Ultra-wideband power usage optimization

Abstract

A computing device may determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is close to a second computing device paired with the computing device. The computing device may determine that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices. In response to the determination that the computing device is close to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices, the computing device may set the ultra-wideband component of the computing device to a power-saving mode.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Ultra-wideband is a short-range radio frequency technology for wireless communication that enables a computing device to accurately identify its relative position to another device in close proximity. A computing device supporting ultra-wideband technology can periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine the distance between the computing device and another ultra-wideband-supported device and / or to determine the ultra-wideband signal reach angle between the computing device and another ultra-wideband-supported device.

[0002] Generally, the technique of the present disclosure relates to optimizing the use of ultra-wideband by a computing device in a manner that reduces the amount of power consumed to perform ultra-wideband ranging. A user may use both a first computing device and a second computing device, each of which periodically performs ultra-wideband ranging. When the first computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging, the first computing device may determine whether the second computing device is in close proximity to the first computing device. If the first computing device determines that the second computing device is in close proximity to the first computing device, the first computing device may determine whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the associated second device can be used to accurately determine the user's proximity to another ultra-wideband supporting device. If the first computing device determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the associated second device can be used to accurately determine the user's proximity to another ultra-wideband supporting device, the first computing device may reduce the frequency with which the first computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging. By reducing the frequency with which the first computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging, the first computing device can still accurately determine the proximity between the users of the first computing device and the second computing device and other ultra-wideband-enabled devices, while reducing the amount of power consumed during operation.

[0003] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a method, the method comprising: determining by a first computing device that the first computing device is close to a second computing device paired with the first computing device through ultra-wideband ranging; determining by the first computing device that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the first computing device is close to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices, setting the ultra-wideband component of the first computing device to a power-saving mode by the first computing device.

[0004] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a computing device, said computing device comprising: memory; an ultra-wideband component; an ultra-wideband communication component; and one or more processors communicately connected to said memory and said ultra-wideband component, said one or more processors comprising: determining, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with said computing device; determining that said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that said computing device is in proximity to said second computing device and said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, said computing device is configured to set the ultra-wideband component of said computing device to a power-saving mode.

[0005] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a computer-readable storage medium in which instructions are stored, said instructions causing one or more processors of a computing device, when executed, to: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with said computing device; to determine that said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that said computing device is in proximity to said second computing device and that said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, to set the ultra-wideband component of said computing device to a power-saving mode.

[0006] In some embodiments, the technique described herein relates to a device, said device comprising: means for determining, through ultra-wideband ranging, that a computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with said computing device; means for determining that said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices; and means for setting an ultra-wideband component of said computing device to a power-saving mode in response to the determination that said computing device is in proximity to said second computing device and said second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices.

[0007] Details of one or more examples are described in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other configurations, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment in which a computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of a computing device performing ultra-wideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for ultra-wideband optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of a computing device performing ultra-wideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] Generally, the technique of the present disclosure relates to optimizing the use of ultra-wideband by a computing device in a manner that reduces the amount of power consumed to perform ultra-wideband ranging. A user may carry, wear, or use a computing device that performs ultra-wideband ranging to periodically determine the distance between the computing device and another ultra-wideband-enabled device.

[0010] A user may use a computing device to perform ultra-wideband ranging with another device so that the other device can detect when the computing device approaches the other device. For example, since the user may use the computing device to perform ultra-wideband ranging with an access control system, such as a vehicle's keyless entry system, the computing device can act as a digital key for the vehicle. As the user moves toward a vehicle equipped with a keyless entry system, the user's computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with the keyless entry system, allowing the keyless entry system to determine the distance between the user of the computing device and the vehicle. When the keyless entry system detects that the user of the computing device is approaching the vehicle, the keyless entry system can automatically unlock the vehicle's doors.

[0011] Increasingly, people can carry, wear, or use multiple mobile computing devices, each performing ultra-wideband ranging, to determine the distance of each mobile computing device to other ultra-wideband-enabled devices. For example, a user can carry a smartphone that performs ultra-wideband ranging while simultaneously wearing a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch) that performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0012] When a single user carries, wears, or attaches multiple computing devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, the results of ultra-wideband ranging by each computing device (e.g., the determined distance to another ultra-wideband-enabled device) can be very similar to each other because the computing devices are close to one another. As such, there is often overlap for each computing device carried, worn, or attached by a single user to perform ultra-wideband ranging.

[0013] Different computing devices may have different ultra-wideband ranging characteristics. For example, smartphones may have a wider ultra-wideband range than wearable devices. Additionally, since wearable devices generally use much smaller batteries than smartphones, performing ultra-wideband ranging can consume more battery life from wearable devices compared to smartphones. Thus, if a user uses both a wearable device and a smartphone that perform ultra-wideband ranging, the wearable device's battery life may be unnecessarily consumed at a faster rate than the smartphone due to redundant ultra-wideband ranging performed by both devices.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a first computing device being used by a user performs ultra-wideband ranging, the first computing device can determine whether a second computing device paired with the user and the first computing device is in close proximity to the first computing device. For example, the first computing device may be a wearable device such as a smart watch, and the second computing device may be a mobile computing device such as a smartphone or a laptop computer, wherein the first computing device and the second computing device are used by the same user.

[0015] If the first computing device determines that the second computing device is close to the first computing device, the first computing device can determine whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the second computing device can accurately determine proximity to other ultra-wideband supported devices of the first computing device and the users of the second computing device. If the first computing device determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the second computing device can accurately determine proximity to other ultra-wideband supported devices of the first computing device and the users of the second computing device, the first computing device can set its ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode to reduce the battery usage of the first computing device and extend the battery life of the first computing device.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an environment in which a computing device performs ultrawideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the environment (100) includes computing devices (102 and 110) and ultrawideband (UWB)-enabled devices (120A-120E) ("UWB-enabled devices (120)"). The computing devices (102, 110) and the UWB-enabled devices (120) may each be configured to perform ultrawideband ranging to determine a relative distance to another computing device within an ultrawideband communication range. In some examples, the computing devices (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled devices (120) each perform ultrawideband ranging according to an ultrawideband communication protocol such as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.15.4 protocol to transmit data over a wideband, such as a bandwidth greater than about 499 MHz.

