Method and device for ranging using ultra wide band communication

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a method for providing a service by using ultra wide band (UWB) communication. The method for a first UWB device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises the steps of: receiving a downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDoA) message from at least one UWB anchor over a UWB channel; confirming that location measurement of the first UWB device based on the DL-TDoA message has failed; receiving, from a second UWB device, a ranging message including location information regarding the second UWB device; and measuring a location of the first UWB device on the basis of the DL-TDoA message and the location information regarding the second UWB device.

Description

Ranging method and device using ultra-wideband communication

[0001] The present disclosure relates to UWB communication, and more particularly, to a method for performing ranging between devices using UWB communication.

[0002] The Internet is evolving from a human-centric network where humans create and consume information to an Internet of Things (IoT) network where information is exchanged and processed between distributed components such as objects. The Internet of Everything (IoE) technology, which combines IoT technology with big data processing technology through connections to cloud servers, is also emerging. To implement the IoT, technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology are required. Recently, technologies such as sensor networks for connecting objects, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and Machine-Type Communication (MTC) are being researched.

[0003] In an IoT environment, intelligent IT (Internet Technology) services can be provided that collect and analyze data generated from connected objects, creating new value in human life. IoT, through the convergence and integration of existing IT (information technology) technologies with various industries, can be applied to fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0004] As wireless communication systems advance, a variety of services become available, creating a need for effective solutions to deliver these services. For example, ranging technology, which measures the distance between electronic devices using Ultra Wide Band (UWB), can be used.

[0005] The present disclosure discloses a method by which each of a plurality of UWB devices can reduce the number of message exchanges when performing UWB ranging.

[0006] A method of a first ultra wide band (UWB) device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: transmitting a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging to a second UWB device and a third UWB device; receiving a second message (GRRM) from the second UWB device in response to the first message; receiving a third message (GRRM) from the third UWB device in response to the first message; and transmitting a fourth message (GRFM) to the second UWB device and the third UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

[0007] A method of a second UWB (ultra wide band) device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging from a first UWB device; transmitting a second message (GRRM) to the first UWB device in response to the first message; receiving (overhearing) a third message (GRRM) transmitted by a third UWB device to the first UWB device in response to the first message from the third UWB device; and receiving a fourth message (GRFM) from the first UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first UWB (ultra wide band) device includes a transceiver; and a control unit. The control unit can control to transmit a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging to a second UWB device and a third UWB device, receive a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the second UWB device, receive a third message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the third UWB device, and transmit a fourth message (GRFM) including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message, to the second UWB device and the third UWB device.

[0009] A second UWB (ultra wide band) device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transceiver; and a control unit. The control unit may receive a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging from a first UWB device, control to transmit a second message (GRRM) in response to the first message to the first UWB device, overhear a third message (GRRM) transmitted by a third UWB device to the first UWB device in response to the first message from the third UWB device, and receive a fourth message (GRFM) from the first UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

[0010] The method and device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can support efficient group ranging between a plurality of UWB devices.

[0011] The method and device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the number of ranging message exchanges between a plurality of UWB devices through group ranging.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a framework of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3a illustrates an example of a ranging block structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3b illustrates an example of a ranging round according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates various examples of a UWB ranging method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a method for a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to perform UWB ranging in the DL-TDoA manner.

[0018] FIG. 5b illustrates an example of a ranging block structure for a downlink TDoA scheme according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining inter-device ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6b is a diagram for explaining a ranging procedure of a transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6c is a diagram for explaining a ranging procedure of a receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a group ranging operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11a illustrates an example for explaining an initial period in a group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 11b illustrates an example for explaining a final period in a group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 12a illustrates an example for explaining an initial sharing procedure based on ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 12b illustrates an example for explaining a resharing procedure based on ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 13A illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a first transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 13b illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a second transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an initial sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a re-sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 16a illustrates an example of a change in the configuration of devices within a group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 16b illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a first transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 16c illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a second transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an initial sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a re-sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of a first UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 20 illustrates the structure of a second UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains and are not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. This is to more clearly convey the gist of the present disclosure without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0043] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing are assigned the same reference numbers.

[0044] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided only to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0045] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the processing flowchart drawings and combinations of the flowchart drawings can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, so that the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also be able to provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0046] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0047] Here, the term '~ unit' used in the present embodiment means software or hardware components such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, the '~ unit' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to be on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the '~ unit' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or further separated into additional components and '~ units'. Additionally, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to activate one or more CPUs within the device or secure multimedia card. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the '~parts' may include one or more processors.

[0048] The term 'terminal' or 'device' used herein may refer to a mobile station (MS), user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), wireless terminal, access terminal (AT), terminal, subscriber unit (SS), subscriber station (SS), wireless device, wireless communication device, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile node, mobile, or other terms. Various embodiments of the terminal may include a cellular telephone, a smart phone having a wireless communication function, a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a wireless communication function, a wireless modem, a portable computer having a wireless communication function, a photographing device such as a digital camera having a wireless communication function, a gaming device having a wireless communication function, a music storage and playback home appliance having a wireless communication function, an internet home appliance capable of wireless internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals integrating combinations of such functions. In addition, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, an M2M (Machine to Machine) terminal, an MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminal / device. In this specification, the terminal may also be referred to as an electronic device or simply a device.

[0049] The operating principles of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on the functions of the present disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below using a communication system utilizing UWB as an example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or characteristics. For example, these may include communication systems utilizing Bluetooth or Zigbee. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems with some modifications, as determined by a person skilled in the art, without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] Additionally, when describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on the functions of the present disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the contents of this specification.

[0052] Generally, wireless sensor network technologies are broadly categorized into Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) technologies based on their sensing range. WLAN is a technology based on IEEE 802.11 that allows access to a backbone network within a radius of approximately 100 meters. WPAN, on the other hand, is a technology based on IEEE 802.15, and includes technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and ultra-wideband (UWB). A wireless network implementing these wireless network technologies may consist of multiple electronic devices.

[0053] According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definition, UWB can refer to a wireless communication technology that uses a bandwidth of 500 MHz or more, or a bandwidth corresponding to a center frequency of at least 20%. UWB can also refer to the band itself in which UWB communications are applied. UWB enables secure and accurate ranging between devices. This allows for relative position estimation based on the distance between two devices, or precise position estimation of a device based on the distance from a fixed device (of known location).

[0054] Certain terms used in the following description are provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and the use of such specific terms may be changed to other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0055] An "Application Dedicated File (ADF)" may be, for example, a data structure within an Application Data Structure that can host an application or application specific data.

[0056] "Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU)" may be a command and response used when communicating with the Application Data Structure within a UWB device.

[0057] The "application specific data" may be a file structure having a root level and an application level, for example, containing UWB control information and UWB session data required for a UWB session.

[0058] A "Controller" may be a Ranging Device that defines and controls Ranging Control Messages (RCM) (or control messages). The Controller can define and control ranging features by transmitting control messages.

[0059] A "Controlee" may be a Ranging Device that utilizes ranging parameters within an RCM (or control message) received from a Controller. The Controlee may utilize the same ranging characteristics as those set via the control message from the Controller.

[0060] Unlike "Static STS," "Dynamic STS (Scrambled Timestamp Sequence) mode" can be an operating mode in which STS is not repeated during a ranging session. In this mode, STS is managed by the ranging device, and the ranging session key that generates the STS can be managed by the Secure Component.

[0061] An "Applet" may be, for example, an applet running on a Secure Component containing UWB parameters and service data. The applet may be a FiRa applet.

[0062] A "Ranging Device" may be a device capable of performing UWB ranging. In the present disclosure, the Ranging Device may be an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV) defined in IEEE 802.15.4z or a FiRa Device. The Ranging Device may be referred to as a UWB device.

[0063] A "UWB-enabled Application" may be an application for UWB services. For example, a UWB-enabled Application may be an application that utilizes the Framework API for configuring UWB services, OOB Connector, Secure Service, and / or UWB sessions. A "UWB-enabled Application" may be abbreviated as Application or UWB Application. A UWB-enabled Application may be a FiRa-enabled Application.

[0064] A "Framework" may be a component that provides access to a Profile, individual UWB settings, and / or notifications. The Framework may be a collection of logical software components, including, for example, a Profile Manager, an OOB Connector, a Secure Service, and / or a UWB Service. The Framework may be a FiRa Framework.

[0065] An "OOB Connector" may be a software component for establishing an out-of-band (OOB) connection (e.g., a BLE connection) between Ranging Devices. The OOB Connector may be a FiRa OOB Connector.

