Barrier detection to aid in contact tracing

Abstract

[0006] Techniques are provided for contact tracing, and more particularly for utilizing wireless devices to detect barriers between devices to enhance contact tracing applications. An example method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device includes determining, by the first device, a first distance measurement for the second device using a first positioning technique, determining, by the first device, a second distance measurement for the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, and detecting the barrier between the first device and the second device based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This relates to techniques for using wireless devices to detect barriers between devices in order to extend contact tracing applications. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0001] Contact tracing is a technique for identifying and monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person and can be implemented as a means of controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Wireless communication systems are used to help governments and private organizations implement contact tracing on a large scale. For example, mobile devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other such user devices can be used to determine a user's location history and to notify the user if they may have been exposed to an infectious disease, so that the user can monitor their health for signs and symptoms of the disease. However, such location-based contact tracing techniques may raise privacy concerns for some users, which could deter the adoption of the technology. Furthermore, the correlation of location data with the probability of infection can have substantial variations due to the environment and other factors. The effectiveness of mobile devices for contact tracing applications needs to be improved. [Overview of the project]

[0003]

[0002] An exemplary method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device according to the present disclosure includes: the first device determining a first distance measurement with respect to the second device using a first positioning technique; the first device determining a second distance measurement with respect to the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique; and detecting a barrier between the first device and the second device based on the first and second distance measurements.

[0004]

[0003] Implementations of such a method may include one or more of the following features: A first positioning technique may be based on round-trip time measurements between a first device and a second device. The round-trip time measurements may be based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device. A second positioning technique may be based on received signal strength indication measurements. A first positioning technique may be based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the first device. A first positioning technique may be based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device. The method may include determining that the first device is within a predefined contact distance of the second device. Barrier indications may be provided to the contact tracking application. The distance between the first device and the second device may be provided to the contact tracking application. A first identification value associated with the first device and a second identification value associated with the second device may be provided to the contact tracking application. A probabilistic model may be received from a server. Barrier detection may include providing a server with a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. Barrier detection may include receiving instructions from the server for a barrier between a first device and a second device. The server may be a crowdsourcing server configured to receive distance measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network. Barrier detection may be performed by the first device. At least one of the first and second positioning techniques may be based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated according to the WiFi® communication protocol or the Bluetooth® communication protocol. At least one of the first and second positioning techniques may be based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated according to the new radio sidelink protocol. The coarse location of the first device may be determined, and barrier detection may be at least partially based on the coarse location. The coarse location may be associated with an environmental tag. Date and time information may be determined, and therefore barrier detection may be at least partially based on the date and time information.The first device may be mobile or fixed, and the second device may be mobile or fixed. A barrier may be an architectural feature designed to separate a space. A barrier may be a safety device designed to separate people and may reduce the free transmission of airborne diseases. A barrier may be a group of objects such that the density of the group of objects hinders the spread of airborne diseases.

[0005]

[0004] An exemplary method for providing a device with barrier detection information according to the present disclosure includes receiving from the device an indication of a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, determining an adjacent barrier based at least in part on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement, and providing the device with an indication of an adjacent barrier.

[0006]

[0005] Implementations of such methods may include one or more of the following features: A first positioning technique may be based on round-trip time measurements, and a second positioning technique may be based on received signal strength indication measurements. A first positioning technique may be based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device. A first positioning technique may be based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device. Determining nearby barriers may include querying a data structure based on the indications of a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. Determining the coarse location of the device and nearby barriers may be based at least in part on the coarse location of the device. The coarse location may be associated with an environmental tag. Determining date and time information and nearby barriers may be based at least in part on the date and time information. Providing an indication of nearby barriers to a contact tracing application. Providing a contact tracing application with at least one of the indications of a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. Providing an identification value associated with the device to a contact tracing application. Providing barrier classification information to a contact tracing application. The indication for the first distance measurement may include a distance value. The indication for the first distance measurement may include a flight time value. The indication for the second distance measurement may include a distance value. The indication for the second distance measurement may include a signal intensity value.

[0007]

[0006] An exemplary method for detecting a barrier using network-assisted data according to the present disclosure includes obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure, obtaining a second distance measurement based on a signal strength measurement, providing a server with an indication of the first distance measurement and an indication of the second distance measurement, and receiving an indication of an adjacent barrier from the server.

[0008]

[0007] An exemplary device according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communically coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to determine a first distance measurement with respect to a user device using a first positioning technique, to determine a second distance measurement with respect to the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, and to detect a barrier between the device and the user device based on the first and second distance measurements.

[0009]

[0008] An exemplary device according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communically coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to receive a first distance measurement instruction based on a first positioning technique and a second distance measurement instruction based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, to determine an adjacent barrier based at least in part on the first distance measurement instruction and the second distance measurement instruction, and to provide an instruction for an adjacent barrier to the device.

[0010]

[0009] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communically coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to acquire a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure, acquire a second distance measurement based on a signal strength measurement, provide a server with instructions for the first distance measurement and instructions for the second distance measurement, and receive instructions for nearby barriers from the server.

[0011]

[0010] The items and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned herein: A first user equipment (UE) associated with a first user may be configured to detect nearby UEs associated with other users. One or more radio frequency (RF) signals may be exchanged to determine the distance between UEs. In one example, RF signals may be used to determine a distance estimate based on time-of-flight information and signal strength information. A first UE may be configured to detect the presence of a barrier based on a distance estimate associated with time-of-flight information and signal strength information. A first UE may be configured to provide time-of-flight information and signal strength information to one or more network servers. Network servers may be configured to receive time-of-flight information and signal strength information from multiple UEs in a communication network. Crowdsourced data structures may be used to improve barrier detection. Contact tracing data may include indications of the presence of barriers. The number of false contact reports in a contact tracing application may be reduced. Other capabilities may be provided, and not all implementations provided herein must provide any, much less, of the capabilities discussed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]

[0011] A simplified diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system. [Figure 2]

[0012] A block diagram of the components of an exemplary user device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]

[0013] A block diagram of the components of an exemplary transmit / receive point shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4]

[0014] A block diagram of the components of an exemplary server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5]

[0015] A diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow for a round-trip time measurement session. [Figure 6]

[0016] An illustrative diagram of contact tracking proximity measurement. [Figure 7]

[0017] Diagram of exemplary contact tracking proximity measurement through a barrier. [Figure 8]

[0018] Diagram of a graphical example of a probability function for detecting a barrier using a radio frequency signal. [Figure 9]

[0019] Graph of an exemplary barrier scenario. [Figure 10]

[0020] [[ID=1 =4]]Diagram of an exemplary contact tracking use case including a user moving relative to a barrier. [Figure 11A]

[0021] Diagram of exemplary distance and signal strength measurements for the contact tracking use case of FIG. 10. [[ID= =9]] [Figure 11B] Diagram of exemplary distance and signal strength measurements for the contact tracking use case of FIG. 10. [Figure 12]

[0022] Diagram of an exemplary system for crowdsourcing barrier detection measurements. [Figure 13]

[0023] Diagram of an exemplary data structure including a barrier probability function. [Figure 14]

[0024] Diagram of an exemplary framework for a user device for contact tracking. [Figure 15A]

[0025] Diagram of a process flow for an exemplary method for detecting a barrier using a device. [Figure 15B]

[0026] Diagram of a process flow for another exemplary method for detecting a barrier using a device. [Figure 16]

[0027] Diagram of a process flow for an exemplary method for detecting a barrier using network-assisted data. [Figure 17]

[0028] Diagram of a process flow for an exemplary method for providing barrier detection information to a device. <![CDATA[ [Figure 18] ]]

[0029] Diagram of a process flow for an exemplary method for detecting a barrier based on a probability threshold. [Figure 19]

[0030] A diagram illustrating a process flow for an exemplary method of initializing a barrier detection probability function on a device. [Figure 20]

[0031] A diagram of a process flow for an illustrative method of calculating the probability of a barrier between two devices. [Figure 21A]

[0032] A diagram illustrating a process flow for an exemplary method of periodically uploading barrier detection models to a crowdsourcing server. [Figure 21B]

[0033] A diagram illustrating a process flow for an exemplary method of providing a barrier detection model to a device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013]

[0034] This specification describes techniques for utilizing wireless devices to detect barriers between devices for contact tracing, and more specifically, to extend contact tracing applications. Generally, detecting barriers between wireless devices and associated users can improve contact tracing applications and services for infectious diseases (e.g., SARS, H1N1, COVID-19, etc.) because a barrier can prevent transmission even when these two individuals are within two meters of each other, due to reduced air exchange or blockage of airflow between their respective locations. Wireless devices may use RF signaling to determine the distance between devices. For example, round-trip time (RTT) signals can be used to generate distance estimates between two corresponding devices by measuring the time it takes for an RF signal to travel round trip between the two devices. Distances estimated by such time-of-flight methods are generally more accurate than distance estimates obtained via other RF techniques such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), as RSSI-based distance estimates can be significantly degraded by fading, interference, and multipath. However, since some barriers significantly affect the RSSI but cause little to no change in the observed RTT distance between devices, a combination of RTT and RSSI measurements can be used to determine whether devices are separated by barriers such as concrete walls or glass windows. Indication of the presence of barriers can be given to contact tracing applications. These techniques and configurations are examples, and other techniques and configurations may be used.

[0014]

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, an example of a communication system 100 includes a UE 105, a Radio Access Network (RAN) 135, which here is a fifth-generation (5G) next-generation RAN (NG) (NG-RAN), and a 5G core network (5GC) 140. The UE 105 could be, for example, an IoT device, a location tracker device, a cellular phone, or other device. The 5G network is sometimes called a New Radio (NR) network, the NG-RAN 135 may be called a 5G RAN or NR RAN, and the 5GC 140 may be called an NG core network (NGC). Standardization of the NG-RAN and 5GC is underway in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®). Therefore, the NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 may comply with current or future standards for 5G support from 3GPP. The RAN 135 could be another type of RAN, such as a 3G RAN, a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE®) RAN, etc. The communication system 100 may utilize information from constellation 185 of satellite vehicles (SV) 190, 191, 192, 193 for several other regional or local SPS such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Galileo, or Beidou (e.g., Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) or the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS), or Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Additional components of the communication system 100 are described below. The communication system 100 may include additional or alternative components.

[0015]

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, NG-RAN135 includes NR nodes B (gNB) 110a, 110b and next-generation e-node B (ng-eNB) 114, and 5GC140 includes access and mobility management function (AMF) 115, session management function (SMF) 117, location management function (LMF) 120 and gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 125. gNB110a, 110b and ng-eNB114 are communicatively coupled to each other and configured to communicate wirelessly bidirectionally with UE105, and each is communicatively coupled to AMF115 and configured to communicate bidirectionally with it. AMF115, SMF117, LMF120 and GMLC125 are communicatively coupled to each other, and GMLC is communicatively coupled to external client 130. SMF117 can act as the first point of contact for a Service Control Function (SCF) (not shown) to create, control, and delete media sessions.

[0016]

[0037] Figure 1 provides a generalized diagram of various components, any or all of which may be used as appropriate, and each of them may be duplicated or omitted as needed. In detail, one UE 105 is shown, but many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may be used in communication system 100. Similarly, communication system 100 may include more (or fewer) SVs (i.e., more or fewer than the four SVs 190-193 shown), gNB 110a, 110b, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, external client 130, and / or other components. The illustrated connections connecting the various components in communication system 100 may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks, data and signaling connections. Furthermore, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted depending on the desired function.

[0017]

[0038] Figure 1 shows a 5G-based network, but similar network implementations and configurations may be used for other communication technologies such as 3G and Long-Term Evolution (LTE). The implementations described herein (whether they are for 5G technology, and / or for one or more other communication technologies and / or protocols) may be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals, receive and measure directional signals at a UE (e.g., UE105), and / or provide location assistance to UE105 (via GMLC125 or other location servers), and / or calculate the location for UE105 in a location-enabled device such as UE105, gNB110a, 110b, or LMF120 based on measurements received at UE105 for such directionally transmitted signals. The Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125, Location Management Function (LMF) 120, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 115, SMF 117, ng-eNB (e-node B) 114, and gNB (g-node B) 110a, 110b are examples and, in various embodiments, may be replaced by or include various other location server functions and / or base station functions, respectively.

[0018]

[0039] The UE105 may be and / or referred to as a device, mobile device, wireless device, mobile terminal, terminal, mobile station (MS), Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) enabled terminal (SET), or any other name. In addition, the UE105 may be compatible with cell phones, smartphones, laptops, tablets, PDAs, tracking devices, navigation devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, asset trackers, health monitors, security systems, smart city sensors, smart meters, wearable trackers, or any other portable or mobile devices. Generally, though not always, the UE105 may support wireless communications using one or more radio access technologies (RATs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM®), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA®), LTE, High-Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also known as Wi-Fi®), Bluetooth (BT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX®), and 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN135 and 5GC140). The UE105 may also support wireless communications using, for example, a digital subscriber line (DSL) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) that can connect to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using packet cable. The use of one or more of these RATs may enable UE105 to communicate with an external client 130 (for example, via an element of 5GC140 not shown in Figure 1, or possibly via GMLC125), and / or enable the external client 130 to receive location information about UE105 (for example, via GMLC125).

[0019]

[0040] UE105 may include a single entity or multiple entities, such as in a personal area network where the user may employ audio, video, and / or data I / O (input / output) devices and / or body sensors and separate wireline or wireless modems. The estimated location of UE105 may be called location, location estimate, location fix, fix, position, location estimate, or location fix, and may provide the location coordinates of UE105 (e.g., latitude and longitude) which are geographical and therefore may or may not include an altitude component (e.g., elevation above sea level, ground elevation or ground depth, floor level or basement level). Alternatively, the location of UE105 may be represented as an urban location (e.g., as a postal address, or as the designation of some point or small area within a building, such as a specific room or floor). The location of UE105 may be represented as an area or volume (defined either geographically or in urban form) in which UE105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of UE105 may be represented, for example, as a relative location with distance and direction from a known location. A relative location may be a relative coordinate (e.g., X, Y (and Z) coordinate) defined with respect to some origin in a known location, which may be defined, for example, geographically, with respect to a city, or by referring to a point, area, or volume shown on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the descriptions contained herein, the use of the term location may have any of these variations unless otherwise indicated. When calculating the location of UE, it is common to obtain local x, y, and possibly z coordinate values ​​and then, if desired, convert the local coordinates to absolute coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude above or below mean sea level).