[0017] When a pair of computing devices communicate via an ultra-wideband communication protocol, such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, to perform ultra-wideband ranging, the pair of computing devices may exchange timestamp messages via ultra-wideband communication. Each computing device of the pair of computing devices may use the time of flight of the message to determine the physical distance between the pair of devices and / or the angle between the pair of devices (e.g., the angle of arrival of an incoming radio frequency signal).

[0018] The computing device (110) may be a mobile computing device such as a mobile phone (smartphone), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other mobile computing device. The computing device (110) includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) component (118) and a communication module (114). The UWB component (118) may include hardware such as circuits, antennas, etc., for handling wireless communication, such as radio frequency communication, using an ultra-wideband communication protocol such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol to transmit data over a wide bandwidth, such as a bandwidth greater than about 499 MHz.

[0019] The UWB component (118) may be configured to periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine location information associated with the computing device (110) using ultra-wideband communication. Specifically, the UWB component (118) may be configured to perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine one or more devices (e.g., computing device (102), one or more devices (120), etc.) within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (110), which may be one or more devices with which the UWB component (118) can exchange messages via ultra-wideband communication. By exchanging messages via ultra-wideband communication with one or more devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (110), the UWB component (118) can determine the distance between each of the computing device (110) and one or more computing devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (110), and can allow each of the computing devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (110) to determine the distance between the computing device (110) and each of the computing devices.

[0020] The UWB component (118) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine location information associated with the computing device (110), such as every 1 second, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every 1 minute, etc. The communication module (114) may be software running on the computing device (110) to control the operation of the UWB component (118). For example, the communication module (114) may be executed to control the frequency at which the UWB component (118) performs ultra-wideband ranging, such as decreasing the frequency at which the UWB component (118) performs ultra-wideband ranging, and increasing the frequency at which the UWB component (118) performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0021] The computing device (102) may be a mobile computing device such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant), or any other mobile computing device. In some examples, the computing device (102) may be a wearable computing device such as a computerized watch (e.g., a smartwatch), a computerized fitness band / tracker, computerized eyewear, computerized headwear, computerized gloves, or any other type of mobile computing device that can be attached to or worn on a person's body or clothing.

[0022] In some examples where the computing device (102) is a wearable computing device, the computing device (102) may include an attachment component (106) and an electric housing (105). The housing (105) of the computing device (102) includes a physical part of the wearable computing device that accommodates a combination of hardware, software, firmware and / or other electric components of the computing device (102). For example, FIG. 1 shows that the computing device (102) may include a communication module (104) and a UWB component (108) within the housing (105). The housing (105) may also include one or more other hardware components and / or software modules, such as a processor, memory, operating system, application, etc., which are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The attachment component (106) may include a physical part of the wearable component that comes into contact with the user's body (e.g., tissue, muscle, skin, hair, clothing, etc.) when the user is wearing the computing device (102) (although, in some examples, a part of the housing (105) may also come into contact with the user's body). For example, if the computing device (102) is a watch, the attachment component (106) may be a watch band that fits around the user's wrist and comes into contact with the user's skin. In an example where the computing device (102) is eyewear or headwear, the attachment component (106) may be a part of the frame of the eyewear or headwear that fits around the user's head, and if the wearable computing device (102) is a glove, the attachment component (106) may be a material of the glove that fits the user's fingers and hands. In some examples, the computing device (102) may be held and maintained from the housing (105) and / or the attachment component (106).

[0024] The computing device (102) includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) component (108) and a communication module (104). The UWB component (108) may include hardware such as circuits, antennas, etc., for handling wireless communication, such as radio frequency communication, using an ultra-wideband communication protocol such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol to transmit data over a wide bandwidth, such as a bandwidth greater than about 499 MHz.

[0025] The UWB component (108) may be configured to periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine location information associated with the computing device (102) using ultra-wideband communication. Specifically, the UWB component (108) may be configured to perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine one or more devices (e.g., computing device (102), one or more devices (120), etc.) within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (102), which may be one or more devices with which the UWB component (108) can exchange messages via ultra-wideband communication. By exchanging messages via ultra-wideband communication with one or more devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (102), the UWB component (108) can determine the distance between each of the computing device (102) and one or more computing devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (102), and can allow each of the computing devices within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing device (102) to determine the distance between the computing device (102) and each of the computing devices.

[0026] The UWB component (108) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to determine location information associated with the computing device (102), such as every 1 second, every 5 seconds, every 30 seconds, every 1 minute, etc. The communication module (104) may be software running on the computing device (102) to control the operation of the UWB component (108). For example, the communication module (104) may be executed to control the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging, such as decreasing the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging, and increasing the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0027] An ultra-wideband-enabled device ("UWB-enabled device") (120) may include any computing device configured to communicate with the computing device (102 and / or 110) via an ultra-wideband protocol, such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, as the computing device (102 and / or 110) performs ultra-wideband ranging. The UWB-enabled device (120) may meet the technical specifications set forth by the FiRa Consortium and / or the Automotive Connectivity Consortium. Examples of the device (120) may include smart home devices, vehicle keyless entry systems, POS terminals, UWB tags, UWB anchors, proximity sensing devices, computing devices, etc.

[0028] A UWB-enabled device communicating with a computing device via ultra-wideband communication can determine the distance from the UWB-enabled device to the computing device based on the communication. For example, when a computing device (e.g., computing device (102) or computing device (110)) within the ultra-wideband range of a UWB-enabled device (e.g., any one of the UWB-enabled devices (120)) performs ultra-wideband ranging, the UWB-enabled device can exchange timestamp messages via ultra-wideband communication with the computing device and can determine the flight time of the message to determine the physical distance and / or angle between the UWB-enabled device and the computing device.

[0029] In this way, each UWB-supported device (120A) can exchange messages with each computing device via ultra-wideband communication within an ultra-wideband communication range and determine the distance from each computing device to the UWB-supported device based on the messages. For example, when the computing device (102) performs ultra-wideband ranging, and the UWB-supported device (120A) communicates with the computing device (102) via ultra-wideband communication, the distance between the computing device (102) and the UWB-supported device (120A) can be determined based on ultra-wideband communication for both the computing device (102) and the UWB-supported device (120A).