[0066] A "Profile" can be a predefined set of UWB and OOB configuration parameters. A Profile can be a FiRa Profile.

[0067] A "Profile Manager" may be a software component that implements the profiles available to the Ranging Device. The Profile Manager may be a FiRa Profile Manager.

[0068] A "Service" can be an implementation of a use case that provides a service to an end-user.

[0069] A "Smart Ranging Device" may be a Ranging Device that implements the optional Framework API. A Smart Ranging Device may be a FiRa Smart Device.

[0070] A "Global Dedicated File (GDF)" may be the root level of application specific data containing the data required to establish a USB session.

[0071] The "Framework API" may be an API used by a UWB-enabled Application to communicate with the Framework.

[0072] An "Initiator" may be a Ranging Device that initiates a ranging exchange. The Initiator may initiate a ranging exchange by transmitting the first RFRAME (Ranging Exchange Message).

[0073] "Object Identifier (OID)" can be an identifier of ADF within the application data structure.

[0074] "Out-Of-Band (OOB)" may be data communication that does not use UWB as the underlying wireless technology.

[0075] "Ranging Data Set (RDS)" may be data (e.g., UWB session key, session ID, etc.) required to establish a UWB session whose confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity need to be protected.

[0076] A "Responder" may be a Ranging Device that responds to an Initiator in a ranging exchange. The Responder may respond to ranging exchange messages received from the Initiator.

[0077] "STS" may be a ciphered sequence to enhance the integrity and accuracy of ranging measurement timestamps. The STS may be generated from a ranging session key.

[0078] A "Secure Channel" may be a data channel that prevents overhearing and tampering.

[0079] A "Secure Component" may be an entity (e.g., an SE or TEE) with a defined security level that interfaces with the UWBS for the purpose of providing RDS to the UWBS, for example, when dynamic STS is used.

[0080] A "Secure Element (SE)" may be a tamper-resistant secure hardware component that can be used as a Secure Component within a Ranging Device.

[0081] "Secure Ranging" may be ranging based on STS generated through strong cryptographic operations.

[0082] A "Secure Service" may be a software component for interfacing with a Secure Component, such as a Secure Element or a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

[0083] A "Service Applet" may be an applet on a Secure Component that handles service-specific transactions.

[0084] "Service Data" may be data defined by the Service Provider that needs to be passed between two ranging devices to implement the service.

[0085] A "Service Provider" may be an entity that defines and provides the hardware and software required to provide a specific service to an end-user.

[0086] "Static STS mode" is an operating mode in which STS repeats during a session and does not need to be managed by the Secure Component.

[0087] The "Secure UWB Service (SUS) Applet" may be an applet on the SE that communicates with other ranging devices to retrieve the data necessary to enable a secure UWB session. The SUS Applet may also forward this data (information) to the UWB Service.

[0088] A "UWB Service" may be a software component that provides access to UWBS.

[0089] A "UWB Session" can be the period from when the Controller and Controllee start communicating via UWB until they stop communicating. A UWB Session can include ranging, data transfer, or both ranging and data transfer.

[0090] "UWB Session ID" may be an ID (e.g., a 32-bit integer) that identifies a UWB Session shared between the controller and the controller.

[0091] The "UWB Session Key" may be a key used to protect a UWB session. The UWB Session Key may be used to generate an STS. The UWB Session Key may be a UWB Ranging Session Key (URSK), also abbreviated as a session key.

[0092] The "UWB Subsystem (UWBS)" may be a hardware component that implements the UWB PHY and MAC layers (specification). The UWBS may have an interface to the Framework and an interface to the Secure Component for discovering the RDS.

[0093] A “UWB message” may be a message containing a payload information element (IE) transmitted by a UWB device (e.g., ERDEV).

[0094] “Payload IE” may be an IE included in the MAC payload of a UWB MAC frame. The MAC payload may include one or more Payload IEs.

[0095] "Scheduled-based ranging" may be used for ranging rounds in which the controller schedules the controller to transmit ranging frames (RFRAMEs) and / or measurement reports in different ranging slots. Scheduled-based ranging may also be referred to as time-scheduled ranging. The scheduling mode in which scheduled-based ranging is used may be referred to as time-scheduled mode.

[0096] "Contention-based ranging" can be used when the controller does not know the MAC addresses of the controllers participating in a UWB session (ranging session). In contention-based ranging, the controller can be the initiator and perform ranging with other unknown UWB devices. The scheduling mode in which contention-based ranging is used can be referred to as contention-based mode.

[0097] Contention-based ranging can be used for ranging rounds, where the controller determines the size of the contention access period (CAP) and signals the CAP size via a ranging control message. The CAP may also be referred to as the contention window or contention window period.

[0098] In contention-based mode, a UWB device can act as both a controller and an initiator, in which case the ranging control phase (RCP) and the ranging initiation phase (RIP) can be merged into a single phase (e.g., RIP). The allocation of the CAP size in the ranging phase (RP) can determine the CAP duration for the responder(s) participating in the ranging round in units of ranging slots. Each responder can randomly select a slot within the CAP to transmit a ranging response message (RRM). Messages used in contention-based ranging can use SP1 as the RFRAME setting.

[0099] "Hybrid ranging" can be used when there are known and unknown controllers. As described above, the known controller can be a controller whose MAC address is known by the controller, and the unknown controller can be a controller whose MAC address is not known by the controller. Hybrid ranging can be referred to as hybrid-based ranging. The scheduling mode in which hybrid ranging is used can be referred to as hybrid-based mode.

[0100] In Hybrid-based Mode, the controller can perform ranging in a scheduling-based mode with known controllers and in a contention-based mode with unknown controllers.

[0101] In Hybrid-based Mode, a ranging round may include a Ranging Control Phase (RCP) and a Ranging Phase (RP). The RP may include a Contention Free Period (CFP) for scheduled ranging (access) and a Contention Access Period (CAP) for contention-based ranging (access). The control message (Ranging Control Message) used in the RCP of Hybrid-based Mode may be referred to as a Ranging Management Message (RMM).

[0102] "Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDoA: DT)" may be a positioning method in which one or more tag devices (DT-Tags) estimate their own locations based on DL-TDoA messages (DTMs) received from at least one anchor device (DT-anchor). In DL-TDoA, the anchor device transmits or broadcasts the DTM, and the tag device passively receives the DTM, thereby preventing the location of the tag device from being exposed.

[0103] In DL-TDoA, an anchor device can precisely measure its own DTM transmission time and the reception time of received DTMs. The anchor device can include the transmission time in the DTMs it transmits or broadcasts. The tag device can measure the reception times of all DTMs it receives and estimate its own location using the reception timestamps and the coordinates of the anchor devices it has acquired. DL-TDoA can also be classified as a type of one-way ranging, similar to Uplink TDoA. DL-TDoA can also be referred to as DL-TDoA localization.

[0104] An "Anchor device" may be a UWB device deployed at a specific location to provide a positioning service. For example, an anchor device may be a UWB device installed by a service provider on an indoor wall, ceiling, structure, etc. to provide an indoor positioning service. In DL-TDoA, an anchor device may be a device that transmits a DTM that a tag device can use to calculate a location based on TDoA localization (DL-TDoA localization). In DL-TDoA, an anchor device may participate in a ranging round as an initiator anchor or a responder anchor depending on the order and role of transmitting messages. An anchor device may be referred to as a UWB anchor or a UWB anchor device, and an anchor device in DL-TDoA may be referred to as a DL-TDoA anchor or a DT-anchor.

[0105] An "Initiator anchor" can signal the start of a TDoA ranging round (DL-TDoA ranging round). In DL-TDoA, the Initiator anchor can initiate a DL-TDoA ranging round by transmitting an Initiation message and can schedule the transmission time of the Responder anchor(s). For example, the Initiator anchor can schedule a ranging slot for the Responder anchor(s) operating in the same ranging round to send a response message (response DTM). The Initiator message can be referred to as an Initiator DTM, a Poll message, a Poll DTM, a first DTM, etc. The Initiator anchor can be referred to as an Initiator UWB anchor, an Initiator anchor device, an initiator DT-anchor, etc.

[0106] The Initiator anchor may additionally transmit a Final DTM after receiving responses from the Responder anchor(s). The Initiator anchor may additionally transmit a Final DTM after all Responder anchors in the same cluster have transmitted response messages (response DTMs) in a DL-TDoA ranging round. The Final DTM may be referred to as the Final DTM, the third DTM, etc.