[0020]

[0041] UE105 may be configured to communicate with other entities using one or more of various technologies. UE105 may be configured to connect indirectly to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. D2D P2P links may be supported using any suitable D2D radio access technology (RAT), such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct® (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, 5G CV2X Sidelink, or 5G ProSe. One or more of a group of UEs utilizing D2D communication may be within the geographical coverage area of ​​a transmit / receive point (TRP), such as one or more of gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114. Other UEs in such a group may be outside such geographical coverage area or otherwise unable to receive transmissions from the base station. A group of UEs communicating via D2D communication may utilize a one-to-many (1:M) system, where each UE can transmit to other UEs in the group. TRP can facilitate the scheduling of resources for D2D communication. In other cases, D2D communication can be performed between UEs without the involvement of TRP.

[0021]

[0042] The base station (BS) in NG-RAN135 shown in Figure 1 includes NR node B, referred to as gNB110a and 110b. The pair of gNB110a, 110b in NG-RAN135 may be connected to each other via one or more other gNBs. Access to the 5G network is given to UE105 via wireless communication between UE105 and one or more of gNB110a, 110b, and gNB110a, 110b may provide wireless communication access to 5GC140 for UE105 using 5G. In Figure 1, it is assumed that the serving gNB for UE105 is gNB110a, but another gNB (e.g., gNB110b) may act as a serving gNB when UE105 moves to a different location, or as a secondary gNB to give UE105 additional throughput and bandwidth.

[0022]

[0043] The base station (BS) in NG-RAN135 shown in Figure 1 may include ng-eNB114, also known as next-generation advanced node B. ng-eNB114 may, in some cases, connect to one or more of the gNB110a, 110b in NG-RAN135 via one or more other gNBs and / or one or more other ng-eNBs. ng-eNB114 may provide UE105 with LTE wireless access and / or advanced LTE (eLTE) wireless access. One or more of the gNB110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB114 may transmit signals to help determine the location of UE105, but may be configured to function as a positioning-only beacon that may not receive signals from UE105 or other UEs.

[0023]

[0044] BS110a, 110b, and 114 may each have one or more TRPs. For example, each sector within a BS cell may have a TRP, but multiple TRPs may share one or more components (e.g., they may share a processor but have separate antennas). System 100 may include a macro TRP, or system 100 may have different types of TRPs, such as a macro TRP, a pico TRP, and / or a femto TRP. A macro TRP may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may enable unrestricted access by terminals subscribing to the service. A pico TRP may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a picocell) and may enable unrestricted access by terminals subscribing to the service. A femto TRP or home TRP may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a femtocell) and may enable limited access by terminals associated with a femtocell (e.g., terminals for home users).

[0024]

[0045] As stated, Figure 1 shows a node configured to communicate according to the 5G communication protocol, but nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols, such as the LTE protocol or the IEEE 802.11x protocol, may be used. For example, in an Advanced Packet System (EPS) that provides LTE wireless access to UE105, the RAN may comprise an Advanced Universal Mobile Communications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) which may comprise base stations with Advanced Node B (eNB). The core network for the EPS may comprise an Advanced Packet Core (EPC). The EPS may comprise E-UTRAN + EPC, where E-UTRAN corresponds to NG-RAN135 in Figure 1 and EPC corresponds to 5GC140.

[0025]

[0046] gNB110a, 110b, and ng-eNB114 can communicate with AMF115, which communicates with LMF120, for positioning functions. AMF115 can support the mobility of UE105, including cell changes and handovers, and can participate in supporting signaling connections to UE105 and, in some cases, to data and voice bearers for UE105. LMF120 can communicate directly with UE105, for example, through wireless communication. LMF120 can support the positioning of UE105 when UE105 accesses NG-RAN135, and can support positioning procedures / methods such as Auxiliary GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time of Arrival (OTDOA), Real-time Kinematics (RTK), Precision Single Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Extended Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), and / or other positioning methods. The LMF120 can process location service requests for UE105, for example, received from the AMF115 or the GMLC125. The LMF120 can connect to the AMF115 and / or the GMLC125. The LMF120 may be referred to by other names such as Location Manager (LM), Location Function (LF), Commercial LMF (CLMF), or Value-Added LMF (VLMF). Nodes / systems implementing the LMF120 may implement other types of location support modules as an addition or alternative, such as an Extended Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC) or a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP). At least a portion of the positioning function (including the derivation of the location of UE105) may be performed in UE105 (using, for example, signals transmitted by wireless nodes such as gNB110a, 110b and / or ng-eNB114, and / or signal measurements acquired by UE105 for supporting data provided to UE105 by LMF120, for example).

[0026]

[0047] GMLC125 may support a location request for UE105 received from an external client 130 and forward such a location request to AMF115 for forwarding to LMF120 via AMF115, or it may forward the location request directly to LMF120. The location response from LMF120 (including, for example, a location estimate for UE105) may be returned to GMLC125 directly or via AMF115, and GMLC125 may then return the location response (including, for example, a location estimate) to the external client 130. Although GMLC125 is shown connected to both AMF115 and LMF120, in some implementation forms one of these connections may be supported by 5GC140.

[0027]

[0048] As further shown in Figure 1, the LMF120 may communicate with gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114 using New Radio Positioning Protocol A (sometimes called NPPa or NRPPa), which may be defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455. NRPPa may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa), as defined in 3GPP TS 36.455, and NRPPa messages are transmitted between gNB110a (or gNB110b) and LMF120 and / or between ng-eNB114 and LMF120 via the AMF115. As further shown in Figure 1, the LMF120 and UE105 may communicate using LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), which may be defined in 3GPP TS 36.355. The LMF120 and UE105 may communicate using a new radio positioning protocol (sometimes called NPP or NRPP) which may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LPP. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages may be transferred between the UE105 and the LMF120 via the AMF115 and serving gNB110a, 110b, or serving ng-eNB114 for the UE105. For example, LPP and / or NPP messages may be transferred between the LMF120 and AMF115 using the 5G Location Services Application Protocol (LCS AP), and between the AMF115 and UE105 using the 5G Non-Access Layer (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocols may be used to support positioning of the UE105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based positioning methods such as A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID.The NRPPa protocol may be used to support the positioning of the UE105 using network-based positioning methods such as E-CID (for example, when used with measurements obtained by gNB110a, 110b, or ng-eNB114), and / or may be used by the LMF120 to obtain location relation information from gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114, such as parameters defining directional SS transmissions from gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114.

[0028]

[0049] In UE-assisted positioning methods, UE105 may acquire location measurements and send them to a location server (e.g., LMF120) for the calculation of location estimates for UE105. For example, location measurements may include one or more of the following for gNB110a, 110b, ng-eNB114, and / or WLAN APs: Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Round-Trip Signal Propagation Time (RTT), Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ). Location measurements may also include, or alternatively, GNSS pseudodistance, code phase, and / or carrier phase measurements for SV190-193.

[0029]

[0050] In a UE-based positioning method, UE105 may acquire location measurements (which may be the same as or similar to the location measurements for a UE-assisted positioning method, for example) and calculate the location of UE105 (with the help of support data received from a location server such as LMF120 or broadcast by gNB110a, 110b, ng-eNB114, or other base stations or APs).

[0030]

[0051] In a network-based location method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114) or APs may acquire and / or receive location measurements (e.g., RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or Time of Arrival (TOA) measurements for signals transmitted by UE105). One or more base stations or APs may send measurements to a location server (e.g., LMF120) for the calculation of a location estimate for UE105.

[0031]

[0052] The information provided to the LMF120 by gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114 using NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directional SS transmission and location coordinates. The LMF120 may provide some or all of this information to the UE105 as supporting data in LPP messages and / or NPP messages via NG-RAN135 and 5GC140.

[0032]

[0053] An LPP or NPP message sent from the LMF120 to the UE105 may instruct the UE105 to do one of a variety of things depending on the desired function. For example, an LPP or NPP message may contain instructions for the UE105 to obtain measurements for GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other positioning method). In the case of E-CID, an LPP or NPP message may instruct the UE105 to obtain one or more measurements of a directional signal transmitted within a particular cell supported by one or more of gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114 (or supported by some other type of base station such as an eNB or WiFi AP) (e.g., beam ID, beam width, mean angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements). UE105 can send the measured quantity back to LMF120 in an LPP message or NPP message (for example, in a 5G NAS message) via serving gNB110a (or serving ng-eNB114) and AMF115.

[0033]

[0054] As stated, the communication system 100 is described in relation to 5G technology, but the communication system 100 may be implemented to support other communication technologies such as GSM, WCDMA, and LTE, which are used to support and interact with mobile devices such as UE105 (for example, to implement voice, data, positioning, and other functions). In some such embodiments, 5GC140 may be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, 5GC140 may be connected to a WLAN using a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF, not shown in Figure 1) in 5GC150. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE802.11 WiFi access for UE105 and may comprise one or more WiFi APs. Here, N3IWF may connect to the WLAN and other elements in 5GC140 such as AMF115. In some embodiments, both NG-RAN135 and 5GC140 may be replaced by one or more other RANs and one or more other core networks. For example, in an EPS, NG-RAN135 may be replaced by an E-UTRAN containing an eNB, and 5GC140 may be replaced by an EPC containing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) instead of AMF115, an E-SMLC instead of LMF120, and a GMLC which may be similar to GMLC125. In such an EPS, the E-SMLC may use LPPa instead of NRPPa to send location information to eNBs in the E-UTRAN and receive location information from those eNBs, and may use LPP to support the positioning of UE105. In these other embodiments, the positioning of UE105 using a directional PRS may be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks, except that the functions and procedures described herein for gNB110a, 110b, ng-eNB114, AMF115, and LMF120 may, in some cases, be applied instead to other network elements such as eNBs, WiFi APs, MMEs, and E-SMLCs.

[0034]

[0055] As described, in some embodiments, the positioning function may be implemented using, at least partially, directional SS beams transmitted by base stations (such as gNB110a, 110b, and / or ng-eNB114) within range of the UE whose position will be determined (e.g., UE105 in Figure 1). In some cases, the UE may use directional SS beams from multiple base stations (such as gNB110a, 110b, and ng-eNB114) to calculate the UE's position.

[0035]

[0056] Referring also to Figure 2, UE200 is an example of UE105 and comprises a computing platform including a processor 210, memory 211 containing software (SW) 212, one or more sensors 213, a transceiver interface 214 for transceivers 215 (including a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250), a user interface 216, a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 217, a camera 218, and a position (motion) device 219. The processor 210, memory 211, sensors 213, transceiver interface 214, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, and position (motion) device 219 may be coupled to communicate with each other by a bus 220 (which may be configured for optical and / or telecommunications, for example). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., one or more of the camera 218, position (motion) device 219, and / or sensors 213) may be omitted from the UE200. The processor 210 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 210 may comprise multiple processors, including a general-purpose / application processor 230, a digital signal processor (DSP) 231, a modem processor 232, a video processor 233, and / or a sensor processor 234. One or more of the processors 230-234 may comprise multiple devices (e.g., multiple processors). For example, the sensor processor 234 may comprise a processor for radar, ultrasound, and / or LiDAR, for example. The modem processor 232 may support dual SIM / dual connectivity (and more SIMs). For example, one SIM (Subscriber Identification Module or Subscriber Identification Module) may be used by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), while another SIM may be used by the UE200's end user for connectivity.Memory 211 is a non-temporary storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM). Memory 211 stores software 212, which may be processor-readable, processor-executable software code, containing instructions configured to cause the processor 210 to perform various functions described herein when executed. Alternatively, software 212 may not be directly executable by the processor 210, but may be configured to cause the processor 210 to perform functions when compiled and executed, for example. This description may refer to the processor 210 that performs the functions, including other implementations such as when the processor 210 runs software and / or firmware. This description may refer to the processor 210 that performs the functions as an abbreviation for one or more of the processors 230-234 that perform the functions. This description may refer to the UE200 that performs the functions as an abbreviation for one or more suitable components of the UE200 that perform the functions. The processor 210 may include, in addition to and / or instead of, memory 211, memory containing stored instructions. The functions of the processor 210 will be described in more detail below.

[0036]

[0057] The configuration of the UE200 shown in Figure 2 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not limiting to the present disclosure, and other configurations may be used. For example, an exemplary configuration of the UE includes one or more of the processors 230-234 of the processor 210, memory 211, and wireless transceiver 240. Other exemplary configurations include one or more of the processors 230-234 of the processor 210, memory 211, wireless transceiver 240, and sensor 213, user interface 216, SPS receiver 217, camera 218, PMD 219, and / or wired transceiver 250.

[0037]

[0058] The UE200 may include a modem processor 232 capable of performing baseband processing on signals received and downconverted by the transceiver 215 and / or the SPS receiver 217. The modem processor 232 may perform baseband processing on signals to be upconverted for transmission by the transceiver 215. Similarly, or alternatively, baseband processing may be performed by a processor 230 and / or a DSP 231. However, other configurations may be used to perform baseband processing.

[0038]

[0059] The UE200 may include, for example, a sensor 213 which may include an inertial measuring unit (IMU) 270, one or more magnetometers 271, and / or one or more environmental sensors 272. The IMU 270 may comprise one or more inertial sensors, for example, one or more accelerometers 273 (which collectively respond to the acceleration of the UE200 in three dimensions) and / or one or more gyroscopes 274. The magnetometers may provide measurements to determine orientation (for example, relative to magnetic north and / or true north), which can be used for any of a variety of purposes, such as supporting one or more compass applications. The environmental sensors 272 may comprise, for example, one or more temperature sensors, one or more barometric pressure sensors, one or more ambient light sensors, one or more camera imagers, and / or one or more microphones, etc. Sensor 213 may generate analog and / or digital signals whose instructions are stored in memory 211 and can be processed by DSP 231 and / or processor 230 supporting one or more applications, such as applications targeting positioning and / or navigation operations. Sensors processing subsystems may be embedded in a low-power core to facilitate continuous logging and derivation of sensor parameters required for high-level functions such as temperature sensing, location assistance, or dead reckoning.