[0030] Accordingly, the UWB-enabled device can detect a computing device that is close to the UWB-enabled device (e.g., within a specific distance) based on ultra-wideband communication with another computing device, and can perform one or more actions in response to the detection if the computing device is close to the UWB-enabled device. For example, if the UWB-enabled device (120A) is a vehicle keyless entry system and the computing device (102) acts as a vehicle digital key ring, the UWB-enabled device (120A) can determine the physical distance between the computing device (102) and the UWB-enabled device (120A) (e.g., based on the flight time of a message exchanged between the computing device (102) and the UWB-enabled device (120A)) via ultra-wideband communication to determine whether the computing device (102) is close to the vehicle (e.g., within a specific distance). When a UWB-enabled device (120A) determines that a computing device (102) is in close proximity to a vehicle based on ultra-wideband communication, the UWB-enabled device (120A) can unlock one or more doors of the vehicle and, accordingly, perform keyless entry of the vehicle using ultra-wideband communication.

[0031] In some examples, a UWB-enabled device may be paired with one or more computing devices. Each computing device paired with a UWB-enabled device may be a computing device recognized by the UWB-enabled device as an authenticated or known computing device that causes the UWB-enabled device to perform one or more actions in response to the determination that the paired computing device is in proximity to the UWB-enabled device.

[0032] For example, when a computing device (102) acting as a digital car key is paired with a UWB-enabled device (120A) which is a keyless entry system for a vehicle, the pairing of the computing device (102) and the UWB-enabled device (120A) causes the computing device to act as a digital car key for the UWB-enabled device (120A). Thus, the UWB-enabled device (120A) can unlock one or more doors of the vehicle in response to a determination that the computing device (102) is in close proximity to the UWB-enabled device (120A) (e.g., within 1 meter). Likewise, if the UWB-enabled device (120A) determines that a computing device not paired with the UWB-enabled device (120A) is in close proximity to the UWB-enabled device (120A), the UWB-enabled device (120A) may not unlock one or more doors of the vehicle.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a computing device (110) may be paired, tethered, or otherwise associated with a computing device (102) so that the computing devices (102, 110) are communically coupled. In some examples, the computing device (102) may be paired or tethered with the computing device (110) to function as a companion device for the computing device (110). For example, if the computing device (102) is a wearable computing device such as a smartwatch and the computing device (110) is a smartphone, the computing device (102) may be paired with the computing device (110) to function as a companion device for the computing device (110). In some examples, the computing devices (102 and 110) may be paired with each other when the computing devices (102 and 110) are associated with the same user and / or the same user account.

[0034] In an example where both computing devices (102 and 110) are used by the same user, the user of the computing devices (102 and 110) may wear, attach, and / or carry the computing devices (102 and 110) so that the computing devices (102 and 110) are with the user. For example, if the computing device (102) is a wearable computing device such as a smartwatch and the computing device (110) is a smartphone, the user may wear the computing device (102) on their body or clothing, for example, by attaching the computing device (102) to the user's body or clothing via an attachment component (106), and may also carry or hold the computing device (102) in a pocket, handbag, or the user's hand.

[0035] When a user moves with both computing devices (102 and 110), the computing device (102) and the computing device (110) periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to communicate with one or more of the UWB-enabled devices (120) within the ultra-wideband communication range of the computing devices (102 and 110), thereby enabling one or more UWB-enabled devices (120) to determine whether the computing device (102 and / or 110) is in close proximity to one or more UWB-enabled devices.

[0036] However, if the user wears, holds, and / or carries both computing devices (102 and 110), it may be unnecessary for both computing devices (102 and 110) to periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging because there is a possibility that the computing devices (102 and 110) are very close to each other (e.g., within 1 meter). That is, if one of the computing devices (102 and 110) is close to a UWB-enabled device, there is a high probability that the other of the computing devices (102 and 110) is also close to a UWB-enabled device.

[0037] In the example where the computing device is a battery-powered mobile computing device, the frequency with which the computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging can affect the battery life of the computing device. Specifically, reducing the frequency with which the computing device performs ultra-wideband ranging can reduce power consumption and increase battery life. In the example where the computing device (102) is a wearable device such as a smartwatch and the computing device (110) is a smartphone, the computing device (102) may have a much smaller battery than the computing device (110). Therefore, performing ultra-wideband ranging can have a greater impact on the battery life of the computing device (102) compared to the battery life of the computing device (110).

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since both computing devices (102 and 110) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (102) may reduce the frequency at which the computing device (102) performs ultra-wideband ranging based on determining whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device in certain cases. If the computing device (102) determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device, the computing device (102) reduces the frequency at which the computing device (102) performs ultra-wideband ranging, thereby reducing power consumption of the UWB component (108) and extending the battery life of the computing device (102).

[0039] As a part determining whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120), the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) including the UWB component is close to the computing device (102). For example, the computing device (102) can determine that the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102) if the computing device (110) is less than 1 meter, less than 0.5 meters, etc. from the computing device (102).

[0040] The computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102) using any suitable ranging or proximity detection technique. In one example, the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102) by using a UWB component (108) to perform ultra-wideband ranging. That is, the computing device (102) can determine the distance from the computing device (102) to the computing device (110) based on the flight time of the message by exchanging messages with the UWB component (118) of the computing device (110) via ultra-wideband communication using the UWB component (108).

[0041] In certain cases, even if the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102), the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) may nevertheless fail to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing devices (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120). In an example where the computing device (102) is a smartwatch and the computing device (110) is a smartphone, the UWB antenna of the computing device (102) may be about 10 decibels (dBs) weaker than the UWB antenna of the computing device (110). However, when the computing device (102) is worn on the user's wrist while the computing device (110) is carried in the user's back pocket, the body absorption of the ultra-wideband signal of the computing device (110) can significantly attenuate the ultra-wideband signal from the computing device by, for example, reducing the gain of the computing device (110)'s UWB antenna by 20-25 dB, potentially causing the computing device (110) to have much worse ultra-wideband ranging performance than the computing device (102).

