Electronic device for performing positioning and method thereof

Abstract

The electronic device may include a plurality of first antennas, a second antenna, and at least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of first antennas and the second antennas. The at least one processor may be configured to transmit a first positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receive a first signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and when the strength of the first signal is less than a threshold value, transmit a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receive a second signal for the second positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, identify a time of arrival based on the second signal, receive a second signal for the second positioning signal using the second antenna, correct the identified time of arrival based on the second signal received using the second antenna, and determine the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second signal. In addition to this, various other embodiments identified through the specification are possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device that performs positioning. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic device can perform positioning based on an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal. For example, a UWB signal can have a frequency band of 500 MHz or more. Since an ultra-wideband signal has characteristics similar to an impulse signal, the pulse width is shorter than the path delay. Therefore, in positioning using a UWB signal, the direct signal and the reflected signal can be easily distinguished. Based on the characteristics of the UWB signal described above, an electronic device can perform relatively accurate positioning (e.g., error of less than 30 cm) using at least one antenna.

[0003] The electronic device can perform positioning based on various positioning algorithms (e.g., AoA (angle of arrival), TDoA (time difference of arrival), AoD (time difference of arrival), ToA (time of arrival), ToF (time of flight), and / or TWR (two-way ranging)). The problem to be solved

[0004] Electronic devices can perform positioning using UWB signals in various environments. However, even in short distances where positioning is generally possible, antenna-based positioning may fail or be inaccurate in situations where the signal strength received by the electronic device is weak (e.g., in a weak field environment). For instance, in a weak field environment, the electronic device may be unable to measure the distance to the target. As another example, the distance to the target may be measured as closer or farther than it actually is. means of solving the problem

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises a plurality of first antennas, a second antenna, and at least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of first antennas and the second antenna, wherein the at least one processor transmits a first positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receives a first signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and when the strength of the first signal is less than a threshold value, transmits a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receives a second signal for the second positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, identifies a time of arrival based on the second signal, receives the second signal for the second positioning signal using the second antenna, corrects the identified time of arrival based on the second signal received using the second antenna, and determines the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second signal.

[0006] Additionally, a method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may include: transmitting a first positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas or a second antenna; receiving a first signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas; transmitting a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna when the strength of the first signal is less than a threshold value; receiving a second signal for the second positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas and identifying a time of arrival based on the second signal; receiving the second signal for the second positioning signal using the second antenna and correcting the identified time of arrival based on the second signal received using the second antenna; and determining the corrected time of arrival as the time of arrival of the second signal. Effects of the invention

[0007] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the electronic device can improve positioning accuracy by using an auxiliary antenna in a weak field environment to correct the arrival time of a signal received by the antenna.

[0008] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the electronic device can perform precise positioning using an auxiliary antenna in an environment where high positioning accuracy is required.

[0009] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Figure 2 illustrates positioning using an antenna of an electronic device in a strong electric field environment. Figure 3 illustrates positioning using an antenna of an electronic device in a weak electric field environment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device that performs positioning according to one embodiment. FIG. 5a illustrates the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5b illustrates the operation of an antenna according to horizontal and vertical modes of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the positioning of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates the performance of positioning in an auxiliary mode of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a table showing antenna operation according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a table showing antenna operation when measuring the distance of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a table showing antenna operation when performing AoA measurement of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the positioning of an electronic device performing positioning in auxiliary mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 12a is a flowchart illustrating stepwise positioning in a weak electric field environment according to one embodiment. FIG. 12b is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device operating in auxiliary mode under specified conditions according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic device in which a metal antenna for UWB is integrated according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of an electronic device in which a metal antenna for UWB is integrated according to one embodiment. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0012] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0013] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0014] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0015] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0016] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0017] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0018] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0019] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0020] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0021] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0022] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0023] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0024] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0025] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0026] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0027] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0028] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0029] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0030] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0031] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0032] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0033] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0034] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0035] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0036] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0038] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates positioning using an antenna of an electronic device in a strong electric field environment.

[0041] 200a of FIG. 2 illustrates a range (ranging) measurement of an electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIG. 1) in a strong electric field environment. 200b of FIG. 2 illustrates an angle of arrival (AoA) measurement of the electronic device (101) in a strong electric field environment. The range and AoA measurements of FIG. 2 may be performed by a processor (not shown) (e.g., 120 of FIG. 1) of the electronic device (101). A description of the processor may be referenced by the description of FIG. 4.

[0042] In 200a, the processor may transmit a positioning signal (210) (e.g., a poll message) using an antenna. The positioning signal (210) may include information about the time of transmission (225) of the positioning signal (210). The processor may receive a signal (215) (e.g., a response message) for the positioning signal (210). The signal (215) for the positioning signal (210) may, for example, mean a signal reflected from a positioning target, or a response signal transmitted by an external object that received the positioning signal (210). In this document, 'signal for positioning signal' may also be referred to as 'received signal'.

[0043] The processor can determine the arrival time (220) of the received signal (215). For example, the processor can set a threshold (235) to find the arrival time (220) of the received signal (215). The processor can search for a first path when the strength of the received signal (215) exceeds the threshold (235). Specifically, the processor can determine the peak of the strength of the received signal (215) after the strength of the received signal (215) exceeds the threshold (235) as the first path. The processor can determine the first path of the received signal (215) as the arrival time (220) of the received signal (215). The processor can measure the distance to the positioning target by calculating Δt1 (230), which is the difference between the transmission time (225) and the arrival time (220). The distance measurement using Δt1 (230) can be calculated by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0045]

[0047] In Equation 1, the delay time can be understood as the time taken for a positioning target to receive a positioning signal (210) and transmit (or return) a signal (215) for the positioning signal (210). According to one embodiment, the received signal (215) may include information about the delay time. In Equation 1, A can be understood as a constant regarding the speed of light or the speed of propagation.

