Method and apparatus for providing ultra wide band service

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to UWB communication, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing a method for calculating a user crowd density using a UWB service. A method of a first electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise the steps of: identifying, on the basis of the location of at least one second electronic device, the usage amount of a slot used by the at least one second electronic device for performing ranging with the first electronic device, wherein the location of the at least one second electronic device includes a first zone and a second zone; calculating a communication environment-related value for the at least one second electronic device; and calculating a first user crowd density for the first zone and a second user crowd density for the second zone on the basis of the usage amount of the slot and the communication environment-related value, wherein the communication environment-related value is calculated on the basis of channel impulse response (CIR) data.

Description

Method and device for providing ultra-broadband service

[0001] The present disclosure relates to UWB communications, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for providing a method for calculating user density using UWB services.

[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, the ability to provide a variety of services increases, leading to a growing demand for effective solutions. For example, ranging technology can be used to measure the distance between electronic devices using Ultra Wide Band (UWB). UWB is a wireless communication technology that utilizes a very wide frequency band, from baseband to several gigahertz, without the use of a radio carrier.

[0005] The present disclosure presents a method and apparatus for providing a method for calculating user density using UWB services.

[0006] The present disclosure proposes a method for controlling the entrance and exit directions of a gate using a method for calculating user density using UWB services.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a first electronic device includes the steps of: identifying a usage amount of a slot used by at least one second electronic device to perform ranging with the first electronic device based on a location of the at least one second electronic device, wherein the location of the at least one second electronic device includes a first zone and a second zone; calculating a communication environment-related value for the at least one second electronic device; and calculating a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone based on the slot usage amount and the communication environment-related value; wherein the communication environment-related value is calculated based on channel impulse response (CIR) data.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first electronic device comprises: a transceiver; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify a usage amount of a slot used by at least one second electronic device to perform ranging with the first electronic device based on a location of the at least one second electronic device, wherein the location of the at least one second electronic device includes a first zone and a second zone; calculate a communication environment-related value for the at least one second electronic device; and calculate a first user density (crowded density) for the first zone and a second user density for the second zone based on the usage amount of the slot and the communication environment-related value, wherein the communication environment-related value is calculated based on channel impulse response (CIR) data.

[0009] The method for providing the UWB service of the present disclosure can improve the accuracy of calculating user density in a certain space.

[0010] In addition, the method of calculating the user density of the present disclosure can improve user convenience by determining the number of entry / exit gates among multiple entry / exit gates.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a UWB device.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a communication system including a UWB device.

[0013] Figure 3 shows an exemplary structure of a frame used for UWB communication.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates how two UWB devices perform UWB communication.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates how two UWB devices perform UWB ranging.

[0016] Figure 6 shows the structure of ranging blocks and rounds used for UWB ranging.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a system providing a UWB-based gate service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of a UWB-based gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a service procedure of a UWB-based gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a ranging block used for a gate service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c illustrate a hybrid UWB session (HUS) structure used in a gate service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d illustrate an operation of controlling gate entry and exit directions by calculating crowding density in a gate service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a gate calculating crowd density according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] UWB can refer to a short-range, high-speed wireless communication technology that utilizes a wide frequency band exceeding several GHz in baseband mode, low spectral density, and short pulse widths (1 to 4 nanoseconds). 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 positioning based on the distance between two devices, or precise positioning of a device based on the distance from fixed devices (whose locations are known).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] "Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU)" may be a command and response used when communicating with the Application Data Structure within a UWB device.

[0044] 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.

[0045] A "Controller" may be a Ranging Device that defines and controls Ranging Control Messages (RCM) (or control messages).

[0046] A "Controllee" may be a Ranging Device that utilizes the ranging parameters within the RCM (or control message) received from the Controller.

[0047] 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.

[0048] An "Applet" may be, for example, an applet running on a Secure Component that includes UWB parameters and service data. In the present disclosure, the Applet may be a FiRa Applet defined by FiRa.

[0049] 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 defined by FiRa. The Ranging Device may be referred to as a UWB device.

[0050] A "UWB-enabled Application" may be an application for UWB services. For example, a UWB-enabled Application may be an application that utilizes a framework API for configuring an OOB Connector, a Secure Service, and / or a UWB service for a UWB session. In the present disclosure, a "UWB-enabled Application" may be abbreviated as an application or a UWB application. A UWB-enabled Application may be a FiRa-enabled Application defined by FiRa.

[0051] A "Framework" may be a component that provides access to a Profile, individual UWB settings, and / or notifications. A "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. In the present disclosure, the Framework may be a FiRa Framework defined by FiRa.

[0052] An "OOB Connector" may be a software component for establishing an out-of-band (OOB) connection (e.g., a BLE connection) between Ranging Devices. In the present disclosure, the OOB Connector may be a FiRa OOB Connector defined by FiRa.

[0053] A "Profile" may be a predefined set of UWB and OOB configuration parameters. In the present disclosure, the Profile may be a FiRa Profile defined by FiRa.

[0054] A "Profile Manager" may be a software component that implements a profile available to a Ranging Device. In the present disclosure, the Profile Manager may be a FiRa Profile Manager defined by FiRa.

[0055] A "Service" could be an implementation of a use case that provides a service to the end-user.

[0056] A "Smart Ranging Device" may be a Ranging Device capable of implementing an optional Framework API. In the present disclosure, the Smart Ranging Device may be a FiRa Smart Device defined by FiRa.

[0057] A "Global Dedicated File (GDF)" may be the root level of application specific data containing the data required to establish a USB session.

[0058] The "Framework API" may be an API used by a UWB-enabled Application to communicate with the Framework.

[0059] An "Initiator" may be a Ranging Device that initiates a ranging exchange.

[0060] "Object Identifier (OID)" can be an identifier of ADF within the application data structure.

[0061] "Out-Of-Band (OOB)" may be data communication that does not use UWB as the underlying wireless technology.

[0062] "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.

[0063] A "Responder" may be a Ranging Device that responds to an Initiator in a ranging exchange.

[0064] "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.

[0065] A "Secure Channel" may be a data channel that prevents overhearing and tampering.

[0066] 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.

[0067] A "Secure Element (SE)" may be a tamper-resistant secure hardware component that can be used as a Secure Component within a Ranging Device.

[0068] "Secure Ranging" may be ranging based on STS generated through strong cryptographic operations.

[0069] 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).

[0070] A "Service Applet" may be an applet on a Secure Component that handles service-specific transactions.

[0071] "Service Data" may be data defined by the Service Provider that needs to be passed between two ranging devices to implement the service.

[0072] 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.

[0073] "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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] A "UWB Service" may be a software component that provides access to UWBS.

[0076] 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.

[0077] "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.