[0039]

[0060] Sensor 213 can be used in relative location measurement, relative location determination, motion determination, etc. Information detected by sensor 213 can be used for motion detection, relative displacement, dead reckoning, sensor-based location determination, and / or sensor-assisted location determination. Sensor 213 can be useful for determining whether UE200 is stationary or moving, and / or reporting any useful information regarding the mobility of UE200 to LMF120. For example, based on information acquired / measured by sensor 213, UE200 may notify / report to LMF120 that UE200 has detected motion or that UE200 has moved, and report relative displacement / distance (e.g., via dead reckoning, or sensor-based location determination, or sensor-assisted location determination enabled by sensor 213). In another example, for relative positioning information, the sensor / IMU can be used to determine the angle and / or orientation of other devices relative to UE200, etc.

[0040]

[0061] The IMU270 may be configured to provide measurements of the direction and / or velocity of motion of the UE200, which can be used in relative location determination. For example, one or more accelerometers 273 and / or one or more gyroscopes 274 of the IMU270 may detect the linear acceleration and velocity, respectively, of the rotation of the UE200. The measurements of the linear acceleration and rotational velocity of the UE200 may be integrated over time to determine the instantaneous direction of motion and the displacement of the UE200. The instantaneous direction of motion and displacement may be integrated to track the location of the UE200. For example, the reference location of the UE200 may be determined, for example, for a given moment using the SPS receiver 217 (and / or by some other means), and the measurements from the accelerometers 273 and gyroscopes 274 obtained after this moment may be used in dead reckoning to determine the current location of the UE200 based on the motion (direction and distance) of the UE200 relative to the reference position.

[0041]

[0062] The magnetometer 271 can determine the strength of the magnetic field in different directions, which can be used to determine the orientation of the UE200. For example, the orientation can be used to give the UE200 a digital compass. The magnetometer 271 may include a two-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide indications of magnetic field strength in two orthogonal dimensions. Similarly or alternatively, the magnetometer 271 may include a three-dimensional magnetometer configured to detect and provide indications of magnetic field strength in three orthogonal dimensions. The magnetometer 271 can sense the magnetic field and provide, for example, a means to provide an indication of the magnetic field to the processor 210.

[0042]

[0063] The transceiver 215 may include a wireless transceiver 240 and a wired transceiver 250, configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 240 may include a transmitter 242 and a receiver 244 coupled to one or more antennas 246 for transmitting a wireless signal 248 (for example, over one or more uplink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels) and / or receiving (for example, over one or more downlink channels and / or one or more sidelink channels), and for converting the signal from the wireless signal 248 to a wired (for example, electrical and / or optical) signal and from the wired (for example, electrical and / or optical) signal to the wireless signal 248. Thus, the transmitter 242 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 244 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components. The Wireless Transceiver 240 can be configured to communicate signals (e.g., with TRP and / or one or more other devices) in accordance with various Radio Access Technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobiles), UMTS (Universal Mobile Communications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), V2C (Uu), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Zigbee®, 5G CV2X (Sidelink), and 5G ProSe. New radios may use millimeter-wave frequencies and / or sub-6GHz frequencies. The wired transceiver 250 may include a transmitter 252 and a receiver 254 configured for wired communication with network 135, for example, to send communications to and receive communications from gNB110a.The transmitter 252 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 254 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 250 may be configured, for example, for optical and / or electrical communications. The transceiver 215 may be communicatively coupled to the transceiver interface 214, for example, by optical and / or electrical connections. The transceiver interface 214 may be at least partially integrated with the transceiver 215.

[0043]

[0064] The user interface 216 may comprise one or more of several devices, such as a speaker, microphone, display device, vibration device, keyboard, and touchscreen. The user interface 216 may include two or more of these devices. The user interface 216 may be configured to allow the user to interact with one or more applications hosted by the UE200. For example, the user interface 216 may store instructions for analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 so that they are processed by the DSP 231 and / or general-purpose processor 230 in response to user actions. Similarly, an application hosted on the UE200 may store instructions for analog and / or digital signals in memory 211 to present output signals to the user. The user interface 216 may include an audio input / output (I / O) device comprising, for example, a speaker, microphone, digital-analog circuitry, analog-digital circuitry, amplifier, and / or gain control circuits (including two or more of these devices). Other configurations of the audio I / O device may be used. Alternatively, the user interface 216 may include one or more touch sensors that respond to touch and / or pressure, for example, on the keyboard and / or touchscreen of the user interface 216.

[0044]

[0065] An SPS receiver 217 (for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver) may be capable of receiving and collecting SPS signals 260 via an SPS antenna 262. Antenna 262 may be configured to convert wireless signals 260 to wired signals, such as electrical or optical signals, and may be integrated with antenna 246. The SPS receiver 217 may be configured to process the collected SPS signals 260 whole or partially for estimating the location of the UE200. For example, the SPS receiver 217 may be configured to determine the location of the UE200 by trilateration using the SPS signals 260. A general-purpose processor 230, memory 211, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors (not shown) may be used with the SPS receiver 217 to process the collected SPS signals whole or partially and / or to calculate the estimated location of the UE200. Memory 211 may store indications (e.g., measured values) of the SPS signal 260 and / or other signals (e.g., signals collected from the wireless transceiver 240) for use when performing positioning operations. The general-purpose processor 230, DSP 231, and / or one or more dedicated processors, and / or memory 211 may provide or support a location engine for use when processing measured values ​​to estimate the location of the UE200.

[0045]

[0066] The UE200 may include a camera 218 for capturing still or moving images. The camera 218 may include, for example, an imaging sensor (e.g., a charge-coupled device or CMOS imager), a lens, analog-digital circuitry, a frame buffer, and the like. Additional processing, adjustment, encoding, and / or compression of the signal representing the captured image may be performed by the general-purpose processor 230 and / or DSP 231. Similarly, or alternatively, a video processor 233 may perform adjustment, encoding, compression, and / or manipulation of the signal representing the captured image. The video processor 233 may, for example, decode / decode stored image data for presentation on a display device (not shown) of the user interface 216.

[0046]

[0067] The position (motion) device (PMD) 219 may be configured to determine the position, and possibly the motion, of the UE 200. For example, the PMD 219 may communicate with and / or include some or all of the SPS receivers 217. The PMD 219 may also or alternatively be configured to determine the location of the UE 200 using ground-based signals (e.g., at least some of signals 248) to assist in acquiring and using SPS signals 260 for trilateration, or both. The PMD 219 may be configured to use one or more other techniques to determine the location of the UE 200 (e.g., relying on the UE's self-reported position (e.g., part of the UE's location beacon)), or a combination of techniques (e.g., SPS and ground positioning signals) to determine the location of the UE 200. The PMD219 may include one or more sensors 213 (e.g., gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, etc.) that can sense the orientation and / or motion of the UE200 and provide indications thereof, and the processor 210 (e.g., processor 230 and / or DSP231) may be configured to use these indications to determine the motion of the UE200 (e.g., velocity vector and / or acceleration vector). The PMD219 may be configured to provide indications of uncertainty and / or error in the determined position and / or motion.

[0047]

[0068] Referring also to Figure 3, an example of the TRP300 for BS110a, 110b, and 114 comprises a computing platform including a processor 310, a memory 311 containing software (SW) 312, a transceiver 315, and (optionally) an SPS receiver 317. The processor 310, memory 311, transceiver 315, and SPS receiver 317 may be coupled to communicate with each other by a bus 320 (which may be configured for, for example, optical and / or telecommunications). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., wireless interface and / or SPS receiver 317) may be omitted from the TRP300. The SPS receiver 317 may be configured similarly to an SPS receiver 217 which may be capable of receiving and acquiring SPS signals 360 via an SPS antenna 362. The processor 310 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 310 may comprise multiple processors (for example, including a general-purpose / application processor, a DSP, a modem processor, a video processor, and / or a sensor processor, as shown in Figure 2). Memory 311 is a non-temporary storage medium that may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM). Memory 311 stores software 312, which may be processor-readable processor-executable software code, containing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 310 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, the software 312 may not be directly executable by the processor 310, but may be configured, for example, to cause the processor 310 to perform functions when compiled and executed. This description may refer to a processor 310 that performs a function, including other implementations such as when the processor 310 runs software and / or firmware. The description may refer to a processor 310 that performs a function as an abbreviation for one or more processors included in that processor 310.The description may refer to a TRP300 that performs a function as an abbreviation for one or more appropriate components of the TRP300 that perform that function (and therefore one of BS110a, 110b, 114). The processor 310 may include, in addition to and / or instead of, memory 311, memory with stored instructions. The functions of the processor 310 will be described in more detail below.

[0048]

[0069] The transceiver 315 may include a wireless transceiver 340 and a wired transceiver 350, which are configured to communicate with other devices via wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 340 may include a transmitter 342 and a receiver 344 coupled to one or more antennas 346 for transmitting a wireless signal 348 (for example, on one or more uplink channels and / or one or more downlink channels) and / or receiving (for example, on one or more downlink channels and / or one or more uplink channels), and for converting the signal from the wireless signal 348 to a wired (for example, electrical and / or optical) signal and from the wired (for example, electrical and / or optical) signal to the wireless signal 348. Thus, the transmitter 342 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 344 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 340 may be configured to communicate signals (for example, with UE200, one or more other UEs, and / or one or more other devices) in accordance with various radio access technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobile), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, and Zigbee. The wired transceiver 350 may include a transmitter 352 and a receiver 354 configured for wired communication with network 140, for example, to send communications to LMF120 or other network servers and receive communications therefrom.The transmitter 352 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 354 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components. The wired transceiver 350 may be configured, for example, for optical communications and / or telecommunications.

[0049]

[0070] The configuration of the TRP300 shown in Figure 3 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not limiting to the present disclosure, and other configurations may be used. For example, the description herein discusses that the TRP300 is configured to perform, or will perform, several functions, one or more of which may be performed by the LMF120 and / or UE200 (i.e., the LMF120 and / or UE200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0050]

[0071] Referring also to Figure 4, an exemplary server such as the LMF120 comprises a computing platform comprising a processor 410, memory 411 including software (SW) 412, and transceiver 415. The processor 410, memory 411, and transceiver 415 may be coupled to communicate with each other by a bus 420 (which may be configured for, for example, optical and / or telecommunications). One or more of the illustrated devices (e.g., wireless interfaces) may be omitted from the server 400. The processor 410 may include one or more intelligent hardware devices, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor 410 may comprise multiple processors (e.g., a general-purpose / application processor, a DSP, a modem processor, a video processor, and / or a sensor processor, as shown in Figure 2). The memory 411 is a non-temporary storage medium, which may include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 411 stores software 412, which may be processor-readable processor-executable software code, containing instructions configured, when executed, to cause the processor 410 to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, software 412 may not be directly executable by the processor 410, but may be configured, for example, to cause the processor 410 to perform functions when compiled and executed. This description may refer to the processor 410 that performs the functions, including other implementations such as when the processor 410 runs software and / or firmware. The description may refer to the processor 410 that performs the functions as an abbreviation for one or more processors included in the processor 410 that performs the functions. The description may refer to the server 400 (or LMF120) that performs the functions as an abbreviation for one or more appropriate components of the server 400 that performs the functions. The processor 410 may include memory with stored instructions in addition to and / or instead of memory 411.The functions of processor 410 are explained in more detail below.

[0051]

[0072] The transceiver 415 may include a wireless transceiver 440 and a wired transceiver 450, configured to communicate with other devices through wireless and wired connections, respectively. For example, the wireless transceiver 440 may include a transmitter 442 and a receiver 444 coupled to one or more antennas 446 for transmitting (e.g., over one or more downlink channels) and / or receiving (e.g., over one or more uplink channels) a wireless signal 448, and converting the wireless signal 448 to a wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signal, and from a wired (e.g., electrical and / or optical) signal to a wireless signal 448. Thus, the transmitter 442 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 444 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components. The wireless transceiver 440 may be configured to communicate signals (for example, with UE200 and one or more other UEs and / or one or more other devices) in accordance with various radio access technologies (RATs) such as 5G New Radio (NR), GSM (Global System for Mobiles), UMTS (Universal Mobile Communications System), AMPS (Advanced Mobile Telephone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE Direct (LTE-D), 3GPP LTE-V2X (PC5), IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, and Zigbee. The wired transceiver 450 may include a transmitter 452 and a receiver 454 configured for wired communication with network 135, for example, to send communications to TRP300 and receive communications from TRP300. The transmitter 452 may include multiple transmitters, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components, and / or the receiver 454 may include multiple receivers, which may be individual components or combined / integrated components.The wired transceiver 450 may be configured, for example, for optical and / or telecommunications.

[0052]

[0073] The configuration of the server 400 shown in Figure 4 is an example of the present disclosure, including the claims, and is not limiting to the present disclosure, and other configurations may be used. For example, the wireless transceiver 440 may be omitted. Similarly or alternatively, the description herein describes how the server 400 is configured to perform, or will perform, several functions, one or more of which may be performed by the TRP 300 and / or UE 200 (i.e., the TRP 300 and / or UE 200 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions).

[0053]

[0074] Referring to Figure 5, an example diagram of a round-trip time measurement session 500 is shown. A common method involves an initiator station 502 and a responder station 504. The initiator station 502 and the responder station 504 may be UEs such as UE200 or other wireless devices configured to participate in time-of-flight-based positioning. In an example, but not an limitation, the RTT measurement session 500 may be based on fine timing measurement messages exchanged between the initiator station 502 and the responder station 504. Other messages and signals, such as positioning reference signals (PRS), sounding reference signals (SRS), infrared camera signals, or other reference signals, may be used to determine time-of-flight information between the two UEs. The RTT session 500 may utilize the FTM protocol (e.g., 802.11mc D4.3 section 10.24.6) to enable the two stations to exchange round-trip measurement frames (e.g., FTM frames). The initiating station 502 may calculate the round-trip time by requesting a positioning session, recording the TOA (i.e., t2) of the FTM frame from the responding station 504, and recording the TOD (i.e., t3) of the acknowledgment frame (ACK) of the FTM frame. The responding station 504 may record the TOD (i.e., t1) of the FTM frame and the TOA (i.e., t4) of the ACK received from the initiating station 502. The initiating station 502 may receive time "t4" in a subsequent FTM message (e.g., FTM2(t1,t4)). Variations in the message format may allow timing values ​​to be transferred between the initiating station 502 and the responding station 504. Thus, the RTT is calculated as follows:

[0054]

number

[0055]

[0075] An RTT session 500 may enable the initiating station 502 to obtain its distance from the responding station 504. An FTM session is one example of a ranging technique between the initiating station 502 and the responding station 504. Other ranging techniques such as TDOA and TOA / TOF may also be used to determine the relative positions of the two stations. Other signaling may also be used to enable the negotiation process, measurement exchange, and termination process.