[0048] In 200b, the processor may use two or more antennas for AoA measurement. The processor may use antennas (250, 255) to receive a reception signal (260) for a positioning signal (e.g., the reception signal (215) of 200a). The first antenna (250) and the second antenna (255) may be designed to be separated by D (262). Information regarding the separation distance D (262) may be stored in the memory of the electronic device (101) (e.g., 130 in FIG. 1). Due to the separation distance D (262) between the antennas, the time at which the first antenna (250) receives the reception signal (260) and the time at which the second antenna (255) receives the reception signal (260) may be different. The processor can measure Δd (264) using the difference in arrival times of the received signal (260) received using the first antenna (250) and the second antenna (255). The separation distance D can be defined as in Equation 2 by Δd (264) and AoA(θ) (266). The phase difference (Δφ) of the signals received by the first antenna (250) and the second antenna (255) can be calculated using Δd (264) as in Equation 3.

[0050]

[0051]

[0053] The processor can calculate AoA(θ)(266) in the same way as Equation 4 by operating Equation 2 and Equation 3.

[0055]

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates positioning using an antenna of an electronic device in a weak electric field environment.

[0058] 300a in FIG. 3 illustrates a signal received by an antenna of an electronic device (e.g., 101 in FIG. 1) in a weak electric field environment. 300b in FIG. 3 illustrates the distance measurement result of the electronic device (101) in a weak electric field environment. The positioning in FIG. 3 can be performed by a processor (not shown) (e.g., 120 in FIG. 1) of the electronic device (101). A description of the processor may be referenced by the description of FIG. 4.

[0059] A weak electric field environment can occur due to various causes. For example, if the polarization characteristics of the antenna of the electronic device (101) and the polarization characteristics of the antenna of the external electronic device being positioned are perpendicular, the antenna transmits and receives signals with perpendicular polarization characteristics, which may correspond to a weak electric field situation. In this case, positioning of the external electronic device by the electronic device (101) may be inaccurate or impossible. As another example, if there are many obstacles between the electronic device (101) and the positioning target, the electronic device (101) may perform positioning in a non-line of sight (NLOS) environment. In this case, since the obstacles may interfere with the transmission and reception of signals, positioning of the positioning target by the electronic device (101) may be inaccurate or impossible. As yet another example, the presence of human interference (e.g., a user's grip, or when the electronic device (101) is stored in the user's pocket and / or bag, etc.) may also be understood as a weak electric field situation. In a weak electric field environment, the signal strength of the positioning signal received by the antenna of the electronic device (101) is weak, so the positioning accuracy may be degraded.

[0060] The explanation of the distance measurement method using the antenna of 300a can be referenced by the explanation of FIG. 2. Regarding 300a, the differences from 200a of FIG. 2 will be explained mainly.

[0061] The processor can transmit a positioning signal (210) using an antenna. The positioning signal (210) may include information about the transmission time (325) of the positioning signal (210). The processor can receive a signal (315) for the positioning signal (210). In this case, the processor may also receive a noise signal (310) around the electronic device (101). For example, the noise signal (310) may be generated by the movement of a subject wearing the electronic device (101). Unlike 200a in FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) of 300a may be assumed to be in a weak electric field environment. In a weak electric field environment, the strength of the received signal (315) may be relatively weak compared to the noise signal (310). Therefore, if the processor determines the arrival time in the manner of 200a in FIG. 2, a specific time point, rather than the arrival time of the actual received signal (315), may be determined as the arrival time due to the noise signal (310). For example, at one point in 300a, the intensity of the noise signal (310) may exceed the threshold (235). The processor may find the peak of the intensity of the noise signal (310) after it exceeds the threshold (235) and determine it as the first path, and in this case, the processor may determine a specific time point (320) as the arrival time.

[0062] When the processor determines the arrival time of the received signal (315) as a specific time point (320), the distance to the positioning target can be calculated based on Δt2 (330). In a weak electric field environment, since Δt2 (330) is measured to be shorter than Δt1 (230) in FIG. 2, the distance to the positioning target may be measured closer than the actual distance. Unlike FIG. 3, if Δt2 (330) is measured to be longer than Δt1 (230), the distance to the positioning target may be measured further than the actual distance.

[0063] 300b of FIG. 3 illustrates the distance measurement result of an electronic device (101) in a weak electric field environment. If the arrival time is incorrectly determined in a weak electric field environment as in 300a, an error such as the measurement value (350) may occur. For example, while other measurement values ​​excluding the measurement value (350) measure the distance to the positioning target as generally constant, the distance to the measurement target may be measured as relatively close in a weak electric field environment as in the measurement value (350). The description of the measurement value (350) in 300b is exemplary, and the distance to the measurement target may be measured as relatively far in a weak electric field environment.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device that performs positioning according to one embodiment.

[0066] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (400) (e.g., 101 in FIG. 1) that performs precise positioning may include a processor (410) and / or a plurality of antennas (440, 450, 460, 470). The configuration of the electronic device (400) shown in FIG. 4 is exemplary and the embodiments of this document are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (400) may not include some of the plurality of antennas or may include additional antennas. For example, it may include or not include a first switch (420), a second switch (425), and / or a plurality of filters (430, 432, 434, 436). As another example, the electronic device (400) may further include a battery (e.g., 189 in FIG. 1) or a communication module (e.g., 190 in FIG. 1).