[0107] A DL-TDoA network can have at least one reference initiator anchor. The reference initiator anchor serves as a global time reference for inter-cluster synchronization and can establish a common ranging block structure for the operation of the DL-TDoA network. The reference initiator anchor can also be referred to as the master anchor or global anchor.

[0108] A "Responder anchor" may be a UWB anchor that responds to an initiation message from an Initiator anchor. The Responder anchor may respond to the Initiator anchor with a response message. The response message may be referred to as a Responder DTM, a Response DTM, a second DTM, etc. The Responder anchor may be referred to as a Responder UWB anchor, a Responder UWB anchor device, a Responder anchor device, etc.

[0109] A "Tag device" can estimate its own location (e.g., geographical coordinates) using TDoA measurements based on the DTM received from the anchor device in DL-TDoA. The tag device may know the location of the anchor device in advance. The tag device may be referred to as a UWB tag, a user device, or a UWB tag device, and the tag device of DL-TDoA may be referred to as a DL-TDoA Tag or DT-Tag.

[0110] The tag device can receive messages transmitted by the anchor device and measure the time of message reception. The tag device can obtain the anchor device's geographic coordinates through in-band or out-of-band methods. The tag device can skip the ranging block if the location update rate is lower than what the network supports.

[0111] A "cluster" may refer to a set of anchor devices covering a specific area. In DL-TDoA, a cluster may refer to a set of anchor devices that exchange DTMs to provide location services to at least one tag device. A cluster may consist of an initiator anchor and at least one responder anchor.

[0112] A single anchor device can operate in more than one cluster. In this case, an anchor device that acts as an initiator anchor in some clusters may act as a responder anchor in other clusters. The area of ​​a cluster may be the space formed by the anchor devices that comprise the cluster. To support positioning services over a wide area, multiple clusters can be configured to provide positioning services to user devices. A cluster may also be referred to as a cell.

[0113] In addition, when explaining the present disclosure, if it is determined that a specific description of a related public notice function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description is omitted.

[0114] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0115] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In the present disclosure, the UWB device (100) may be an electronic device supporting UWB communication. The UWB device (100) may be, for example, a Ranging Device supporting UWB ranging. In one embodiment, the Ranging Device may be an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV) defined in IEEE 802.15.4z or a FiRa Device.

[0117] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a UWB device (100) can interact with another UWB device through a UWB session.

[0118] Additionally, the UWB device (100) may implement a first interface (Interface #1), which is an interface between a UWB-enabled application (110) and a UWB Framework (120), and the first interface allows the UWB-enabled application (110) on the UWB device (100) to use the UWB capabilities of the UWB device (100) in a predetermined manner. In one embodiment, the first interface may be, but is not limited to, a Framework API or a proprietary interface.

[0119] Additionally, the UWB device (100) may implement a second interface (Interface #2), which is an interface between the UWB Framework (110) and the UWB subsystem (UWBS) (130). In one embodiment, the second interface may be, but is not limited to, the UWB Command Interface (UCI) or a proprietary interface.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 1, a UWB device (100) may include a UWB-enabled Application (110), a Framework (UWB Framework) (120), and / or a UWBS (130) including a UWB MAC Layer and a UWB Physical Layer. Depending on the embodiment, some entities may not be included in the UWB device, or additional entities (e.g., a security layer) may be included.

[0121] The UWB-enabled Application (110) can trigger the establishment of a UWB session by the UWBS (130) using the first interface. In addition, the UWB-enabled Application (110) can use one of the predefined profiles. The UWB-enabled Application (110) can handle related events such as service discovery, ranging notifications, and / or error conditions using the first interface.

[0122] The Framework (120) may provide access to the Profile, individual UWB settings, and / or notifications. In addition, the Framework (120) may support at least one of the following functions: a function for performing UWB ranging and transactions, a function for providing an interface to an application and a UWBS (130), or a function for estimating the location of the device (100). The Framework (120) may be a collection of software components. As described above, a UWB-enabled Application (110) may interface with the Framework (120) via a first interface, and the Framework (120) may interface with the UWBS (130) via a second interface.

[0123] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the UWB-enabled Application (110) and / or Framework (120) may be implemented by an application processor (AP) (or processor). Therefore, in the present disclosure, the operations of the UWB-enabled Application (110) and / or Framework (120) may be understood to be performed by the AP (or processor). In the present disclosure, the Framework may be referred to as an AP or a processor.

[0124] The UWBS (130) may be a hardware component including a UWB MAC Layer and a UWB Physical Layer. The UWBS (130) may perform UWB session management and communicate with the UWBS of another UWB device. The UWBS (130) may interface with the Framework (120) through a second interface and obtain secure data from the Secure Component. In one embodiment, the Framework (or application processor) (120) may transmit a command to the UWBS (130) through UCI, and the UWBS (130) may transmit a response to the command to the Framework (120). The UWBS (130) may also transmit a notification to the Framework (120) through UCI.

[0125] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a framework of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] The UWB device of FIG. 2 may be an example of the UWB device of FIG. 2.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 2, the Framework (220) may include software components such as, for example, a Profile Manager (221), an OOB Connector(s) (222), a Secure Service (223), and / or a UWB Service (224).

[0128] The Profile Manager (221) may be responsible for managing profiles available on the UWB device. Here, a profile may be a set of parameters required to establish communication between UWB devices. For example, the profile may include parameters indicating which OOB secure channel is used, UWB / OOB configuration parameters, parameters indicating whether the use of a specific security component is mandatory, and / or parameters related to the file structure of the ADF. The UWB-enabled Application (210) may communicate with the Profile Manager (221) via a first interface (e.g., Framework API).

[0129] The OOB Connector (222) may serve to establish an OOB connection with another device. The OOB Connector (222) may handle an OOB phase, including a discovery phase and / or a connection phase. An OOB component (e.g., a BLE component) (250) may be connected to the OOB Connector (222).

[0130] Secure Service (223) can perform the role of interfacing with Secure Component (240) such as SE or TEE.

[0131] The UWB Service (224) can perform the role of managing the UWBS (230). By implementing the second interface, the UWB Service (224) can provide access from the Profile Manager (221) to the UWBS (230).

[0132] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a ranging block structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a ranging round according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 3A, a ranging block may include at least one ranging round, and each ranging round may include at least one ranging slot. For example, as illustrated, a ranging block may include N ranging rounds (e.g., ranging round 0 to ranging round index N-1), and ranging round #0 may include M ranging slots (e.g., ranging slot 0 to ranging slot M).

[0134] A ranging block refers to a time period for ranging. A ranging round may be a period of sufficient duration to complete one entire ranging-measurement cycle (ranging cycle) involving a set of ranging devices participating in a ranging exchange. A ranging slot may be a period of sufficient duration to transmit at least one ranging frame (RFRAME) (e.g., ranging initiation / response / final message, etc.).

[0135] Meanwhile, if the ranging mode is block-based, the mean time between consecutive ranging rounds can be constant. Alternatively, if the ranging mode is interval-based, the time between consecutive ranging rounds can be dynamically changed. That is, the interval-based mode can adopt a time structure with adaptive spacing.

[0136] Ranging blocks can be abbreviated as blocks, ranging rounds can be abbreviated as rounds, and ranging slots can be abbreviated as slots.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 3B, a ranging round may include a ranging control phase (RCP), a ranging phase (RP), and / or a measurement report phase (MRP). For example, a ranging round may include one slot for the RCP, at least one slot for the RP, and / or at least one slot for the MRP.

[0138] Depending on the embodiment, some of the above-described steps may not be included in the ranging round, and additional steps may be included in the ranging round. For example, the RCP may not be included in the ranging round. In this case, the ranging control message (RCM) may be merged with the ranging initiation message (RIM). For example, the ranging control update phase (RCUP) and / or the ranging interval update phase (RIUP) may be further included in the ranging round.

[0139] The RCP may be a step in which the controller transmits an RCM. The RCM may be a message transmitted by the controller to set ranging parameters. In one embodiment, the RCM may be transmitted in the first slot (slot #0) of a ranging round. The RCM may be abbreviated as a control message (CM).

[0140] RP may include a ranging initiation phase (RIP), a ranging response phase (RRP), and / or a ranging final phase (RFP).

[0141] RIP may be a step where initiator(s) send RIM(s) to responder(s).

[0142] RRP may be a step where responder(s) send their ranging response message(s) (ranging response message (RRM))(s) to the initiator.

[0143] The RFP may be a step in which the initiator transmits a ranging final message (RFM)(s) to the responder(s). The ranging final message may only be used for DS-TWR.