[0056]

[0076] Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary contact tracing proximity measurement is shown in Figure 600. Figure 600 includes a first mobile device 602 and associated first user 602a and a second mobile device 604 and associated second user 604a. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may correspond to cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, laptops, tablets, PDAs, tracking devices, navigation devices, IoT devices, asset trackers, health monitors, wearable trackers, or several other portable or mobile devices configured for wireless communication. In one embodiment, one or both of mobile devices 602, 604 may be fixed devices. A contact tracing application may establish a contact distance 606 (e.g., social distance, physical distance) based on a modeled diffusion distance of an infectious disease 608. For example, a government agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may establish a target contact distance of 6 feet. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may exchange RF signals 610 to determine the distance between users 602a and 604a. The RF signals may be based on existing wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (including IEEE 802.11p), WiFi, WiFi Direct (WiFi-D), Bluetooth, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other device-to-device (D2D) interfaces. In one example, RF signal 610 may include messages for ranging techniques (e.g., RTT, TDOA, TOA) and / or messages for determining signal strength measurements (e.g., RSSI). RF signal 610 may be used to perform distance measurements to determine the distance between the first mobile device 602 and the second mobile device 604. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may be configured to report each other's presence to the network and / or notify their respective users 602a and 604a via a user interface. In an exemplary use case, a second user 604a may be infected with infectious disease 608 and may be using a contact tracing application configured to alert other users about this condition.A first user 602a may have pre-existing conditions that increase the severity of the infectious disease 608 and therefore may also utilize a contact tracing application. If the RF signal 610 indicates a distance shorter than the contact distance 606 established over a certain period of time (e.g., duration), users 602a and 604a may receive an alert indicating their proximity to each other. The contact tracing application may also be configured to report proximity information to a network server as part of a larger contact tracing effort or program. An example of applying the determined distance based on the RF signal 610 may help identify and monitor individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person compared to the established contact distance 606, and thus help control the spread of infectious disease 608.

[0057]

[0077] Referring to Figure 7, and further to Figure 6, Figure 700 shows an exemplary contact tracing measurement through a barrier 702. As shown in Figure 700, the barrier 702 is positioned between a first user 602a with a first mobile device 602 and a second user 604a with a second mobile device 604. The barrier 702 may be a wall, window, floor, ceiling, or other architectural feature designed to separate a space or restrict airflow between those spaces. The barrier 702 may be other objects such as plexiglass shields positioned around employees (e.g., protection for shop staff), partitions in taxis, or other safety devices designed to separate people and reduce the free transmission of airborne diseases. Groups of objects such as road traffic, large crowds, crowded bookshelves in a library, or shelves in a grocery store or other aisle configuration may also act as barriers, such that the density of objects can hinder the spread of infectious diseases 608. Mobile devices 602 and 604 can exchange RF signals 710 through the barrier 702, but the barrier 702 may cause some signal attenuation 710a (e.g., reflection, refraction, absorption) of the RF signals 710. The physical attributes of the barrier 702 (e.g., dimensions, material composition, orientation, etc.) will affect the amount of attenuation 710a of the RF signals 710, and therefore will affect the intensity of the RF signals 710 received by mobile devices 602 and 604. In general, the barrier 702 will not affect time-of-flight (e.g., RTT, TDOA, TOA / TOD) based distance measurements. Mobile devices 602 and 604 may be configured to compare signal intensity measurements with distance measurements to detect the presence of the barrier 702. For example, the difference between the expected RSSI signal and the RTT-based distance measurement value may be proportional to the probability that the RF signals 710 are traveling through the barrier 702. In other words, the expected RSSI signal can be based on a known signal propagation model (e.g., the shadowing model). For example, the distance "d" based on RSSI can be determined based on the following propagation formula:

[0058]

number

[0059] Here, d is the distance, and L is the path loss (e.g., L = 23 dBm - <RSSI value>).

[0060]

[0078] The contact tracing application may utilize an indication that a barrier exists between two users to modify user alerts and reduce the number of active contacts being tracked. For example, the presence of barrier 702 may cause the contact tracing application to extend the amount of time a user would be within contact distance 606 before generating an alert or providing a contact report. In one example, the contact tracing application may classify barrier 702 (e.g., based on material composition and expected function) and utilize distance and signal strength information to evaluate potential contact events, at least in part, based on the classification of barrier 702. That is, if barrier 702 is classified as an interior wall, the probability that an infectious disease 608 may spread from a second user 604a to a first user 602a may be reduced.

[0061]

[0079] Referring to Figure 8, a schematic example of a probability function for detecting a barrier using a radio frequency signal is shown. Graph 800 includes a distance axis 802 (in meters (m)) and a signal intensity axis 804 (in decibels-milliwatts (dBm)). An exemplary probability function 806 is plotted on graph 800 to show the expected signal loss and increasing uncertainty as a function of distance. The distance and signal intensity values ​​associated with probability function 806 are examples and not limitations, and other probability functions may also be generated based on empirical observations and used to detect barriers. In one example, the distance value is obtained based on an RF signal measurement such as RTT-based distance, and probability function 806 may be a correlation between the RTT-based distance and the corresponding RSSI measurement. Referring to Figure 6, the RF signal 610 may correspond to a first measurement point 808 showing a distance of 2m and an RSSI measurement of approximately -25dBm. The RSSI measurement for the first measurement point 808 is within or greater than the probability function 806, thus indicating that there is no barrier between the mobile devices 602 and 604. In contrast, referring to Figure 7, the RF signal 710 may correspond to a second measurement point 810 showing an RSSI measurement of approximately -70 dBm at a distance of 2 m. The RSSI measurement for the second measurement point 810 is less than the probability function 806, thus indicating the presence of a barrier (i.e., barrier 702) between the mobile devices 602 and 604.

[0062]

[0080] In one embodiment, the probability function 806 can be expressed as follows:

[0063]

number

[0064] Here, the Δ function gives a metric of the difference between distance estimates based on two relative positioning techniques. The metric is binned (e.g., histogram bins), and the bin size may be specific to the implementation. In one example, the probability function can be expressed using Bayesian estimation as follows:

[0065]

number

[0066] Here, "d" indicates the metric that is classified into the d-th bin. P(d│Barrier) can be measured by empirical data. P(Barrier) is the prior probability that two devices have a barrier between them. P(d) is the prior probability of the difference metric corresponding to the measured value. In one embodiment, the probability function 806 may be based on crowdsourced empirical data provided to one or more network servers from a number of devices in a wireless network. In one example, one or both of the mobile devices 602, 604 may be configured to provide the crowdsourced server with RTT and RSSI distance measurements and their current locations. Other information related to potential barriers may be provided to the crowdsourced server, such as optical images (e.g., via a camera), radio frequency (RF) sensing information, ultrasonic measurements, or other measurements based on the capabilities of the mobile device.

[0067]

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, Graph 900 of an exemplary barrier scenario is shown. The barrier scenarios and corresponding measurements are examples, not limitations, and other materials and measurements may be used to derive probability functions and classification models. Graph 900 includes the indicated distance axis 902 and RSSI measurement axis 904. The indicated distance is based on RTT measurements through the indicated barrier, and the RSSI measurement represents the average RSSI over 5 seconds of logging. As shown in Graph 900, RSSI measurements can be significantly influenced based on the barrier material. As expected, higher density structures such as concrete attenuate the RF signal more than lower density structures such as interior doors. Probability functions can be generated based on a large sample of different barrier scenarios and used to predict the presence of barriers based on distance and signal intensity measurements. In one example, RF signals may be measured in different frequency layers, and the corresponding difference in attenuation may be used to further classify barriers. In one embodiment, machine learning techniques may be used to further characterize time-based distance and signal intensity measurements based on the barrier composition.

[0068]

[0082] Referring to Figure 10, Figure 1000 shows an exemplary contact tracking use case involving users moving toward a barrier. Figure 1000 includes a first mobile device 1002 associated with a first user 1002a and a second mobile device 1004 associated with a second user 1004a. A barrier 1008 comprising one or more walls is positioned between users 1002a and 1004a. The first user 1002a is moving toward intersection 1006 and will have a direct line of sight (i.e., without the barrier) to the second user 1004a for the portion of the passage. The mobile devices 1002 and 1004 exchange RF signals 1010 throughout the passage, and the barrier 1008 obstructs the RF signals 1010 during the portion of the passage. In one example, the mobile devices 1002 and 1004 may include map data or indoor building plan data or fire path data that can be used to identify specific areas such as intersection 1006 and barrier 1008. Figures 11A and 11B show the exemplary RTT distance and the respective signal strength measurement distances for the RF signal 1010 as the first user 1002a passes through intersection 1006. The first time slot 1102 (i.e., 0 to 5000 milliseconds) includes measurements when the first user 1002a is 2 meters away from the starting point of intersection 1006. As shown in the RSSI distance, the barrier 1008 gives a constant signal loss during the first time slot 1102. The second time slot 1104 (i.e., 5000 to 10000 milliseconds) includes measurements when the first user 1002a is at the starting point of intersection 1006 (i.e., the first bend). The RSSI distance remains almost constant as the distance decreases, and then increases as the first user approaches intersection 1006. The third time slot 1106 (i.e., 10000 to 15000 milliseconds) includes measurements taken when the first user 1002a is at intersection 1006. The fourth time slot 1108 (i.e., 15000 to 20000 milliseconds) includes measurements taken when the first user 1002a is approaching the end of intersection 1006 (i.e., the second corner).Mobile devices 1002 and 1004 have an unobstructed path during the third and fourth time slots 1106 and 1108, and therefore the RSSI distance decreases. The fifth time slot 1110 (i.e., 20000–25000 milliseconds) includes a measurement when the first user 1002a is 2 meters away from intersection 1006 (i.e., on the opposite side). The RSSI distance value increases as expected during the fifth time slot 1110 when the barrier 1008 begins to obstruct the RF signal 1010. The time-based distance and RSSI-based measurement can be used to give a high level of notification to a contact tracing application about the barrier status. For example, the fusion of decreasing distance combined with a sharply decreasing RSSI distance may indicate that the barrier between two people may have disappeared.

[0069]

[0083] Referring to Figure 12, and further to Figures 1-11, Figure 1200 shows an exemplary system for crowdsourcing barrier detection measurements. Figure 1200 includes a base station 1202 and an access point 1204 operably coupled to a communication system 1206. The communication system 1206 is an example of a communication system 100, and the base station 1202 may be a TRP300 such as a gNB110a. The access point 1204 may also be a TRP300 such as a femtocell or other WiFi-enabled wireless router that can be configured to communicate over the internet 1208. In one example, the access point 1204 may be an edge computing device configured to extend or replace cloud capabilities. A crowdsourcing server 1210 is an example of a server 400, which may be included in the communication system 1206 (e.g., LMF120) or may be accessed directly or indirectly over the internet 1208 (e.g., an external client 150). For example, the crowdsourcing server 1210 may be configured as a web service and accessible via the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Wireless devices may be configured to communicate with the crowdsourcing server 1210 via known wireless communication interfaces such as cellular communication 1202a (e.g., GSM, CDMA, HRPD, LTE, 5G NR, etc.) and WLAN communication 1204a (e.g., WiFi, BT, Zigbee, etc.). For example, one or more users in the first barrier detection event 1212 may provide distance and signal strength measurements to the access point 1204 via WiFi (e.g., WLAN communication 1204a). To provide distance and signal strength measurements, a user in the second barrier detection event 1214 may utilize an LTE network, and a user in the third barrier detection event 1216 may utilize a 5G network.

[0070]

[0084] In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 may include one or more data structures comprising RF signal measurements and / or detection models based on barrier detection events. In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 may be hosted in a mobile edge compute device, and the MEC may be embedded in urban infrastructure (e.g., roadside units (RSUs)) and consumer equipment such as customer equipment (CPEs). In one embodiment, the crowdsourcing server 1210 or another networked server 400 may be configured to generate one or more barrier probability functions based on a set of barrier detection events. In another embodiment, a device may be configured to develop a local model and provide the model to the crowdsourcing server 1210. Referring to equations (3) and (4) above, the P(Barrier) and P(d) models may be further extended by considering real-world use case scenarios such as barrier detection events 1212, 1214, 1216, etc. For example, in a fair number of use cases, barriers may be used by employees who interact with a large number of customers (e.g., a grocery store cashier, a bank teller, etc.). Therefore, in some locations with several users (e.g., employees working behind the barrier), there will be a high probability that the device is behind the barrier at a particular time and / or on a particular day of the week (e.g., employee working hours). This property can be learned by the device by maintaining a database of the probability of being behind the barrier, which can be updated when the device makes distance (e.g., RTT) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements (and thus has estimates of d). In one example, to account for the time variability of the data structure, the data can be indexed by “time”. When the system is operational, each measurement of d can be used to create a better model for P(d) and P(Barrier) to match the actual usage of the device.Models created by individual devices may be periodically sent to a crowdsourcing server 1210 to create global models of P(d) and P(Barrier) by aggregating the device-based models. New devices in the network may be configured to download the P(d) and P(Barrier) models from the crowdsourcing server 1210 and continue to locally update the models based on measurements made by the devices. For example, the data structure maintaining the P(Barrier) and P(d) models may be location-dependent, and the indexing structure may be extended to include a coarse location index.

[0071]

[0085] For example, a data structure containing a probability function with P(Barrier) and P(d) may be maintained locally on each device, and each device may be configured to individually compute P(Barrier|d). Due to the asymmetry between two different devices caused by these self-learning models, two peer devices (e.g., device A and device B) may estimate different values ​​of P(Barrier|d) even if both devices estimate the same value of d. To resolve this asymmetry, P A,B (Barrier|d) can be calculated as follows:

[0072]

number

[0073] Here, P A->B (Barrier|d) is the probability estimate made by device A about being behind the barrier from device B.