[0078] 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. In the present disclosure, the UWB Session Key may be a UWB Ranging Session Key (URSK), and may be abbreviated as a session key.

[0079] The "UWB Subsystem (UWBS)" may be a hardware component implementing the UWB PHY and MAC specifications. The UWBS may have an interface to the Framework and an interface to the Secure Component for discovering the RDS. In the present disclosure, the UWB PHY and MAC specifications may be, for example, the FiRa PHY and FiRa MAC specifications defined by FiRa, which references IEEE 802.15.4 / 4z.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0082] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a UWB device.

[0083] The UWB device (electronic device) of FIG. 1 may be a Ranging Device that supports UWB ranging (e.g., UWB secure ranging). In one embodiment, the Ranging Device may be an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV) defined in IEEE 802.15.4z or a FiRa Device defined by FiRa.

[0084] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a UWB device can interact with another UWB device through a UWB session.

[0085] Additionally, the UWB device may implement a first interface (Interface #1), which is an interface between a UWB-enabled application and the Framework, wherein the first interface allows the UWB-enabled application on the UWB device to use the UWB capabilities of the UWB device in a predetermined manner. In one embodiment, the first interface may be, but is not limited to, a Framework API or a proprietary interface.

[0086] Additionally, the UWB device may implement a second interface (Interface #2), which is an interface between the Framework and the UWB subsystem (UWBS). In one embodiment, the second interface may be, but is not limited to, the UWB Command Interface (UCI) or a proprietary interface.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 1, a UWB device may include a UWB-enabled Application, Framework, and / or UWBS 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.

[0088] A UWB-enabled application can use the first interface to trigger the establishment of a UWB session by a UWBS. Furthermore, the UWB-enabled application can use one of the predefined profiles. For example, the UWB-enabled application can use one of the profiles defined in FiRa or a custom profile. The UWB-enabled application can use the first interface to handle relevant events such as service discovery, ranging notifications, and / or error conditions.

[0089] The Framework may provide access to Profiles, individual UWB configurations, and / or notifications. The Framework may be a collection of software components. As described above, a UWB-enabled Application may interface with the Framework via a first interface, and the Framework may interface with the UWB via a second interface. The software components of the Framework may include, for example, a Profile Manager, an OOB Connector, a Secure Service, and / or a UWB Service.

[0090] The Profile Manager may be responsible for managing profiles available on a UWB device. A profile may be a set of parameters required to establish communication between UWB devices. For example, a profile may include parameters indicating which OOB secure channel is used, UWB / OOB configuration parameters, parameters indicating whether the use of a particular security component is mandatory, and / or parameters related to the file structure of the ADF.

[0091] The OOB Connector can be used to establish an OOB connection between UWB devices. The OOB Connector can handle the OOB phase, including the discovery phase and the connection phase. The OOB phase is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0092] A Secure Service may interface with a Secure Component such as an SE or TEE.

[0093] The UWB Service can manage UWBS. By implementing a second interface, the UWB Service can provide access to UWBS from the Profile Manager.

[0094] A UWBS may be a hardware component that includes a UWB MAC Layer and a UWB Physical Layer. It can perform UWB session management and communicate with UWBSs of other UWB devices. It can interface with the Framework through a second interface and obtain RDS from the Secure Component.

[0095] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a communication system including a UWB device.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2, a communication system includes a first UWB device and a second UWB device. In one embodiment, the first UWB device and the second UWB device may be, for example, the UWB device of FIG. 1 or an electronic device including the UWB device of FIG. 1.

[0097] A first UWB device may host one or more UWB-enabled Applications that can be installed, for example, by a user (e.g., a mobile phone). These may be based on, for example, a Framework API. A second UWB device may not provide a Framework API, but may, for example, utilize a proprietary interface to implement a specific UWB-enabled Application. Alternatively, and not as depicted, depending on the embodiment, both the first UWB device and the second UWB device may be Ranging Devices utilizing the Framework API, or both the first UWB device and the second UWB device may be Ranging Devices utilizing a proprietary interface.

[0098] The first UWB device and the second UWB device may include a UWB-enabled Application Layer, a Framework, an OOB component, a Secure Component, and / or a UWBS. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the OOB component and / or the Secure Component are optional components and may not be included in the UWB device depending on the embodiment.

[0099] The Framework may provide access to profiles, individual UWB settings, and / or notifications. The Framework is a collection of software components, including, for example, a Profile Manager, an OOB Connector, a Secure Service, and / or a UWB Service. For a description of each component, see the preceding description.

[0100] The OOB component may be a hardware component including a MAC Layer and / or Physical Layer for OOB communication (e.g., BLE communication). The OOB component may communicate with an OOB component of another device. In one embodiment, the first UWB device and the second UWB device may create an OOB connection (channel) using the OOB component and exchange parameters for establishing a UWB session through the OOB channel. In the present disclosure, the OOB component may be referred to as an OOB subsystem.

[0101] The UWBS may be a hardware component including a UWB MAC Layer and a UWB Physical Layer. It may perform UWB session management and communicate with the UWBS of another UWB device. In one embodiment, the first UWB device and the second UWB device may perform UWB ranging and service data transactions through a UWB session established via the UWBS using parameters exchanged with each other.

[0102] A Secure Component may be a hardware component that interfaces with the framework and / or UWBS to provide RDS.

[0103] In the present disclosure, the UWB-enabled Application Layer and / or Framework may be implemented by an application processor (AP) (or processor). Therefore, in the present disclosure, the operation of the UWB-enabled Application Layer and / or Framework may be understood to be performed by the AP (or processor).

[0104] Figure 3 shows an exemplary structure of a frame used for UWB communication.

[0105] Fig. 3a illustrates an exemplary structure of a frame to which the STS packet setting is not applied, and Fig. 3b illustrates an exemplary structure of a frame to which the STS packet setting is applied. In one embodiment, the frame may be a ranging frame (RFRAME) for transmitting ranging data (e.g., ranging initiation / response / final message, etc.) or a data frame for transmitting other data (e.g., service data, etc.).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3A, a frame or a PHY PDU (PPDU) for transmitting a frame may include a synchronization header (SHR), a PHY header (PHR), and a PHY payload (PSDU). The PSDU includes a MAC frame, and the MAC frame may include a MAC header (MHR), a MAC payload, and / or a MAC footer (MFR). The synchronization header of the PPDU may include a SYNC field and a start-of-frame delimiter (SFD). The SFD field may be a field indicating the end of the SHR and the start of the data field. For a description of each element / field included in the PPDU and the MAC frame, refer to the description defined in IEEE 802.15.4 / 4z and / or FiRa.

[0107] Meanwhile, the PHY layer of a UWB device may include an optional mode to provide reduced on-air time for high-density / low-power operation. In this case, the frame may include an encrypted sequence (i.e., STS) to increase the integrity and accuracy of the ranging measurement timestamp. This STS can be used for secure ranging.