[0067] A processor (410) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of an electronic device (400) connected to the processor (410) by executing software (e.g., program (140) of FIG. 1), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may include a main processor (e.g., 121 of FIG. 1) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., 123 of FIG. 1) (e.g., communication processor) that can operate independently or together with it. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., communication module (190)).

[0068] Multiple antennas (440, 450, 460, 470) can transmit positioning signals and receive signals for positioning signals. Multiple antennas (440, 450, 460, 470) can be designed as patch antennas or metal antennas. For example, ANT 1 (450), ANT 2 (460), and / or ANT 3 (470) can be designed as patch antennas. ANT 0 (440) can be designed as a metal antenna.

[0069] The electronic device (400) may further include a plurality of filters (430, 432, 434, 436). The plurality of filters (430, 432, 434, 436) are each connected to a plurality of antennas (440, 450, 460, 470) to filter UWB signals received by the plurality of antennas (440, 450, 460, 470) or to filter signals transmitted from the processor (410) to the plurality of antennas (440, 450, 460, 470).

[0070] The electronic device (400) may further include a first switch (420) and / or a second switch (425). For example, the first switch (420) may be referred to as DP3T (double pole 3 throw) and the second switch (425) as SPDT (single pole double throw). The first switch (420) and the second switch (425) can turn on / off signal transmission between the processor (410) and a plurality of antennas (440, 450, 460, 470). For example, when the processor (410) transmits and receives a signal with ANT 0 (440), the first switch (420) can block other paths except for the path connecting the processor (410) and ANT 0 (440). Specifically, when the processor (410) transmits a positioning signal using ANT 0 (440), the positioning signal may be transmitted to the first switch (420) through the OUT 0 terminal of the processor (410). In this case, the first switch (420) may block other paths except the path connected to the OUT 0 terminal so that the positioning signal is not interfered with by other signals. When the processor (410) transmits a signal for the positioning signal using ANT 1 (450), the positioning signal may be transmitted to the first switch (420) after being filtered by the first filter (432). The first switch (420) may transmit the received signal to the processor (410) through the IN 1 or IN 2 terminal of the processor (410). In this case, the first switch (420) may block other paths except the path connected to the IN 1 or IN 2 terminal so that the signal for the positioning signal is not interfered with by other signals. The second switch (425), like the first switch (420), can prevent signal interference by blocking other paths except the path through which the signal is transmitted when the processor (410) receives a signal from ANT 2 (460) or ANT 3 (470).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) can improve the precision of positioning by using ANT 0 (440), which is a metal antenna, as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can correct the arrival time of a received UWB signal using at least one of ANT 1 (450), ANT 2 (460), and / or ANT 3 (470) by using the auxiliary antenna. A method for improving the precision of positioning according to one embodiment is described in detail in FIG. 5a.

[0073] FIG. 5a illustrates the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0074] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., 400 of FIG. 4) may include a processor (410), a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514), and / or a metal antenna (520).

[0075] The electronic device (400) may or may not include a switching terminal (530) (e.g., the first switch (420) and the second switch (425) of FIG. 4). The switching terminal (530) can electrically connect a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) and a processor (e.g., 410 of FIG. 4). The switching terminal (530) can turn on / off signal transmission between the plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) and the processor (410).

[0076] The metal antenna (520) may be included in a housing (not shown) of the electronic device (400). The housing may be understood as a structure containing the components of the electronic device (400). The metal antenna (520) may transmit and receive signals in a designated frequency band. The metal antenna (520) may operate as an antenna radiator that transmits and / or receives RF (radio frequency) signals in the same frequency band (e.g., ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band) as the first antenna (510), the second antenna (512), and / or the third antenna (514). The metal antenna (520) may be separated from other structures by a slit (540) to prevent signal interference from other structures. The metal antenna (520) may include a ground (550). The metal antenna (520) may be electrically connected to the processor (410).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the metal antenna (520) may be replaced with a conductive pattern (not shown), and accordingly, the conductive pattern may function as an antenna radiator (e.g., an LDS antenna (laser direct structuring antenna)). For example, the conductive pattern may function as an antenna radiator that transmits and / or receives an RF signal in an ultra-wideband frequency band substantially identical or similar to the first antenna (510) and / or the second antenna (512). In one example, the conductive pattern may be designed to have an electrical length of “λ / 4” of the RF signal described above. For example, if the frequency band of the RF signal is about 8 GHz, the length of the conductive pattern may be designed to be about 9 to 11 mm, which is the electrical length of λ / 4 of the RF signal, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may use a metal antenna (520) as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) may transmit a first positioning signal using at least one of a first antenna (510), a second antenna (512), and / or a third antenna (514). The processor (410) may receive a signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of a first antenna (510), a second antenna (512), and / or a third antenna (514). The processor (410) may operate in an assistance mode when the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value. In the assistance mode, the processor (410) may use the metal antenna (520) as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) may transmit a second positioning signal using at least one of a first antenna (510), a second antenna (512), and / or a third antenna (514). The processor (410) can receive a signal for a second positioning signal using at least one of a first antenna (510), a second antenna (512), and / or a third antenna (514), and can identify the arrival time based on the received signal. The processor (410) can receive a signal for a second positioning signal using a metal antenna (520) and correct the identified arrival time based on the signal received using the metal antenna (520). The processor (410) can determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the second signal and perform positioning using the determined arrival time.