[0074]

[0086] An exemplary algorithm for maintaining an a priori probability data structure to determine the probability of a barrier existing might involve maintaining an a priori probability (AprioriProbOfBarrier) data structure (i.e., 168 entries) indexed by the number of hours elapsed since Sunday 12:00 a.m. The data structure is initialized to the variable Pbarrier_init for all entries. After distance measurement (e.g., RTT) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements performed by any other nearby device, the device may estimate d and update the data structure entry (corresponding to the current time) as follows:

[0075]

number

[0076] Here, α is a parameter that controls the learning speed. △ represents the metric for the difference between the distance based on signal intensity values ​​and the distance based on round-trip time values. With such a database maintained, P(Barrier) = AprioriProbOfBarrier(DBIndex(current time)).

[0077]

[0087] With such a data structure maintained, the probability function can be determined as follows:

[0078]

number

[0079]

[0088] Referring to Figure 13, an exemplary data structure 1300 containing a barrier probability function is shown. The data structure 1300 may persist on the crowdsourcing server 1210, on another networked server 400 such as the LMF 120, or on the UE 200. The data structure 1300 may reside on a memory device 1302 such as a solid-state drive or mechanical hard drive and may contain multiple data records stored in a relational database application (e.g., Amazon Aurora, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, DB2, etc.) or in one or more flat files (e.g., JSON, XML, CSV, etc.). The table structure and fields in the data structure 1300 are examples, not limiting, and other data fields, tables, stored procedures, and index schemas may be used to construct the data structure 1300. For example, a measurement table 1304 may be configured to capture elements related to barrier detection events between two devices. The UEID field and Target UEID field may be used to uniquely identify adjacent devices. The ID field is optional and may be modified (e.g., encrypted) or removed to maintain user privacy. The Date / Time field and Coarse Location field may be used to provide additional context to barrier detection events. For example, the Coarse Location field may be used as an index to obtain a probability function (also called the Model). Distance and Signal Strength Estimates show time-of-flight distance (e.g., RTT) and signal strength (e.g., RSSI) measurements obtained by the device. The P(d)used and P(Barrier)used fields may show probabilities used to calculate the priori and barrier probabilities (i.e., P(Barrier|d) for each differential metric) in equation (4). For example, the P(d)used and P(Barrier)used values ​​may be obtained from Model Table 1306 based at least in part on the environment tag / coarse location.The Duration field may indicate the degree of exposure to or contact with an infected person. One or more security / privacy fields, such as Trusted Location, Trusted Time, Device Attestation Token, and Device ID (privacy protection), may be included in Measurement Table 1304. Model Table 1306 may include model records calculated locally by the device and / or received from the crowdsourcing server 1210. In one example, Model Table 1306 may include a Model ID field to identify records based on model groups. Coarse Location and Date / Time fields may be used to constrain a list of potential models based on the respective location and time of the actual measurement. The P(d) and P(Barrier) fields may indicate the probability that the device could be used to calculate the prior probability of each difference metric and the barrier probability for each equation 3. Coarse Location may be an environmental tag and may include additional fields to define locations such as city, premises, building, floor, or other zones where a probabilistic model may be used. In one example, coarse location information may be associated with map data, such as building layouts, and used to identify specific areas (e.g., intersections, corridors, etc.). In one embodiment, the BarrierType field may indicate the composition of the barrier (e.g., concrete, glass, drywall, etc.) based on a crowdsourced dataset. For example, machine learning or a neural network may be used to estimate the barrier composition based on measured signal data. A duration field may be included to capture the degree of exposure to or contact with an infected person. Other fields may also be used. For example, transmitter power and receiver sensitivity related to the device and measurement may be included to correct the observed signal intensity. Since some devices may have the ability to acquire measurements using different frequencies, measured frequency values ​​may also be captured, and barriers may attenuate each frequency differently.Other security fields that improve the assurance of measurements may be included, such as Trusted Location, Trusted Time, Device Attestation Token, and Device ID derived from Hardware Root-of-Trust. Furthermore, other privacy protection attributes may be added, such as Device ID encrypted with a derived privacy protection key stored in the hardware e-fuse.

[0080]

[0089] Referring to Figure 14, and further to Figure 2, a diagram of an exemplary framework 1400 for user equipment for contact tracking is shown. Framework 1400 is an example of a framework utilized by UE200. In one example, framework 1400 includes hardware modules such as a GNSS module 1402, a modem module 1404, a WiFi transceiver 1406, a sensor module 1408, and a BLUETOOTH® (BT) transceiver 1410. The GNSS module 1402 may include an SPS receiver 217, the modem module 1404 may include a modem processor 232, the WiFi transceiver 1406 may include a wireless transceiver 240, the sensor module 1408 may include a sensor processor 234, and the BT transceiver 1410 may include a wireless transceiver 240. The driver layer 1412 may include instructions to configure the WiFi transceiver 1406 and / or BT transceiver to perform ranging and signal strength measurements. In one example, the UE200 may include multiple transmit and receive antenna pairs, and the WiFi transceiver may be configured to determine channel status information (CSI) for various antenna pairs. In one embodiment, the WiFi Fusion firmware module 1414 may include hardware and software components to acquire RF signal measurements and reduce the demand on the application processor (e.g., application processor 230). The WiFi Fusion firmware may interface with a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) 1416. A high-level operating system (HLOS) 1420 may provide an embedded OS to give higher levels of services such as multimedia playback, a graphical user interface (GUI) framework including support for an integrated touchscreen, and other features required for mobile device applications. Framework 1400 is an example, not an limitation, and other hardware, drivers, and firmware may be used.For example, additional firmware modules may include a database application module, a multimode RF fusion module, a geofencing module, and a history / batch processing module. The UE200 may include one or more secure processors, a Trusted Execution Environment, and a framework 1400 that can utilize corresponding trusted applications and trust zones for the secure processing and exchange of contact tracing information. For example, the secure processor may be an ARM Cortex-based processor and may include ARM TrustZone to enable embedded security options. The UE200 may also include a hypervisor running on a processor that supports multiple trusted virtual machines performing sensing operations protected from malware that may run on high-level operating systems.

[0081]

[0090] Referring to Figure 15A, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 1500 for detecting a barrier using a device includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 1500 is an example and not limiting. Method 1500 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0082]

[0091] In step 1502, the method includes determining a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technique by the first device. UE200 is a means for determining the first distance. The first and second devices may include a combination of mobile and fixed devices. For example, both devices may be mobile devices, such as those shown in Figure 6, or one of the devices may be a fixed device, such as an access point, point of sale (POS) terminal, or ATM. In one embodiment, the first positioning technique may be a time-based distance measurement, such as RTT measurement, or other time-of-flight positioning techniques, such as TDOA and TOA / TOD. In one example, RTT measurement may be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals, such as sidelink SRS in a 5G NR-enabled UE, may be used. In one embodiment, other positioning techniques, such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging, may be used. For example, an ultrasonic sensor on a mobile device may be configured to generate an ultrasonic signal and determine the distance to a barrier based on the time required to detect the reflected signal. RF sensing can also be used to determine the distance to a barrier. For example, an RF transmitter may be configured to transmit an RF signal and detect the RF signal reflected from a nearby object. The distance to the barrier is based on the time required between transmitting the RF signal and detecting the reflection (e.g., radar). The first positioning technique may include utilizing two or more channels (i.e., multiple frequencies). Method 1500 may be initiated when the device is within a predefined contact distance, such as contact distance 606.

[0083]

[0092] In step 1504, the method includes the first device determining a second distance between the first and second devices using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. UE200 is a means for determining the second distance. In one example, the second positioning technique may be a signal strength measurement, such as an RSSI measurement based on an RTT signal received from the second device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, the second positioning technique may utilize multiple frequencies. The first and second positioning techniques may utilize existing wireless technologies such as WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5).

[0084]

[0093] In step 1506, the method includes detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. UE200 is a means for detecting the barrier. In one example, UE200 may include a local data structure containing prior probability values ​​related to distance and signal intensity measurements. For example, the local data structure may include one or more tables, records, and fields in data structure 1300. UE200 may determine probability values ​​based on measurements and the data structure to detect a barrier. For example, a barrier may be detected if the probability value exceeds an established threshold. In one embodiment, UE200 may utilize one or more of the current time, current date, and current coarse location to query the data structure and obtain probability values. The coarse location may correspond to an environmental tag related to the location, such as a premises, building, floor, or other geographic area. In one embodiment, data structure 1300 may persist to the first device and be provided to the second device via a side link. In contact tracing applications, indicators of barriers and / or probability values ​​may be given to characterize contact events. For example, the distance between a first device and a second device and / or between identification values ​​associated with the first device and the second device may be given to the contact tracing application.

[0085]

[0094] Referring to Figure 15B and further to Figures 1-14, another method 1550 for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device includes the illustrated steps. However, method 1550 is an example and not limiting. Method 1550 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0086]

[0095] In step 1552, the method includes determining a first distance measurement with respect to a second device using a first positioning technique by a first device. UE200 is the means for determining the first distance. The first and second devices may include a combination of a mobile device and a fixed device. For example, both devices may be devices such as those shown in Figure 6, or one of the devices may be a fixed device such as an access point, point of sale (POS) terminal, or ATM. The first positioning technique may be one of RTT measurement, RSSI measurement, mmW measurement, and ultrasonic ranging. For example, referring to Figure 6, the first positioning technique may be a time-based distance measurement such as RTT measurement, or other time-of-flight positioning techniques such as TDOA and TOA / TOD. In one example, RTT measurement may be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals such as sidelink SRS in a 5G NR-enabled UE may be used for distance measurement. In one embodiment, other positioning techniques such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging may be used to obtain distance measurements. The first positioning technique may include utilizing two or more channels (i.e., multiple frequencies). Method 1500 may be initiated when the device is within a predefined contact distance, such as contact distance 606.

[0087]

[0096] In step 1554, the method includes the first device determining a second distance measurement with respect to the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. UE200 is a means for determining the second distance measurement. The second positioning technique may be one of RTT measurement, RSSI measurement, mmW measurement, and ultrasonic ranging. Referring to Figure 7, for example, the second positioning technique may be a distance measurement based on signal strength measurement such as RSSI. In one embodiment, the second positioning technique may utilize multiple frequencies to acquire the distance measurement. The first and second positioning techniques may utilize existing wireless technologies such as WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5). In one embodiment, the first and second positioning techniques may be based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated according to the WiFi communication protocol or the Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0088]

[0097] In step 1556, the method includes detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. UE200 is a means for detecting the barrier. In one example, UE200 may include a local data structure containing prior probability values ​​associated with the first and second distance measurements. For example, the local data structure may include one or more tables, records, and fields in data structure 1300. UE200 may determine probability values ​​based on the distance measurements and the data structure to detect a barrier, the probability values ​​indicating the probability that the first device and the second device have a barrier between them. For example, a barrier may be detected if the probability value exceeds an established threshold. In one embodiment, UE200 may utilize one or more of the current time, current date, and current coarse location to query the data structure and obtain probability values. The coarse location may correspond to an environmental tag associated with a location, such as a premises, building, floor, or other geographic area. In one embodiment, the data structure 1300 may persist for a first device and be provided to a second device via a side link. In a contact tracing application, indicators of barriers and / or probability values ​​may be provided to characterize a contact event. In one example, the distance between the first device and the second device and / or between identification values ​​associated with the first device and the second device may be provided to the contact tracing application.

[0089]

[0098] Referring to Figure 16, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 1600 for detecting barriers using network-assisted data includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 1600 is an example and not limiting. Method 1600 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0090]

[0099] In step 1602, the method includes obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure. UE200 is a means for obtaining the first distance measurement. Distance estimates can be obtained based on RTT measurements or other time-of-flight positioning techniques such as TDOA and TOA / TOD. In one example, the RTT measurement can be based on FTM exchange with the device. Other reference signals, such as sidelink SRS in a 5G NR-enabled UE, may be used. In one example, distance estimates can be obtained for two or more channels (i.e., multiple frequencies).

[0091]

[0100] In step 1604, the method includes obtaining a second distance measurement based on a signal strength measurement. UE200 is a means for obtaining the second distance measurement. In one example, the received signal strength measurement may be an RSSI measurement based on an RTT signal received from a device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, the RSSI measurement may be obtained for multiple frequencies. The distance estimate and signal strength measurement may utilize existing wireless technologies such as WiFi, WiFi-D, BT, Zigbee, 5G NR, sidelink protocols, and other D2D interfaces (e.g., PC5).

[0092]

[0101] In step 1606, the method includes providing a server with instructions for a first distance measurement and instructions for a second distance measurement. UE200 is a means for providing the server with the first and second instructions for the measurements. UE200 may utilize a communication system 100 to provide instructions for measurements to a server such as LMF120 or an external client 150. In one example, one or both of the instructions may be distance values ​​(e.g., distance) calculated by a mobile device and provided to the server. In one example, one or both of the instructions may be measurements (e.g., time-of-flight information, signal strength information), and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the measurements. In one example, a crowdsourcing server 1210 may receive the measurements and determine a barrier probability value. The server may utilize a data structure 1300 to calculate the barrier probability based on the received distance measurements and the received signal strength measurements. In one example, the server may query the data structure 1300 and utilize one or more of the current time, current date, and current rough location (e.g., environment tag) of the requesting device to obtain a probability value. In one embodiment, the data structure 1300 may be associated with a single channel or may include records based on multiple channels.

[0093]

[0102] In step 1608, the method includes receiving a proximity barrier instruction from a server. The UE200 is a means for receiving proximity barrier instructions. For example, the UE200 may receive instructions via LPP / NPP messaging. Other messaging protocols, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), may also be used. For example, in a V2X application, the UE200 may receive instructions via the Uu or PC5 interface. During operation, the received proximity barrier instruction may be associated with a contact tracing event record and provided to a contact tracing application. In one embodiment, the proximity barrier instruction and contact tracing index field may be provided directly to a contact tracing server, which may be configured to correlate contact events with barrier information.

