Electronic device and ranging method

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise a wireless communication module. The electronic device may comprise at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. The electronic device may comprise a memory storing instructions. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to transmit a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device whose location is to be found through the wireless communication module. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to receive a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the external electronic device through the wireless communication module. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to attempt to generate a session for performing ranging with the external electronic device, on the basis of the first response message. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to, if the electronic device has attempted to generate the session but the session has not been generated, identify, on the basis of the first response message, at least one access point (AP) commonly discovered between the electronic device and the external electronic device. The instructions may be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to perform ranging with the at least one AP to display a user interface (UI) indicating the direction to the at least one AP. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Electronic device and ranging method

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic devices and ranging methods.

[0002] Various electronic devices equipped with ranging functions are becoming widely available. Electronic devices can determine the precise location of external electronic devices through various ranging methods. To perform ranging using these various methods, it may be necessary to exchange ranging parameters with the external electronic device whose location is to be found. Since ranging parameters are generally exchanged via an out-of-band (OOB) session of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), processes such as searching for the target device and exchanging ranging parameters via the OOB session may take place before ranging is performed.

[0003] In the current ranging method, which searches for external electronic devices through an OOB session and exchanges ranging parameters with the discovered external electronic devices, if an OOB session is not formed, ranging cannot proceed. In this case, if the distance measurement range of the ranging technology supported by the electronic device is higher than the OOB session creation range (e.g., the distance required to form an OOB session), a problem may arise where ranging cannot be performed because an OOB session is not formed.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a wireless communication circuit. The electronic device may include at least one processor including a processing circuit. The electronic device may include a memory for storing instructions. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to transmit a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device to locate a location. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to receive a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the external electronic device. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor to cause the electronic device to attempt to create a session for performing ranging with the external electronic device based on the first response message. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor to enable the electronic device to identify at least one access point (AP) commonly discovered between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on the first response message when the electronic device attempts to create the session but the session is not created. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor to enable the electronic device to perform ranging with the at least one AP and display a user interface (UI) indicating the direction to the at least one AP. The first response message may include an access point (AP) list discovered from the external electronic device.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a method of operation of an electronic device may include an operation of transmitting a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device to which a location is to be found. The method of operation may include an operation of receiving a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the external electronic device. Based on the first response message, the method of operation may include an operation of attempting to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device. If the method of operation attempts to create the session but the session is not created, the method of operation may include an operation of identifying at least one access point (AP) that is commonly discovered between the electronic device and the external electronic device. The method of operation may include an operation of performing ranging with the at least one AP and displaying a user interface (UI) that indicates the direction to the at least one AP. The first response message may include an access point (AP) list discovered from the external electronic device.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an example of a ranging system according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic device and AP shown in Figure 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing ranging between an electronic device and an external electronic device through a common AP according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating Wi-Fi RTT ranging according to the Wi-Fi 802.11mc communication standard according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of a ranging method according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining a method of providing a ranging-related UI according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether ranging is possible based on GPS information in advance, according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation to adjust the transmission power of a second request message according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation to display a UI indicating the direction to an external electronic device based on whether a session between an electronic device and an external electronic device is created, according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging with at least one commonly discovered AP according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are drawings for illustrating a scenario in which a user moves according to a UI indicating the direction to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment, and ranges with the external electronic device.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020]

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an example of a ranging system according to one embodiment.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, a ranging system (100) may include a server (110), an electrical device (130), an external electrical device (150), and / or an AP (170).

[0023] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) can search for an external electronic device (150) whose location is to be found. The electronic device (130) can search for a ranging target (e.g., external electronic device (150)) based on receiving a first response message (e.g., corresponding to the first request message) from the external electronic device (150) and sending a first request message regarding a location search request to the external electronic device (150). At this time, the first request message and / or the first response message may be transmitted and received between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) through a server (110). Transmitting and receiving messages (e.g., the first request message and / or the first response message) through the server (110) may be because there are distance constraints for a direct communication session (e.g., an out-of-band (OOB) session) to be established between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). That is, even if an OOB session is not directly established between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150), the electronic device (130) can use the server (110) to locate the external electronic device (150). However, if a communication session is established between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150), the first request message and / or the first response message may be transmitted and received directly between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) without passing through the server (110).

