Proximity Detection System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for detecting proximity between a first transceiver and a second transceiver, characterized in that each of the first and second transceivers comprises at least one primary (120) and one secondary (130) radio module, and - a primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver is capable of communicating with a primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver; - the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver is capable of communicating with the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver; The first and second transceivers - estimating a primary communication distance between a primary radio module (120) of a first transceiver and a primary radio module (120) of a second transceiver; and - configured to estimate a secondary communication distance between the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver and the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of proximity detection systems, which find particularly advantageous applications in the field of mobile systems for detecting their proximity to another on-board system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many techniques for estimating the distance between several objects. However, this becomes complicated if the objects in question are mobile or even portable. Many tradeoffs are required under conditions where system and energy resources are highly limited.

[0003] Thus, we often end up with systems where the distance measurements are uncertain or not very accurate.

[0004] It should be understood that in the era of connected things and the concept of social distancing, the ability to estimate distance in an accurate, reliable, reproducible manner and with low energy consumption is a major issue.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that at least partially addresses these various technical and societal challenges.

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 321245A1 describes a proximity detection system. JP 63317795A discloses a distance detection system for automobiles. JP 2018004318A relates to a short distance measuring device. JP 1261228A2 relates to a wireless communication system.

[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other advantages may also be included. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 321245A1 [Patent Document 2] JP 63317795A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2018004318A [Patent Document 4] EP1261228A2 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To this end, according to one embodiment, a system for detecting proximity between at least one first, preferably mobile, transceiver and at least one second, preferably mobile, transceiver, wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver each comprise at least one primary radio module and one secondary radio module, - a primary radio module of a first transceiver is capable of communicating with a primary radio module of a second transceiver according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude; - the secondary radio module of the first transceiver is capable of communicating with the secondary radio module of the second transceiver according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude; a first transceiver and a second transceiver; - estimating a primary distance value between the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver from measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module of the first transceiver from the primary radio module of the second transceiver when the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver approach each other by coming within a primary communication range; and If the estimated primary distance value is less than the secondary communication distance between the secondary wireless module of the first transceiver and the secondary wireless module of the second transceiver, estimating a secondary distance value between the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver from at least one measurement of a transit time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module of the first transceiver to the secondary radio module of the second transceiver; and A system is provided, characterized in that it is configured to estimate a degree of proximity if the estimated secondary distance value is smaller than a predetermined notification distance, and preferably to notify a proximity detection if the degree of proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0010] It allows the transceivers, when worn by a user, to immediately notify the user if they are too close to each other.

[0011] This allows using a first wireless communication technology for some distance estimation and then a second wireless communication technology for shorter distance estimation.

[0012] This allows two wireless communication technologies to be used depending on distance conditions.

[0013] Advantageously, the system uses a primary communication module configured for communication in a wide frequency band and with low energy consumption, this primary radio module enabling a first estimation of the distance between the transceivers.

[0014] Additionally, and in a clever way, the secondary radio module takes over distance estimation when the transceivers are closer to each other to obtain higher accuracy via the secondary radio module, which consumes more energy but provides higher accuracy.

[0015] By using two different wireless communication technologies, the present invention enables a first distance estimation within a first range and a second distance estimation within a second range, the first communication distance being greater than the second communication distance.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a transceiver, preferably mobile, configured to detect a proximity distance to at least one second transceiver selected from among a plurality of transceivers, the transceiver comprising: a primary radio module configured to communicate with at least one primary radio module of a second transceiver according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude; - a secondary radio module configured to communicate with at least one secondary radio module of a second transceiver according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude; The transceiver - estimating a primary distance value between the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver from measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module of the first transceiver from the primary radio module of the second transceiver when the primary radio module and the primary radio module of the second transceiver approach each other and come within a primary communication distance; and - if the estimated primary distance value is less than the secondary communication distance between the secondary wireless module and the secondary wireless module of the second transceiver; estimating a secondary distance value between the primary radio module and the primary radio module of the second transceiver from at least one measurement of a transit time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module to the secondary radio module of the second transceiver; and There is also provided a transceiver configured to estimate a degree of proximity if the estimated secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance, and preferably to notify a proximity detection if the degree of proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0017] According to one embodiment, there is also provided a bracelet device comprising at least one transceiver according to the present solution.