[0080] FIG. 5b illustrates the operation of an antenna according to horizontal and vertical modes of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0081] Among the reference numbers in FIG. 5b, the reference number corresponding to FIG. 5a can be referenced by the description of FIG. 5a. In FIG. 5b, the processor (410) can perform positioning using a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514). The processor (410) can use one of the plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) as an auxiliary antenna based on the usage mode of the electronic device (400).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may be used in a horizontal mode (e.g., landscape mode) or a vertical mode (e.g., portrait mode). The processor (410) may detect the usage state of the electronic device (400) using at least one sensor (e.g., the gyroscope sensor of FIG. 1). For example, the horizontal mode may be referred to as when the user is using the electronic device (400) by holding it horizontally, and the vertical mode may be referred to as when the user is using the electronic device (400) by holding it vertically.

[0083] Reference number 500a illustrates the electronic device (400) being used in portrait mode. When the electronic device (400) is in portrait mode, the processor (410) can perform positioning using two patch antennas (510, 512) parallel to the short side (570) of the housing of the electronic device (400). A metal antenna (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5a) may be formed on at least a portion of the short side (570) of the housing of the electronic device (400). By performing positioning using two patch antennas (510, 512) parallel to the short side (570) of the housing of the electronic device (400), the processor (410) can prevent antenna performance degradation caused by the user's grip and distinguish the left and right sides of the positioning target. The processor (410) may use a third patch antenna (514) as an auxiliary antenna to improve the accuracy of positioning in auxiliary mode. According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may be electrically connected to the second antenna (512) and the third antenna (514) through a switching terminal (530). When the processor (410) performs positioning using two patch antennas (510, 512), the processor (410) may be electrically connected to the second antenna (512) and electrically disconnected from the third antenna (514) by the switching terminal (530). When the processor (410) corrects the arrival time using the third antenna (514) as an auxiliary antenna, the processor (410) may be electrically disconnected from the second antenna (512) and electrically connected to the third antenna (514) by the switching terminal (530). According to another embodiment, unlike reference numeral 500a, the electronic device (400) may not include a switching terminal (530). The processor (410) can perform positioning by controlling multiple patch antennas (510, 512, 514) without switching. In this case, timing errors caused by switching can be reduced.For example, the processor (410) can receive a signal for a positioning signal using a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) and correct the arrival time identified using the first antenna (510) and the second antenna (512) by using the third antenna (514) as an auxiliary antenna.

[0084] Reference number 500b illustrates the electronic device (400) being used in landscape mode. When the electronic device (400) is in landscape mode, the processor (410) can perform positioning using two patch antennas (510, 514) parallel to the long side (580) of the housing of the electronic device (400). A metal antenna (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5a) may be formed on at least a portion of the long side (580) of the housing of the electronic device (400). By performing positioning using two patch antennas (510, 512) parallel to the long side (580) of the housing of the electronic device (400), the processor (410) can prevent antenna performance degradation caused by the user's grip and distinguish the left and right sides of the positioning target. The processor (410) may use the second antenna (512) as an auxiliary antenna to improve the accuracy of positioning in auxiliary mode. For example, the processor (410) may be electrically connected to the second antenna (512) and the third antenna (514) through the switching terminal (530). When the processor (410) performs positioning using two patch antennas (510, 514), the processor (410) may be electrically connected to the third antenna (514) and electrically disconnected from the second antenna (512) by the switching terminal (530). When the processor (410) corrects the arrival time using the second antenna (512) as an auxiliary antenna, the processor (410) may be electrically disconnected from the second antenna (512) and electrically connected to the third antenna (514) by the switching terminal (530). According to another embodiment, unlike reference numeral 500b, the electronic device (400) may not include the switching terminal (530). The processor (410) can perform positioning by controlling multiple patch antennas (510, 512, 514) without switching. In this case, timing errors caused by switching can be reduced.For example, the processor (410) can receive a signal for a positioning signal using a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514), and can correct the arrival time identified using the first antenna (510) and the third antenna (514) by using the second antenna (512) as an auxiliary antenna.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the positioning of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0087] Referring to operation 600, a processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) may transmit a first positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) in FIG. 5a) and a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna (520) in FIG. 5a) to perform positioning. The first positioning signal may include information about the time of transmission of the first positioning signal.

[0088] In operation 610, the processor (410) can receive a first signal for a first positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas.

[0089] In operation 620, the processor (410) can compare the strength of the first signal with a threshold value. If the strength of the first signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value (e.g., RSSI, received signal strength indicator > -85dBm) (e.g., strong electric field, 620-NO), the process can proceed to operation 670. In operation 670, the processor (410) can determine the arrival time of the first signal based on the first signal and perform positioning.

[0090] If the strength of the first signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBm) (e.g., weak field, 620-YES), the operation 630 can be performed. A weak field can be understood, for example, as a case where the polarization characteristics of the antenna of the electronic device (101) and the polarization characteristics of the antenna of the external electronic device are perpendicular, or as a case where the positioning signal is interfered with by an obstacle between the electronic device (101) and the external electronic device. In addition to the examples of weak field situations described above, cases where the strength of the received signal is weak can all be understood as weak field situations.

[0091] In operation 630, the processor (410) may operate in an auxiliary mode to improve the accuracy of positioning in a weak field environment. In the auxiliary mode, the processor (410) may use the second antenna as an auxiliary antenna.