[0094]

[0103] Referring to Figure 17, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 1700 for providing barrier detection information to a device includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 1700 is an example and not limiting. Method 1700 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0095]

[0104] In step 1702, the method includes receiving from the device an indication of a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. Server 400 is a means for receiving the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement. The device may be using a contact tracing application and may have potential contact events to evaluate. In one example, the first positioning technique may be based on an RTT procedure or other time-of-flight positioning techniques such as TDOA and TOA / TOD between the device and another UE, such as another device or a fixed device. The indication of the first distance measurement may be a distance value calculated by the device (e.g., distance), or the indication may be time-of-flight information, and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the time-of-flight information. The second positioning technique may be an RSSI measurement based on an RTT signal received by the device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain RSSI. The indication for the second distance measurement may be a distance value calculated by the device (e.g., distance), or the indication may be a signal intensity measurement (e.g., dB value), and the server may be configured to determine the distance value based on the signal intensity measurement. In one embodiment, multiple distance estimates and signal intensity values ​​may be received, and thus the distance estimates and / or signal intensity values ​​are acquired by the device for multiple frequencies. Other ranging techniques, such as millimeter-wave ranging and ultrasonic ranging, may also be used as the first and / or second positioning techniques.

[0096]

[0105] In step 1704, the method includes determining a nearby barrier near a device based at least in part on the indication of a first distance measurement and the indication of a second distance measurement. Server 400 is a means for determining the nearby barrier. Server 400 may include a data structure such as data structure 1300 which includes prior probability values ​​associated with the first and second distance measurements. For example, the data structure may include an RTT distance estimate and an RSSI signal intensity value. Server 400 may determine a probability value based on the first and second distance estimates and the probability value in data structure 1300 to detect a nearby barrier. For example, a nearby barrier may be detected if the probability value exceeds an established threshold. In one embodiment, Server 400 may utilize one or more of the current time, current date, and current coarse location of the requesting device to query the data structure and obtain the probability value. In one example, the coarse location may correspond to an environmental tag associated with a previously defined location such as a premises, building, floor, or other geographic area.

[0097]

[0106] In step 1706, the method includes providing an indication of a barrier in close proximity to a device. Server 400 is a means for providing the indication to the device. For example, the indication may be contained in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, and the device may be configured to interpret the indication as the presence of a nearby barrier. Other signaling, such as LPP / NPP, may also be used to provide the indication. Method 1700 can provide remote barrier detection capability to devices with limited capabilities. For example, an NR-optical UE may have reduced memory and processing capabilities and therefore may rely on network resources to perform the data management and processing described herein. Server 400 may be configured to provide contact tracing application information related to a contact event. For example, identification information related to the device, distance information, and barrier information may be provided to the contact tracing application.

[0098]

[0107] Referring to Figure 18, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 1800 for detecting barriers based on probability thresholds includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 1800 is an example and not limiting. Method 1800 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps. For example, steps 1812 and 1814 are shown by dashed lines and are optional.

[0099]

[0108] In step 1802, the method includes determining distance estimates and signal strength values ​​based on one or more signals sent to or received from the device. UE200 and server 400 are exemplary means for determining distance estimates and signal strength values. Method 1800 may be performed locally by UE200 or by network resources such as LMF120, crowdsourcing server 1210, or another server 400. In one example, the distance estimate may be based on an RTT measurement or other time-of-flight positioning technique between the device and another UE. The signal strength measurement may be an RSSI measurement based on an RTT signal received by the device. Other RF signals may also be used to obtain the RSSI. In one embodiment, one or more signals may include multiple distance estimates and signal strength values ​​obtained by the device for multiple frequencies.

[0100]

[0109] In step 1804, the method includes determining the barrier probability based on distance estimates and signal intensity values. UE200 and server 400 are exemplary means for determining the barrier probability. UE200 or server 400 may include a data structure such as data structure 1300 containing prior probability values ​​related to distance measurements and signal intensity values. UE200 or server 400 may determine probability values ​​based on distance estimates, signal intensity values ​​and probability values ​​in the data structure to detect nearby barriers. In one example, date / time and / or location information (e.g., environmental tags) may be used to determine the barrier probability (e.g., based on records in data structure 1300).

[0101]

[0110] In step 1806, the method includes determining whether the barrier probability is lower than a threshold. UE200 and server400 are exemplary means for determining whether the barrier probability is lower than a threshold. In one example, the threshold may be an established value for a network or contact tracing application (e.g., 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, etc.). However, the threshold may vary based on application requirements or other operational constraints. In one example, different frequency layers may have different thresholds. The infectivity and transmissibility of a disease may affect the threshold (i.e., a highly transmissible disease may utilize a higher threshold for barrier detection). Other application-specific considerations may also be used to determine the threshold. If the barrier probability determined in step 1804 is lower than the threshold, the barrier is not detected in step 1808, and method 1800 may be repeated back to step 1802. If the barrier probability determined in step 1804 is greater than or equal to the threshold, the barrier is detected in step 1810, and method 1800 can be repeated back to step 1802.

[0102]

[0111] In step 1812, the method optionally includes classifying barriers based at least in part on the difference between the signal intensity value and the expected signal intensity. UE200 and server400 are exemplary means for classifying barriers. Barrier classification is obtained based on the physical composition of the barrier, which may relate to the amount by which the RF signal is attenuated. In one embodiment, the expected signal intensity is obtained based on a propagation model, and the difference between the signal intensity value and the expected signal intensity may indicate the material composition of the barrier. Attenuation at different frequencies may also be used to classify barriers. In one example, data structure 1300 may include a classification field related to prior measurements. The classification field may be updated based on machine learning or other analysis (e.g., neural network training) of distance, signal intensity, and other predictor variables such as location, date and time.

[0103]

[0112] In step 1814, the method optionally includes determining the relevance of contact tracing based at least in part on barrier classification. UE200 and server400 are exemplary means for determining the relevance of contact tracing. The relevance of contact tracing may be established based on properties associated with the infectious disease. For example, a contact event for a highly contagious disease may be traced for some less severe barrier classifications (e.g., light doors, windows) and not for more robust barriers (e.g., high-density barriers such as concrete walls). Other relevance determinations may be based on the potential interaction between the nature of the pathogen and barriers of different classifications.

[0104]

[0113] Referring to Figure 19, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 1900 for initializing a barrier detection probability function for a device includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 1900 is an example and not limiting. Method 1900 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or splitting a single step into multiple steps.

[0105]

[0114] In step 1902, the method includes obtaining a global barrier probability function from a server if available and initializing a local barrier probability function based on the global barrier probability function. UE200 is a means for obtaining the global barrier probability function. In one embodiment, UE200 may query a server 400, such as a crowdsourcing server 1210, to determine if global learning models for P(Barrier) and P(d) are available. The models may be stored in a data structure 1300. UE200 may download and initialize a device local model based on the global model received from the server. In one example, the global barrier probability function may be associated with a coarse location such as a city, a premises, a building, a floor, or other zones that are defined and can be associated with records in the data structure.

[0106]

[0115] In step 1904, the method includes initializing the local barrier probability function to a default value if the global barrier probability function is not available. UE200 is a means for initializing the local barrier probability model. For example, if the global model is not available in step 1902, UE200 may be configured to initialize local P(Barrier)=0.001 and a uniform distribution over all possible values ​​of P(d)=d.

[0107]

[0116] Referring to Figure 20, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 2000 for calculating the probability of a barrier between two devices includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 2000 is an example and not limiting. Method 2000 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0108]

[0117] In stage 2002, the method starts when it is detected that device A is in proximity to device B. UE200 is an example of device A or device B. Referring to FIG. 7, the first mobile device 602 is an example of device A, and the second mobile device 604 is an example of device B. The mobile devices are within an established contact distance 606 which is an example of being in each other's vicinity.

[0109]

[0118] In stage 2004, the method includes calculating d by measuring △(RangeEst rssi ,RangeEst t_flight ). UE200 is a means for calculating d. In one example, the first mobile device 602 may perform an RTT procedure with the second mobile device 604 to determine the RangeEst t_flight value. Other time-of-flight type techniques such as TDOA, TOA / TOD, etc. may also be used. The first mobile device 602 may also determine an RSSI measurement value for the RF signal 710 to determine the RangeEst rssi value. UE200 may be configured to update the device local model for P(Barrier) and P(d) values in stage 2010.

[0110]

[0119] In stage 2006, the method includes calculating P A->B (Barrier|d) using P(d) and P(Barrier) from the device local model for P(Barrier) and P(d). UE200 is a means for calculating P A->B (Barrier|d). In one example, the P A->B (Barrier|d) value may be calculated based on Equation 3.

[0111]

[0120] In stage 2008, the method is P(Barrier|d)=MAX(P A->B (Barrier|d),P B->AThis involves calculating the probability of a barrier between device A and device B as (Barrier|d). UE200 is a means for calculating the probability of the barrier. In one example, both the first mobile device 602 and the second mobile device 604 may be configured to calculate the probability of the barrier and give each other their respective probability results. The two mobile devices 602 and 604 may have asymmetric values ​​of P(Barrier|d) due to their self-learned models, so even if both devices estimate the same value of d, the two mobile devices 602 and 604 may estimate different values ​​of P(Barrier|d). Asymmetry is MAX(P A->B (Barrier|d),P B->A This can be solved by calculating (Barrier|d)).

[0112]

[0121] Referring to Figure 21A, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 2100 for periodically uploading a barrier detection model to a crowdsourcing server includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 2100 is an example and not limiting. Method 2100 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or splitting a single step into multiple steps.

[0113]

[0122] In step 2102, the method includes determining whether the number of updates since the last occurrence is greater than a threshold number. UE200 is a means for determining the number of updates. The threshold may be established for a network or a subset of a network. For example, the threshold may be based on frequency layer, coarse location, number of users, or other technical criteria. Operating requirements such as disease transmissibility and corresponding contact tracing requirements may determine the threshold. The threshold may be based on updates such as 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100. Other values ​​may also be used.

[0114]

[0123] In step 2104, the method includes sending local copies of P(Barrier) and P(d) to the server. UE200 is the means for sending the local copies. The server may be another network server 400, such as LMF120 or crowdsourcing server 1210. UE200 may utilize the communication system 100 to provide the server with the P(Barrier) and P(d) values. In one example, UE200 may utilize RRC, LPP, or other interfaces to update the server. Other signaling protocols such as WiFi and BT may also be used to send updates.

[0115]

[0124] Referring to Figure 21B, and further to Figures 1-14, Method 2150 for providing a barrier detection model to a device includes the illustrated steps. However, Method 2150 is an example and not limiting. Method 2150 can be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps.

[0116]

[0125] In step 2152, the method includes accumulating or aggregating P(Barrier) and P(d) from devices in a network to create a processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model. Server 400 is a means for accumulating P(Barrier) and P(d) from devices in a network to create a processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model. Crowdsourcing server 1210 may receive local copies of P(Barrier) and P(d) sent in step 2104 in method 2100 and average the results received from multiple devices. For example, the processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) model may be obtained by various statistical and logical operations and may be quantized based on other factors such as coarse location and date / time information. Other behavioral and technical factors may also be used to determine the processed values.

[0117]

[0126] In step 2154, the method includes sending the processed global P(Barrier) and P(d) models to one or more devices. Server 400 is a means for sending the processed models. In one example, a crowdsourcing server 1210 may utilize a communication system 100 to send the global model. The global model may be sent in response to a request from a UE (e.g., in a pull implementation) and / or periodically (e.g., in a push implementation). The model may be provided to the UE in a signaling mechanism as one or more System Information Blocks (SIBs), RRC messages, LPPs, or the other. In one embodiment, a UE may utilize a sidelink protocol to propagate the global model to a nearby UE. Other data distribution techniques may also be used to provide the global P(Barrier) and P(d) models to UEs in the network.

[0118]

[0127] Other examples and implementations fall within the scope of this disclosure and the accompanying claims. For example, depending on the nature of the software and the computer, the functions described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof, executed by a processor. The features implementing the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations. For example, one or more functions or one or more parts thereof described above as being performed in the LMF120 may be performed outside the LMF120 by a TRP300 or the like.

[0119]

[0128] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural form unless the context otherwise clearly indicates. For example, “processor” may include one processor or more processors. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0120]

[0129] Furthermore, as used herein, "or" in an enumeration of items followed by "at least one of" or "one or more of" indicates a disjunctive enumeration, such as the enumeration "at least one of A, B, or C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" meaning A or B or C, or AB, or AC, or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination having more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.).

[0121]

[0130] Significant modifications may be made depending on the specific requirements. For example, customized hardware may be used, and / or certain elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets) executed by the processor, or both. Furthermore, connectivity to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, may be employed.

[0122]

[0131] The systems and devices described above are examples. Various configurations may be made by omitting, substituting, or adding various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, features described in relation to some configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of configurations may be combined in similar ways. Also, as technology evolves, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or claims.

[0123]

[0132] A wireless communication system is one in which communications are carried wirelessly by electromagnetic and / or acoustic waves that propagate through the atmosphere rather than through wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication network may not have all communications transmitted wirelessly, but it is configured to have at least some communications transmitted wirelessly. Furthermore, the term “wireless communication device” or similar terms does not require that the device’s function be dedicated to communication, or even that it be primary, or that the device be a mobile device, but that the device includes wireless communication functionality (one-way or two-way), for example, that it includes at least one radio for wireless communication (each radio being a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver).

[0124]

[0133] Specific details are provided in the description to give a complete understanding of exemplary configurations (including implementation forms). However, configurations may be implemented without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides exemplary configurations and does not limit the claims, applicability, or configurations. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations provides instructions for implementing the described techniques. Various modifications may be made to the function and configuration of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0125]

[0134] As used herein, the terms “processor-readable medium,” “machine-readable medium,” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing data that enables a machine to operate in a particular manner. Using a computing platform, various processor-readable media may be involved in providing instructions / code to the processor for execution, and / or may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., signals). In many implementations, processor-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including, but are not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical disks and / or magnetic disks. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory.

[0126]

[0135] The statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than or above) a first threshold is equivalent to the statement that a value satisfies or exceeds a second threshold that is slightly greater than the first threshold, for example, the second threshold being a single value higher than the first threshold in the resolution of the computing system. The statement that a value is less than (or is within or below) a first threshold is equivalent to the statement that a value is less than or equal to a second threshold that is slightly less than the first threshold, for example, the second threshold being a single value lower than the first threshold in the resolution of the computing system.