[0018] According to one embodiment, there is provided a method for detecting proximity between a first, preferably mobile, transceiver and at least one second, preferably mobile, transceiver, wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver each comprise at least one primary radio module and one secondary radio module, the primary radio module of the first transceiver being configured to communicate with the at least primary radio module of the second transceiver according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude, and the secondary radio module of the first transceiver being configured to communicate with the at least secondary radio module of the second transceiver according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, comprising: - detecting the primary wireless module of the second transceiver by the primary wireless module of the first transceiver; - estimating, by the first transceiver, a primary distance value between the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver based on a measurement of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module of the first transceiver from the primary radio module of the second transceiver when the primary radio module of the first transceiver and the primary radio module of the second transceiver approach each other by coming within a primary communication distance; - detecting the secondary wireless module of the second transceiver by the secondary wireless module of the first transceiver if the estimated primary distance value is less than the secondary communication distance between the secondary wireless module of the first transceiver and the secondary wireless module of the second transceiver; - estimating, by the first transceiver, a secondary distance value between the secondary radio module of the first transceiver and the secondary radio module of the second transceiver based on at least one measurement of the transmission time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module of the first transceiver to the secondary radio module of the second transceiver.

[0019] If the estimated secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance, the first transceiver estimates the degree of proximity, and preferably if the degree of proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold, the first transceiver notifies the first transceiver of proximity detection.

[0020] According to one embodiment, there is also provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, perform at least the steps of the method according to the present solution.

[0021] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a diagram of a transceiver according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a transceiver according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates some steps of a proximity detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a first transceiver and a second transceiver spaced apart from each other according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 illustrates a first transceiver and a second transceiver at detection range according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a first transceiver and a second transceiver located at a primary communication range according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a first transceiver and a second transceiver located at a second communication distance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a first transceiver and a second transceiver located at a notification distance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The drawings are given by way of example and not by way of limitation of the invention. They form a schematic representation of principles intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale of practical application. In particular, the dimensions do not represent reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Before proceeding to a detailed discussion of embodiments of the present invention, optional features that may possibly be used in conjunction with or instead are described below.

[0025] According to one example, the first frequency band has a width that is smaller than a width of the second frequency band.

[0026] According to one example, the first frequency band has a width and the second frequency band has a width, and the ratio between the width of the second frequency band and the width of the first frequency band is greater than 50, preferably greater than 100, advantageously greater than 250.

[0027] According to one example, the width of the first frequency band is less than 2 MHz, preferably less than 1.5 MHz, advantageously less than 1 MHz.

[0028] According to one example, the width of the second frequency band is greater than 500 MHz, preferably greater than 750 MHz, advantageously greater than 1,000 MHz.

[0029] According to one example, the first amplitude is greater than the second amplitude.

[0030] According to one example, the ratio between the first amplitude and the second amplitude is greater than 10, preferably greater than 20, advantageously greater than 40.

[0031] According to one example, the first amplitude is greater than -10 dBm, preferably greater than 0 dBm, advantageously greater than 4 dBm.

[0032] According to one example, the second amplitude is less than -15.3 dBm, preferably less than -20 dBm, advantageously less than -30 dBm.

[0033] According to one example, the degree of closeness may include at least one of the following parameters: proximity level, time interval since crossing of threshold distance, crossing of threshold distance.

[0034] According to one example, the communication between the secondary radio module of the first transceiver and the secondary radio module of the second transceiver is synchronous communication, and the synchronization of this synchronous communication is ensured at least in part by the primary radio module of the first transceiver and by the primary radio module of the second transceiver.

[0035] This allows for synchronous communication to be established for the secondary communication through the primary communication.

[0036] According to one example, the estimated secondary distance value is transmitted from the primary radio module of the first transceiver to the second transceiver by the primary radio module of the second transceiver.

[0037] This primarily enables the secondary radio module to be used, preferably simply, to measure the secondary communication distance.

[0038] According to one example, the first transceiver is configured to stop estimating the primary distance value if the estimated primary distance value falls below a secondary communication distance between the secondary wireless module of the first transceiver and the secondary wireless module of the second transceiver.

[0039] According to one example, the primary communication range is greater than the secondary communication range, and the secondary communication range is greater than the notification range.

[0040] According to one example, the notification of proximity detection includes at least one of vibration, sound, light signal, and the like.

[0041] According to one example, the transceiver comprises at least one human-machine interaction module configured to enable notification of proximity detection, the human-machine interaction module including at least one of a vibration module, a sound module, a light module, etc.

[0042] According to one example, the transceiver comprises at least one battery configured to power the transceiver.

[0043] According to one example, the transceiver includes at least one fastener configured to allow fastening of the transceiver to a user.

[0044] The present invention relates to the field of proximity detection, in particular the field of proximity between devices that are movable relative to one another, and hence their relative proximity. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, the invention finds application in measuring social distance between individuals wearing devices of this kind.

[0045] For example, the present invention allows for estimating the relative distance between devices and then notifying the wearer of each device of excessive proximity when the devices are too close to each other.

[0046] Thus, according to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a transceiver 110, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 1. This transceiver 110 is preferably mobile. For example, it may be worn by a user, such as on a badge, bracelet or belt.