[0092] In operation 640, the processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas or second antennas.

[0093] In operation 650, the processor (410) can receive a second signal for a second positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas. The processor (410) can identify the arrival time based on the second signal received using at least one of a plurality of first antennas.

[0094] In operation 660, the processor (410) can receive a second signal for a second positioning signal using a second antenna. The processor (410) can correct the identified arrival time based on the second signal received using the second antenna. For example, the processor (410) can correct the first path search timing in the signal received using a plurality of first antennas based on the second signal received by the second antenna. The processor (410) can determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the second signal.

[0095] In operation 670, the processor (410) can perform positioning using the determined arrival time. A description of the positioning method may be referenced by the description of FIG. 2.

[0096] The threshold value of FIG. 6 (e.g., -85 dBm) is exemplary and the embodiments of this document are not limited thereto. For example, the threshold values ​​for a patch antenna and a metal antenna may differ. If the first antenna includes a metal antenna, the processor (410) may set a different threshold value for determining whether it is a weak field environment.

[0098] FIG. 7 illustrates the performance of positioning in an auxiliary mode of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The description of the second positioning signal (700) and the second signal (740) of FIG. 7 may be referenced by the description of the second positioning signal and the second signal of FIG. 6.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) operates in auxiliary mode, a metal antenna (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5a) may be used as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) may transmit a second positioning signal (700) using one of a plurality of patch antennas (e.g., 510, 512, 514 in FIG. 5a).

[0100] In a weak field condition, the processor (410) can receive a second signal (740) for a second positioning signal (700) using at least one of a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514). In this case, the processor (410) can also receive a noise signal (720) around the electronic device (400). Due to the noise signal (720), the processor (410) may have difficulty determining the arrival time (725) of the second signal. For example, at one point in FIG. 7, the strength of the noise signal (720) may exceed a threshold (750). The processor can find the peak of the noise signal (720) strength after it exceeds the threshold (750) and determine it as the first path. In this case, the processor can identify a specific point in time (727) as the arrival time. When the processor (410) determines the time of arrival at a specific point in time (727), the distance to the positioning target may be measured as shorter than the actual distance.

[0101] The processor (410) can receive a second signal for a second positioning signal (700) using a metal antenna (520). The processor (410) can correct the identified arrival time based on the second signal received using the metal antenna (520). For example, the second signal received by the processor (410) using the metal antenna (520) can be referenced as a signal (730). The signal (730) may include information related to the arrival time of the second signal. The processor (410) can correct the timing for determining the arrival time using the first antenna (510) based on the arrival time of the signal (730). In the method described above, the processor (410) can correct the identified arrival time and determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the second signal (740).

[0102] According to another embodiment, the processor (410) may use at least one of a patch antenna (e.g., 510, 512, 514 of FIG. 5a) instead of a metal antenna (520) as an auxiliary antenna. Various antenna operation methods for performing positioning are described in detail in FIG. 8 to 10.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a table showing antenna operation according to one embodiment.

[0105] An electronic device (e.g., 400 of FIG. 4) can perform positioning according to FIG. 6 using ANT 1 (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) of FIG. 5a), ANT 2 (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) of FIG. 5a), and ANT 0 (e.g., a metal antenna (520) of FIG. 5a). A description of the positioning of the electronic device (400) may be referenced by the description of FIG. 6.

[0106] Table 800a illustrates the operation of an antenna when measuring the distance of an electronic device (400). A processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT 1 and receive a signal for the first positioning signal. If the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT 1 and receive a signal for the second positioning signal to identify the arrival time. The processor (410) can receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 0 and correct the identified arrival time based on the received signal.

[0107] Table 800b illustrates the operation of antennas when measuring the distance of an electronic device (400). Unlike Table 800a, the processor (410) can receive signals for a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal by using two or more antennas for distance measurement. The processor (410) can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna, just as in Table 800a. By using two or more antennas, the processor (410) can measure the distance to the positioning target more precisely.

[0108] Table 800c illustrates the antenna operation during AoA measurement of the electronic device (400). Unlike Table 800a, the processor (410) can receive signals for the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal by using two or more antennas for AoA measurement. The processor (410) can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna, as in Table 800a.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a table showing antenna operation when measuring the distance of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0111] Table 900a illustrates an embodiment in which ANT 1 (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) of FIG. 5a) is used as an auxiliary antenna when performing distance measurement of an electronic device (400). A processor (e.g., 410 of FIG. 4) can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the first positioning signal. When the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can use ANT 1 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the second positioning signal to identify the arrival time. The processor (410) can receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 1 and correct the identified arrival time based on the received signal.

[0112] Table 900b illustrates an embodiment in which an auxiliary antenna, ANT 0 (e.g., the metal antenna (520) of FIG. 5a), is used as a transmitting antenna for a positioning signal when performing distance measurement of an electronic device (400). The processor (410) can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the first positioning signal using ANT 1. When the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 1 to identify the arrival time. The processor (410) can receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 0 and correct the identified arrival time based on the received signal.

[0114] FIG. 10 is a table showing antenna operation when performing AoA measurement of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0115] Table 1000a illustrates an embodiment in which ANT 1 (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) of FIG. 5a) is used as an auxiliary antenna when performing AoA measurement of the electronic device (400). A processor (e.g., 410 of FIG. 4) can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the first positioning signal using ANT 0 and ANT 2. When the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can use ANT 1 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 0 and ANT 2 to identify the arrival time. The processor (410) can receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 1 and correct the identified arrival time based on the received signal.