[0127]

[0136] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered sections.

[0128]

[0137] 1. A method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device,

[0138] The first device determines a first distance measurement related to the second device using a first positioning technique,

[0139] The first device determines a second distance measurement for the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0140] Detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. A method that includes [a certain feature].

[0129]

[0141] 2. The first positioning technique is the method described in Clause 1, based on round-trip time measurements between the first device and the second device.

[0130]

[0142] 3. The round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device, as described in Clause 2.

[0131]

[0143] 4. The second positioning technique is the method described in Clause 1, based on the received signal strength indication measurement.

[0132]

[0144] 5. The first positioning technique is the method according to Clause 1, based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the first device.

[0133]

[0145] 6. The first positioning technique is the method according to Clause 1, based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device.

[0134]

[0146] 7. The method according to Clause 1, further comprising determining that the first device is within a predetermined contact distance of the second device.

[0135]

[0147] 8. The method of Clause 1, further comprising providing instructions for a barrier to a contact tracing application.

[0136]

[0148] 9. The method of Clause 8, further comprising providing a distance between a first device and a second device to the contact tracing application.

[0137]

[0149] 10. The method of Clause 8, further comprising providing a contact tracing application with a first identification value associated with a first device and a second identification value associated with a second device.

[0138]

[0150] 11. The method according to Clause 1, further comprising receiving a probabilistic model from a server.

[0139]

[0151] 12. The method according to Clause 1, wherein detecting a barrier comprises providing the server with a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement.

[0140]

[0152] 13. The method according to clause 12, wherein detecting a barrier comprises receiving instructions from a server for a barrier between a first device and a second device.

[0141]

[0153] 14. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the server is a crowdsourcing server configured to receive distance measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network.

[0142]

[0154] 15. The method described in Clause 1, wherein the detection of the barrier is performed by the first device.

[0143]

[0155] 16. The method according to Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with the WiFi communication protocol or the Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0144]

[0156] 17. The method according to Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with the new radio sidelink protocol.

[0145]

[0157] 18. The method according to Clause 1, further comprising determining the rough location of a first device, wherein detecting a barrier is at least partially based on the rough location.

[0146]

[0158] 19. A rough location is associated with an environmental tag, as described in Clause 18.

[0147]

[0159] 20. The method according to Clause 1, further comprising determining date and time information, wherein detecting a barrier is at least partially based on the date and time information.

[0148]

[0160] 21. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the first device is a mobile or fixed device, and the second device is a mobile or fixed device.

[0149]

[0161] 22. A barrier is an architectural feature designed to separate space, as described in Clause 1.

[0150]

[0162] 23. A barrier is a safety device designed to isolate people and reduce the free transmission of airborne diseases, as described in Clause 1.

[0151]

[0163] 24. The method according to Clause 1, wherein a barrier is a group of objects such that the density of the group of objects hinders the spread of airborne diseases.

[0152]

[0164] 25. A method for providing a device with barrier detection information,

[0165] The device receives instructions for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and instructions for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique.

[0166] Determining the proximity of a barrier based at least partially on the indications of the first distance measurement and the indications of the second distance measurement,

[0167] To give instructions for barriers adjacent to the device and A method that includes [a certain feature].

[0153]

[0168] 26. The method according to Clause 25, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements.

[0154]

[0169] 27. The first positioning technique is the method according to Clause 25, based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from a device.

[0155]

[0170] 28. The first positioning technique is the method according to Clause 25, based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from a device.

[0156]

[0171] 29. The method of Clause 25, wherein determining an adjacent barrier involves querying a data structure based on the indication of a first distance measurement and the indication of a second distance measurement.

[0157]

[0172] 30. The method of Clause 25, further comprising determining the rough location of the device, wherein determining nearby barriers is at least partially based on the rough location of the device.

[0158]

[0173] 31. A rough location is associated with an environmental tag, as described in Clause 30.

[0159]

[0174] 32. The method of Clause 25, further comprising determining date and time information and determining nearby barriers, based at least in part on date and time information.

[0160]

[0175] 33. The method of Clause 25, further comprising providing instructions for proximity barriers to a contact tracing application.

[0161]

[0176] 34. The method according to clause 33, further comprising providing a contact tracing application with at least one of a first distance measurement instruction and a second distance measurement instruction.

[0162]

[0177] 35. The method of Clause 33, further comprising providing a device-related identifier to a contact tracing application.

[0163]

[0178] 36. The method of Clause 33, further comprising providing barrier classification information to a contact tracing application.

[0164]

[0179] 37. The indication of the first distance measurement is as described in Clause 25, including the distance value.

[0165]

[0180] 38. The indication of the first distance measurement, including the time of flight value, is as described in Clause 25.

[0166]

[0181] 39. The indication for the second distance measurement is as described in Clause 25, including the distance value.

[0167]

[0182] 40. The indication of the second distance measurement is as described in Clause 25, including the signal intensity value.

[0168]

[0183] 41. A device,

[0184] Memory and

[0185] At least one transceiver,

[0186] A memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one transceiver and It is equipped with at least one processor,

[0187] Determining a first distance measurement value for the user device using a first positioning technique,

[0188] Determining a second distance measurement for the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0189] Detecting a barrier between the device and user equipment based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. A device configured to perform the following actions.

[0169]

[0190] 42. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements between the apparatus and the user equipment, and at least one processor is further configured to determine the round-trip time measurements between the apparatus and the user equipment.

[0170]

[0191] 43. Round-trip time measurements are based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the device and the user's equipment, as described in Clause 42.

[0171]

[0192] 44. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein the second positioning technique is further configured such that at least one processor determines the received signal strength indicator measurement based on the received signal strength indicator measurement.

[0172]

[0193] 45. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus, and at least one processor is further configured to determine a first distance measurement based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0173]

[0194] 46. ​​The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus, and at least one processor is further configured to determine a first distance measurement based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus.

[0174]

[0195] 47. The apparatus described in Clause 41, further configured to have at least one processor that determines that the apparatus is within a predefined contact distance of user equipment.

[0175]

[0196] 48. The apparatus described in Clause 41, further configured to provide barrier instructions to a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured to provide barrier instructions to the contact tracing application.

[0176]

[0197] 49. The apparatus described in Clause 48, further configured to provide a distance between the apparatus and user equipment for a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured.

[0177]

[0198] 50. The apparatus according to Clause 48, further configured to provide a contact tracing application with a first identification value associated with the apparatus and a second identification value associated with the user's equipment, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide a contact tracing application with a first identification value associated with the apparatus and a second identification value associated with the user's equipment.

[0178]

[0199] 51. The apparatus described in Clause 41, further configured to have at least one processor that receives a probabilistic model from a server.

[0179]

[0200] 52. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein at least one processor is configured to provide a server with a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement, and to receive instructions from the server regarding a barrier between the apparatus and user equipment.

[0180]

[0201] 53. The apparatus according to Clause 41, further configured to provide a crowdsourcing server with a first distance measurement, a second distance measurement, barrier detection information, and location information, wherein at least one processor is further configured to provide the crowdsourcing server with a first distance measurement, a second distance measurement, barrier detection information, and location information.

[0181]

[0202] 54. The device according to Clause 41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with the WiFi communication protocol or the Bluetooth communication protocol.

[0182]

[0203] 55. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with the new radio sidelink protocol.

[0183]

[0204] 56. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine coarse locations and to detect barriers based at least partially on coarse locations.

[0184]

[0205] 57. A rough location is associated with an environmental tag, as described in Clause 56.

[0185]

[0206] 58. The apparatus according to Clause 41, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine date and time information and to detect barriers based at least in part on the date and time information.

[0186]

[0207] 59. The device is mobile or stationary, and the user equipment is mobile or stationary, as described in Clause 41.

[0187]

[0208] 60. A device,

[0209] Memory and

[0210] At least one transceiver,

[0211] A memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one transceiver and It is equipped with at least one processor,

[0212] Receiving an indication of a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0213] Determining the proximity of a barrier based at least partially on the indications of the first distance measurement and the indications of the second distance measurement,

[0214] To give instructions for barriers adjacent to the device and A device configured to perform the following actions.

[0188]

[0215] 61. The apparatus described in Clause 60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on round-trip time measurements, and the second positioning technique is based on received signal strength indication measurements.

[0189]

[0216] 62. The first positioning technique is the apparatus described in Clause 60, based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device.

[0190]

[0217] 63. The first positioning technique is the apparatus described in Clause 60, based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device.

[0191]

[0218] 64. The apparatus according to Clause 60, further configured to query a data structure based on an indication of a first distance measurement and an indication of a second distance measurement.

[0192]

[0219] 65. The apparatus according to Clause 60, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine the rough location of a device and to determine adjacent barriers based at least in part on the rough location of the device.

[0193]

[0220] 66. A rough location is associated with an environmental tag, as described in Clause 65.

[0194]

[0221] 67. The apparatus according to Clause 60, wherein at least one processor is further configured to determine date and time information and to determine adjacent barriers based at least in part on the date and time information.

[0195]

[0222] 68. The apparatus described in Clause 60, further configured to provide instructions for proximity barriers to a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured to provide instructions for proximity barriers to a contact tracing application.

[0196]

[0223] 69. The apparatus according to Clause 68, further configured to provide a contact tracing application with at least one of a first distance measurement instruction and a second distance measurement instruction.

[0197]

[0224] 70. The apparatus described in Clause 68, further configured to provide a device-related identification value to a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured to provide an identification value related to the device.

[0198]

[0225] 71. The apparatus described in Clause 68, further configured to provide barrier classification information to a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured to provide barrier classification information to a contact tracing application.

[0199]

[0226] 72. The apparatus described in Clause 68, further configured to provide a duration for a contact event to a contact tracing application, wherein at least one processor is also configured to provide a duration for a contact event to the contact tracing application.

[0200]

[0227] 73. The first distance measurement indication is the apparatus described in Clause 60, including the distance value.

[0201]

[0228] 74. The first distance measurement indication, including the flight time value, is provided by the apparatus as described in Clause 60.

[0202]

[0229] 75. The second distance measurement indication is the apparatus described in Clause 60, including the distance value.

[0203]

[0230] 76. The second distance measurement indication, including the signal intensity value, is provided by the apparatus described in Clause 60.

[0204]

[0231] 77. A device,

[0232] Memory and

[0233] At least one transceiver,

[0234] A memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to at least one transceiver and It is equipped with at least one processor,

[0235] Determining a first distance between the device and the user's equipment using a first positioning technique,

[0236] The second distance between the device and the user's device is determined using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0237] Detecting a barrier between the device and user equipment based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. A device configured to perform the following actions.

[0205]

[0238] 78. A device for detecting barriers,

[0239] A means for determining a first distance measurement value for a user device using a first positioning technique,

[0240] A means for determining a second distance measurement value for a user device using a second positioning technique different from a first positioning technique,

[0241] Means for detecting a barrier based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. A device equipped with the following features.

[0206]

[0242] 79. A device for providing barrier detection information to a device,

[0243] Means for receiving an indication of a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0244] A means for determining an adjacent barrier based at least in part on the indication of a first distance measurement and the indication of a second distance measurement,

[0245] Means for providing instructions for a barrier adjacent to a device A device equipped with the following features.

[0207]

[0246] 80. A device for detecting barriers,

[0247] Means for determining a first distance between a device and a user device using a first positioning technique,

[0248] Means for determining a second distance between a device and a user device using a second positioning technique different from a first positioning technique,

[0249] Means for detecting a barrier between a device and user equipment based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. A device equipped with the following features.

[0208]

[0250] 81. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform barrier detection,

[0251] A code for determining a first distance measurement value for a user device using a first positioning technique,

[0252] A code for determining a second distance measurement for a user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0253] A code for detecting a barrier based on a first distance measurement and a second distance measurement. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

[0209]

[0254] 82. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a device with barrier detection information,

[0255] A code for receiving an instruction for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an instruction for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0256] A code for determining an adjacent barrier, based at least in part on the indication of a first distance measurement and the indication of a second distance measurement,

[0257] Code to give instructions for barriers in close proximity to the device and A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

[0210]

[0258] 83. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform barrier detection,

[0259] A code for determining a first distance between a first device and a second device using a first positioning technique, provided by a first device.

[0260] A code for determining a second distance between a first device and a second device using a second positioning technique different from a first positioning technique, provided by a first device.

[0261] Code for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

[0211]

[0262] 84. A method for detecting a barrier,

[0263] The first device determines a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technique,

[0264] The first device determines a second distance between the first device and the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique,

[0265] Detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device based on the difference between a first distance and a second distance. A method that includes [a certain feature].

[0212]

[0266] 85. A method for detecting barriers using network-assisted data,

[0267] Obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure,

[0268] Based on the signal intensity measurement, a second distance measurement is obtained,

[0269] The server is given instructions for a first distance measurement and instructions for a second distance measurement,

[0270] Receiving instructions from the server regarding nearby barriers and A method that includes [a certain feature].

[0213]

[0271] 86. The indication of the first distance measurement value is the method according to clause 85, including a distance value.

[0214]

[0272] 87. The indication of the first distance measurement value is the method according to clause 85, including a time-of-flight value.

[0215]

[0273] 88. The indication of the second distance measurement value is the method according to clause 85, including a distance value.

[0216]

[0274] 89. The indication of the second distance measurement value is the method according to clause 85, including a signal strength value.

[0217]

[0275] 90. An apparatus comprising:

[0276] a memory;

[0277] at least one transceiver;

[0278] at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:

[0279] acquire a first distance measurement value based on a round-trip time procedure;

[0280] acquire a second distance measurement value based on a signal strength measurement value;

[0281] provide an indication of the first distance measurement value and an indication of the second distance measurement value to a server;

[0282] receive an indication of a nearby barrier from the server; and an apparatus configured to perform the above.

[0218]

[0283] 91. The indication of the first distance measurement value is the apparatus according to clause 90, including a distance value.

[0219]

[0284] 92. The indication of the first distance measurement value is the apparatus according to clause 90, including a time-of-flight value.

[0220]

[0285] 93. An apparatus according to clause 90, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement value includes a distance value.