[0047] More generally, it may be incorporated into a textile element, into a device such as a watch or a smartphone, etc.

[0048] Advantageously, this transceiver 110 is configured to detect proximity to at least one other transceiver 110. This other transceiver 110 can be selected from among a plurality of transceivers 110. Preferably, the transceiver 110 is identical. At a minimum, it preferably provides each of the communication, energy storage and command processing components described below. It should be noted that the terms "second transceiver" and "another transceiver" may be interpreted in the same way.

[0049] In particular, the transceiver 110 is ingeniously configured to be able to estimate its distance to multiple other transceivers 110, preferably simultaneously, or at least sequentially on a very short time scale, with respect to the relative movement of the transceiver 110 with respect to each other.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the transceiver 110 comprises at least: a primary radio module 120, which is preferably configured to communicate, via the antenna 121, with at least one primary radio module 120 of another transceiver 110 of the plurality of transceivers 110. Advantageously, this communication is bidirectional. According to one embodiment, the primary radio module 120 is configured to communicate according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude, which advantageously has a width, i.e. the width of the frequency spectrum of the signals emitted and received by the primary radio module 120. This width is smaller than 50 MHz, preferably equal to or smaller than 1 MHz, and preferably the first amplitude, i.e. the height of the signals emitted and received by the primary radio module 120, is greater than -10 dBm at equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) or 0.1 mW, and preferably equal to or greater than 0 dBm at equivalent isotropically radiated power or 1 mW. a secondary radio module 130, which is preferably configured to communicate with at least one secondary radio module 130 of another transceiver 110 of the plurality of transceivers 110 via an antenna 131. Advantageously, this communication is bidirectional. According to one embodiment, the secondary radio module 130 is configured to communicate in a second frequency band and with a second amplitude, which advantageously also has a width, i.e., the width of the frequency spectrum of the signals emitted and received by the secondary radio module 130. This width is greater than 250 MHz, preferably 500 MHz or greater, and preferably, the second amplitude, i.e., the height of the signals emitted and received by the secondary radio module 130, is less than -15.3 dBm according to the standard or 0.03 mW.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the first frequency band is smaller than that of the second frequency band.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the first amplitude is greater than the second amplitude.

[0053] Advantageously, a transceiver 110 is configured to estimate a primary distance value between its primary radio module 120 and the primary radio module 120 of a second transceiver 112 based on measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by its primary radio module 120 from the primary radio module 120 of another transceiver 112. Preferably, this estimation is performed when its primary radio module 120 and the primary radio module 120 of the other transceiver 112 approach each other by coming within a primary communication range 300. Preferably, this primary communication range 300 corresponds to the distance at which communication is possible between the two primary radio modules 120. The distance between these two elements at which communication can be established between them is called the communication range. This method of enabling the establishment of such communication, which requires synchronization and / or pairing of the elements involved in the communication, is called synchronization of communication.

[0054] This estimation of the primary distance value, also called measurement, is preferably performed by measuring, preferably analyzing, the strength of at least one signal received by that primary radio module 120 and emitted from the primary radio module 120 of another transceiver 110.

[0055] This technique for measuring distance based on strength measurements is called RSSI, which stands for "Received Signal Strength Indication." This technique consists in measuring the strength of the received signal so as to estimate the distance of the emitter by knowing the original strength of the signal in advance.

[0056] In telecommunications, RSSI is a measurement of the strength of reception of a signal received from an antenna. Its purpose is to provide an indication of the strength of the received signal. This received signal measurement allows an estimate of the distance between the emitter and the receiver. The accuracy of RSSI distance measurements is low, at best within a meter.

[0057] Advantageously, the primary wireless module 120 may consist of or comprise a wireless module using the so-called "Bluetooth" protocol or the so-called "Bluetooth Low Energy" or BLE protocol.

[0058] The BLE protocol, also known as Bluetooth Smart, is a low-power wireless communication protocol that emits at 2.4 GHz. BLE products can communicate with each other according to standards set by the international organization Bluetooth SIG.

[0059] Through this type of distance measurement technique and advantageously this type of standard, a primary radio module 120 can measure the distance separating it from another primary radio module 120. Although this technique allows for low energy consumption, the measurements obtained are not very accurate and can be affected by many parameters, such as by the nature of the elements separating the two primary radio modules. However, during the approach phase, as will be described later, this technique makes it possible to estimate the primary communication range 300 by using only a small amount of energy.

[0060] It should also be noted that the primary radio module 120 enables the exchange of information with at least one other transceiver 110. For example, the primary radio module 120 may enable the establishment of communication and synchronization between the transceiver 110 and at least one other transceiver 110 of the same type.