[0116] Table 1000b illustrates an embodiment in which, when performing an AoA measurement of the electronic device (400), an auxiliary antenna ANT 0 (e.g., the metal antenna (520) of FIG. 5a) is used as the transmitting antenna for the positioning signal. The processor (410) can transmit a first positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the first positioning signal using ANT 1 and ANT 2. When the strength of the received signal is below a threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can use ANT 0 as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using ANT 0 and receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 1 and ANT 2 to identify the arrival time. The processor (410) can receive a signal for the second positioning signal using ANT 0 and correct the identified arrival time based on the received signal.

[0117] Table 1000c is a table illustrating an embodiment in which, unlike Table 1000b, when performing AoA measurement of the electronic device (400), the auxiliary antenna ANT 1 is used as the transmitting antenna for the positioning signal.

[0118] The antenna operation method of FIGS. 8 to 10 is exemplary and the embodiments of this document are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (400) may further include a patch antenna (e.g., ANT 3). As another example, when the electronic device (400) performs positioning, all antennas included in the electronic device (400) may be used.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device performing positioning in auxiliary mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 explains the operation after performing positioning according to FIG. 6.

[0121] In operation 1100, the processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) can perform positioning in auxiliary mode. A description of performing positioning in auxiliary mode may be referenced by the description of the flowchart in FIG. 6.

[0122] In operation 1110, the processor (410) can transmit a third positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) of FIG. 5a) or a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna (520) of FIG. 5a).

[0123] In operation 1120, the processor (410) can receive a third signal for a third positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas.

[0124] In operation 1130, the processor (410) can compare the strength of the third signal with a threshold value. For example, if the strength of the signal for the third positioning signal is less than the threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBM), the processor (410) can return to operation 1100 and perform positioning in auxiliary mode (1130-NO). For example, if the strength of the signal for the third positioning signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value (e.g., RSSI > -85dBM), the processor can proceed to operation 1140 (1130-YES).

[0125] In operation 1140, the processor (410) can determine whether a situation requires rapid positioning. For example, if an electronic device (400) is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a specified speed, the electronic device (400) needs to rapidly measure the distance between the vehicle and the positioning target (e.g., a pedestrian). In this case, the processor (410) can determine that a situation requires rapid positioning. If a situation does not require rapid positioning (1140-NO), return to operation 1100, and the processor (410) can perform positioning in an auxiliary mode. If a situation requires rapid positioning (1140-YES), proceed to operation 1150.

[0126] In operation 1150, the processor (410) may operate in normal mode. Normal mode may be understood as an operating mode in which the processor (410) performs positioning without using an auxiliary antenna (e.g., a second antenna). In normal mode, the precision of positioning may be degraded compared to auxiliary mode. A description of the positioning performance in normal mode may be referenced by the description of FIG. 3.

[0128] FIG. 12a is a flowchart illustrating stepwise positioning in a weak electric field environment according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to operation 1200, a processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) may transmit a first positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas (510, 512, 514) in FIG. 5a) and a second antenna (e.g., a metal antenna (520) in FIG. 5). The first positioning signal may include information about the time of transmission of the first positioning signal.

[0130] In operation 1210, the processor (410) can receive a first signal for a first positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas.

[0131] In operation 1220, the processor (410) can compare the strength of a first signal received using a plurality of first antennas with a threshold value. If the strength of the first signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value (e.g., RSSI > -85dBm), the processor (410) can proceed to operation 1260 to perform positioning using a plurality of first antennas (1220-NO). If the strength of the first signal is less than the threshold value (e.g., RSSI < -85dBm), the processor (410) can proceed to operation 1230 (1220-YES).

[0132] In operation 1230, the processor (410) can transmit a second positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas and second antennas.

[0133] In operation 1240, the processor (410) can receive a second signal for a second positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas and a second antenna.

[0134] In operation 1250, the processor (410) can compare the strength of a second signal received using at least one of a plurality of first antennas with the strength of a second signal received using a second antenna. According to one embodiment, the processor (410) can select the antenna with a stronger strength of the received signal. For example, if the strength of the second signal received using at least one of a plurality of first antennas is stronger, the processor (410) can determine the arrival time of the second signal based on the second signal received using at least one of a plurality of first antennas. If the strength of the second signal received using the second antenna is stronger, the processor (410) can determine the arrival time of the second signal based on the second signal received using the second antenna. According to another embodiment, the processor (410) can select the antenna with a strong strength of the received signal (e.g., the first antenna) and use the antenna with a weak strength of the received signal (e.g., the second antenna) as an auxiliary antenna.

[0135] In operation 1260, the processor (410) can perform positioning using the antenna selected in operation 1250. For example, the processor (410) can measure the distance and / or AoA to the positioning target based on the time of arrival determined using the selected antenna (e.g., the first antenna). As another example, the processor (410) can use an antenna with a weak signal strength (e.g., the second antenna) as an auxiliary antenna. The processor (410) can identify the time of arrival using the selected antenna (e.g., the first antenna) and correct the identified time of arrival using the auxiliary antenna (e.g., the second antenna).

[0137] FIG. 12b is a flowchart illustrating the positioning of an electronic device operating in auxiliary mode under specified conditions according to one embodiment.