[0042] In this way, the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) can accurately determine user proximity of the computing device (102 and 110) to the UWB-enabled device (120) in response to a determination that the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102). Specifically, the computing device (102) can select a specific set of one or more UWB-enabled devices, and in response to a determination that the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102), the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices.

[0043] In some examples, a specific set of one or more devices may be all devices paired with both the computing device (102) and the computing device (110). That is, the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices paired with both the computing device (102) and the computing device (110). For example, if UWB-enabled devices (120A-120C) are paired with both the computing device (102) and the computing device (110), the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with each of the UWB-enabled devices (120A-120C). If the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to transmit and receive messages through ultra-wideband communication with each of the UWB-enabled devices (120A-120C), the computing device (102) may determine that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120).

[0044] The computing device (110) can transmit to the computing device (102) an indication of one or more UWB-enabled devices to which the computing device (110) can transmit and receive messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging, and the computing device (102) can determine whether one or more UWB-enabled devices to which the computing device (110) can transmit and receive messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging are matched with all UWB-enabled devices paired with both the computing device (102) and the computing device (110). If the computing device (110) determines that one or more UWB-enabled devices capable of transmitting and receiving messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging are matched with all UWB-enabled devices paired with both the computing device (102) and the computing device (110), the computing device (102) may determine that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120).

[0045] In some examples, a specific set of one or more devices may be one or more devices to which the computing device (102) can perform ultra-wideband ranging. That is, the computing device (102) can determine whether it can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages through ultra-wideband communication with all devices to which the computing device (102) can perform ultra-wideband ranging.

[0046] For example, if the computing device (102) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with UWB-enabled devices (120A and 120B), the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with UWB-enabled devices (120A and 120B). If the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with each of the UWB-enabled devices (120A and 120B), the computing device (102) can determine that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120).

[0047] The computing device (110) can transmit to the computing device (102) an indication of one or more UWB-enabled devices to which the computing device (110) can transmit and receive messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging, and the computing device (102) can determine whether one or more UWB-enabled devices to which the computing device (110) can transmit and receive messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging match one or more UWB-enabled devices to which the computing device (102) can transmit and receive messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging. If the computing device (110) determines that one or more UWB-enabled devices capable of transmitting and receiving messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging are matched with one or more UWB-enabled devices capable of transmitting and receiving messages through the performance of ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (102) may determine that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120).

[0048] The computing device (102) may set the UWB component (108) to sleep mode in response to the determination that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120). In some examples, the computing device (102) setting the UWB component (108) to sleep mode includes reducing the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging. For example, if the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 5 seconds or once every 7 seconds, the computing device (102) may reduce the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 30 seconds or once every minute. By reducing the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (102) can perform ultra-wideband ranging less frequently than the computing device (110) in some examples.

[0049] When the UWB component (108) is set to a power-saving mode, the UWB (108) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages with one or more UWB-enabled devices (120) at a reduced frequency. As part of the periodic ultra-wideband ranging while the UWB component (108) is in a power-saving mode, the computing device (102) may periodically determine whether the computing device (110) is in close proximity to the computing device (102) through the ultra-wideband ranging as described above or through any other suitable proximity detection technique (e.g., via Bluetooth).

[0050] When the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (110) is no longer in close proximity to the computing device (102), the computing device (102) may exit the power saving mode by setting the UWB component (108) to a normal operating mode. In some examples, setting the UWB component (108) to a normal operating mode by the computing device (102) includes increasing the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging from the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging while in power saving mode. For example, if the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 30 seconds or once every minute in power saving mode, the computing device (102) may increase the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 5 seconds or once every 10 seconds.

[0051] While the UWB component (108) is in power saving mode, if the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (110) is close to the computing device (102), the computing device (102) can determine whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120) as described above.

[0052] As described above, the computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices. If the computing device (102) determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120), the computing device (102) can keep the UWB component (108) in a power-saving mode. If the computing device (102) determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the computing device (110) cannot be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and the UWB-enabled device (120), the computing device (102) can set the UWB component (108) to a normal operating mode.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of a computing device (200) performing ultra-wideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The computing device (200) of FIG. 2 is described below as an example of the computing device (200) illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates only one specific example of the computing device (200), and many other examples of the computing device (200) may be used in other cases and may include a subset of the components included in the exemplary computing device (200) or additional components not illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0054] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, the computing device (200) includes one or more processors (240), one or more input components (242), one or more communication units (244), one or more output components (246), and one or more storage components (248). The input component (242) includes a sensor component (214). The storage component (248) of the computing device (200) also includes a communication module (204), an application module (224), and a physical device information storage (228).

[0055] Communication channels (250) may be interconnected with each of the components (240, 242, 244, 246, 248, and 214) for inter-component communication (physically, communicationally, and / or kinetically). In some examples, communication channels (250) may include a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for communicating data.

[0056] One or more input components (242) of the computing device (200) can receive input. Examples of input are tactile, audio, and video inputs. In one example, the input component (242) of the computing device (200) includes a presence-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive screen, a mouse, a keyboard, a voice response system, a video camera, a microphone, or any other type of device for detecting input from a person or machine.

[0057] One or more input components (242) include one or more sensor components (214). Numerous examples of sensor components (214) exist and include any input component configured to obtain environmental information about the environment surrounding the computing device (200) and / or physiological information defining the activity state and / or physical well-being of the user of the computing device (200). In some examples, the sensor component may be an input component that obtains physical position, movement, and / or location information of the computing device (200). For example, the sensor component (214) may include one or more location sensors (GPS component, Wi-Fi component, cellular component), one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion sensors (e.g., multi-axis accelerometer, gyroscope), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., barometer), one or more ambient light sensors and one or more other sensors (e.g., microphone, camera, infrared proximity sensor, hygrometer, etc.). Other sensors may include several other non-limiting examples, such as heart rate sensors, magnetometers, glucose sensors, hygrometer sensors, olfactory sensors, compass sensors, and step counter sensors.

[0058] One or more output components (246) of the computing device (200) may produce output. Examples of output are tactile, audio, and video output. In one example, the output components (246) of the computing device (200) include a presence-sensitive display, a sound card, a video graphics adapter card, a speaker, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or any other type of device for producing output to a person or machine.