[0108] The structure of a PPDU (or frame) when the STS packet setting is applied (supported) may be as shown in Fig. 3b.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3b, when the STS packet (SP) setting is 0 (SP0), the STS field is not included in the PPDU (SP0 packet). When the SP setting is 1 (SP1), the STS field is located immediately after the Start of Frame Delimiter (SFD) field and before the PHR field (SP1 packet). When the SP setting is 2 (SP2), the STS field is located after the PHY payload (SP2 packet). When the SP setting is 3 (SP3), the STS field is located immediately after the SFD field, and the PPDU does not include the PHR and data fields (PHY payload) (SP3 packet). That is, in the case of SP3, the frame (or, UWB message) does not include the PHR and PHY payload.

[0110] Meanwhile, SP0, SP1, and SP3 are mandatory settings that must be supported when STS packet settings are supported, and SP2 may be optionally supported.

[0111] Figure 4 illustrates how two UWB devices perform UWB communication.

[0112] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the first UWB device can perform the role of a controller (or controllery), and the second UWB device can perform the role of a controller (or controller), which is the opposite role of the first UWB device. Additionally, the first UWB device can perform the role of an initiator (or responder), and the second UWB device can perform the role of a responder (or initiator), which is the opposite role of the first UWB device.

[0113] (1) Referring to FIG. 4, the first UWB device and the second UWB device may optionally perform an OOB step prior to the UWB step. In the present disclosure, the OOB step may be referred to as an OOB connection step.

[0114] The OOB phase may be a phase performed to discover a UWB device through an OOB channel (e.g., a BLE channel) and establish and control a UWB session.

[0115] In one embodiment, the OOB step may include at least one of the following steps:

[0116] - Steps for discovering UWB devices and profiles (device and profile discovery)

[0117] - Steps to set up OOB connection (channel)

[0118] - Steps to establish a secure channel to secure messages and data

[0119] - A step for exchanging parameters for establishing a UWB session through a secure channel (e.g., UWB performance parameters (controller performance parameters), UWB configuration parameters, and / or session key related parameters) (parameter exchange step)

[0120] In one embodiment, the parameter exchange step may include a step for the controller to pass a controller performance parameter / message (UWB_CAPABILITY), a step for the controller to pass a UWB configuration parameter / message (UWB_CONFIGURATION) to the controller, and / or a step for one UWB device to pass a session key related parameter / message (SESSION_KEY_INFO) for securing a UWB session to another UWB device.

[0121] In one embodiment, the controller (UWB) performance parameters and / or session key parameters may be transmitted in a controller information message (CONTROLEE_INFO), which is an OOB message transmitted from the controller to the controller. In one embodiment, the UWB configuration parameters and / or session key parameters may be transmitted in a session data message (SESSION_DATA), which is an OOB message transmitted from the controller to the controller.

[0122] The controller performance parameter (UWB_CAPABILITY) may include at least one parameter that provides information about the device performance of the controller. For example, the controller performance parameter may include a parameter for support of the device's role (Initiator or Responder), a parameter for multi-node support, a parameter for support of STS configuration, a parameter for support of ranging methods, a RFRAME feature performance parameter, a parameter for support of Angle of Arrival (AoA), and / or a parameter for support of Scheduled Mode.

[0123] The UWB configuration parameter (UWB_CONFIGURATION) may include at least one parameter used for establishing a UWB session. For example, the UWB configuration parameter may include a UWB session ID parameter, a ranging method parameter, a multi-node configuration parameter, an STS configuration parameter, a Scheduled Mode parameter, a time-of-flight (ToF) report parameter, an AoA-related parameter, a parameter indicating the number of slots per ranging round, a slot duration parameter, a responder slot index parameter, a MAC address mode parameter, a device MAC address parameter, a parameter indicating the number of controllers, and / or a destination (DST) MAC address parameter.

[0124] The session key related parameters (SESSION_KEY_INFO) may include session key related parameters for Dynamic STS and / or session key related parameters for Static STS. For example, the session key related parameters for Dynamic STS may include data exchanged to generate a UWB session key or data directly used as a UWB session key. For example, the Static STS may include the ID of the vendor that provides the UWB-enabled application (Vendor ID) and a predefined random value (Static STS IV) selected by the UWB-enabled application for the UWB device. The Vendor ID may be used to set the phyVupper64 parameter for Static STS, and the Static STS IV may be used to set the vUpper64 parameter.

[0125] (2) The first UWB device and the second UWB device can perform a UWB step. In the present disclosure, the UWB step may be referred to as a UWB connection step.

[0126] The UWB phase may be a phase performed to perform UWB ranging and transmit service data through a UWB session.

[0127] In one embodiment, the UWB step may include at least one of the following steps:

[0128] - Steps to start a UWB session (UWB Trigger)

[0129] - A step for performing UWB ranging to obtain the distance / location between two UWB devices.

[0130] - Step for exchanging service data (transaction)

[0131] Meanwhile, as described above, the OOB step is an optional step and may be omitted depending on the embodiment. For example, if the discovery of a UWB device and / or the establishment and control of a UWB session are performed via a UWB channel (in-band), the OOB step may be omitted. For example, if in-band discovery is performed, the OOB step for performing OOB discovery may be omitted. In this case, the UWB step may further perform operations for discovering a UWB device via a UWB channel and exchanging parameters for UWB session establishment.

[0132] Figure 5 illustrates how two UWB devices perform UWB ranging.

[0133] FIG. 5a illustrates an embodiment in which a first UWB device operates as a controller / initiator and a second UWB device operates as a controller / responder, and FIG. 5b illustrates an embodiment in which a first UWB device operates as a controller / responder and a second UWB device operates as a controller / initiator.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the controller may transmit a control message for UWB ranging to the controller. The ranging control message may be used to convey ranging parameter(s) for controlling and configuring the ranging procedure. In one embodiment, the control message may include information about the role of the ranging device (e.g., initiator or responder), ranging slot index information, and / or address information of the ranging device.

[0135] The initiator can transmit a ranging initiation message to the responder to initiate UWB ranging. In one embodiment, the initiator can transmit the ranging initiation message via an SP1 packet or an SP3 packet. When transmitting the ranging initiation message via an SP1 packet, a control message can be transmitted as included in the PHY payload of the ranging initiation message. When transmitting the ranging initiation message via an SP3 packet, the ranging initiation message does not include a PHR and a PHY payload.