[0144] MRP may be a step in which participating ranging devices exchange service information related to ranging measurements. In MRP, a Measurement Report Message (MRM), a Ranging Result Report Message (RRRM), and / or a Control Update Message (CUM) may be transmitted. The MRM may be a message transmitted by a UWB device to exchange measurement information. The RRRM may be a message transmitted by a UWB device to report ranging results. The CUM may be a message transmitted by a controller to update control information. The CUM may be referred to as a Ranging Control Update Message (RCUM).

[0145] RCUP may be a step in which the controller transmits a Ranging Control Update Message (RCUM). The Ranging Control Update step may be included in the last slot of a set of ranging rounds specified by the RCM. The RCUM may be a message transmitted by the controller to update ranging parameters for the next ranging round(s). The RCUM may be transmitted in the last slot of the ranging round(s) specified by the RCM. The RCUM may include some or all of the information elements (IEs) employed by the RCM to update the values ​​of the parameters.

[0146] The Ranging Interval Update (RIUP) phase may be a phase in which the controller transmits a Ranging Interval Update Message (RIUM). The RIUM may be a message transmitted by the controller to facilitate synchronization between participating ranging devices or to update the interval between ranging blocks. The RIUM includes the scheduled time of the first RIUM. The RIUM may also include the scheduled time of the next RIUM before the start of the next ranging block.

[0147] If necessary, the multiple UWB messages described above can be merged into a single message. For example, RCM can be merged with RIM and transmitted in RIP. For example, in the case of non-deferred DS-TWR ranging, RFM can be merged with MRM and transmitted in RFP.

[0148] FIG. 4 illustrates various examples of a UWB ranging method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Part (a) of Fig. 4 shows an example of a two way ranging (TWR) method, part (b) of Fig. 4 shows an example of an Uplink TDoA (UL-TDoA) method, which is a type of OWR, and part (c) of Fig. 4 shows an example of a Downlink TDoA (DL-TDoA) method, which is a type of OWR.

[0150] Referring to part (a) of FIG. 4, a user's UWB device (420a) can perform ranging through ranging exchanges using at least one UWB anchor (410a) and multiple ranging messages. Through these ranging exchanges (ranging message exchanges), a time of flight (ToF) can be calculated, and the distance between the two devices can be estimated.

[0151] The UWB device (420a) can perform single-sided two-way ranging (SS-TWR) or double-sided two-way ranging (DS-TWR) with the UWB anchor (410a). When performing TWR, the UWB device (420a) can act as an initiator or responder.

[0152] In one embodiment, TWR may be performed in a contention-based mode and / or a scheduling-based mode.

[0153] Referring to part (b) of FIG. 4, a user's UWB device (UWB tag) (420b) can transmit (broadcast) a ranging message to at least one UWB anchor (410b), and the at least one UWB anchor (410b) can obtain TDoA based on the received ranging message and estimate the location of the UWB device (420b) based on the TDoA. The TDoA scheme of the embodiment of part (b) of FIG. 4 may be referred to as an uplink TDoA (UL-TDoA) scheme.

[0154] Referring to part (c) of Fig. 4, a user's UWB device (UWB tag or DT-tag) (420c) can estimate its own location by receiving ranging messages transmitted / received by at least one UWB anchor (410c) to / from each other. An example of this DL-TDoA method is described below with reference to Figs. 5a and 5b.

[0155] FIG. 5A illustrates a method for a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to perform UWB ranging in the DL-TDoA manner.

[0156] In the embodiment of Fig. 5a, it is assumed that one Initiator anchor (Initiator DT-anchor) (510) and n Responder anchors (responder DT-anchors) (530a ... 530n) operate as UWB anchors (DT-anchors). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the number of Initiator anchors and Responder anchors may be set in various ways depending on the embodiment.

[0157] In operation S502, the Initiator anchor (510) may initiate a DL-TDoA round by transmitting or broadcasting a Poll DTM, which is received by the Responder anchors within the cluster. The Poll DTM may include scheduling information for each Responder anchor to transmit a Response DTM in the assigned ranging slot.

[0158] In one embodiment, all Responder anchors (530a, ... 530n) can know whether to transmit a Response DTM and which slot (slot index) to use to transmit the Response DTM by referring to the scheduling information in the Poll DTM.

[0159] In operations S504a,...,S504n, all Responder anchors (530a,...,530n) that have received the Poll DTM can respond to the Initiator anchor (510) using the Response DTM in the ranging slot assigned by the Poll DTM. For example, each Responder anchor (530a,...,530n) can transmit or broadcast the Response DTM in its own ranging slot assigned by the Poll DTM.

[0160] In operation S506, the Initiator anchor (510) that has received the Response DTMs may additionally transmit the Final DTM to the Responder anchors (530a,...,530n). For example, the Initiator anchor (510) may transmit or broadcast the Final DTM after receiving the Response DTMs from the Responder anchors (530a,...,530n).

[0161] In operation S508, the tag device (DT-Tag) (520) can receive (or overhear) the Poll DTM, Response DTMs, and Final DTM, and calculate TDoA values ​​using the information and reception timestamps included in the messages. The tag device (520) can obtain (or estimate) its own location using the calculated TDoA values. Through this, the tag device (520) can estimate its own location without exposing its own location.

[0162] FIG. 5b illustrates an example of a ranging block structure for a downlink TDoA scheme according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] The ranging block structure of FIG. 5b may be an example of a ranging block structure for performing the ranging method of FIG. 5a, for example.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 5b, a ranging block may include multiple ranging rounds.

[0165] As an example, a ranging block may include multiple ranging rounds allocated to multiple clusters. For example, if n clusters are deployed, a ranging block may include a first ranging round allocated to a first cluster, a second ranging round allocated to a second cluster, ..., and an n-th ranging round allocated to an n-th cluster. Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 5B, depending on the embodiment, multiple ranging rounds may be allocated to a single cluster, or one ranging round may be allocated to multiple clusters.

[0166] In one embodiment, a ranging round may include multiple ranging slots. A ranging round may include multiple ranging slots allocated for each ranging message transmitted by anchor devices belonging to a cluster associated with the ranging round. For example, if a first cluster is configured with one Initiator anchor and three Responder anchors, a ranging round for the first cluster may include a first ranging slot (e.g., ranging slot index 0) allocated for transmitting / receiving a Poll message of an Initiator anchor included in the first cluster, a second ranging slot allocated for transmitting / receiving a response message of a first Responder anchor, a third ranging slot allocated for transmitting / receiving a response message of a second Responder anchor, a fourth ranging slot allocated for transmitting / receiving a response message of a third Responder anchor, and a fourth ranging slot allocated for transmitting / receiving a final message of the Initiator anchor.

[0167] In this way, ranging slots can be allocated to ranging rounds for each cluster.

[0168] Through a ranging block structure like the embodiment of FIG. 5b, anchor devices in each cluster can exchange ranging messages in a cycle through their own ranging rounds within a ranging block, and user devices (tag devices) can receive these ranging messages and calculate their own locations. This operation can be repeated for each ranging block. This allows the location of the user device to be updated at the interval of the ranging block.

[0169] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining inter-device ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 6a, each of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can perform group ranging for sharing files, data, and / or services between devices.

[0171] In one embodiment, a first UWB device (a) can perform UWB contention-based ranging with each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) within a preset or user-input-based distance. The first UWB device (a) can calculate distances (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae) to each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) based on the UWB contention-based ranging results.

[0172] At this time, the first UWB device (a) may receive a response signal from at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e), and transmit a confirm signal corresponding to the response signal. According to one embodiment, the confirm signal may include information about the UWB device that transmitted the response signal. According to one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) may calculate a distance to the first UWB device (a) based on the response signal and the confirm signal.

[0173] In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can receive (overhear) a first response signal transmitted by another UWB device to the first UWB device (a) and transmit a second response signal thereto to the corresponding UWB device. In one embodiment, the second response signal can include information about the UWB device that transmitted the overheard first response signal. In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can calculate a distance to another UWB device that transmits a response signal to the first UWB device (a).

[0174] In one embodiment, the second UWB device (b) can calculate distances (D_bc, D_bd, D_be) to the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e), respectively, based on the first response signal and the second response signal. In one embodiment, the third UWB device (c) can calculate distances (D_cd, D_ce) to the fourth UWB device (d) and the fifth UWB device (e), respectively, based on the first response signal and the second response signal. In one embodiment, the fourth UWB device (c) can calculate distances (D_de) to the fifth UWB device (e), based on the first response signal and the second response signal.