[0024] According to one embodiment, a server (110), an electronic device (130), and / or an external electronic device (150) may communicate using a network (not shown). For example, the network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a value-added network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof. The network is a data communication network in a comprehensive sense that enables the server (110), the electronic device (130), and the external electronic device (150) to communicate seamlessly with each other, and may include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Additionally, the wireless communication network may include, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), or Near Field Communication (NFC), but is not limited thereto.

[0025] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) may transmit a first request message regarding a search request from an external electronic device (150) to a server (110). The server (110) may transmit the first request message received from the electronic device (130) to the external electronic device (150). The external electronic device (150) may transmit a first response message corresponding to the first request message received from the server (110) to the server (110). The server (110) may transmit the first response message received from the external electronic device (150) to the electronic device (130).

[0026] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) can identify (or locate) an external electronic device (150) based on a first response message. The first request message and / or the first response message may include identification information of the device that sent the message (e.g., the electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and the external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). When the external electronic device (150) receives the first request message, it can confirm the location search request of the electronic device (130) through the identification information of the electronic device (130) (e.g., a request that the electronic device (130) wants to find the location of the external electronic device (150). The external electronic device (150) can transmit a first response message corresponding to the first request message to the electronic device (130). When the electronic device (130) receives the first response message, it can confirm through the identification information of the external electronic device (150) that the external electronic device (150) has responded to the location search request. When the external electronic device (150) responds to a location search request, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) to find the location of the external electronic device (150).

[0027] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may determine whether it is possible to perform ranging with an external electronic device (150) based on a first response message. The first request message and / or the first response message may include global positioning system (GPS) information of the device that sent the message (e.g., the electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and the external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). The electronic device (130) may measure the distance (e.g., approximate distance) between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) based on the GPS information of the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may determine that ranging is impossible if the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is too far to perform ranging. If the electronic device (130) determines that ranging is impossible, it may not attempt ranging. In this way, the electronic device (130) can prevent unnecessary power consumption by first determining whether to perform ranging before attempting ranging, and by not attempting ranging if it determines that ranging is impossible. The electronic device (130) can determine that ranging is possible if the external electronic device (150) is within the rangeable range (e.g., if the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is closer than a preset reference distance). If the electronic device (130) determines that ranging is possible, it can attempt ranging with the external electronic device (150).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rangeable range may be preset for each rangeable method. For example, when the electronic device (130) is initially set, the maximum possible connection distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) according to the rangeable method (e.g., Wi-Fi RTT (round trip time) ranged, UWB ranged (ultra-wideband (UWB), and OOB connection) may be set as a reference distance. If the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is within the reference distance, the external electronic device (150) may be determined to be within the rangeable range.

[0029] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) can perform ranging with an external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) through various methods (e.g., ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging, Wi-Fi RTT (round trip time) ranging, or Bluetooth channel sounding ranging). Regardless of the method used to perform ranging, the process of exchanging ranging parameters between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) may be required for ranging. The electronic device (130) may attempt to create a session (e.g., an OOB session) for exchanging ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150). The session for exchanging ranging parameters may be created based on the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). For example, if a session is created because the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is close, the electronic device (130) can exchange ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150) through the created session. However, if a session is not created because the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is far, the electronic device (130) cannot immediately exchange ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150). In this case, the electronic device (130) can display (or provide) to the user a UI indicating the direction to an AP (e.g., AP (170)) that is searched in common with the external electronic device (150). When the user moves according to the UI and gets close to the external electronic device (150) (e.g., close enough to create a session with the external electronic device (150)), the electronic device (130) can form a session with the external electronic device (150) and exchange ranging parameters.

[0030] According to one embodiment, if no session is created, the electronic device (130) can estimate the direction from the electronic device (130) to the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message. The first request message and / or the first response message may include a list of APs discovered from the device that sent the message (e.g., the electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and the external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). The list of APs may be sorted in order of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). When the electronic device (130) receives the first response message, it may identify at least one AP discovered in common with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction to the first AP from the electronic device (130) by performing Wi-Fi RTT (round trip time) (or round trip time) ranging with the external electronic device (150) and the AP with the largest RSSI among at least one AP discovered in common, and the AP with the largest RSSI (e.g., the first AP). However, if Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP (170) with the largest RSSI fails, the electronic device (130) may perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the next-ranked AP (e.g., the second AP) according to the size of the RSSI among at least one AP discovered in common. In this case, the electronic device (130) can calculate the direction to the AP for which Wi-Fi RTT ranging was successful. For Wi-Fi RTT ranging to be supported on the AP (170), the AP (170) may be an AP that supports Wi-Fi 802.11mc. Wi-Fi 802.11mc may be a standard that provides high-precision positioning technology utilizing RTT. Wi-Fi RTT ranging will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 7.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a user of an electronic device (130) can move according to a direction indicator UI for an AP (170) (e.g., an AP commonly discovered by the electronic device (130) and an external electronic device (150). Since the AP (170) is commonly discovered by the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150), and the RSSI is large with the external electronic device (150) among at least one commonly discovered AP, the user of the electronic device (130) can gradually get closer to the external electronic device (150) as they move toward the AP (170). When the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) are close enough to be within a ranging range, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) to determine the location of the external electronic device (150).