[0136] The responder may transmit a ranging response message to the initiator in response to the ranging initiation message. In one embodiment, the responder may transmit the ranging response message via an SP1 packet or an SP3 packet. When transmitting the ranging response message via an SP1 packet, a first Measurement Report Message may be transmitted in the PHY payload of the ranging response message. In one embodiment, the first Measurement Report Message may include an AoA measurement, a reply time measured by the responder, and / or a list of responder addresses and round-trip time measurements for the responders. The reply time field may indicate a time difference between the reception time of the ranging initiation message and the transmission time of the ranging response message on the responder side. Based on this, single-sided two-way ranging (SS-TWR) may be performed. The calculation of ToF via SS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z or FiRa.

[0137] For DS-TWR (Double-sided two-way ranging), the initiator may further transmit a Ranging Final Message to the responder to complete the ranging exchange. When transmitting the Ranging Final Message via an SP1 packet, a second Measurement Report Message may be transmitted in the PHY payload of the Ranging Final Message. In one embodiment, the second Measurement Report Message may include an AoA measurement, a round-trip time for the first responder, and / or a list of responder addresses and reply time measurements for the responders. When the sender of the Measurement Report Message is the initiator, the First round-trip time field may indicate the time difference between the Ranging Initiation message from the initiator and the first Ranging Response message from the first responder. Alternatively, if the sender of the Measurement Report Message is a responder, the First round-trip time field may indicate the time difference between the ranging response message from the responder and the ranging final message from the initiator. Based on this, DS-TWR can be performed. The calculation of time-of-flight (ToF) through DS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z or FiRa.

[0138] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the first measurement report message and / or the second measurement report message described above may not be included in the ranging response message and / or the ranging final message, but may be transmitted via a separate message. For example, if the non-deferred mode is applied, the measurement report message may be transmitted via a data frame after the ranging exchange.

[0139] Meanwhile, the initiator and responder can perform UWB ranging according to a predefined schedule mode. For example, in time-scheduled ranging mode, the controller knows the IDs of all controllers and can precisely schedule ranging transmissions. In another example, in contention-based ranging mode, the controller does not know the number or IDs of the controllers, and thus UWB devices compete with each other. This can lead to collisions between responding devices.

[0140] Figure 6 shows the structure of ranging blocks and rounds used for UWB ranging.

[0141] In the present disclosure, 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 involving a set of UWB 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.).

[0142] As in FIG. 6, one ranging block may include at least one ranging round, and each ranging round may include at least one ranging slot.

[0143] When the ranging mode is block-based, the mean time between consecutive ranging rounds can be constant. Alternatively, when 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.

[0144] The number and duration of slots included in a ranging round can be changed between ranging rounds. This can be set via control messages from the controller.

[0145] The UWB protocol is applicable to use cases that handle multiple users and provide high-speed authentication or payment. For example, the UWB protocol can be applied to gate services, allowing users with UWB devices (e.g., smartphones) to pass through a UWB-based gate system for authentication or payment without interacting with the UWB device.

[0146] The present disclosure presents an exemplary system architecture, exemplary OOB procedures (e.g., BLE procedures), ranging procedures, and transaction procedures for providing UWB services for multiple users, such as this gate service.

[0147] Hereinafter, each embodiment is described focusing on a gate service (or smart gate service). However, this is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to various types of services (e.g., PoS payment services) that require high-speed authentication or payment processing for multiple users. In this case, the exemplary system architecture, exemplary OOB procedures (e.g., BLE procedures), ranging procedures, and transaction procedures for providing such services can be referenced from the descriptions above in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0148] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a system providing a UWB-based gate service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] In the present disclosure, a UWB-based gate service may be referred to as a gate service or a smart gate service (SGS), and a system providing a UWB-based gate service may be referred to as a gate system or a smart gate system. In addition, the UWB-based gate service described below provides gate-related services without a user tag by utilizing UWB communication, and thus may be referred to as a UWB tagless gate (UTG).

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7, the gate system may include a mobile device, a smart station, and / or an SGS operator server. In the present disclosure, the mobile device may be referred to as a first UWB device, and the smart station may be referred to as a second UWB device. In the present disclosure, the mobile device may be referred to as a user terminal.

[0151] (1) The mobile device may include a framework (U-Pass framework), an SGS application, an SGS applet, a BLE component (subsystem), and / or a UWB component (subsystem). In one embodiment, the framework, the SGS application, the SGS applet, the BLE component, and / or the UWB component of the mobile device may be examples of the framework, the UWB-enabled application, the applet, the OOB component, and the UWB component of the UWB device, respectively, as described above in FIG. 1 .

[0152] A framework may support at least one of the following features:

[0153] - Estimating the location of a mobile device during a Downlink-TDoA (D-TDoA, or DL-TDoA) round.

[0154] - Implement procedures for UWB ranging and transaction execution.

[0155] - Provides a set of APIs for SGS operator applications (SGS applications) and provides an interface between the framework and UWB components.

[0156] - Trigger UWB communication (component) when a BLE advertisement is received from a smart station.

[0157] The SGS application may support at least one of the following features:

[0158] - Provides deployment information of anchor and UWB block structures when requested by the framework.

[0159] - Provides the AID of the SGS applet and the version of the SGS applet protocol to the framework.

[0160] - Communicate with the SGS operator server to initiate service applet installation, retrieve station-specific information (e.g., a map of anchors), or initiate a token retrieval or renewal process.

[0161] SGS Applet can support at least one of the following features:

[0162] - Hosted in a secure component (e.g. SE or TEE) that can communicate via a UWB interface.

[0163] - Implementing a transaction protocol for gate services

[0164] - Supports APDU commands

[0165] The BLE component can be used to receive at least one BLE message from a smart station when a mobile device enters the service area of ​​the gate system.

[0166] The UWB component may be used, for example, to estimate the location of a mobile device using D-TDoA, and / or to communicate with specific gateways to perform UWB ranging and transactions.

[0167] (2) A smart station may include at least one BLE anchor, at least one TDoA anchor, and / or at least one gate (gate device). In the present disclosure, a TDoA anchor may be referred to as a D-TDoA anchor.

[0168] BLE anchors can be used to notify mobile devices that they have entered the service area of ​​a gate system, and to provide general station information to the mobile devices.

[0169] In one embodiment, a BLE anchor may support a GAP broadcaster role, a GATT server role, and / or broadcasting of advertising physical channel PDUs.

[0170] D-TDoA anchors can be deployed in the service area of ​​a gateway system. D-TDoA anchors can broadcast UWB messages at specific times. These UWB messages can be used by mobile devices to estimate their location.

[0171] The gate device may include at least one UWB component (subsystem) and / or a security authentication module. The UWB component may be an example of the UWB subsystem described above, such as in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the gate device may include at least one anchor, and each anchor may include at least one UWB component.

[0172] The UWB component may be used to communicate with a mobile device for gate access and gate ranging, for example, to identify whether the mobile device is within a valid range to perform a transaction procedure and pass through a gate.