[0138] Referring to operation 1270, the processor (e.g., 410 in FIG. 4) can determine whether a situation requiring precise positioning is necessary. For example, if an electronic device (e.g., 400 in FIG. 4) needs to perform a specific action by precisely determining the distance and / or AoA to a positioning target, the processor (410) can determine that a situation requiring precise positioning is necessary.

[0139] If the processor (410) determines that precise positioning is not required (1270-NO), it may proceed to operation 1280. In operation 1280, the processor (410) may operate in normal mode. In operation 1290, the processor (410) may perform positioning according to the flowchart of FIG. 6. For example, the processor (410) may receive a signal for a positioning signal using at least one of a plurality of first antennas (e.g., 510, 512, 514 of FIG. 5a). If the signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas is below a threshold value, i.e., a weak field condition, the processor (410) may operate in auxiliary mode according to operation 630 of FIG. 6. In another example, when a signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the processor (410) can determine a time of arrival based on the signal received using at least one of the plurality of first antennas and perform positioning based on the determined time of arrival.

[0140] If the processor (410) determines that precise positioning is required (1270-NO), it may proceed to operation 1285. In operation 1285, the processor (410) may operate in an auxiliary mode. In operation 1290, the processor (410) may perform positioning according to the auxiliary mode. The description of the auxiliary mode may be explained by the description of the auxiliary mode in FIG. 6. However, unlike FIG. 6, in operations 1285 and 1290, the processor (410) may correct the identified arrival time using a second antenna (e.g., the metal antenna (520) in FIG. 5a) when a specified condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the electronic device (400) is in a weak field or a strong field situation. The specified condition may be understood as, for example, when the electronic device (400) provides an augmented reality (AR) environment, or when it is sharing data with an external electronic device (e.g., 101 in FIG. 1). The processor (410) can determine the corrected arrival time as the arrival time of the signal for the positioning signal and perform positioning based on the determined arrival time.

[0142] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic device in which a metal antenna for UWB is integrated according to one embodiment. Among the reference numbers in FIG. 13, the configuration corresponding to the reference number in FIG. 4 can be referenced by the description of FIG. 4.

[0143] A metal antenna used for UWB can be designed by combining it with a metal antenna structure for data communication. Since the UWB antenna must have high band (HB) frequency characteristics, if the antenna for data communication satisfies HB performance, a combined design of the metal antenna according to Fig. 13 may be possible.

[0144] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (1340) (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4) with a metal antenna integrated design may include a first wireless communication circuit (1340), a second wireless communication circuit (1350), a plurality of patch antennas (450, 460, 470), a metal antenna (440), and / or a diplexer (1360).

[0145] The first wireless communication circuit (1340) may include a first processor (e.g., processor (410) of FIG. 4), a first switch (420), a second switch (425), and / or a plurality of filters (430, 432, 434, 436). A description of the components of the first wireless communication circuit (1340) may be referenced by the description of FIG. 4.

[0146] The second wireless communication circuit (1350) may include a second processor (1310), an LNA (low noise amplifier, 1320), and / or a filter (1330).

[0147] The first processor (410) and the second processor (1310) may be referred to as at least one processor. The components of FIG. 13 are exemplary and the embodiments of this document are not limited thereto. For example, at least one processor may be implemented separately from the first wireless communication circuit (1340) and / or the second wireless communication circuit (1350). At least one processor (e.g., the communication processor of FIG. 1) may be implemented on a single chip with the main processor (e.g., 121 of FIG. 1) or implemented separately.

[0148] The first wireless communication circuit (1340) and the second wireless communication circuit (1350) can be operatively connected to a diplexer (1360). The diplexer (1360) can be operatively connected to a metal antenna (440).

[0149] The second wireless communication circuit (1350) can transmit a signal for data communication to the metal antenna (440) or receive a signal for data communication received by the metal antenna (440) from the metal antenna (440). For example, the second wireless communication circuit (1350) can identify and authenticate an electronic device (1300) within a communication network, such as a first network (e.g., 198 in FIG. 1) or a second network (e.g., 199 in FIG. 1), using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in a subscriber identification module (e.g., 196 in FIG. 1).

[0150] The diplexer (1360) can separate the signal for data communication and the UWB signal. The first processor (410) can perform positioning using the UWB signal. The second processor (1310) can perform data communication using the signal for data communication.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when receiving data, the metal antenna (440) may receive a signal associated with data communication. For example, the signal associated with data communication may include a signal in the frequency band for LTE communication. The signal received by the metal antenna (440) may be transmitted to a diplexer (1360) and separated into a signal for data communication and a UWB signal. Specifically, the signal for data communication and the UWB signal may be separated in the diplexer (1360) without mutual interference. The signal for data communication may be filtered through a filter (1330) and then amplified through a low noise amplifier (LNA, 1320). The signal that has passed through the LNA (1320) may be transmitted to a second processor (1310). The second processor (1310) may perform data communication using the received signal.

[0153] FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of an electronic device in which a metal antenna for UWB is integrated according to one embodiment.

[0154] Among the reference numbers in FIG. 14, the configurations corresponding to the reference numbers in FIG. 5a and 13 can be referenced by the description of FIG. 5a and 13.

[0155] If the metal antenna for data communication satisfies HB performance, a combined design of the metal antenna according to FIG. 14 may be possible. Compared to the electronic device (400) of FIG. 5a, the combined electronic device (1300) may further include a diplexer (1360) and / or a second wireless communication circuit (1350).