[0059] One or more communication units (244) of the computing device (200) may communicate with external devices through one or more wired and / or wireless networks by transmitting and / or receiving network signals on one or more networks. Examples of one or more communication units (244) include a network interface card (such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a GPS receiver, or any other type of device capable of transmitting and / or receiving information. Other examples of one or more communication units (244) may include a shortwave radio, a cellular data radio, a wireless network radio, as well as a USB controller.

[0060] One or more processors (240) can implement functions and / or execute instructions within the computing device (200). For example, one or more processors (240) on the computing device (200) can receive and execute instructions stored by storage components (248) that execute the functions of the modules (204 and 224). Instructions executed by one or more processors (240) cause the computing device (200) to store information within the storage components (248) during program execution. Examples of one or more processors (240) include application processors, display controllers, sensor hubs, and any other hardware configured to function as processing units. One or more processors (240) can execute instructions of the modules (204 and 224) to cause one or more output components (246) to render a portion of the content of the display data as one of the user interface screenshots on one or more output components (246). The modules (204 and 224) may be operated by one or more processors (240) to perform various actions or functions of the computing device (200).

[0061] One or more storage components (248) within the computing device (200) may store information for processing during the operation of the computing device (200) (e.g., the computing device (200) may store data accessed by modules (204 and 224) during execution in the computing device (200)). In some examples, the storage component (248) is a temporary memory, meaning that the primary purpose of the storage component (248) is not long-term storage. The storage components (248) on the computing device (200) may be configured as volatile memory for short-term storage of information and thus do not retain stored content when the power is turned off. Examples of volatile memories may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art.

[0062] In some examples, the storage components (248) include one or more computer-readable storage media. The storage components (248) may be configured to store a greater amount of information than volatile memory. The storage components (248) may be configured as non-volatile memory space for long-term storage of information and retain information even after power-on / power-off cycles. Examples of non-volatile memory include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or EPROM or EEPROM. The storage components (248) may store program instructions and / or data associated with the modules (204 and 224) as well as the device information storage (228).

[0063] An application module (224) represents all various individual applications and services running on a computing device (200). A user of the computing device (200) may interact with an interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) associated with one or more application modules (224) to enable the computing device (200) to perform functions. Numerous examples of application modules (224) may exist and may include digital car key applications, smart home applications, fitness applications, calendar applications, personal assistants or prediction engines, search applications, map or navigation applications, transportation service applications (e.g., bus or train tracking applications), social media applications, game applications, email applications, messaging applications, internet browser applications, or any other applications that may run on the computing device (200).

[0064] In FIG. 2, the communication module (204) may be executed on one or more processors (240) to control the operation of the UWB component (208). For example, the communication module (204) may be executed on one or more processors to control the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs broadband ranging, including increasing the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs broadband ranging, decreasing the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs broadband ranging, and / or setting the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs broadband ranging.

[0065] The communication module (204) is executed on one or more processors (240) and can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and a UWB-enabled device, so that the UWB component (208) determines whether to change the frequency at which it performs ultra-wideband ranging based at least partially on whether another computing device paired with the computing device (202) and used by the same user has ultra-wideband ranging capability. For example, the client device (202) is an example of the computing device (102) of FIG. 1, and the communication module (204) can determine whether the computing device (110) of FIG. 1 can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (102 and 110) and a UWB-enabled device.

[0066] Whenever the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (202) may receive information that the communication module (204) can use to determine one or more devices within the ultra-wideband range of the computing device (202) and the distance between the computing device (202) and each computing device. Such one or more devices within the ultra-wideband range of the computing device (202) may be devices capable of exchanging messages with the computing device (202) via an ultra-wideband protocol such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. For example, the UWB component (208) may exchange timestamp messages with each of the one or more devices.

[0067] The message may represent, for example, the identity of each of one or more devices. The communication module (204) may use the identity of each of one or more devices indicated in the message received by the UWB component (208) to determine whether one of the devices within the ultra-wideband range of the computing device (202) is a paired device (in the invention "paired device"). For example, the communication module (204) may compare the identity of each of one or more devices with the identity of a paired device stored in the device information store (228). If the communication module (204) determines that none of the one or more devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208) are paired devices, the communication module (204) may not change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0068] The communication module (204) can determine the physical distance and / or angle of reach between the computing device (202) and each of the one or more devices by using the flight time of messages exchanged between the UWB component (208) and each of the one or more devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208). In this way, if the communication module (204) determines that one or more devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208) include a paired device, the communication module (204) can determine the distance between the computing device (202) and the paired device.

[0069] Specifically, the communication module (204) can determine whether the paired device is close to the computing device (202). The communication module (204) can determine that the paired device is close to the computing device (202) if the distance between the computing device (202) and the paired device is within a proximity threshold (e.g., less than or equal to). Examples of such proximity thresholds may be 1 meter, 1 / 2 meter, 20 centimeters, etc. If the communication module (204) determines that the paired device is not close to the computing device (202), the communication module (204) may not change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0070] When the communication module (204) determines that the paired device is close to the computing device (202), the communication module (204) can determine whether the paired device can accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device (120). Specifically, the communication module (204) can select a specific set of one or more UWB-enabled devices and, in response to the determination that the paired device is close to the computing device (202), can determine whether the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with the specific set of one or more devices selected by the communication module (204).

[0071] In some examples, a specific set of one or more devices may be all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the paired device via ultra-wideband communication. That is, the computing device (102) can determine whether the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the paired device.

[0072] For example, the device information storage (228) can store the identities of all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the paired device via ultra-wideband communication. The computing device (202) can receive from the paired device an indication of the identity of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the paired device, as determined during the most recent execution of ultra-wideband ranging by the paired device. Accordingly, the computing device (202) compares the identities of all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the device information storage (228) with the IDs of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the paired device via ultra-wideband communication to determine whether the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with both the computing device (202) and the paired device and all devices paired with the paired device.

[0073] In some examples, the computing device (202) may receive the identity of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the paired device when the computing device (202) communicates with the paired device during ultra-wideband ranging. In some examples, the computing device (202) may receive the identity of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the paired device when the computing device (202) communicates with the paired device using a communication protocol other than ultra-wideband ranging, such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi.