[0173] In one embodiment, the UWB component may support at least one of the following features:

[0174] - DS-TWR performance

[0175] - Perform gate access and gate ranging

[0176] - Provides an interface to the security authentication module.

[0177] A security authentication module can be used to verify that a mobile device is authorized to use the gate system.

[0178] In one embodiment, the security authentication module may support at least one of the following features:

[0179] - Provides interfaces to UWB components

[0180] - Communication capability via UWB interface

[0181] - Ability to synchronize with SGS operator servers

[0182] (3) The SGS operator server can manage the entire gate system. To this end, the SGS operator server can communicate with mobile devices and smart stations.

[0183] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] The gate system illustrated in Fig. 8 may be the gate system of Fig. 7.

[0185] Figure 8 (a) illustrates a unidirectional single tagless gate, and Figure 8 (b) illustrates a bidirectional multiple tagless gate.

[0186] Referring to Figure 8 (a), in a unidirectional single tagless gate, the direction is fixed, which causes inconvenience for users who must move to find the gate that matches their entry / exit direction. Furthermore, referring to Figure 8 (b), in a bidirectional multi-tagless gate, if users are traveling in both directions, there is a possibility of collisions or contention. Furthermore, since the direction is fixed for a short period after a user passes through a gate, a situation may arise where users from a single direction occupy multiple gates.

[0187] In addition, as shown in (b) of Fig. 8, in the case of a bidirectional multi-tagless gate, the gate may be operated inefficiently due to a capacity difference caused by a difference in the number of users passing in each direction.

[0188] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] The gate system illustrated in Fig. 9 may be the gate system of Fig. 7. The gate system illustrated in Fig. 9 may be the bidirectional multi-tagless gate of Fig. 8 (b).

[0190] Each gate of the gate system illustrated in Fig. 9 is shown to operate in the indicated direction (910, 913, 915, 917, 920, 923, 925, 927) due to the user's approach, etc.

[0191] Figure 9 (a) illustrates an ideal case among the exemplary scenarios, and Figure 9 (b) illustrates an error case among the exemplary scenarios.

[0192] Referring to (a) of Fig. 9, each gate may have its passage direction determined to be a first direction (910) and a second direction (913, 915, 917) at a certain point in time due to a user's approach, etc. Referring to (b) of Fig. 9, each gate may have its passage direction determined to be a first direction (920, 923, 925) and a second direction (927) at a certain point in time due to a user's approach, etc. For example, when the gate system illustrated in Fig. 9 is installed at the entrance of a specific building, the first direction may represent an exiting direction and the second direction may represent an entering direction, or the first direction may represent an entering direction and the second direction may represent an exiting direction.

[0193] In (a) of Fig. 9, each gate has a passage direction determined as a first direction (910) and a second direction (913, 915, 917) at a certain point in time, and an ideal case is shown in which the number of users attempting to proceed in the second direction (913, 915, 917) is greater than the number of users attempting to proceed in the first direction (910).

[0194] However, in (b) of FIG. 9, the direction of travel is determined as the first direction (920, 923, 925) and the second direction (927), and the number of users attempting to proceed in the second direction (927) is greater than the number of users attempting to proceed in the first direction (920, 923, 925), but since the direction is fixed for a while after the users pass the gate, it illustrates a case where users in the first direction (920, 923, 925) occupy multiple gates, resulting in inefficient operation of the gate.

[0195] Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a method for determining the number of gate directions that does not reflect the number of users attempting to pass in each direction based on the gate or the difference in congestion in each space, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9.

[0196] FIG. 10 illustrates the operation of a UWB-based tagless gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] The gate system of Fig. 10 may be the gate system of Fig. 7.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1, when a mobile device (or user terminal) (or a user having a mobile device) enters an OOB area (e.g., a BLE area or a WiFi area) of a gate system, the mobile device may receive a gate location and HUS (hybrid UWB session) related information from a smart station. In one embodiment, when the OOB area is a BLE area, the mobile device may receive a BLE advertising message (packet) from at least one BLE anchor of the smart station. At least one BLE anchor may be located in the BLE area. In one embodiment, the BLE advertising message (packet) may include a gate location and HUS (hybrid UWB session) related information. The HUS related information may include information about a HUS allocated to each gate included in the gate system, and information about a ranging round and available slots allocated to each HUS.

[0199] In one embodiment, upon receiving a BLE advertising message, the mobile device may perform prerequisite procedures for the gate system, i.e., prepare the gate system. In one embodiment, the prerequisite procedures may be activated by the UWB component of the mobile device and used to obtain authentication-related information and / or UWB-related information from the SGS operator server.

[0200] In operation 2, when the mobile device enters a location estimation area (DL-TDoA zone), the mobile device can estimate its location to determine the nearest gate to pass through. In one embodiment, the mobile device can receive a TDoA message from at least one TDoA anchor of the smart station and estimate its location using the DL-TDoA method. Meanwhile, an application (SGS application) on the mobile device can provide or utilize the locations of the gate(s).

[0201] In operation 3, the mobile device may select the nearest UWB tagless gate (UTG) and perform a HUS operation with the selected UTG. In one embodiment, the mobile device may select the nearest gate based on the location of the gate(s) and the result of the location estimation of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the mobile device may perform a procedure for UWB ranging with the selected gate. First, after selecting the nearest gate, the mobile device may participate in a competition for a specific slot to perform UWB ranging with the gate. The available slots for participating in the competition (contention period) may be announced by the gate via a UWB message. If the mobile device obtains an opportunity to transmit, the UWB ranging and service protocol (transaction) may be performed with the gate.

[0202] In step 4, after proper authentication or payment capability is verified through UWB ranging and message exchanges, the user may pass through the gate.

[0203] In operation 5, the mobile device can recognize that it has passed through the gate through location estimation and record information including payment method, payment result, etc.

[0204] FIG. 11 illustrates a gate service procedure of a gate system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] The gate system of Fig. 11 may be the gate system of Fig. 7.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 11, a gate service procedure can be performed between a smart station including at least one gate device and at least one mobile device.

[0207] The gate service procedure may include a gate service initiation step (phase 1), a gate discovery and location estimation step using D-TDoA (phase 2), a gate connection step for UWB slot reservation (phase 3), and / or a transaction step via UWB (phase 4). Upon completion of a transaction (transaction step) according to this gate service procedure, a specific gate may be opened. This allows a user to enter or exit the specific gate.

[0208] In one embodiment, the gate service initiation step may include, for example, operations 1 and 2 of FIG. 8.

[0209] In one embodiment, the gate discovery and position estimation step may include, for example, operation 3 of FIG. 8.

[0210] In one embodiment, the gate access step for UWB slot reservation may include, for example, the access operation (participation in contention) of operation 3 of FIG. 10 . During the gate access step (procedure), a mobile device may participate in contention to occupy a slot for data communication. If the mobile device acquires a specific slot, the gate and the mobile device may exchange data for service protocols.