[0061] Once this primary range value is estimated, it can be compared to the secondary communication range 400. This comparison determines whether or not to subsequently activate the secondary radio module 130 of the transceiver 110.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the secondary radio module 130 may consist of or comprise a wideband radio module, also referred to as UWB, for “ultra-wideband.” In this application, a wideband radio module refers to a radio module configured to operate over a frequency band ranging from a few megahertz to tens of gigahertz, e.g., from 3,000 MHz to and / or 11,000 MHz.

[0063] Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a radio modulation technology based on the transmission of extremely short duration pulses, often less than a nanosecond. Unlike conventional radio systems based on narrow frequency bands, UWB spreads communications over an ultra-wide frequency spectrum. The communications spectrum has a bandwidth-to-center frequency ratio of at least 20%. The spread of emitted power over a wide frequency band results in a very flat, ultra-low emission spectrum level at the same amplitude level as "background noise" radio emissions. Because UWB radio pulses are extremely short and synchronized across an ultra-wide frequency band, they are detectable in "background noise." This results in an ultra-low emitted power and a radio that is extremely insensitive to external disturbances.

[0064] Via a secondary radio module of this kind it is therefore possible to estimate secondary distance values ​​with a better accuracy than that obtained during the estimation of the primary distance values.

[0065] Thus, if the estimated primary distance value is smaller than the secondary communication distance 400, the transceiver 110 will use its secondary radio module 130 to estimate a secondary distance value between its secondary radio module 130 and the secondary radio module 130 of the other transceiver 110. Advantageously, this distance measurement is performed via measuring the transmission time, also called time of flight, of the signal transmitted from its secondary radio module 130 to the secondary radio module 130 of the other transceiver 110.

[0066] According to one embodiment, this distance measurement is performed by transmitting a signal from the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111, called the initiator, to the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112, called the responder. When the responder receives the signal, it transmits it back to the initiator. Measuring the round-trip time plus a predetermined, preferably constant, processing time allows the time-of-flight of the signal between the two transceivers to be calculated. The distance is calculated using the speed-of-light wave transmission formula.

[0067] In a clever way, this distance measurement technique is highly advantageous because it allows for an ultra-high measurement accuracy to be obtained, greater than previous techniques, so-called RSSI. However, because this measurement technique consumes more energy, the present invention only activates this measurement when measurement accuracy is needed, i.e., when the transceivers 110 are close enough to each other to require this accuracy.

[0068] According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the estimation of the primary distance values ​​consumes less energy than the estimation of the secondary distance values.

[0069] Thereafter, if the estimated secondary distance value is less than the predetermined reporting distance 500, the transceiver 110 is configured to estimate a degree of proximity, which, according to one embodiment, may correspond to the crossing of a predetermined proximity distance between the transceiver and the other transceiver. According to another embodiment, the degree of proximity may correspond to a time interval since the crossing of the predetermined proximity distance.

[0070] According to another embodiment, this degree of proximity may correspond to a value that is inversely proportional to the level of proximity, ie the distance separating the two transceivers 110 .

[0071] At least one of the two transceivers, and preferably both, are configured to signal a proximity detection when this degree of proximity between the two transceivers exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0072] Thus, according to one embodiment, the transceiver 110 is configured to notify proximity detection if the estimated secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance 500. Indeed, as soon as the distance between two transceivers 110 falls below a predetermined threshold, each transceiver 110 will notify that they are too close to each other. Advantageously, this notification is targeted to the wearer of the transceiver 110. This notification can take various forms, such as a sound, a vibration, a light signal, etc. The notification can also include emitting a radio signal to another device, which can be a second transceiver located too close, another one of the transceivers, or another device capable of generating an indication of proximity to the user. Preferably, the user is the wearer of the transceiver 110. For example, the transceiver 110 notifies a telecommunications device, such as a smartphone, of the proximity in the form of a signal, which then provides the wearer with an indication, such as a phone call or vibration.

[0073] In an ingenious way, the transceiver 110 comprises at least one human-machine interaction module 160. It is this human-machine interaction module 160 that is responsible for generating said notification. Thus, this module 160 may comprise, for example, a vibrator, a speaker or a light source, etc.

[0074] 1, the transceiver 110 further comprises a battery 150 intended to power at least some of the elements of the transceiver 110, in particular at least one microprocessor 140 capable of executing, for example, the method 600 described below. In particular, the transceiver 110 preferably comprises a memory, advantageously at least partly non-volatile, capable of storing instructions, data, instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor 140, implement the method 600.

[0075] Finally, to make the transceiver 110 portable, the latter may be provided with a fastener or may be included in a device intended to be worn by the user.

[0076] 2 illustrates a transceiver 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a primary communication range 300 is illustrated, as well as a secondary communication range 400 and a notification range 500. Note also the detection range 200, which is the range at which the transceivers can detect each other. The role of these various ranges will be described in more detail below.

[0077] It should be noted that the detection range 200 is preferably greater than the primary communication range 300 .