[0074] If the communication module (204) determines that the paired device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the paired device, the communication module (204) determines that the paired device cannot accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device, and may not change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging. If the communication module (204) determines that the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices paired with both the computing device (202) and the paired device, the communication module (204) may determine that the paired device can accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device.

[0075] In some examples, a specific set of one or more devices may be all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208). That is, the computing device (202) can determine whether the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208).

[0076] Accordingly, the computing device (202) compares the identity of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208) with the identity of all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the paired device, as determined by the most recent ultra-wideband ranging by the UWB component (208), to determine whether the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208).

[0077] If the computing device (202) determines that the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208), the communication module (204) determines that the paired device cannot accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device, and may not change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging. If the communication module (204) determines that the paired device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages via ultra-wideband communication with all devices within the ultra-wideband range of the UWB component (208), the communication module (204) may determine that the paired device can accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device.

[0078] If the communication module (204) determines that the paired device can accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device, the communication module (204) may set the UWB component (208) to a power-saving mode. In some examples, the communication module (204) setting the UWB component (208) to a power-saving mode includes reducing the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging. For example, if the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 5 seconds or once every 7 seconds, the communication module (204) may reduce the frequency at which the UWB component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 30 seconds or once every minute. By reducing the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (202) can perform ultra-wideband ranging less frequently than the paired device in some examples.

[0079] When the UWB component (208) is set to power saving mode, the UWB (208) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging to send and receive messages with one or more UWB-enabled devices (120) within the ultra-wideband range at a reduced frequency. As part of the periodic ultra-wideband ranging while the UWB component (208) is in power saving mode, the communication module (204) may determine whether the paired device is in close proximity to the computing device (202) as described above.

[0080] When the communication module (204) determines that the paired device is no longer in close proximity to the computing device (202), the communication module (204) may exit the power saving mode by setting the UWB component (208) to a normal operating mode. In some examples, the communication module (204) setting the UWB component (208) to a normal operating mode includes increasing the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging from the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging while in power saving mode. For example, if the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 30 seconds or once every minute in power saving mode, the communication module (204) may increase the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging at a frequency such as once every 5 seconds or once every 10 seconds.

[0081] While the UWB component (208) is in power saving mode, if the communication module (204) determines that the paired device is close to the computing device (202), the communication module (204) can determine whether the ultra-wideband ranging capability of the paired device, as described above, can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device.

[0082] If the computing device determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability can be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device, the communication module (204) may keep the UWB component (208) in a power-saving mode. If the computing device determines that the ultra-wideband ranging capability cannot be used to accurately determine the proximity between the user of the computing device (202) and the UWB-enabled device, the communication module (204) may set the UWB component (208) to a normal operating mode as described above.

[0083] In some examples, the communication module (204) may use additional or alternative techniques to change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging. In some examples, the communication module (204) may perform activity recognition to recognize physical activities performed by a user of the computing device (202), and may change the frequency at which the UWB component (208) performs ultra-wideband ranging based on the physical activities performed by the user.

[0084] For example, the communication module (204) can use data generated by one or more sensor components (214) to determine whether the user is moving (e.g., walking, running, getting into a vehicle, etc.) or whether the user is not moving (e.g., sitting, standing, etc.). If the user is not moving, there may be no need to determine whether the user is moving toward the UWB-enabled device. In this way, if the communication module (204) determines that the user is not moving, the communication module (204) can set the UWB component (208) to a power-saving mode. Similarly, if the communication module (204) determines that the user is moving, the communication module (204) can set the UWB component (208) to a normal operating mode.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for ultra-wideband optimization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of illustration alone, exemplary operations of FIG. 1 are described below within the context of FIG. 1, wherein the computing device (102) is a wearable device that can be tethered to the computing device (110). If the computing device (102) is a wearable device, the computing device (102) may be worn or otherwise attached to the user of the computing device (102) and may be in an unlocked state.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the computing device (102) can determine whether the computing device (102) is connected to the computing device (110) (302). The computing device (102) can be connected to the computing device (110) if the computing device (102) is tethered to the computing device (110) or otherwise is communicated to the computing device (110) via wireless communication such as ultra-wideband, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Wi-Fi. If the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (102) is not connected to the computing device (110), the computing device (102) can perform ultra-wideband ranging normally through the UWB component (108) (312).

[0087] When the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (102) is connected to the computing device (110), the computing device (102) may periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging with the computing device (110) to determine the distance between the computing device (102) and the computing device (110) as part of periodically performing ultra-wideband ranging with the UWB-enabled device (120) using the UWB component (108) (304). The computing device (102) may determine whether the computing device (102) is close to the computing device (110) based on the distance between the computing device (102) and the computing device (110) (306).

[0088] If the computing device (102) determines that the computing device (102) is not close to the computing device (110), the computing device (102) can normally perform ultra-wideband ranging through the UWB component (108) (312). If the computing device determines that the computing device (102) is close to the computing device (110), the computing device (102) can determine whether, when the computing device (110) performs ultra-wideband ranging, it can communicate with all UWB-enabled devices paired with both the computing device (102 and 110) via ultra-wideband communication, or whether, when the computing device (110) performs ultra-wideband ranging, the computing device (102) can communicate with all UWB-enabled devices that can communicate via ultra-wideband communication via ultra-wideband communication (308).

[0089] If the computing device (110) determines that it cannot communicate with all UWB-enabled devices paired with both the computing device (102 and 110) via ultra-wideband communication, and that the computing device (110) cannot communicate with all UWB-enabled devices that the computing device (102) can communicate with via ultra-wideband communication, then the computing device (102) can normally perform ultra-wideband ranging through the UWB component (108) (312). When the computing device (110) determines that it can communicate with all UWB-enabled devices paired with both the computing device (102 and 110) via ultra-wideband communication, or when the computing device (110) determines that it can communicate via ultra-wideband, or when the computing device (102) determines that it can communicate with all UWB-enabled devices that the computing device (102) can communicate with via ultra-wideband communication, the computing device (102) can set the UWB component (108) to a power-saving mode, and accordingly, the frequency at which the UWB component (108) periodically performs ultra-wideband ranging can be reduced (310). Accordingly, the computing device (102) may return to periodically perform ultra-wideband ranging with the UWB-enabled device (120) using the UWB component (108) to determine the distance between the computing devices (102 and 110), including performing ultra-wideband ranging with the computing device (110) periodically (304).