[0211] In one embodiment, the transaction step via UWB may include, for example, UWB ranging and service protocol (transaction) operations included in operation 3 of FIG. 10. In one embodiment, the service protocol may require, for example, multiple ranging blocks to complete the message exchange procedure. For example, multiple ranging rounds may be required to complete the message exchange procedure for each gate, and since one round may be allocated to a given gate in a block, the service protocol may require multiple blocks to complete the message exchange procedure.

[0212] FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a ranging block used for a gate service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] The ranging block of FIG. 12 may be an example of the ranging block of FIG. 6.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 12, the ranging block includes multiple ranging rounds. In one embodiment, the ranging block may include at least one ranging round for location estimation and at least one ranging round for at least one gate. In the present disclosure, the round for location estimation may be referred to as a D-TDoA round, and the round for the gate may be referred to as a gate round.

[0215] In one embodiment, one gate round may be assigned to each gate. For example, if the smart station includes 12 gates, as illustrated, the ranging block may include 12 gate rounds.

[0216] In one embodiment, a gate round may include a plurality of ranging slots. These ranging slots may be allocated as many as necessary for multiple accesses, UWB ranging, and / or transactions for the gate, and the number of slots may be substantially fixed. For example, as illustrated, a necessary number of slots may be allocated for a period for an initiation message (IM), a period for a device access message (DAM) corresponding to the initiation message, a period for a response message (RM) corresponding to the device access message, a period for a device response message (DRM) corresponding to the response message, and / or a period for a final message (FM). In one embodiment, the IM, RM, and FM may be messages transmitted by an initiator (e.g., a smart station or a gate device of the smart station), and the DAM and DRM may be messages transmitted by a responder (e.g., a mobile device).

[0217] FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c illustrate a hybrid UWB session (HUS) structure used in a gate service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0218] FIG. 13a is a diagram illustrating a scenario in which a user (or mobile device) enters a DL-TDoA zone, and FIG. 13b is a diagram illustrating the structure of a ranging round of a hybrid UWB session (HUS) transmitted as the user enters. In addition, FIG. 13c is a diagram illustrating a simplified structure of FIG. 13b for the convenience of explanation in the present disclosure.

[0219] FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c are diagrams illustrating the structure (ranging rounds and slots) of HUS, which is HUS information that a mobile device acquires through OOB communication in operation 1 of FIG. 10.

[0220] The HUS illustrated in FIG. 13b refers to a ranging structure that includes a contention-based ranging mode and contention-free ranging (ranging round(s) with inter-leaved contention-free periods (CFPs). That is, each ranging round of the HUS can perform data transmission along with ranging measurements, and the ranging block that performs contention-based ranging can be referred to as Phase 1, and the ranging block that performs data transmission can be referred to as Phase 2.

[0221] Referring to Fig. 13a, when the gate system includes Gate 1, Gate 2, and Gate 3, HUS 1 may be assigned to Gate 1 (1311), HUS 2 may be assigned to Gate 2 (1313), and HUS 3 (1315) may be assigned to Gate 3. In addition, the direction of movement may be determined as a first direction (1312) for Gate 1, a second direction (1314) for Gate 2, and a second direction (1316) for Gate 3. For example, when the gate system illustrated in Fig. 13a is a gate system installed at a building entrance, the first direction may correspond to an exit direction and the second direction may correspond to an entry direction, or the first direction may correspond to an entry direction and the second direction may correspond to an exit direction.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 13b, a ranging block for DL-TDoA is initially allocated to HUS, through which the mobile device can measure its location. Thereafter, ranging blocks for HUS 1, HUS 2, and HUS 3 are allocated to Gate 1, Gate 2, and Gate 3, respectively. The mobile device can select a gate close to the mobile device based on the location measurement through DL-TDoA and the HUS information, as illustrated in operation 3 of FIG. 10. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 13a, the user selects Gate 3 because it is closest to Gate 3, and referring to FIG. 13b, ranging is not performed in the ranging rounds of HUS 1 and HUS 2, but is performed only in the ranging round of HUS 3.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 13c, a ranging round of each HUS may be allocated for the first direction (e.g., outward direction) and the second direction (e.g., inward direction) for each gate illustrated in (a) of FIG. 13c, and the ranging round of each HUS may include Phase 1 for performing contention-based ranging and Phase 2 for performing data transmission. For example, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 13c, HUS 1 is allocated (1350) for the outward direction of Gate 1, and as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 13c, the HUS1 ranging round may include Phase 1 (1355) and Phase 2 (1357). Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, for the convenience of explanation, Phase 2 (1357) may be illustrated in a simplified manner as in (b) of FIG. 13c.

[0224] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d illustrate an operation of controlling gate entry and exit directions by calculating crowding density in a gate service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d sequentially illustrate operations for calculating the user density and determining gate entry and exit directions. The gate system illustrated in Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d may be the gate system illustrated in Figure 7. Furthermore, the user terminals in Figures 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d may include the mobile devices illustrated in Figure 7.

[0226] FIG. 14A illustrates users approaching a DL-TDoA zone for a gated system and performing contention-based ranging with the gates. In FIG. 14A (a), when a first user terminal (1430) approaches Gate 3 and Gate 4 in the entry direction of the DL-TDoA zone for the gated system, referring to FIG. 14A (b), ranging can be performed using the second slot (1400) of the ranging round for HUS 7 to which Gate 3_in is assigned and the first slot (1402) of the ranging round for HUS 8 to which Gate 4_in is assigned.

[0227] FIG. 14B illustrates that the gate identifies the usage of the slots that the user is using to perform contention-based ranging as illustrated in FIG. 14A. For example, in (a) of FIG. 14B, when the first user terminal (1430) approaches Gate 3 and Gate 4 in the entry direction into the DL-TDoA zone for the gate system, referring to (b) of FIG. 14B, the gate can identify that the first user terminal (1430) is performing ranging using the second slot (1400) of the ranging round for HUS 7 to which Gate 3_in is assigned and the first slot (1402) of the ranging round for HUS 8 to which Gate 4_in is assigned.

[0228] Similarly, the gate can identify that the second user terminal (1432) performs ranging using the third slot (1404) of the ranging round for HUS 1 to which Gate 1_out is assigned and the second slot (1406) of the ranging round for HUS 2 to which Gate 2_out is assigned. As described above, the gate can identify the slots used for ranging by the third user terminal (1434), the fourth user terminal (1436), the fifth user terminal (1438), the sixth user terminal (1440), and the seventh user terminal (1442) and determine the slot usage. For example, referring to (b) of FIG. 14B, the gate can identify that in the incoming direction, four user terminals are using seven slots, and in the outgoing direction, three user terminals are using five slots.