[0078] Advantageously, the primary communication range 300 is greater than the secondary communication range 400 .

[0079] In a clever way, the secondary communication distance of 400 is greater than the notification distance of 500.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the detection range is substantially equal to 50m, the primary communication range is substantially equal to 20m, the secondary communication range is substantially equal to 8m, and the notification range is substantially equal to 2m.

[0081] 3 illustrates, by way of example, a method 600 according to the present invention, according to one embodiment, for detecting proximity between a first transceiver 111 as described above and at least one second transceiver 112 as also described above.

[0082] The method 600 includes at least the following steps and is preferably implemented by the first transceiver 111: - detection 610 of the primary radio module 120 of the second transceiver 112 by the primary radio module 120 of the first transceiver 111; this detection is made possible because each primary radio module 120 is in its radio environment discovery mode, so that it periodically emits signals and tries to receive signals; the distance at which detection 610 is made possible is called the detection range 200; the distance required for the establishment of communication is called the primary communication range 300; by "detection" it should be understood as the reception and / or emission of at least one signal containing, for example, an identifier and possibly a communication protocol, etc.; - as soon as the distance between the primary radio modules 120 is less than or equal to the primary communication distance 300, the primary radio module 120 of the first transceiver 111 establishes 620 a primary, preferably bidirectional, communication with the primary radio module 120 of the second transceiver 112; during this primary communication, identifiers, e.g., communication protocols, and possibly distance measurements can be exchanged. Advantageously, this primary communication allows the establishment of a communication synchronization that can be subsequently used during a secondary communication, e.g., between the secondary radio modules 130; preferably, this primary communication allows pairing between the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112, which pairing can subsequently be used during a secondary communication, e.g., between the secondary radio modules 130; this primary communication then allows the estimation of the distance between said primary radio modules 120; - an estimation 621 of a primary distance value between the primary radio module 120 of the first transceiver 111 and the primary radio module 120 of the second transceiver 112 by the first transceiver 111, when the primary radio module 120 of the first transceiver 111 and the primary radio module 120 of the second transceiver 112 approach each other by coming within the primary communication range 300. As indicated previously, this distance measurement is advantageously performed via measurement of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module 120 of the first transceiver 111 and emitted from the primary radio module 120 of the second transceiver 112; - if the estimated primary distance value is then less than the secondary communication distance 400 between the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111 and the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112: There is then detection of the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112 by the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111. Indeed, if the distance between the two primary radio modules 120 is close enough, the secondary radio module 130 is then used to estimate with greater accuracy the distance separating them; There is then the establishment 630 of a secondary, preferably bidirectional, communication of the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111 with the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112; during this secondary communication, identifiers, e.g., communication protocols, and possibly distance measurements can be exchanged. Advantageously, this secondary communication is enabled by a prior synchronization of the first transceiver 111 with the second transceiver 112 via the primary communication; preferably, this secondary communication is enabled by a prior pairing of the first transceiver 111 with the second transceiver 112 via the primary communication; it should be noted that, according to one embodiment, the establishment of the secondary communication does not necessarily interrupt the primary communication. Advantageously, the primary and secondary communications are configured to operate in parallel with each other; according to another embodiment, the establishment of the secondary communication interrupts the primary communication, preferably vice versa; This secondary communication then enables the first transceiver 111 to estimate 631 a secondary distance value between the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111 and the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112; as mentioned above, this measurement of the secondary distance value is performed via measurement of the transit time of the signal transmitted from the secondary radio module 130 of the first transceiver 111 to the secondary radio module 130 of the second transceiver 112; Thereafter, if the secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance 500, the degree of proximity is estimated by the first transceiver 111, and then if the degree of proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold, the first transceiver 111 notifies 640 the proximity detection.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, each transceiver 110 of the plurality of transceivers 110 is configured to perform the steps of the above method 600. In particular, the second transceiver 112 is configured to perform the same operations as the first transceiver 111, and in particular to estimate the primary and secondary distance values, preferably under the same conditions. It should be noted that preferably the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 exchange data with each other when they are within communication range, preferably at least within the primary communication range, i.e., at a distance of no more than the primary communication distance 300 from each other.

[0084] The method 600 will now be described according to one embodiment through Figures 4-8.

[0085] Generally, it is advantageous for at least the first transceiver 111, but preferably all of the multiple transceivers, to be in listen and search mode by default, however this state does not consume much energy, to the extent that it advantageously uses only the primary radio module.

[0086] In Figure 4, the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 are separated from each other by a distance such that they cannot find each other. Each is then in a listen and search mode. Each primary radio module 120 emits a signal and waits for a response from another primary radio module 120.