[0090] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of a computing device performing ultra-wideband ranging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. For the sake of illustration alone, the exemplary operation is described below within the context of the computing device (110) of FIG. 1.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first computing device (102) may determine, with or without determining the angle of approach through ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device (102) is close to the second computing device (110) paired with the first computing device (102) (402). The first computing device (102) may determine that the second computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices (404). In response to the determination that the first computing device (102) is close to the second computing device (110) and that the second computing device (110) can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices, the first computing device (102) may set the ultra-wideband component (108) of the first computing device (102) to a power-saving mode (406).

[0092] A specific set of one or more devices includes all ultra-wideband supported devices paired with both the first computing device (102) and the second computing device (110). A specific set of one or more devices includes all ultra-wideband supported devices capable of performing ultra-wideband ranging on the first computing device (102).

[0093] In some examples, the first computing device (102) may determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device (102) is no longer approaching the second computing device (110) in response to setting the ultra-wideband component (108) to a power-saving mode. In response to the determination that the first computing device (102) is no longer approaching the second computing device (110), the first computing device (102) may set the ultra-wideband component (108) to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging.

[0094] In some examples, the first computing device (102) may determine, in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode, that the first computing device (102) is still approaching the second computing device (110) through ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device (102) and that the second computing device (110) cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices. In response to the determination that the second computing device (110) cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices, the first computing device (102) may set the ultra-wideband component (108) to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging.

[0095] In some examples, to set the ultra-wideband component (108) to a power-saving mode, the first computing device (102) may reduce the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging. In some examples, to set the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode, the first computing device (102) may increase the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0096] In some examples, to determine that the first computing device (102) is close to the second computing device (110), the computing device (102) may use an ultra-wideband component (108) to periodically determine each physical distance between the first computing device (102) and each of one or more ultra-wideband support devices within the ultra-wideband range of the first computing device (102).

[0097] In some examples, the computing device (102) may recognize physical activity being performed by a user associated with the first computing device (102) and the second computing device (110). In response to recognizing physical activity being performed by a user associated with the first computing device (102) and the second computing device (110), the computing device may change the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component (108) performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0098] In some examples, the first computing device (102) includes a wearable device and the second computing device includes a smartphone.

[0099] The present disclosure includes the following examples.

[0100] Example 1: A method comprising: determining, by means of ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with the first computing device; determining, by means of the first computing device, that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the first computing device is in proximity to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, setting the ultra-wideband component of the first computing device to a power-saving mode by the first computing device.

[0101] Example 2: In Example 1, a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband supported devices paired with both the first computing device and the second computing device.

[0102] Example 3: In Example 1, a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband-supported devices in which the first computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging.

[0103] Example 4: A method comprising, in any one of Examples 1 to 3, a step of determining, by the first computing device, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device no longer approaches the second computing device in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode; and a step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device in response to the determination that the first computing device no longer approaches the second computing device.

[0104] Example 5: A method comprising, in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode in any one of Examples 1 to 3, determining by the first computing device that the first computing device is still approaching the second computing device through ultra-wideband ranging and that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices, setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device.

[0105] Example 6: In any one of Examples 1 to 5, the step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode further comprises the step of reducing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device.

[0106] Example 7: In any one of Examples 4 to 6, the step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode further comprises the step of increasing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device.

[0107] Example 8: In any one of Examples 1 to 7, the step of determining that the first computing device is close to the second computing device further comprises the step of periodically determining each physical distance between the first computing device and each of one or more ultra-wideband support devices within the ultra-wideband range of the first computing device by means of the ultra-wideband component.

[0108] Example 9: A method comprising, in any one of Examples 1 to 8, a step of recognizing, by the first computing device, a physical activity performed by a user associated with the first computing device and the second computing device; and a step of changing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device in response to recognizing the physical activity performed by the user associated with the first computing device and the second computing device.

[0109] Example 10: A method in any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the first computing device comprises a wearable device and the second computing device comprises a smartphone.

[0110] Example 11: A computing device comprising: memory; an ultra-wideband component; an ultra-wideband communication component; and one or more processors telecommunicationally connected to the memory and the ultra-wideband component, wherein the one or more processors: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with the computing device; determine that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and, in response to the determination that the computing device is in proximity to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, the computing device is configured to set the ultra-wideband component of the computing device to a power-saving mode.

[0111] Example 12: In Example 11, a specific set of one or more devices comprises a computing device including all ultra-wideband-enabled devices paired with both the computing device and the second computing device.

[0112] Example 13: In Example 11, a specific set of one or more devices comprises a computing device including all ultra-wideband-supported devices capable of performing ultra-wideband ranging.

[0113] Example 14: A computing device, wherein in any one of Examples 11 to 13, the one or more processors are further configured to: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is no longer in proximity to the second computing device in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode; and, in response to the determination that the computing device is no longer in proximity to the second computing device, set the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging.

[0114] Example 15: In any one of Examples 11 to 13, the one or more processors are further configured to: determine, in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode, that the computing device is still approaching the second computing device through ultra-wideband ranging and that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices, to set the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging.

[0115] Example 16: In any one of Examples 11 to 15, the one or more processors for setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode are further configured to reduce the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging, a computing device.

[0116] Example 17: In any one of Examples 14 to 16, the one or more processors for setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode are further configured to increase the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging. A computing device.

[0117] Example 18: In any one of Examples 11 to 17, to determine that the computing device is close to the second computing device, the one or more processors are further configured to periodically determine each physical distance between the computing device and each of one or more ultra-wideband-supported devices within the ultra-wideband range of the computing device using the ultra-wideband component, the computing device.

[0118] Example 19: A computing device, wherein in any one of Examples 11 to 18, the one or more processors: recognize a physical activity performed by a user associated with the computing device and the second computing device; and in response to recognizing a physical activity performed by a user associated with the computing device and the second computing device, the computing device is further configured to change the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging.