[0229] Figure 14c illustrates the operation of the gate calculating the time difference of the most recently added user terminal to the slot. The time difference of the most recently added user terminal to the slot may be referred to as the slot update period. In (a) of FIG. 14c, when the first user terminal (1434) uses the second slot (1408) of the ranging round for HUS 1 to which Gate 1_out is assigned and the second slot (1410) of the ranging round for HUS 2 to which Gate 2_out is assigned for performing ranging, and then the second user terminal (1432) uses the third slot (1412) of the ranging round for HUS 1 to which Gate 1_out is assigned and the third slot (1414) of the ranging round for HUS 2 to which Gate 2_out is assigned for performing ranging, the gate can calculate the time difference between the time the first user terminal (1434) used the slot and the time the second user terminal (1432) used the slot. Additionally, in the same manner, the gate can calculate the time difference between the time the third user terminal (1442) uses the slot and the time the fourth user terminal (1444) uses the slot in the exit direction. For example, the gate can calculate the time difference for the entry direction as 320 ms and the time difference for the exit direction as 450 ms.

[0230] In Figure 14d, the gate can calculate a communication environment score based on the channel impulse response (CIR) of the user terminal for all slots being used by the user terminal. The communication environment score can be calculated using the distance between the gate and the user terminal, CIR data, and pose detection.

[0231] In Fig. 14d, the gate determines scores for each of the distance between the gate and the user terminal, pose detection, and CIR data, and can calculate the communication environment score by adding them.

[0232] For example, the distance between the gate and the user terminal can be given a score as shown in Table 1 below.

[0233] Distance 0~0.5[m] 0.5~1.0 1.0~1.5 1.5~22~3 Score 108654

[0234] For example, the pose detection above can be scored as shown in Table 2 below.

[0235] HandheldBack pocket0+1

[0236] For example, the above CIR data can be scored as shown in Table 3 below.

[0237] LosNLoS0-1

[0238] For example, if the communication environment scores of the first user terminal (1430), the second user terminal (1440), and the third user terminal (1448) are calculated with reference to Tables 1 to 3 above, the results are as shown in Table 4 below.

[0239] Distance Pose detection CIR Communication environment score 1st user terminal (1430) 0.5m (8) Handheld (0) LoS (0) 8 2nd user terminal (1440) 0.67m (8) Back pocket (+1) NLoS (-1) 8 3rd user terminal (1448) 2.6m (4) Handheld (0) NLoS (-1) 3

[0240] Thereafter, the gate can calculate the user density (crowded density) using the slot usage calculated in Figure 14b, the slot update cycle calculated in Figure 14c, and the communication environment score calculated in Figure 14d. The gate can control the gate's entry and exit directions using the crowded density. A specific method is described in Figure 15.

[0241] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a gate calculating crowd density according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Figure 15 illustrates an example of “distance between gate and user terminal / Pose detection (Handeled (H) or back pocket (B)) / CIR (Los (L) or NLos (N)) communication environment score” for user terminals around the gate.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 15, the user terminals (1510, 1520) currently using the slot and the user terminals (1530, 1540) that most recently participated in the slot can be distinguished by the shaded marks displayed on the user terminals.

[0244] In one embodiment, the gate may calculate a crowding density (D) using slot usage (A), slot update cycle (B), and communication environment score (C), as illustrated in FIGS. 14b, 14c, and 14d. For example, an algorithm for calculating D may be as shown in FIG. 1 below.

[0245] [Figure 1]

[0246]

[0247] Below, for example, the slot usage, slot update cycle, and communication environment score are calculated for the example shown in Fig. 15. First, slot usage (A) is the slot usage for the introductory period (A), assuming that one slot is used per user terminal. in ) = 7, and the slot usage for exit (A out ) = 6 to A in > A out am.

[0248] For example, the slot update cycle is the slot update cycle for the introductory (B in ) is 350ms, and the slot update cycle for exit (B out ) = 420ms to B in < B out am.

[0249] For example, the communication environment score is calculated as the average score of the user terminals entering and leaving, and the average communication environment score for entry (C in avg ) is 6.28, and the average score of communication environment for exit (C out avg ) = 6.5, which is derived as C in_avg < C out_avg am.

[0250] For example, based on the above A, B, and C, the user density (crowded density) D can be calculated as in the following mathematical formula 1.

[0251] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0252]

[0253] Accordingly, the user density for introductory (D in ) is 3.18[person / second], and the user density for exit (D out ) can be calculated as 2.19[person / second], and the number of entrances and exits of the gate can be controlled by taking this into consideration.

[0254] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the electronic device may include the gate system illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0256] Hereinafter, the electronic device of FIG. 16 is referred to as a first electronic device, and an electronic device different from the first electronic device is referred to as a second electronic device.

[0257] In operation 1610, the first electronic device can identify the usage of slots used by at least one second electronic device for ranging with the first electronic device based on a location of the at least one second electronic device. In one embodiment, the location of the at least one second electronic device can include a first zone and a second zone.

[0258] In operation 1620, the first electronic device can calculate a communication environment related value for the at least one second electronic device.

[0259] In operation 1630, the first electronic device can calculate a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone based on the usage of the slot and the communication environment-related values.

[0260] In one embodiment, the communication environment related values ​​may be calculated based on CIR (channel impulse response) data.

[0261] In one embodiment, the first electronic device may include at least one gate through which the second electronic device passes. In one embodiment, the first electronic device may determine a passage direction of the at least one gate based on a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone.

[0262] In one embodiment, the communication environment related value for the at least one second electronic device may be calculated based on a distance between the at least one second electronic device and the first electronic device, and a pose of the at least one second electronic device, and the pose of the at least one second electronic device may include one of Handled and back pocket.

[0263] In one embodiment, the first electronic device may calculate a first slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between a first slot usage start time of a third electronic device, which is the last to start slot usage in a first zone among at least one second electronic device, and a second slot usage start time of a fourth electronic device, which is the last to start slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device, and which starts slot usage immediately before the third electronic device starts slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device. In one embodiment, the first electronic device may calculate a second slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between a third slot usage start time of a fifth electronic device, which is the last to start slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device, and a fourth slot usage start time of a sixth electronic device, which is the last to start slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device, and which starts slot usage immediately before the fifth electronic device starts slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device. In one embodiment, a first user crowding density for the first zone may be calculated based on the first slot update cycle, and a second user crowding density for the second zone may be calculated based on the second slot update cycle.

[0264] In one embodiment, the ranging includes ranging using ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, and the slot may include a ranging block related to a hybrid UWB session (HUS).

[0265] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the electronic device may be an electronic device corresponding to a UWB device, including a UWB device, or including a part of a UWB device.