[0087] 5, the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 are close enough that they can detect each other. In fact, the distance separating them is less than or equal to the detection range 200. In this situation, each of the primary wireless modules 120 receives notification from the other indicating its presence.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the two primary radio modules 120 know each other and can estimate the distance separating them, preferably by RSSI-type measurements, when the distance separating the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 is less than or equal to the detection range 200. At this distance, the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 do not communicate with each other. Each primary radio module 120 detects and "sees" a signal emitted by the other. This signal can be compared to, for example, the signal of a simple beacon.

[0089] It should be noted that the activation of the estimation of the primary distance value can be triggered as soon as a transceiver detects another one; this allows, for example, this transceiver to monitor the evolution of the distance separating it from another transceiver. At such a stage, it is not necessarily essential that the two transceivers communicate. Alternatively, it is also possible to start with the two transceivers communicating as soon as they are within communication range, and to perform distance measurements only after a certain time, or simply when the distance falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0090] 6, the primary distance value separating the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 is less than or equal to the primary communication distance 300. Preferably, based on this primary communication distance 300, each transceiver 110 in the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 communicates using its primary radio module 120 and preferably estimates its distance to the other. Advantageously, only one can measure this distance and transmit it to the other via their primary communication.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the distance separating the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 is less than or equal to the primary communication distance 300, the two primary radio modules 120 are not simply in beacon mode as before, they are not just "seen", they switch to communication mode, and they exchange data to prepare for the next steps, in particular they prepare time synchronization to allow the future establishment of secondary communication and distance measurement by time of flight.

[0092] In FIG. 7, the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 continue to approach each other and cross a secondary communication distance 400. At this distance, their secondary radio modules 130 are preferably actually used to estimate the distance separating them. Indeed, taking into account the fact that the two transceivers 111 and 112 are getting closer and closer, it is necessary to obtain a more accurate value of their actual distance. Based on this secondary communication distance 400, the secondary radio modules 130 establish communication between them. Advantageously, the distance separating them is estimated by at least one of two factors. This distance is transmitted to the other transceiver via its primary radio module, i.e., via primary communication. Thus, a measured distance is revealed by the secondary communication, and this value may be exchanged between the transceivers, for example, via primary communication.

[0093] In Figure 8, the distance separating the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 is less than or equal to the notification distance 500. Because the two transceivers are too close to each other, their wearers are notified about it so that they can, for example, move away again.

[0094] This process is reversed when the transceivers 111 and 112 move apart. Indeed, initially the secondary distance value is less than the advertised distance 500, and by moving apart the secondary distance value increases to be greater than the advertised distance 500.

[0095] Then, when the secondary distance value exceeds the secondary communication distance 400, the two secondary wireless modules 130 stop communicating with each other, and the measurement of the primary distance value is performed again by using the two primary wireless modules 120.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the region of space located between the detection range 200 and the primary communication range 300 is referred to as the detection region.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the spatial region located between the primary communication range 300 and the secondary communication range 400 is referred to as the primary communication region.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the spatial region located at a distance equal to or less than the secondary communication distance 400 is referred to as the secondary communication region.

[0099] Finally, according to one embodiment, the spatial region located at a distance equal to or less than the notification distance 500 is referred to as the notification region.

[0100] Thus, when the second transceiver 112 is in one of these regions of the first transceiver 111, the first transceiver 111 is also in the same corresponding region of the second transceiver 112.

[0101] Thus, the first and second transceivers simultaneously cross each other's respective domains.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the detection region defines an outline around the primary, secondary communication and notification regions.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the primary communication region defines an outline around the secondary communication and notification region.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the secondary communication area defines an outline around the notification area.

[0105] Advantageously, when the second transceiver 112 is in the detection range of the first transceiver 111, each will find the other.

[0106] Preferably, when the second transceiver 112 is within the primary communication range of the first transceiver 111, primary communication is established and the primary distance value is estimated.

[0107] Advantageously, when the second transceiver 112 is in the secondary communication range of the first transceiver 111, secondary communication is established and the secondary distance value is estimated, and preferably the primary communication is maintained for further transmission of the estimated secondary distance value from the first transceiver 111 to the second transceiver 112.

[0108] According to one embodiment, when a second transceiver is within the notification area of ​​the first transceiver, the first transceiver 111 estimates the degree of proximity, and if this level is greater than a predetermined threshold, the first transceiver 111 notifies proximity detection, and similarly, the second transceiver 112 estimates the degree of proximity, and if this level is greater than a predetermined threshold, the second transceiver 112 notifies proximity detection, and preferably secondary communication is maintained to continue estimating secondary distance values, and preferably primary communication is maintained to further transmit the estimated secondary distance values ​​from the first transceiver 111 to the second transceiver 112.