[0119] Example 20: A non-transient computer-readable storage medium in which instructions are stored, wherein, when executed, the instructions cause one or more processors of a computing device to: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with the computing device; determine that the second computing device is capable of ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the computing device is in proximity to the second computing device and that the second computing device is capable of ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, set the ultra-wideband component of the computing device to a power-saving mode.

[0120] In one or more examples, the described functions may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions are stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium or transmitted through a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. A computer-readable medium may include a computer-readable storage medium or media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as a data storage medium or a communication medium including any medium that supports the transmission of a computer program from one place to another, for example, according to a communication protocol. In this manner, a computer-readable medium may generally correspond to (1) a non-transient tangible computer-readable storage medium or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. A data storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and / or data structures for the implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium.

[0121] As an example rather than a limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. Additionally, any connection may be appropriately named to the computer-readable medium. For example, if transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or infrared, radio, and microwave, such wireless technologies are included in the definition of the medium. However, computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carriers, signals, or other transient media, but instead refer to non-transient tangible storage media. As used herein, discs and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, DVDs, floppy discs, and Blu-ray discs, wherein discs typically reproduce data magnetically and discs optically reproduce data using a laser. Additionally, the above combinations must be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0122] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any of the above structures or any other structures suitable for implementing the techniques described herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the functions described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Furthermore, the techniques may be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0123] The techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented in a wide range of devices or apparatuses, including wireless headsets, integrated circuits (ICs), or sets of ICs (e.g., chipsets). Although various components, modules, or units are described in the present disclosure to highlight functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, implementation by different hardware units is not necessarily required. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit with appropriate software and / or firmware, or provided by a set of interactive hardware units including one or more processors as described above.

[0124] According to the embodiments, specific actions or events of any method described herein may be performed in a different order, added, merged, or completely omitted (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessarily required for the execution of the method). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, actions or events may be performed simultaneously, for example, through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0125] In some examples, computer-readable storage media include non-transient media. In some examples, the term “non-transient” indicates that the storage medium is not recorded in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, non-transient storage media may store data that may change over time (e.g., in RAM or cache). Although certain examples are described as outputting various information for display, the techniques of the present disclosure may output such information in other forms, such as audio, holograms, or haptics, according to the techniques of the present disclosure.

[0126] Various embodiments have been described. Accordingly, these and other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method comprising: determining, by means of ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device is close to a second computing device paired with the first computing device; determining, by means of the first computing device, that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the first computing device is close to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices, setting the ultra-wideband component of the first computing device to a power-saving mode by the first computing device. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband supported devices paired with both the first computing device and the second computing device. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, wherein a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband supporting devices capable of performing ultra-wideband ranging on the first computing device. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, comprising: a step of determining, by the first computing device, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device is no longer approaching the second computing device in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode; and a step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging, by the first computing device, in response to the determination that the first computing device is no longer approaching the second computing device. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, comprising: a step of determining, in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode, by the first computing device, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the first computing device is still approaching the second computing device and that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices; and a step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device in response to the determination that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices. Claim 6 The method of claim 1, wherein the step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode further comprises the step of reducing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device. Claim 7 The method of claim 4, wherein the step of setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode further comprises the step of increasing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device. Claim 8 The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining that the first computing device is close to the second computing device further comprises the step of periodically determining each physical distance between the first computing device and each of one or more ultra-wideband support devices within the ultra-wideband range of the first computing device by the first computing device using the ultra-wideband component. Claim 9 A method according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of recognizing, by the first computing device, a physical activity performed by a user associated with the first computing device and the second computing device; and a step of changing the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging by the first computing device in response to recognizing the physical activity performed by the user associated with the first computing device and the second computing device. Claim 10 A method according to claim 1, wherein the first computing device comprises a wearable device and the second computing device comprises a smartphone. Claim 11 A computing device comprising: memory; an ultra-wideband component; an ultra-wideband communication component; and one or more processors communicationly connected to the memory and the ultra-wideband component, wherein the one or more processors: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with the computing device; determine that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices; and, in response to the determination that the computing device is in proximity to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of one or more devices, are configured to set the ultra-wideband component of the computing device to a power-saving mode. Claim 12 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband supported devices paired with both the computing device and the second computing device. Claim 13 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein a specific set of one or more devices comprises all ultra-wideband-supported devices capable of performing ultra-wideband ranging. Claim 14 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more processors: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is no longer in proximity to the second computing device in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode; and further configured to set the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging in response to the determination that the computing device is no longer in proximity to the second computing device. Claim 15 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more processors: determine, in response to setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode, that the computing device is still approaching the second computing device through ultra-wideband ranging and that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices; and further configured to set the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode for performing ultra-wideband ranging in response to the determination that the second computing device cannot perform ultra-wideband ranging with a specific set of the one or more devices. Claim 16 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein, for setting the ultra-wideband component to a power-saving mode, the one or more processors are further configured to reduce the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging. Claim 17 In claim 14, the one or more processors for setting the ultra-wideband component to a normal operating mode are further configured to increase the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging. Claim 18 A computing device according to claim 11, wherein, in order to determine that the computing device is close to the second computing device, the one or more processors are further configured to periodically determine each physical distance between the computing device and each of one or more ultra-wideband-supported devices within the ultra-wideband range of the computing device using the ultra-wideband component. Claim 19 A computing device according to claim 18, wherein the one or more processors: recognize a physical activity performed by a user associated with the computing device and the second computing device; and further configured to change the frequency at which the ultra-wideband component performs ultra-wideband ranging in response to recognizing the physical activity performed by the user associated with the computing device and the second computing device. Claim 20 A non-transient computer-readable storage medium in which instructions are stored, wherein, when executed, the instructions cause one or more processors of a computing device to: determine, through ultra-wideband ranging, that the computing device is in proximity to a second computing device paired with the computing device; determine that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices; and in response to the determination that the computing device is in proximity to the second computing device and that the second computing device can perform ultra-wideband ranging to a specific set of one or more devices, the computing device to set the ultra-wideband component of the computing device to a power-saving mode.

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