[0221]

[0286] 94. An apparatus according to clause 90, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement value includes a signal strength value.

[0222]

[0287] 95. An apparatus for detecting a barrier using network assistance data, comprising:

[0288] means for obtaining a first distance measurement value based on a round-trip time procedure;

[0289] means for obtaining a second distance measurement value based on a signal strength measurement value;

[0290] means for providing an indication of the first distance measurement value and an indication of the second distance measurement value to a server;

[0291] means for receiving an indication of a nearby barrier from the server. An apparatus.

[0223]

[0292] 96. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to detect a barrier using network assistance data, the instructions comprising:

[0293] code for obtaining a first distance measurement value based on a round-trip time procedure;

[0294] code for obtaining a second distance measurement value based on a signal strength measurement value;

[0295] code for providing an indication of the first distance measurement value and an indication of the second distance measurement value to a server;

[0296] code for receiving an indication of a nearby barrier from the server. A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [C1] A method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device, The first device determines a first distance measurement with respect to the second device using a first positioning technique, The first device determines a second distance measurement for the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Detecting the barrier between the first device and the second device based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [C2] The first positioning technique is the method according to C1, based on round-trip time measurements between the first device and the second device. [C3] The method of C2, wherein the round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the first device and the second device. [C4] The second positioning technique is the method described in C1, based on the received signal strength indication measurement value. [C5] The first positioning technique is the method according to C1, based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the first device. [C6] The first positioning technique is the method according to C1, based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device. [C7] The method of C1, further comprising determining that the first device is within a predetermined contact distance of the second device. [C8] The method of C1, further comprising providing instructions for the barrier to a contact tracing application. [C9] The method of C8, further comprising providing the contact tracing application with a distance between the first device and the second device. [C10] The method of C8, further comprising providing the contact tracing application with a first identification value associated with the first device and a second identification value associated with the second device. [C11] The method of C1, further comprising receiving a probabilistic model from a server. [C12] The method of C1, wherein detecting the barrier comprises providing the server with the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement. [C13] The method of C12, wherein detecting the barrier comprises receiving instructions from the server regarding the barrier between the first device and the second device. [C14] The method according to C12, wherein the server is a crowdsourcing server configured to receive distance measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network. [C15] The method according to C1, wherein detecting the barrier is performed by the first device. [C16] The method according to C1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with a WiFi communication protocol or a Bluetooth communication protocol. [C17] The method according to C1, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with a new radio sidelink protocol. [C18] Further comprising determining the rough location of the first device, The method of C1, wherein detecting the barrier is at least partially based on the rough location. [C19] The aforementioned coarse location is associated with an environment tag, as described in C18. [C20] The method according to C1, further comprising determining date and time information, wherein detecting the barrier is at least partially based on the date and time information. [C21] The method according to C1, wherein the first device is a mobile or stationary device, and the second device is a mobile or stationary device. [C22] The method according to C1, wherein the barrier is an architectural feature designed to separate space. [C23] The method according to C1, wherein the barrier is a safety device designed to isolate people and reduce the free transmission of airborne diseases. [C24] The method according to C1, wherein the barrier is a group of objects, and the density of the group of objects is such that it hinders the spread of airborne infectious diseases. [C25] A method for providing a device with barrier detection information, The device receives an instruction for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an instruction for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. Determining the proximity of a barrier based at least partially on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement, To provide the device with instructions regarding the adjacent barrier, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [C26] The method according to C25, wherein the first positioning technique is based on a round-trip time measurement, and the second positioning technique is based on a received signal strength indication measurement. [C27] The first positioning technique is the method according to C25, based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device. [C28] The first positioning technique is the method according to C25, based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device. [C29] The method of C25, wherein determining the adjacent barrier includes querying a data structure based on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement. [C30] The method further comprises determining the rough location of the aforementioned device, Determining the nearby barrier is at least partially based on the rough location of the device, according to the method of C25. [C31] The aforementioned coarse location is associated with an environmental tag, as described in C30. [C32] The method according to C25, further comprising determining date and time information and determining the adjacent barrier, based at least in part on the date and time information. [C33] The method of C25, further comprising providing the indication of the nearby barrier to a contact tracing application. [C34] The method according to C33, further comprising providing the contact tracing application with at least one of the indication for the first distance measurement and the indication for the second distance measurement. [C35] The method of C33, further comprising providing the contact tracing application with an identification value associated with the device. [C36] The method of C33, further comprising providing barrier classification information to the aforementioned contact tracing application. [C37] The method of C25, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a distance value. [C38] The indication of the first distance measurement is the method of C25, including the time of flight value. [C39] The method of C25, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a distance value. [C40] The indication of the second distance measurement is the method of C25, including a signal intensity value. [C41] It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is provided, Determining a first distance measurement value for the user device using a first positioning technique, Determining a second distance measurement value for the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, a barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected. A device configured to perform the following actions. [C42] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on a round-trip time measurement between the apparatus and the user device, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the round-trip time measurement between the apparatus and the user device. [C43] The apparatus according to C42, wherein the round-trip time measurement is based on the exchange of fine timing measurements between the apparatus and the user equipment. [C44] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the second positioning technique is further configured such that the at least one processor determines the received signal strength indicator measurement based on the received signal strength indicator measurement. [C45] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first distance measurement based on the one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the apparatus. [C46] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus, and the at least one processor is further configured to determine the first distance measurement based on the one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the apparatus. [C47] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine that the apparatus is within a predetermined contact distance of the user equipment. [C48] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide instructions for the barrier to a contact tracing application. [C49] The apparatus according to C48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with a distance between the apparatus and the user equipment. [C50] The apparatus according to C48, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracing application with a first identification value associated with the apparatus and a second identification value associated with the user equipment. [C51] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive a probabilistic model from a server. [C52] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is configured to provide the server with the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, and to receive the instructions from the server regarding the barrier between the apparatus and the user equipment. [C53] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the crowdsourcing server with the first distance measurement, the second distance measurement, barrier detection information, and location information. [C54] The apparatus according to C41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with the WiFi communication protocol or the Bluetooth communication protocol. [C55] The apparatus according to C41, wherein at least one of the first positioning technique and the second positioning technique is based on one or more radio frequency signals communicated in accordance with a new radio sidelink protocol. [C56] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a coarse location and to detect the barrier based at least partially on the coarse location. [C57] The aforementioned coarse location is associated with the device described in C56, which is linked to the environmental tag. [C58] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine date and time information and to detect the barrier based at least in part on the date and time information. [C59] The apparatus according to C41, wherein the apparatus is mobile or stationary, and the user equipment is mobile or stationary. [C60] It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is provided, Receiving an indication of a first distance measurement value based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement value based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Determining the proximity of a barrier based at least partially on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement, To provide instructions for barriers adjacent to the device, A device configured to perform the following actions. [C61] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on a round-trip time measurement, and the second positioning technique is based on a received signal strength indication measurement. [C62] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals transmitted from the device. [C63] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the device. [C64] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to query a data structure based on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement. [C65] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the coarse location of the device and to determine the adjacent barrier based at least partially on the coarse location of the device. [C66] The aforementioned coarse location is associated with the device described in C65, which is linked to the environmental tag. [C67] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine date and time information and to determine the adjacent barrier based at least in part on the date and time information. [C68] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the instructions for the proximity barrier to a contact tracking application. [C69] The apparatus according to C68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracking application with at least one of the instructions for the first distance measurement and the instructions for the second distance measurement. [C70] The apparatus according to C68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide the contact tracing application with an identification value related to the device. [C71] The apparatus according to C68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide barrier classification information to the contact tracking application. [C72] The apparatus according to C68, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to give the contact tracking application a duration of a contact event. [C73] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a distance value. [C74] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a time-of-flight value. [C75] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a distance value. [C76] The apparatus according to C60, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a signal intensity value. [C77] It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is provided, Determining a first distance between the device and the user equipment using a first positioning technique, Determining a second distance between the device and the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, The barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance, A device configured to perform the following actions. [C78] A device for detecting barriers, A means for determining a first distance measurement value for a user device using a first positioning technique, Means for determining a second distance measurement value for the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Means for detecting the barrier based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, A device equipped with the following features. [C79] A device for providing barrier detection information to a device, Means for receiving an indication of a first distance measurement value based on a first positioning technique and an indication of a second distance measurement value based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Means for determining an adjacent barrier based at least in part on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement, Means for providing instructions for a barrier adjacent to the device, A device equipped with the following features. [C80] A device for detecting barriers, Means for determining a first distance between the device and user equipment using a first positioning technique, Means for determining a second distance between the device and the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Means for detecting the barrier between the device and the user equipment based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance, A device equipped with the following features. [C81] A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform barrier detection, A code for determining a first distance measurement value for a user device using a first positioning technique, A code for determining a second distance measurement value for the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A code for detecting the barrier based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement, A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features. [C82] A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a device with barrier detection information, A code for receiving an instruction for a first distance measurement based on a first positioning technique and an instruction for a second distance measurement based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A code for determining an adjacent barrier, based at least in part on the indication of the first distance measurement and the indication of the second distance measurement, A code for providing instructions for a barrier adjacent to the aforementioned device, A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features. [C83] A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to perform barrier detection, A code for determining a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technique, provided by the first device. The first device provides a code for determining a second distance between the first device and the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A code for detecting the barrier between the first device and the second device based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance, A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features. [C84] A method for detecting a barrier, The first device determines a first distance between the first device and the second device using a first positioning technique, The first device determines a second distance between the first device and the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, The barrier between the first device and the second device is detected based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [C85] A method for detecting barriers using network-supported data, Obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure, Based on the signal intensity measurement, a second distance measurement is obtained, The server is given instructions for the first distance measurement and instructions for the second distance measurement. The server receives instructions regarding nearby barriers, A method that includes [a certain feature]. [C86] The method of C85, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a distance value. [C87] The indication of the first distance measurement is the method of C85, including the time of flight value. [C88] The method of C85, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a distance value. [C89] The indication of the second distance measurement is the method of C85, including a signal intensity value. [C90] It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is provided, Obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure, Based on the signal intensity measurement, a second distance measurement is obtained, The server is given instructions for the first distance measurement and instructions for the second distance measurement. The server receives instructions regarding nearby barriers, A device configured to perform the following actions. [C91] The apparatus according to C90, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a distance value. [C92] The apparatus according to C90, wherein the indication of the first distance measurement includes a time-of-flight value. [C93] The apparatus according to C90, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a distance value. [C94] The apparatus according to C90, wherein the indication of the second distance measurement includes a signal intensity value. [C95] A device for detecting barriers using network support data, Means for obtaining a first distance measurement based on a round-trip time procedure, A means for obtaining a second distance measurement based on a signal intensity measurement, Means for providing the server with instructions for the first distance measurement and instructions for the second distance measurement, Means for receiving instructions from the server regarding nearby barriers, A device equipped with the following features. [C96] A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to detect barriers using network-aided data, Code for obtaining the first distance measurement based on the round-trip time procedure, A code for obtaining a second distance measurement based on the signal strength measurement, A code for providing the server with instructions for the first distance measurement and instructions for the second distance measurement, A code for receiving instructions from the aforementioned server regarding nearby barriers, A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a barrier between a first device and a second device, The first device determines a first distance measurement value for the second device using a first positioning technique, The first device determines a second distance measurement value for the second device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, The barrier between the first device and the second device is detected based on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the first device and the second device. A method that includes [a certain feature].

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning technique is based on a round-trip time measurement between the first device and the second device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second positioning technique is based on a received signal strength indicator measurement value.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning technique is based on one or more millimeter-wave signals or one or more ultrasonic signals transmitted from the first device.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining that the first device is within a predetermined contact distance of the second device.

6. The further comprising providing instructions for the barrier to the contact tracing application, The contact tracking application is given the distance between the first device and the second device, The contact tracing application is provided with a first identification value associated with the first device and a second identification value associated with the second device. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The first device further comprises receiving prior probabilities for the probabilities related to the difference from the server, The prior probability is updated by the first device based on the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement. The method according to claim 1.

8. Detecting the barrier comprises providing the server with the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement. Detecting the barrier involves receiving instructions from the server regarding the barrier between the first device and the second device. The method according to claim 1, wherein the server is a crowdsourcing server configured to receive distance measurement information, barrier detection information, and location information from multiple devices in the network.

9. Further comprising determining the rough location of the first device, The detection of the aforementioned barrier is based at least partially on the aforementioned rough location. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned coarse location is associated with an environment tag.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining date and time information, wherein detecting the barrier is at least partially based on the date and time information.

11. A method for providing a device with barrier detection information, The device receives an instruction for a first distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a first positioning technique, and an instruction for a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique. Determining a nearby barrier, at least in part, based on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the indication of the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the indication of the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the device and the second device. To provide the device with instructions regarding the adjacent barrier, A method that includes [a certain feature].

12. It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is equipped with Determining a first distance measurement value for the user device using a first positioning technique, A second distance measurement value for the user device is determined using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A barrier between the device and the user equipment is detected based on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the device and the user equipment. A device configured to perform the following actions.

13. It is a device, Memory and At least one transceiver, A memory and at least one transceiver are communicatively coupled to at least one processor, The at least one processor is equipped with Receiving an instruction for a first distance measurement between a device and a second device based on a first positioning technique, and an instruction for a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, Determining a nearby barrier, at least in part, based on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the indication of the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the indication of the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the device and the second device. To provide instructions for barriers adjacent to the device, A device configured to perform the following actions.

14. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors of the device to detect a barrier, A code for determining a first distance measurement value for a user device using a first positioning technique, A code for determining a second distance measurement value for the user device using a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A code for detecting the barrier based on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the device and the user equipment. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

15. A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to provide a device with barrier detection information, A code for receiving an instruction for a first distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a first positioning technique, and an instruction for a second distance measurement between the device and the second device based on a second positioning technique different from the first positioning technique, A code for determining a nearby barrier, at least in part on a probability related to the difference between a first distance based on the instruction of the first distance measurement and a second distance based on the instruction of the second distance measurement, wherein the difference is proportional to the probability that the barrier exists between the device and the second device. A code for providing instructions for a barrier adjacent to the aforementioned device, A non-temporary processor-readable storage medium comprising the following features.

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