[0175] FIG. 6b is a diagram for explaining a ranging procedure of a transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 6b, a first UWB device (a) can transmit a ranging initiation message (RIM). At least one of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) can receive the RIM and transmit a ranging response message (RRM) to the first UWB device (a) in response to the RIM. The first UWB device (a) can receive the RRM and transmit a confirm message to at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) in response to the RRM.

[0177] FIG. 6c is a diagram for explaining a ranging procedure of a receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 6c, a first UWB device (a) can transmit a ranging initiation message (RIM). At least one of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) can receive the RIM and, in response to the RIM, transmit a ranging response message (RRM) to the first UWB device (a).

[0179] In one embodiment, at least one of the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) may receive (or overhear) the RRM transmitted by the second UWB device (b) and transmit a response message in response to the RRM to the second UWB device (b). In one embodiment, the response message may include information about the second UWB device (b) that transmitted the RRM.

[0180] In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fifth UWB device (e) may receive (or overhear) an RRM transmitted by the fourth UWB device (d) and transmit a response message in response to the RRM to the fourth UWB device (d). In one embodiment, the response message may include information about the fourth UWB device (d) that transmitted the RRM.

[0181] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 7, in operations 701 and 703, the first UWB device (a) can transmit a GRIM (group ranging initiation message) to the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c), respectively.

[0183] In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c) may receive (or overhear) at least one message during the GRIM period. In one embodiment, at least one of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), and the third UWB device (c) may calculate and / or store at least one time stamp prior to transmission in the Initial period.

[0184] In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c) may not perform overhearing after transmission in the Final period.

[0185] In operation 705 performed in the initial period, the second UWB device (b) may transmit a GRRM (group ranging response message) to the first UWB device (a) in response to the GRIM. According to one embodiment, the GRRM may include a list of device information and response time information (<device, reply time> ) may be included. At this time, the message response time (reply time) (T) from the first UWB device (a) to the second UWB device (b) a,b ) can be defined as the time from the transmission time of the GRIM of the first UWB device (a) to the reception time of the GRRM of the first UWB device (a). The message response time (T) from the second UWB device (b) to the first UWB device (a) b,a ) can be defined as the time from the time of reception of the GRIM by the second UWB device (b) to the time of transmission of the GRRM by the second UWB device (b).

[0186] In one embodiment, a contention window may be set within the Initial period.

[0187] The response time (T) defined in this disclosure n,m ) means the message response time from the nth UWB device to the mth UWB device. Response time (T n,m ) may mean the time from the time when the nth UWB device transmits a ranging-based message to the mth UWB device to the time when the nth UWB device receives a response message to the ranging-based message from the mth UWB device.

[0188] In operation 707 performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM transmitted by the second UWB device (b).

[0189] In operation 709 performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) may transmit a GRRM to the first UWB device (a) in response to the GRIM. According to one embodiment, the GRRM may include a list of device information and response time information (<device, reply time> ) may be included. At this time, the message response time (T) from the first UWB device (a) to the third UWB device (c) a,c ) can be defined as the time from the transmission time of the GRIM of the first UWB device (a) to the reception time of the GRRM of the first UWB device (a). The message response time (T) from the third UWB device (c) to the first UWB device (a) c,a ) can be defined as the time from the time of reception of the GRIM by the third UWB device (c) to the time of transmission of the GRRM by the third UWB device (c). The message response time (T) from the third UWB device (c) to the second UWB device (b) c,b ) can be defined as the time from the time of reception of GRRM of the third UWB device (c) to the time of transmission of GRRM of the third UWB device (c).

[0190] In the 711 operation performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) can transmit a response message to the second UWB device (b) in response to the GRRM. At this time, the message response time (T) from the first UWB device (b) to the third UWB device (c) b,c ) can be defined as the time from the time of transmission of the GRRM of the second UWB device (b) to the time of reception of the response message of the GRRM of the second UWB device (b).

[0191] In operations 713 and 715 performed in the final period, the first UWB device (a) may transmit a GRFM (group ranging final message) to each of the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c). According to one embodiment, the GRFM may include list information of device information and response time.<device, reply time> ) may include. For example, the GRFM may include identification information for the second UWB device (b) and response time information from the first UWB device (a) to the second UWB device (b). <b,T a,b >) may include. For example, the GRFM may include identification information for the third UWB device (c) and response time information from the first UWB device (a) to the third UWB device (c). <c,T a,c >) may be included.

[0192] In one embodiment, a contention-free window (scheduled operation) may be set within the Final period.

[0193] In operation 717 performed in the final period, the second UWB device (b) may transmit GRFM to the third UWB device (c). According to one embodiment, the GRFM may include a list of device information and response time information (<device, reply time> ) may be included.

[0194] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a group ranging operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 8, at operation 810, the UWB device may perform and / or initiate UWB ranging. At operation 820, the UWB device may determine whether the UWB ranging is for group ranging.

[0196] If the above UWB ranging is not for group ranging (820-No), then in operation 830 the UWB device can perform Legacy DS-TWR operation.

[0197] If the above UWB ranging is for group ranging (820-Yes), in operation 840, the UWB device can perform and / or initiate group ranging. In operation 850, the UWB device can receive (or overhear) all messages during the Initial period and calculate all reply times. In operation 860, the UWB device can transmit device information and reply time information (<device, reply time> ) can be transmitted with GRRM and / or GRFM.

[0198] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 9, in operations 901 and 903, the first UWB device (a) can transmit a GRIM (group ranging initiation message) to the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c), respectively.

[0200] In operation 905 performed in the initial period, the second UWB device (b) may transmit a group ranging response message (GRRM) to the first UWB device (a) in response to the GRIM. According to one embodiment, the GRRM includes device information for the first UWB device (a) and a response time (T b,a ) List information ( <a,T b,a >) may be included. At this time, the message response time (T) from the second UWB device (b) to the first UWB device (a) b,a ) can be defined as the time from the time of reception of the GRIM by the second UWB device (b) to the time of transmission of the GRRM by the second UWB device (b).

[0201] In operation 907 performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM transmitted by the second UWB device (b). The GRRM includes device information for the first UWB device (a) and a response time (T b,a ) List information ( <a,T b,a >) may be included.

[0202] In operation 909 performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) may transmit a GRRM to the first UWB device (a) in response to the GRIM. The GRRM includes device information for the first UWB device (a) and a response time (T c,a ) First list information ( <a,Tc ,a >), and device information and response time (T) for the second UWB device (b). c,b ) Second list information ( <a,Tc ,a >) may be included.

[0203] In the 911 operation performed in the initial period, the third UWB device (c) can transmit a GRRM to the second UWB device (b). The GRRM includes device information for the first UWB device (a) and a response time (T c,a ) First list information ( <a,Tc ,a >), and device information and response time (T) for the second UWB device (b). c,b ) Second list information ( <a,Tc ,a >) may be included.

[0204] In the initial period, the first UWB device (a) can check and / or calculate the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the second UWB device (b). In the initial period, the first UWB device (a) can check and / or calculate the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the third UWB device (c). In the initial period, the second UWB device (b) can check and / or calculate the distance between the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c).

[0205] In operations 913 and 915 performed in the final period, the first UWB device (a) may transmit a group ranging final message (GRFM) to each of the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c). According to one embodiment, the GRFM may include device information and a response time (T) for the second UWB device (b). a,b ) First list information ( <b,T a,b >), and device information and response time (T) for the third UWB device (c). a,c ) Second list information ( <c,T a,c >) may be included. According to one embodiment, the order of the list information included in the GRFM may represent a scheduling order.

[0206] In operation 917 performed in the final period, the second UWB device (b) may transmit a GRFM to the third UWB device (c). According to one embodiment, the GRFM may include device information for the third UWB device (c) and a response time (T b,c ) List information ( <b,T b,c >) may be included. In one embodiment, the second UWB device (b) may omit GRFM transmission to the third UWB device (c).

[0207] In the final period, the second UWB device (b) can check and / or calculate the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the second UWB device (b). In the final period, the third UWB device (c) can check and / or calculate the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the third UWB device (c). In the final period, the third UWB device (c) can check and / or calculate the distance between the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c).

[0208] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 10, a first UWB device (a) can transmit GRIM to each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e).

[0210] The second UWB device (b) responds to the GRIM by sending device information and a response time (T) to the first UWB device (a). b,a ) List information ( <a, T b,a>) can be transmitted to the first UWB device (a). At this time, at least one of the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM. The first UWB device (a) determines a response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. a,b ) can be verified, and the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the second UWB device (b) can be calculated and / or verified.