[0109] 9 illustrates a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Advantageously, the system 100 is a system for detecting proximity between at least one first transceiver 111 and at least one second transceiver 112. The system 100 may comprise a plurality of transceivers 110, to which the first transceiver 111 and the second transceiver 112 belong. The system 100 is configured such that each transceiver 110 of the plurality of transceivers 110 can estimate, preferably at any time, its proximity to at least some of the other transceivers 110 of the plurality of transceivers 110.

[0110] The system 100 allows each wearer of a transceiver 110 to be notified as soon as it approaches another wearer at a predetermined distance.

[0111] The use of two methods for measuring distance with different technologies via two radio modules allows the distance to be estimated in a first stage in an uncertain manner but with low energy consumption, and then in a second stage in a more accurate manner but this time with higher energy consumption.

[0112] The invention finds particular application in the observance of social distancing: in fact, it allows users to be notified when they are too close to each other, thus enabling them to maintain a safe distance, for example in the case of a viral contagion due to location.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in a given space, each person is equipped with a transceiver according to the invention, which thus defines a kind of individual, and of course invisible, "security bubble."

[0114] According to one embodiment, these "security bubbles" are constructed based on extremely high frequency radio pulses at very low power levels. Each "security bubble" automatically interacts with neighboring transceivers. It should be noted that the distances can be individually adjusted, and thus the diameter of each "security bubble" can be adjusted accordingly. It should be noted that the accuracy of this diameter is preferably a few centimeters.

[0115] According to one embodiment, if two transceivers remain far enough apart, they interact to ascertain their relative distance.

[0116] If two transceivers are too close to each other, each will collide with the other's "security bubble" and both wearers will be notified, for example by an alarm or other notification.

[0117] In the so-called "idle mode" operating mode, each transceiver is in "discovery" mode when not in close proximity to other transceivers. It listens from time to time to see if another device is nearby. For this purpose, it uses the RSSI function of the BLE-type primary radio module. It wakes up when another person wearing a similar transceiver approaches. As soon as the two transceivers are at this first contact level, i.e., within a detection distance of, for example, approximately 10 to 20 meters, they establish primary communication, preferably via BLE, and become synchronized. For example, the "discovery" mode can be the BLE protocol in which the primary radio module periodically sends data packets so that any receivers of the multiple transceivers around it can identify and potentially communicate with it.

[0118] Below this detection distance, the transceiver continuously and in real time measures the distance separating it from another transceiver that is at least a distance less than the detection distance, preferably this measurement being of the RSSI type unless the distance separating the two transceivers is less than the secondary communication distance.

[0119] As long as this measured distance is smaller than the primary communication distance and larger than the secondary communication distance, then the measurement of the distance is ensured by the primary radio module via the so-called RSSI technique.

[0120] As soon as this distance is less than or equal to the secondary communication distance, the measurement of the distance is ensured by the secondary radio module and transmitted by the primary radio module between the transceivers involved. This distance measurement is therefore performed 10 times per second by UWB radio communication using the secondary radio module, for example, with the synchronization of the communication ensured by the BLE primary radio module.

[0121] When the distance between the two transceivers falls below a predefined limit, in notification distance, a notification is generated if the estimated degree of proximity exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0122] Advantageously, each transceiver performs this sequence with all other transceivers of the plurality of transceivers worn by persons around each wearer. Indeed, while a transceiver is already in primary or secondary communication with another transceiver, it can also be in discovery mode while in primary or secondary communication with yet another transceiver. Each wearer is thus surrounded by an invisible "security bubble" that notifies each wearer as soon as one or more other wearers enter this bubble.

[0123] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to all embodiments encompassed by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100 Proximity Detection System 110 Portable Transceiver 111 First Transceiver 112 Second Transceiver 120 Primary Wireless Module 121 Primary wireless module antenna 130 Secondary Wireless Module 131 Secondary wireless module antenna 140 microprocessors 150 batteries 160 Human / Machine Interaction Module 200 detection range 300 Primary communication distance 400 Secondary communication distance 500 notification distance 600 Proximity Detection Method 610 Detection of the primary wireless module of the second transceiver by the primary wireless module of the first transceiver 620 primary communication between the first transceiver and the second transceiver via their respective primary radio modules 621 Estimating the primary communication distance between a first transceiver and a second transceiver 630 secondary communication between the first transceiver and the second transceiver via their respective secondary radio modules 631 Estimating the secondary communication distance between a first transceiver and a second transceiver 640 Detected Proximity Notifications

Claims

1. A proximity detection system (100) between at least a first transceiver (111) and at least a second transceiver (112), wherein the first transceiver (111) and the second transceiver (112) each comprise at least one primary wireless module (120) and one secondary wireless module (130); - the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) is capable of communicating with the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude; the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) is capable of communicating with the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112) according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude; The first transceiver (111) and the second transceiver (112) - when the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) approach each other and fall below a primary communication distance (300), estimating a primary distance value between the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) from measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) from the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112); and If the estimated primary distance value is less than the secondary communication distance (400) between the secondary wireless module (130) of the first transceiver (111) and the secondary wireless module (130) of the second transceiver (112), - estimating a secondary distance value between the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) from at least measurements of the transit time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) to the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112); and - A system (100) configured to estimate a degree of proximity if the estimated secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance (500), and to notify detection of proximity if the degree of proximity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the degree of proximity including at least one of the following parameters: time interval from crossing of threshold distance, crossing of threshold distance.

