] Clause 34. The method of clause 33, wherein the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index, and the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time.
[0144] Clause 35. The method of clause 34, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal and the second round occurs after the first round.
[0145] Clause 36. The method of clause 34, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal, the first round occurring before the particular positioning signal and the second round occurring after the particular positioning signal.
[0146] Clause 37. The method of clause 33, wherein the one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify the use of a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index, and the one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify the use of a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index, and the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time.
[0147] Clause 38. The method of clause 37, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal, the second ranging block occurs after the first round, and the second round index is the same as the first round index.
[0148] Clause 39. The method of clause 37, wherein for a particular positioning signal of one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal and the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal.
[0149] Clause 40. The method of any of clauses 29 to 39, further comprising including in the response Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters including information indicating a pulse shape, a desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof.
[0150] Clause 41. The method of any of clauses 29 to 40, wherein the cellular wireless network includes a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) for the NR wireless network.
[0151] Clause 42. The method of any of clauses 29 to 41, wherein the request, response, or first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, is communicated via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP).
[0152] Clause 43. The method of any of clauses 29 to 42, wherein the one or more positioning signals include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances.
[0153] Clause 44. A first wireless device for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: one or more transceivers capable of transmitting both cellular wireless signals and UWB wireless signals; a memory; and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more transceivers and the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: receive a request for capability information from a server via the one or more transceivers; send a response to the server via the one or more transceivers including capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; receive from the server via the one or more transceivers first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device; and perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device and one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in the cellular wireless network according to the one or more parameters.
[0154] Clause 45. The first wireless device of clause 44, wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive, in one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, a start time of a ranging block, a round of a ranging block to use, a number of slots to use within a round of a ranging block, or a frequency channel to use, or a combination thereof.
[0155] Clause 46. A first wireless device according to any of clauses 44 to 45, wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive a hopping pattern in one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions.
[0156] Clause 47. A first wireless device as described in any of Clauses 44 to 46, wherein one or more processors are configured to receive a selected round to use in one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the selected round being selected from a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals, the selected round is, of the plurality of rounds, closest in time to the particular positioning signal, and the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal.
[0157] Clause 48. A first wireless device as described in any of Clauses 44 to 47, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the second UWB assistance data being sent from a server.
[0158] Clause 49. A first wireless device as described in Clause 48, wherein to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors are configured to use a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index and to use a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index, wherein the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time.
[0159] Clause 50. A first wireless device as described in Clause 49, wherein the one or more processors are configured to operate to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions such that for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal and the second round occurs after the first round.
[0160] Clause 51. A first wireless device as described in Clause 49, wherein the one or more processors are configured to operate to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions such that, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal, the first round occurring before the particular positioning signal and the second round occurring after the particular positioning signal.
[0161] Clause 52. A first wireless device as described in Clause 48, wherein to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors are configured to use a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index and to use a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index, wherein the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time.
[0162] Clause 53. The first wireless device of Clause 52, wherein to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors are configured to operate such that for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal, the second ranging block occurs after the first round, and the second round index is the same as the first round index.
[0163] Clause 54. The first wireless device described in Clause 52, wherein to perform a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors are configured to operate such that for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to a first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal and the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal.
[0164] Clause 55. A first wireless device as described in any of Clauses 44 to 54, wherein the one or more processors are configured to include in the response Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters including information indicating a pulse shape, a desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, or a combination thereof.
[0165] Clause 56. The first wireless device of any of clauses 44 to 55, wherein the cellular wireless network includes a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) of the NR wireless network.
Claims
1. 1. A method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: sending a request for capability information from a server to a first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals; receiving, at the server, a response from the first wireless device, the response including capability information, the capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; determining first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device, based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information related to one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network; sending the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device; A method comprising:
2. the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions: Start time of the ranging block, Round of ranging blocks to be used, The number of slots to be used within a round of ranging blocks, or The frequency channel to be used, or Combinations of these The method of claim 1 , comprising:
3. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a hopping pattern for round use in the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions based on the information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include the determined hopping pattern.
4. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a selected one of a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals: the selected round is the round among the plurality of rounds that is closest in time to the particular positioning signal; the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; The method of claim 1.
5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, wherein the second UWB assistance data is sent from the server to the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or a third wireless device, or a combination thereof.
6. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time; The method according to claim 5.
7. for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal; The second round occurs after the first round. The method according to claim 6.
8. for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; the first round occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second round occurs after the particular positioning signal; The method according to claim 6.
9. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time; The method according to claim 5.
10. for a particular positioning signal among the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the first round; The second round index is the same as the first round index.
10. The method of claim 9.
11. for a particular positioning signal among the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; 10. The method of claim 9.
12. The response is a Quality of Service (QoS) parameter, Pulse shape, the desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions; or Combinations of these The method of claim 1 , further comprising: a quality of service (QoS) parameter including information indicative of:
13. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular wireless network comprises a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server comprises a Location Management Function (LMF) of the NR wireless network.
14. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the request, the response, or the first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, is communicated via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP).
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more positioning signals include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances.
16. 1. A server for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: A transceiver; Memory, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory; wherein the one or more processors: sending a request for capability information from the server via the transceiver to a first wireless device, the first wireless device being capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals; receiving a response from the first wireless device via the transceiver, the response including capability information, the capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; determining first UWB assistance data for the first wireless device, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first wireless device and a second wireless device based at least in part on (i) the capability information and (ii) information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network; sending the first UWB assistance data from the server to the first wireless device via the transceiver; The server is configured as follows:
17. the one or more processors apply to the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions: Start time of the ranging block, Round of ranging blocks to be used, The number of slots to be used within a round of ranging blocks, or The frequency channel to be used, or Combinations of these 20. The server of claim 16, configured to include:
18. 17. The server of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a hopping pattern for round use in the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions based on the information regarding one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network, and the one or more processors are configured to include the determined hopping pattern in the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions.
19. the one or more processors are configured to include in the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions a selected round to be used, the selected round being selected from a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals: the selected round is the round among the plurality of rounds that is closest in time to the particular positioning signal; the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; 17. The server of claim 16.
20. 17. The server of claim 16, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to send second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors configured to send the second UWB assistance data via the transceiver to the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or a third wireless device, or a combination thereof.
21. the one or more processors: The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time; 21. The server of claim 20, configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
22. the one or more processors, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal; The second round occurs after the first round.
22. The server of claim 21, further configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
23. the one or more processors, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; the first round occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second round occurs after the particular positioning signal; 22. The server of claim 21, further configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
24. the one or more processors: The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time; 21. The server of claim 20, configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
25. The one or more processors, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the first round; The second round index is the same as the first round index.
25. The server of claim 24, further configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
26. The one or more processors, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; 25. The server of claim 24, further configured to determine the one or more parameters as follows:
27. To receive the response, the one or more processors may further include a quality of service (QoS) parameter, Pulse shape, the desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions; or Combinations of these 17. The server of claim 16, configured to receive quality of service (QoS) parameters including information indicative of:
28. 17. The server of claim 16, wherein the cellular wireless network comprises a New Radio (NR) wireless network, and the server comprises a Location Management Function (LMF) for the NR wireless network.
29. 1. A method for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: receiving a request for capability information from a server at a first wireless device capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals; sending a response from the first wireless device to the server, the response including capability information, the capability information including information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; receiving, at the first wireless device from the server, first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first and second wireless devices; Using the first wireless device, the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device according to the one or more parameters; one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network; and A method comprising:
30. the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions: Start time of the ranging block, Round of ranging blocks to be used, The number of slots to be used within a round of ranging blocks, or The frequency channel to be used, or Combinations of these 30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
31. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions include a hopping pattern.
32. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a selected one of a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals: the selected round is the round among the plurality of rounds that is closest in time to the particular positioning signal; the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; 30. The method of claim 29.
33. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising receiving at the first wireless device second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the second UWB assistance data being sent from the server.
34. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time; 34. The method of claim 33.