[0156] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor of FIG. 13) can improve positioning accuracy by using a metal antenna (520) as an auxiliary antenna. According to one embodiment, at least one processor can perform data communication using a second wireless communication circuit (1350). When at least one processor transmits and receives signals for data communication and positioning using the metal antenna (520), the diplexer (1360) can separate the signal received by the metal antenna (520) into a signal for data communication and a UWB signal. The separated UWB signal and the signal for data communication can be transmitted to the first wireless communication circuit (1340) and the second wireless communication circuit (1350), respectively, and processed by at least one processor.

Claims

Claim 1 In an electronic device, the device comprises: a housing; a first communication circuit; a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit; a plurality of first antennas including patch antennas electrically connected to the first communication circuit; a second antenna including a metal antenna formed in at least a part of the housing, wherein the second antenna is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit. An electronic device comprising: at least one processor operatively connected to the plurality of first antennas and the second antenna; wherein the at least one processor transmits a first positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receives a first signal for the first positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and the first signal is transmitted by a positioning target in response to the first positioning signal; when the strength of the first signal is less than a threshold value, transmits a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receives a second signal for the second positioning signal from the positioning target using at least one of the plurality of first antennas to obtain a first reception result, receives the second signal for the second positioning signal using the second antenna to obtain a second reception result, and is configured to determine the distance and angle of the positioning target based on the first reception result and the second reception result. Claim 2 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the arrival time of the second signal based on the second reception result and to determine the distance to the positioning target based on the determined arrival time. Claim 3 In claim 2, the electronic device further configured such that at least one processor determines the arrival of the positioning target (AoA) based on the arrival time of the determined second signal. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to compare the strength of the second signal of the first reception result with the strength of the second signal of the second reception result, and if the strength of the second signal of the first reception result is stronger, determine the arrival time of the second signal based on the first reception result, and if the strength of the second signal of the second reception result is stronger, determine the arrival time of the second signal based on the second reception result. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a diplexer configured to electrically connect the second antenna to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit, wherein the diplexer separates a signal received by the second antenna into a signal for positioning for the first communication circuit and a signal for data communication using the second communication circuit, and wherein at least one processor is further configured to perform data communication using the second antenna and the second communication circuit. Claim 8 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor transmits a third positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna, receives a third signal for the third positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, and is further configured to determine a time of arrival based on the third signal when the reception strength of the third signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value and satisfies a specified condition. Claim 9 In claim 8, the electronic device is included in a vehicle, and the electronic device further includes at least one sensor; and the at least one processor determines that the specified condition is satisfied when it detects that the vehicle is moving above a preset speed using the at least one sensor. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor further configured to transmit a third positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna when a specified condition is satisfied, receive a third signal for the third positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas to obtain a third reception result, receive the third signal for the third positioning signal using the second antenna to obtain a fourth reception result, and determine a distance and an angle for the positioning target based on the third reception result and the fourth reception result. Claim 11 A method of operating an electronic device, comprising: an operation of transmitting a first positioning signal using one of a plurality of first antennas or a second antenna, wherein the plurality of first antennas includes patch antennas electrically connected to a first communication circuit, and the second antenna includes a metal antenna formed in at least a part of the housing of the electronic device, and the second antenna is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit; an operation of receiving a first signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas, wherein the first signal is transmitted from a positioning target in response to the first positioning signal; an operation of transmitting a second positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna when the strength of the first signal is less than a threshold value; an operation of receiving a second signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas to obtain a first reception result, wherein the second signal is transmitted from the positioning target in response to the second positioning signal; and an operation of receiving the second signal using the second antenna to obtain a second reception result. and an operation to determine the distance and angle of the positioning target based on the first reception result and the second reception result; comprising a method. Claim 12 A method according to claim 11, wherein the operation of determining the distance and angle of the positioning target comprises: the operation of determining the arrival time based on the second reception result; and the operation of determining the distance to the positioning target based on the arrival time. Claim 13 In claim 12, the operation of determining the distance and angle of the positioning target further comprises the operation of measuring the arrival of angle (AoA) with the positioning target based on the determined arrival time. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A method according to claim 11, further comprising: an operation of comparing the strength of the second signal indicated by the first reception result with the strength of the second signal indicated by the second reception result; and an operation of determining the distance and angle of the positioning target, comprising: an operation of determining the arrival time of the second signal based on the first reception result if the strength of the second signal indicated by the first reception result is stronger; and an operation of determining the arrival time of the second signal based on the second reception result if the strength of the second signal indicated by the second reception result is stronger. Claim 17 The method according to claim 11 further comprises the operation of separating a signal received by the second antenna using a diplexer into a signal for positioning of the first communication circuit and a signal for data communication of the second communication circuit, wherein the second antenna is electrically connected to the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit through the diplexer. Claim 18 A method according to claim 11, further comprising: transmitting a third positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna; receiving a third signal for the third positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas; and determining a time of arrival based on the third signal when the strength of the third signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value and satisfies a specified condition. Claim 19 The method of claim 18 further comprises the operation of determining that the specified condition is satisfied when the electronic device is included in a vehicle and detects that the vehicle is moving above a preset speed using at least one sensor. Claim 20 A method according to claim 11, further comprising: transmitting a third positioning signal using one of the plurality of first antennas or the second antenna when a specified condition is satisfied; receiving a third signal for the third positioning signal using at least one of the plurality of first antennas to obtain a third reception result; receiving the third signal for the third positioning signal using the second antenna to obtain a fourth reception result; and determining a distance and an angle for the positioning target based on the third reception result and the fourth reception result.

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