[0211] The third UWB device (c) responds to the GRIM by sending device information and a response time (T) to the first UWB device (a). c,a ) First list information ( <a, T c,a >) and device information and response time (T) for the second UWB device (b). c,b ) Second list information ( <b, T c,b >) can be transmitted to the first UWB device (a). At this time, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM. The first UWB device (a) can determine a response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. a,c ) can be verified, and the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the third UWB device (c) can be calculated and / or verified. The second UWB device (b) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. b,c ) can be verified, and the distance between the second UWB device (b) and the third UWB device (c) can be calculated and / or verified.

[0212] The fourth UWB device (d) responds to the GRIM by sending device information and a response time (T) to the first UWB device (a). d,a ) First list information ( <a, T d,a >), device information and response time (T) for the second UWB device (b)d,b ) Second list information ( <b, T d,b >), and device information and response time (T) for the third UWB device (c). d,c ) Third list information ( <c, T d,c >) can be transmitted to the first UWB device (a). At this time, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fifth UWB device (e) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM. The first UWB device (a) determines a response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. a,d ) can be verified, and the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the fourth UWB device (d) can be calculated and / or verified. The second UWB device (b) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. b,d ) can be verified, and the distance between the second UWB device (b) and the fourth UWB device (d) can be calculated and / or verified. The third UWB device (c) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. c,d ) can be verified, and the distance between the third UWB device (c) and the fourth UWB device (d) can be calculated and / or verified.

[0213] The fifth UWB device (e) responds to the GRIM by sending device information and a response time (T) to the first UWB device (a). e,a ) First list information ( <a, T e,a >), device information and response time (T) for the second UWB device (b) e,b ) Second list information ( <b, T e,b >), device information and response time (T) for the third UWB device (c) e,c ) Third list information ( <c, T d,c >), and device information and response time (T) for the fourth UWB device (d). e,d ) 4th list information ( <c, T d,c>) can be transmitted to the first UWB device (a). At this time, at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fourth UWB device (d) can receive (or overhear) the GRRM. The first UWB device (a) determines a response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. a,e ) can be verified, and the distance between the first UWB device (a) and the fifth UWB device (e) can be calculated and / or verified. The second UWB device (b) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. b,e ) can be verified, and the distance between the second UWB device (b) and the fifth UWB device (e) can be calculated and / or verified. The third UWB device (c) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. c,e ) can be verified, and the distance between the third UWB device (c) and the fifth UWB device (e) can be calculated and / or verified. The distance between the second UWB device (b) and the fifth UWB device (e) can be calculated and / or verified. The fourth UWB device (d) can determine the response time (T) based on the GRIM and the GRRM. d,e ) can be verified, and the distance between the fourth UWB device (d) and the fifth UWB device (e) can be calculated and / or verified.

[0214] The first UWB device (a) has a plurality of lists ( <b,T a,b >, <c,T a,c >, <d,T a,d >, <e,T a,e >) can be transmitted to at least one of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e).

[0215] The second UWB device (b) has multiple lists ( <c,T b,c >, <d,T b,d >, <e,T b,e>) can be transmitted to at least one of the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e).

[0216] The third UWB device (c) has multiple lists ( <d,T c,d >, <e,T c,e >) can be transmitted to at least one of the fourth UWB device (d) and the fifth UWB device (e).

[0217] The fourth UWB device (d) is listed ( <e,T d,e >) can be transmitted to the fifth UWB device (e).

[0218] FIG. 11a illustrates an example for explaining an initial period in group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11b illustrates an example for explaining a final period in group ranging-based message exchange according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] If n UWB devices each perform message exchange without performing group ranging-based message exchange, it takes 3* to determine all distances between n UWB devices. n C2 messages need to be exchanged.

[0220] In the group ranging-based message exchange proposed in this disclosure, n UWB devices can determine the entire distance between n UWB devices by exchanging 2n-1 messages. For example, five UWB devices can determine the entire distance between five UWB devices by exchanging nine messages.

[0221] A first UWB device (a) can transmit GRIM to each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e).

[0222] Referring to FIG. 11A, in an initial period, a first UWB device (a) can receive a first response message (GRRM) in response to a GRIM from each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e). In the initial period, the second UWB device (b) can receive a second response message from each of a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e). In the initial period, the third UWB device (c) can receive a third response message from each of the fourth UWB device (d) and the fifth UWB device (e). In the initial period, the fourth UWB device (d) can receive a fourth response message from the fifth UWB device (e).

[0223] Referring to FIG. 11b, in the final period, the first UWB device (a) can transmit the first GRFM to the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e), respectively. In the final period, the second UWB device (b) can transmit the second GRFM to the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e), respectively. In the final period, the third UWB device (c) can transmit the third GRFM to the fourth UWB device (d) and the fifth UWB device (e), respectively. In the final period, the fourth UWB device (d) can transmit the fourth GRFM to the fifth UWB device (e).

[0224] Meanwhile, there is a need to distinguish between the RIM (ranging initiation message), RRM (ranging response message), and RFM (ranging final message) used in SS-TWR and DS-TWR and the GRIM, GRRM, and GRFM proposed in the present disclosure.

[0225] In one embodiment, for Time-scheduled TWR, a Data frame is used, and Ranging and Group Ranging can be distinguished using the Reserved bit of the Frame Control field based on Table 1 below.

[0226] [Table 1] Frame Control Field of Data Frame

[0227]

[0228] According to one embodiment, UWB devices that receive a group ranging message can calculate a reply time by overhearing all messages related to group ranging in the initial period (and transmitting them to surrounding terminals via GRRM and GRFM).

[0229] For FiRa's contention-based TWR using a multipurpose frame, there is no available Reserved bit in the Frame Control field of the MAC header as shown in Table 2 below, so there is a need to use another method to distinguish between GRIM, GRRM, and GRFM proposed in this disclosure.

[0230] [Table 2] Frame Control Field of Multipurpose Frame

[0231]

[0232] In one embodiment, for contention-based TWR, the messages in Tables 3 and 4 below may be used to distinguish between GRIM, GRRM, and GRFM, respectively, as proposed in the present disclosure.

[0233] According to one embodiment, one bit of the 4 RFU bits of Control Message Type 2 transmitted by the controller of contention-based ranging based on Tables 3 and 4 below may be used as a group ranging indicator to indicate group ranging.

[0234] [Table 3] Payload IE of Control Message Type 2

[0235]

[0236] [Table 4]

[0237]

[0238] According to one embodiment, a group ranging indicator for UCI can be set to operate the device in group ranging by additionally setting GROUP_RANGING_INDICATOR among the application configuration parameters as shown in Table 5 below.

[0239] [Table 5]

[0240]

[0241] FIG. 12a illustrates an example for explaining an initial sharing procedure based on ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 12a, a first UWB device (a) may perform an initial sharing procedure for data, files, and / or services with each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) as a transmitting device within a ranging group.

[0243] A first UWB device (a) can check and / or calculate a distance (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae) between each of the UWB devices through a group ranging-based message exchange with at least one of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e).

[0244] FIG. 12b illustrates an example for explaining a resharing procedure based on ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0245] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, in a re-sharing procedure in which a transmitting device within a ranging group is changed from a first UWB device (a) to a fourth UWB device (d), the topology for group ranging can be maintained without change. At this time, the fourth UWB device (d) can perform an initial sharing procedure for data, files, and / or services with each of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fifth UWB device (e) as transmitting devices within the ranging group, using the distance information between the UWB devices confirmed and / or determined during the group ranging-based message exchange of FIG. 12a.

[0246] FIG. 13A illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a first transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 13a, each of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can perform group ranging for sharing files, data, and / or services between devices.

[0248] In one embodiment, a first UWB device (a) can perform UWB contention-based ranging and / or OWR with each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) within a preset or user-input-based range upon initial sharing of a file, data, and / or service.

[0249] According to one embodiment, a first UWB device (a) may calculate distances and angles of attack (AoA) for each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) within a preset or user input-based distance, and obtain location information of each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e).

[0250] According to one embodiment, the first UWB device (a) can calculate distances (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae) to each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) based on UWB contention-based ranging and / or OWR results.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the first UWB device (a) may display the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) within the first UWB device (a) based on the distance information (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae). For example, the first UWB device (a) may display the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) within the first UWB device (a) in the order of proximity to the first UWB device (a) based on the distance information (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae).