35. for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal; The second round occurs after the first round.
35. The method of claim 34.
36. for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round, the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; the first round occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second round occurs after the particular positioning signal; 35. The method of claim 34.
37. The one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; the one or more parameters for the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions specify using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index; the first ranging block and the second ranging block do not overlap in time; 34. The method of claim 33.
38. for a particular positioning signal among the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the first round; The second round index is the same as the first round index.
38. The method of claim 37.
39. for a particular positioning signal among the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block, the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; 38. The method of claim 37.
40. The response includes a quality of service (QoS) parameter, Pulse shape, the desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions; or Combinations of these 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising including a quality of service (QoS) parameter including information indicative of:
41. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the cellular wireless network comprises a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server comprises a Location Management Function (LMF) of the NR wireless network.
42. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the request, the response, or the first UWB assistance data, or a combination thereof, is communicated via a Long Term Evolution (LTE) Positioning Protocol (LPP).
43. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the one or more positioning signals include one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) instances.
44. 1. A first wireless device for cellular / ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning, comprising: one or more transceivers capable of transmitting both cellular and UWB wireless signals; Memory, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more transceivers and the memory; wherein the one or more processors: receiving a request for capability information from a server via the one or more transceivers; sending a response to the server via the one or more transceivers, the response including capability information that includes information regarding a capability of the first wireless device to perform UWB positioning; receiving first UWB assistance data from the server via the one or more transceivers, the first UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions between the first and second wireless devices; the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions with the second wireless device according to the one or more parameters; one or more measurements of one or more positioning signals transmitted in a cellular wireless network; To carry out A first wireless device configured to:
45. the one or more processors, in the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, Start time of the ranging block, Round of ranging blocks to be used, The number of slots to be used within a round of ranging blocks, or The frequency channel to be used, or Combinations of these 45. The first wireless device of claim 44, configured to receive.
46. 45. The first wireless device of claim 44, wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive a hopping pattern in the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions.
47. the one or more processors are configured to receive a selected round to be used in the one or more parameters for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the selected round being selected from a plurality of rounds of a ranging block, and for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals: the selected round is the round among the plurality of rounds that is closest in time to the particular positioning signal; the selected round does not overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; 45. The first wireless device of claim 44.
48. 45. The first wireless device of claim 44, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to receive second UWB assistance data including one or more parameters for a second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the second UWB assistance data sent from the server.
49. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors: using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index different from the first round index; the first distance measurement block and the second distance measurement block overlap in time.
49. The first wireless device of claim 48.
50. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors may: for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round; the first round occurs after the particular positioning signal; The second round occurs after the first round.
50. The first wireless device of claim 49, configured to operate as follows:
51. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors may: for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first round; the first ranging block and the second ranging block overlap in time with the particular positioning signal; the first round occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second round occurs after the particular positioning signal; 50. The first wireless device of claim 49, configured to operate as follows:
52. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors: using a first round of a first ranging block having a first round index; using a second round of a second ranging block having a second round index; the first distance measurement block and the second distance measurement block do not overlap in time.
49. The first wireless device of claim 48.
53. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors may perform, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block: the first ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the first round; The second round index is the same as the first round index.
53. The first wireless device of claim 52, configured to operate as follows:
54. To perform the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions and the second set of one or more UWB positioning sessions, the one or more processors may perform, for a particular positioning signal of the one or more positioning signals that is closest in time to the first ranging block: the first ranging block occurs before the particular positioning signal; the second ranging block occurs after the particular positioning signal; 53. The first wireless device of claim 52, configured to operate as follows:
55. The one or more processors may provide in the response a quality of service (QoS) parameter, Pulse shape, the desired accuracy, or a type of positioning algorithm for the first set of one or more UWB positioning sessions; or Combinations of these 45. The first wireless device of claim 44, configured to include a Quality of Service (QoS) parameter including information indicative of:
56. 45. The first wireless device of claim 44, wherein the cellular wireless network includes a New Radio (NR) wireless network and the server includes a Location Management Function (LMF) of the NR wireless network.
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