[0267] In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the electronic device may include the gate system illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 17, the electronic device may include a transceiver (1710), a control unit (1720), and a storage unit (1730). In the present disclosure, the control unit may be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0269] The transceiver (1710) can transmit and receive signals with other entities. The transceiver (1710) can transmit and receive data with other devices using, for example, UWB communication and / or OOB communication (e.g., BLE).

[0270] The control unit (1720) can control the overall operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment proposed in the present disclosure. For example, the control unit (1720) can control the signal flow between each block so that operations are performed according to the flowchart described above. Specifically, the control unit (1720) can control the operation of the electronic device (e.g., the operation of the framework) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16 , for example. The control unit (1720) can include at least one processor. When controlling the operation of the electronic device, one processor or two or more processors can be combined to control the operation.

[0271] The storage unit (1730) can store at least one of the information transmitted and received through the transmission / reception unit (1710) and the information generated through the control unit (1720). For example, the storage unit (1730) can store information and data required for the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. In one embodiment, the storage unit can include the security component described above.

[0272] Hereinafter, the electronic device of FIG. 17 is referred to as a first electronic device, and an electronic device different from the first electronic device is referred to as a second electronic device.

[0273] At least one processor included in the control unit (1720) can identify the usage of slots used by at least one second electronic device for ranging with the first electronic device based on the location of the at least one second electronic device. In one embodiment, the location of the at least one second electronic device may include a first zone and a second zone.

[0274] In one embodiment, at least one processor may calculate a communication environment related value for said at least one second electronic device.

[0275] In one embodiment, at least one processor may calculate a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone based on the usage of the slot and the communication environment-related values.

[0276] In one embodiment, the communication environment related values ​​may be calculated based on CIR (channel impulse response) data.

[0277] In one embodiment, the first electronic device may include at least one gate through which the second electronic device passes. In one embodiment, at least one processor may determine a passage direction of the at least one gate based on a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone.

[0278] In one embodiment, the communication environment related value for the at least one second electronic device may be calculated based on a distance between the at least one second electronic device and the first electronic device, and a pose of the at least one second electronic device, and the pose of the at least one second electronic device may include one of Handled and back pocket.

[0279] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may calculate a first slot update cycle corresponding to a difference between a first slot usage start time of a third electronic device, which last started using a slot in a first zone among the at least one second electronic device, and a second slot usage start time of a fourth electronic device, which last started using a slot in a second zone among the at least one second electronic device, and which first started using a slot immediately before the third electronic device in the second zone begins to use the slot. In one embodiment, the at least one processor may calculate a second slot update cycle corresponding to a difference between a third slot usage start time of a fifth electronic device, which last started using a slot in a second zone among the at least one second electronic device, and a fourth slot usage start time of a sixth electronic device, which last started using a slot in a second zone among the at least one second electronic device, and which first started using a slot immediately before the fifth electronic device in the second zone begins to use the slot. In one embodiment, a first user crowding density for the first zone may be calculated based on the first slot update cycle, and a second user crowding density for the second zone may be calculated based on the second slot update cycle.

[0280] In one embodiment, the ranging includes ranging using ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, and the slot may include a ranging block related to a hybrid UWB session (HUS).

[0281] 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.

[0282] 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 electronic device, A step of identifying a usage of a slot used by at least one second electronic device for performing ranging with the first electronic device based on a location of the at least one second electronic device, wherein the location of the at least one second electronic device includes a first zone and a second zone; A step of calculating a communication environment related value for at least one second electronic device; and A step of calculating a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone based on the usage amount of the slot and the communication environment-related values; A method characterized in that the above communication environment related values ​​are calculated based on CIR (channel impulse response) data.

2. In the first paragraph, the first electronic device may include at least one gate through which the second electronic device passes, A method characterized by comprising: a step of determining a passage direction of at least one gate based on a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone.

3. In the first paragraph, the communication environment related value for the at least one second electronic device is, calculated based on the distance between the at least one second electronic device and the first electronic device, and the pose of the at least one second electronic device, and A method, characterized in that the pose of at least one second electronic device comprises one of Handled and back pocket.

4. In paragraph 1, A step of calculating a first slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between the first slot usage start time of a third electronic device that last started slot usage in a first zone among at least one second electronic device and the second slot usage start time of a fourth electronic device that started slot usage immediately before the third electronic device started slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device; and A step of calculating a second slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between the third slot usage start time of a fifth electronic device that last started slot usage in the second zone among at least one second electronic device and the fourth slot usage start time of a sixth electronic device that started slot usage immediately before the fifth electronic device started slot usage in the second zone among at least one second electronic device; A method characterized in that a first user crowding density for the first zone is calculated based on the first slot update period, and a second user crowding density for the second zone is calculated based on the second slot update period.

5. In the first paragraph, the ranging includes ranging using UWB (ultra-wide band) communication, and A method characterized in that the above slot includes a ranging block related to a hybrid UWB session (HUS).

6. In the first electronic device, Transmitter and receiver; and comprising at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor comprises: At least one second electronic device identifies the usage of a slot used for ranging with the first electronic device based on a location of the at least one second electronic device, wherein the location of the at least one second electronic device includes a first zone and a second zone; Calculating communication environment related values ​​for at least one second electronic device, and It is configured to calculate a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone based on the usage amount of the above slot and the communication environment-related values, A first electronic device, characterized in that the above communication environment related values ​​are calculated based on CIR (channel impulse response) data.

7. In paragraph 6, the first electronic device may include at least one gate through which the second electronic device passes, A first electronic device, characterized in that the at least one processor is configured to determine a passage direction of the at least one gate based on a first user crowding density for the first zone and a second user crowding density for the second zone.

8. In the 6th paragraph, the communication environment related value for the at least one second electronic device is, calculated based on the distance between the at least one second electronic device and the first electronic device, and the pose of the at least one second electronic device, and A first electronic device, characterized in that the pose of at least one second electronic device comprises one of Handled and back pocket.

9. In paragraph 6, at least one processor, Calculating a first slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between the first slot usage start time of a third electronic device that last started slot usage in a first zone among at least one second electronic device and the second slot usage start time of a fourth electronic device that started slot usage immediately before the third electronic device started slot usage in a second zone among at least one second electronic device, and is configured to calculate a second slot update cycle corresponding to the difference between the third slot usage start time of the fifth electronic device that last started slot usage in the second zone among at least one second electronic device and the fourth slot usage start time of the sixth electronic device that started slot usage immediately before the fifth electronic device started slot usage in the second zone among at least one second electronic device; A first electronic device, characterized in that a first user crowding density for the first zone is calculated based on the first slot update period, and a second user crowding density for the second zone is calculated based on the second slot update period.

10. In the 6th paragraph, the ranging includes ranging using UWB (ultra-wide band) communication, and A first electronic device, characterized in that the slot includes a ranging block related to a hybrid UWB session (HUS).

Images