[0252] FIG. 13b illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a second transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, when a transmitting device within a ranging group changes from a first UWB device (a) to a fourth UWB device (d), the fourth UWB device (d) can determine whether a topology change for group ranging occurs through a response (BLE message) to whether each of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fifth UWB device (e) is moving (confirmed using an IMU sensor).

[0254] In one embodiment, the first UWB device (a), which is a previous transmitting device, may transmit the nearest UWB device information of the fourth UWB device (d), which is a new transmitting device, to the fourth UWB device (d). In one embodiment, the fourth UWB device (d) may display the nearest UWB device on a display and perform ranging and / or OWR with the nearest UWB device.

[0255] In one embodiment, the fourth UWB device (d) may additionally display other UWB devices on the display based on a range readjustment (e.g., range readjustment due to user input).

[0256] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an initial sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 14, in operation 1401, a first UWB device may initiate a shared service (e.g., file sharing) and drive an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. In one embodiment, when movement is detected before or after adjusting the search range, all UWB devices within the signal range may participate in UWB ranging.

[0258] Each of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may perform an initial discovery procedure. In operation 1403, at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may discover a service via BLE.

[0259] In one embodiment, a UWB function (or UWB module) of at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may be switched on. In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may drive an IMU sensor.

[0260] In operation 1405, the first UWB device may perform one-way ranging (OWR) for ranging and / or angle-of-arrival (AOA) with at least one of the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device based on a reference power level.

[0261] In operation 1407, the first UWB device may transmit a notification message via BLE to at least one electronic device that is ranged and / or AoA'd.

[0262] In one embodiment, the UWB function (or UWB module) of at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may be switched off.

[0263] In operation 1409, the first UWB device may perform distance-based prioritization for a plurality of external UWB devices. In one embodiment, the first UWB device may perform distance-based prioritization using previous ranging values ​​for an electronic device that does not receive a BLE response after an initial search.

[0264] In operation 1411, the first UWB device may display on the display a UWB device to which it will provide a service (e.g., file sharing) based on the set and / or adjusted distance.

[0265] In operation 1413, the first UWB device may select a UWB device (at least one of the second UWB device to the fourth UWB device) to provide a service (e.g., file sharing). In operation 1415, the first UWB device may provide a service (e.g., data transfer or file sharing) to the selected UWB device (at least one of the second UWB device to the fourth UWB device) using Wi-Fi communication.

[0266] In operation 1417, the first UWB device can maintain location information (or device location information) for UWB devices.

[0267] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a re-sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0268] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a transmitting device within a ranging group may be changed from a first UWB device to a second UWB device, and a service (e.g., file sharing) re-sharing procedure may be performed by the second UWB device.

[0269] In operation 1501, the second UWB device may initiate a shared service (e.g., file sharing) and operate an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. In one embodiment, if movement is detected before or after the search range adjustment, all UWB devices within the signal range may participate in UWB ranging.

[0270] At least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device can perform service discovery via BLE.

[0271] In operation 1503, if the second UWB device determines (using the IMU sensor) that the second UWB device has not moved, the second UWB device may request a response from each of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device regarding whether each device has moved using BLE communication. In one embodiment, the second UWB device may turn on the UWB function (or UWB module).

[0272] In operation 1505, the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device can each determine whether they are moving (using an IMU sensor) and transmit a response message indicating whether they are moving to the second UWB device. In one embodiment, the response message is set to 1 bit, and if the value is "0", it indicates no movement of the corresponding UWB device, and if the value is "1", it indicates movement of the corresponding UWB device.

[0273] In operation 1507, if the first UWB device, which is a transmitting device within the ranging group, instructs the first UWB device not to move in the response message during the initial sharing, the first UWB device may transmit the closest device information of the second UWB device to the second UWB device, which is a transmitting device within the ranging group, using BLE communication during the re-sharing procedure. According to one embodiment, at least one UWB device that instructed the movement of the corresponding UWB device in the response message or a UWB device that newly joins the ranging group may turn on the UWB function (or UWB module).

[0274] In operation 1509, the second UWB device may display the nearest device on the display and perform ranging and / or OWR.

[0275] In operation 1511, the second UWB device may transmit a notification message using BLE and / or UWB communication to at least one ranged UWB device.

[0276] In operation 1513, the second UWB device can adjust the range for the search distance.

[0277] In operation 1515, the second UWB device may perform distance-based prioritization for multiple external UWB devices.

[0278] In operation 1517, the second UWB device may display on the display UWB devices that will provide a service (e.g., file sharing) within the search range.

[0279] In operation 1519, the second UWB device may select a UWB device (at least one of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) to provide a service (e.g., file sharing).

[0280] In operation 1521, the second UWB device may provide a service (e.g., data transfer or file sharing) to the selected UWB device (at least one of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) using Wi-Fi communication.

[0281] FIG. 16a illustrates an example of a change in the configuration of devices within a group according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 16a, the fourth UWB device (d), which is a transmitting device within a ranging group, receives a plurality of messages regarding movement of each of the receiving devices within the ranging group via BLE communication, and can determine whether a topology change is required for the ranging group based on the plurality of messages.

[0283] If the topology for the ranging group does not change and the third UWB device (c) leaves the ranging group, the fourth UWB device (d) can exclude the third UWB device (c) from the ranging group and perform ranging only for the sixth UWB device (f) that newly joins the ranging group. In one embodiment, whether the third UWB device (c) leaves the ranging group and / or whether the sixth UWB device (f) joins the ranging group can be determined using an IMU sensor in at least one UWB device.

[0284] In one embodiment, the fourth UWB device (d), which is a transmitting device within the ranging group, may display the nearest device on the display and display an appropriate device on the display when readjusting the search distance.

[0285] FIG. 16b illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a first transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 16b, each of the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) within a ranging group can perform group ranging for sharing files, data, and / or services between devices. The first UWB device (a) can operate as a transmitting device within the ranging group, and each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can operate as a receiving device within the ranging group.

[0287] A first UWB device (a) can perform ranging with each of a second UWB device (b), a third UWB device (c), a fourth UWB device (d), and a fifth UWB device (e) within a preset or user-input-based distance. Based on the ranging result, the first UWB device (a) can calculate distances (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae) to each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e).

[0288] Each of the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) can calculate the distance between the devices based on the ranging results.

[0289] According to one embodiment, the first UWB device (a) may display the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), the fourth UWB device (d), and the fifth UWB device (e) within the first UWB device (a) based on information about distances to other devices (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae). For example, the first UWB device (a) may display the second UWB device (b), the fourth UWB device (d), the fifth UWB device (e), and the third UWB device (c) within the display of the first UWB device (a) in the order of proximity to the first UWB device (a) based on the information about the distances (D_ab, D_ac, D_ad, D_ae).

[0290] FIG. 16c illustrates an example of distance measurement and device display in a second transmitting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0291] Referring to FIGS. 16b and 16c, if the transmitting device within the ranging group changes from the first UWB device (a) to the fourth UWB device (d) and the topology for the ranging group does not change, the fourth UWB device (d) can determine the distance between UWB devices using the ranging values ​​obtained from the previous ranging.

[0292] In one embodiment, the fourth UWB device (d) may display the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), the third UWB device (c), and the fifth UWB device (e) within the first UWB device (a) based on information about distances to other devices. For example, the fourth UWB device (d) may display the fifth UWB device (e), the first UWB device (a), the second UWB device (b), and the third UWB device (c) within the display of the fourth UWB device (d) in the order of proximity to the fourth UWB device (d) based on the information about the distances.

[0293] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an initial sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 17, in operation 1701, a first UWB device may initiate a shared service (e.g., file sharing) and drive an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor. In one embodiment, each of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may perform an initial discovery procedure.

[0295] In operation 1703, at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device can discover a service via BLE.

[0296] In one embodiment, a UWB function (or UWB module) of at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may be switched on. In one embodiment, at least one of the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may drive an IMU sensor.

[0297] In operation 1705, the first UWB device performs ranging with at least one of the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device, and at least one of the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device can receive (or overhear) messages transmitted and received between other UWB devices during ranging.

[0298] In operation 1707, the first UWB device may transmit a notification message via BLE to at least one UWB device from which a distance has been measured.

[0299] In one embodiment, the UWB function (or UWB module) of at least one of the first UWB device, the second UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device may be switched off.

[0300] In operation 1709, the first UWB device may perform range-based prioritization for a plurality of external UWB devices. In one embodiment, the first UWB device may perform range-based prioritization using previous ranging values ​​for an electronic device that does not receive a BLE response after an initial search.