2. 10. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first frequency band has a width that is smaller than a width of the second frequency band.

3. 3. The system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first frequency band has a width and the second frequency band has a width, and a ratio between the width of the second frequency band and the width of the first frequency band is greater than 50.

4. 4. The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first amplitude is greater than the second amplitude.

5. 5. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the ratio between the first amplitude and the second amplitude is greater than 10.

6. 6. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the communication between the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) and the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112) is synchronous communication, and synchronization of such synchronous communication is performed at least in part by the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and by the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112).

7. 7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the estimated secondary distance value is transmitted to the second transceiver (112) from the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) to the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112).

8. 6. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first transceiver (111) is configured to stop estimating the primary distance value when the estimated primary distance value falls below the secondary communication distance (400) between the secondary wireless module (130) of the first transceiver (111) and the secondary wireless module (130) of the second transceiver (112).

9. A transceiver (111) configured to detect proximity to at least a second transceiver (112) from a number of transceivers (110), the transceiver (111) comprising: a primary radio module (120) configured to communicate with at least a primary radio module (120) of said second transceiver (112) according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude; a secondary radio module (130) configured to communicate with at least a secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112) according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude; - said transceiver (111) - when the primary wireless module (120) of the transceiver (111) and the primary wireless module (120) of the second transceiver (112) approach each other and fall below a primary communication distance (300), estimating a primary distance value between the primary wireless module (120) of the transceiver (111) and the primary wireless module (120) of the second transceiver (112) from measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary wireless module (120) of the transceiver (111) from the primary wireless module (120) of the second transceiver (112), and If the estimated primary distance value is less than the secondary communication distance (400) between the secondary wireless module (130) of the transceiver (111) and the secondary wireless module (130) of the second transceiver (112), estimating a secondary distance value between the primary radio module (120) of the transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) from at least measurements of the transit time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module (130) of the transceiver (111) to the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112); and a transceiver (111) configured to estimate a degree of proximity if the estimated secondary distance value is less than a predetermined notification distance (500), and to notify detection of proximity if the degree of proximity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the degree of proximity comprising at least one of the following parameters: time interval from threshold distance crossing, threshold distance crossing.

10. 10. The transceiver (111) of claim 9, comprising at least a human-machine interaction module (160) configured to enable notification of proximity detection, said human-machine interaction module (160) including at least one of a vibration module, a sound module, a light module, etc.

11. 11. The transceiver (111) according to claim 9 or 10, comprising at least a fastener configured to enable a user to fasten the transceiver (111).

12. A bracelet device comprising at least one transceiver (111) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. 1. A method (600) for detecting proximity between a first transceiver (111) and at least a second transceiver (112), wherein the first transceiver (111) and the second transceiver (112) each comprise at least a primary radio module (120) and a secondary radio module (130), the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) configured to communicate with at least the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) according to a first frequency band and according to a first amplitude, and the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) configured to communicate with at least the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112) according to a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and according to a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, - a step (610) of detecting the primary wireless module (120) of the second transceiver (112) by the primary wireless module (120) of the first transceiver (111); - a step (621) of estimating, by the first transceiver (111), a primary distance value between the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) from measurements of the strength of at least one signal received by the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) from the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112), when the primary radio module (120) of the first transceiver (111) and the primary radio module (120) of the second transceiver (112) approach each other and fall below a primary communication distance (300); - if the estimated primary distance value is smaller than a secondary communication distance (400) between the secondary wireless module (130) of the first transceiver (111) and the secondary wireless module (130) of the second transceiver (112), detecting the secondary wireless module (130) of the second transceiver (112) by the secondary wireless module (130) of the first transceiver (111), and then - a step (631) of estimating, by the first transceiver (111), a secondary distance value between the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) and the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112) from at least measurements of the transit time of a signal transmitted from the secondary radio module (130) of the first transceiver (111) to the secondary radio module (130) of the second transceiver (112); - estimating a degree of proximity by the first transceiver (111) if the estimated secondary distance value is smaller than a predetermined notification distance (500), and notifying (640) proximity detection by the first transceiver (111) if the degree of proximity is greater than a predetermined threshold, wherein the degree of proximity includes at least one of the following parameters: time interval from crossing a threshold distance, crossing a threshold distance.

14. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least a processor (140), perform at least the steps of the method (600) of claim 13.

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