[0301] In operation 1711, the first UWB device may display on the display a UWB device to which it will provide a service (e.g., file sharing) based on the set and / or adjusted distance.

[0302] In operation 1713, the first UWB device may select a UWB device (at least one of the second UWB device to the fourth UWB device) to provide a service (e.g., file sharing).

[0303] In operation 1715, the first UWB device may provide a service (e.g., data transfer or file sharing) to a selected UWB device (at least one of the second UWB device to the fourth UWB device) using Wi-Fi communication.

[0304] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a re-sharing procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0305] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a transmitting device within a ranging group may be changed from a first UWB device to a second UWB device, and a service (e.g., file sharing) re-sharing procedure may be performed by the second UWB device.

[0306] In operation 1801, the second UWB device may initiate a shared service (e.g., file sharing) and drive an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor.

[0307] In operation 1803, if the second UWB device determines (using the IMU sensor) that the second UWB device has not moved, the second UWB device may request a response from each of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device regarding whether each device has moved using BLE communication. In one embodiment, the second UWB device may turn on the UWB function (or UWB module).

[0308] In operation 1805, the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device can each determine whether they are moving (using an IMU sensor) and transmit a response message indicating whether they are moving to the second UWB device. In one embodiment, the response message is set to 1 bit, and if the value is "0", it indicates no movement of the corresponding UWB device, and if the value is "1", it indicates movement of the corresponding UWB device.

[0309] In operation 1807, if all receiving devices (the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) within the ranging group indicate no movement of the device within the response message, the second UWB device can indicate all receiving devices (the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) within the ranging group within the set distance.

[0310] In one embodiment, at least one UWB device that instructed movement of the corresponding UWB device in the response message or a UWB device that is newly joining the ranging group may turn on the UWB function (or UWB module).

[0311] In operation 1809, the second UWB device may perform ranging. In operation 1811, the second UWB device may transmit a notification message using BLE and / or UWB communication to at least one ranged UWB device.

[0312] In operation 1813, the second UWB device may perform distance-based prioritization for multiple external UWB devices.

[0313] In operation 1815, the second UWB device may display on its display UWB devices that will provide a service (e.g., file sharing) within the search range.

[0314] In operation 1817, the second UWB device may select a UWB device (at least one of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) to provide a service (e.g., file sharing).

[0315] In operation 1819, the second UWB device may provide a service (e.g., data transfer or file sharing) to the selected UWB device (at least one of the first UWB device, the third UWB device, and the fourth UWB device) using Wi-Fi communication.

[0316] FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of a first UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0317] The first UWB device of FIG. 19 may be one of the UWB devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18, and may be a transmitting device within a ranging group.

[0318] Referring to FIG. 19, the first UWB device may include a transceiver (1910), a control unit (1920), and a storage unit (1930). In the present disclosure, the control unit may be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0319] The transmitter / receiver (1910) can transmit and receive signals with other entities and may also be called a transceiver.

[0320] The control unit (1920) can control the overall operation of the UWB device (or terminal) according to the embodiment proposed in the present disclosure and can also be referred to as a processor. For example, the control unit (1920) can control the signal flow between each block to perform operations according to the flowchart described above. Specifically, the control unit (1920) can control the operation of a transmitting device within a ranging group, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 .

[0321] The control unit (1920) can control to transmit a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging to a second UWB device and a third UWB device, receive a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the second UWB device, and receive a third message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the third UWB device.

[0322] The control unit (1920) can control to transmit a fourth message (GRFM) including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message, to the second UWB device and the third UWB device.

[0323] In one embodiment, the first response time may be a time from when the first UWB device transmits the first message to when it receives the second message, and the second response time may be a time from when the first UWB device transmits the first message to when it receives the third message.

[0324] In one embodiment, the fourth message may further include identification information for the second UWB device and identification information for the third UWB device.

[0325] In one embodiment, an indicator indicating group ranging may be included in the frame control field of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message.

[0326] In one embodiment, the payload information element (IE) within the control message type of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message may include an indicator indicating group ranging.

[0327] The storage unit (1930) can store at least one of the information transmitted and received through the transmission and reception unit (1910) and the information generated through the control unit (1920). For example, the storage unit (1930) can store information and data necessary for the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18.

[0328] FIG. 20 illustrates the structure of a second UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0329] The second UWB device of FIG. 20 may be one of the UWB devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18, and may be a receiving device within a ranging group.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 20, the second UWB device may include a transceiver (2010), a control unit (2020), and a storage unit (2030). In the present disclosure, the control unit may be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0331] The transmitter / receiver (2010) can transmit and receive signals with other entities and may also be called a transceiver.

[0332] The control unit (2020) can control the overall operation of the UWB device (or terminal) according to the embodiment proposed in the present disclosure and may also be referred to as a processor. For example, the control unit (2020) can control the signal flow between each block to perform operations according to the flowchart described above. Specifically, the control unit (2020) can control the operation of the receiving device within the ranging group described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18, for example.

[0333] The control unit (2020) can receive a first message (GRIM) for initiating group ranging from a first UWB device, control to transmit a second message (GRRM) in response to the first message to the first UWB device, and receive (overhear) a third message (GRRM) transmitted by a third UWB device to the first UWB device in response to the first message from the third UWB device.

[0334] The control unit (2020) can receive a fourth message (GRFM) from the first UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

[0335] The storage unit (2030) can store at least one of the information transmitted and received through the transmission and reception unit (2010) and the information generated through the control unit (2020). For example, the storage unit (2030) can store information and data required for the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12d.

[0336] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the present disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural form may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular form may be composed of plural elements.

[0337] While the detailed description of this disclosure has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the scope of the claims described below, but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In the method of the first UWB (ultra wide band) device, An operation of transmitting a first message (GRIM) to initiate group ranging to a second UWB device and a third UWB device; An operation of receiving a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the second UWB device; The operation of receiving a third message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the third UWB device; and A method characterized by comprising the action of transmitting a fourth message (GRFM) including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message, to the second UWB device and the third UWB device.

2. In paragraph 1, The first response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the second message, A method characterized in that the second response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the third message.

3. In paragraph 1, the fourth message is, A method characterized by further comprising identification information for the second UWB device and identification information for the third UWB device.

4. In paragraph 1, A method characterized in that an indicator indicating group ranging is included in a frame control field of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message.

5. In paragraph 1, A method characterized in that a payload IE (information element) in a control message type of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message includes an indicator indicating group ranging.

6. In the method of the second UWB (ultra wide band) device, An operation of receiving a first message (GRIM) to initiate group ranging from a first UWB device; The act of transmitting a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message to the first UWB device; An operation of receiving (overhearing) a third message (GRRM) transmitted by a third UWB device to the first UWB device in response to the first message from the third UWB device; and A method characterized by comprising the action of receiving a fourth message (GRFM) from the first UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

7. In paragraph 6, The first response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the second message, A method characterized in that the second response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the third message.

8. In paragraph 6, the fourth message is, A method characterized by further comprising identification information for the second UWB device and identification information for the third UWB device.

9. In paragraph 6, A method characterized in that an indicator indicating group ranging is included in a frame control field of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message.

10. In paragraph 6, A method characterized in that a payload IE (information element) in a control message type of each of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message includes an indicator indicating group ranging.

11. In the first UWB (ultra wide band) device, Transmitter and receiver; and comprising a control unit, said control unit comprising: Control to transmit a first message (GRIM) to initiate group ranging to the second UWB device and the third UWB device, Receive a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the second UWB device, Receive a third message (GRRM) responding to the first message from the third UWB device, A device characterized by controlling transmission of a fourth message (GRFM) including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message, to the second UWB device and the third UWB device.

12. In paragraph 11, The first response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the second message, A device characterized in that the second response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the third message.

13. In paragraph 11, the fourth message is, A device characterized by further comprising identification information for the second UWB device and identification information for the third UWB device.

14. In the second UWB (ultra wide band) device, Transmitter and receiver; and comprising a control unit, said control unit comprising: Receive a first message (GRIM) to initiate group ranging from a first UWB device, Control to transmit a second message (GRRM) responding to the first message to the first UWB device, In response to the first message, the third UWB device receives (overhears) a third message (GRRM) transmitted by the third UWB device to the first UWB device, A device characterized by receiving a fourth message (GRFM) from the first UWB device, the fourth message including a first reply time determined based on the first message and the second message, and a second reply time determined based on the first message and the third message.

15. In paragraph 14, The first response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the second message, A device characterized in that the second response time is the time from the time the first UWB device transmits the first message to the time it receives the third message.

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