[0032]

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic device and AP shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (130) may include a wireless communication circuit (210), a processor (220), and a memory (230). The wireless communication circuit (210) may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless communication circuit (210) may be a Wi-Fi chipset. The wireless communication circuit (210) may support multiple bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and / or 6 GHz. The processor (220) may be operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit (210). The memory (230) may be electrically connected to the processor (520) and may store one or more instructions executable by the processor (220). The electronic device (130) may correspond to the electronic device described in FIG. 12 (e.g., the electronic device (1201) of FIG. 12). Accordingly, descriptions that overlap with the parts described with reference to FIG. 12 are omitted. The operation performed by the electronic device (130) may include the operation performed by the wireless communication circuit (210) and the operation performed by the processor (220) through the wireless communication circuit (210).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the memory (230) may include one or more memories. Instructions stored in the memory (230) may be stored in a single memory. Instructions stored in the memory (230) may be divided and stored in multiple memories. Instructions stored in the memory (230) may be executed by a processor (220) to enable the electronic device (130) to perform and / or control the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 1 and the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 12.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the processor (220) may be implemented as a circuitry (e.g., a processing circuit) such as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC). The processor (220) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (220) may include a combination of one or more processors such as a CPU, GPU, MPU, AP, and CP. The CP may be inside or outside the wireless communication circuit (210). Instructions stored in memory (230) may be executed by one processor to enable the electronic device (130) to perform and / or control the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 1 and the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 3 through FIG. 12. Instructions stored in memory (230) can be executed by a plurality of processors to enable the electronic device (130) to perform and / or control the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 1 and the operation of the electronic device (130) described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 12.

[0037] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) may also be implemented with substantially the same configuration as the electronic device (130). Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0038] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (170) (e.g., AP (170) of FIG. 1) may include a wireless communication circuit (240), a processor (250), and a memory (260). The wireless communication circuit (240) may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless communication circuit (240) may be a Wi-Fi chipset. The wireless communication circuit (240) may support multiple bands of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and / or 6 GHz. The processor (250) may be operatively connected to the wireless communication circuit (240). The memory (260) may be electrically connected to the processor (250) and may store one or more instructions executable by the processor (550).

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing ranging between an electronic device and an external electronic device through a common AP according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, range (310) represents a ranging range of an electronic device (130) (e.g., a range in which a session can be created), and range (330) may represent a ranging range of an external electronic device (150).

[0042] According to one embodiment, there is no external electronic device (150) within the range (310), but there may be an AP (170) that is searched in common with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the AP (170) to obtain a direction for the AP (170). The electronic device (130) can guide the user of the electronic device (130) toward the direction for the AP (170), thereby allowing the electronic device (130) to be located within the range (330) of the external electronic device (150).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with devices within a range (310). For example, the electronic device (130) can create a session with an AP (170) within the range (310). The electronic device (130) can exchange ranging parameters with the AP (170) through the created session. Based on the ranging parameters, the electronic device (130) can perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP (170). A Wi-Fi RTT ranging method will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. The electronic device (130) can obtain (or calculate) the distance from the electronic device (130) to the AP (170) through Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP (170). Based on the distance from the electronic device (130) to the AP (170), the electronic device (130) can obtain a direction toward the AP (170). The electronic device (130) can obtain distances from the electronic device (130) to the AP (170) at different locations. If the distances to the AP (170) obtained at different locations are multiple (e.g., three or more), the electronic device (130) can obtain directions to the AP through trilateration. However, the electronic device (130) cannot create a session with an external electronic device (150) that is outside the range (310), and therefore cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (150) can perform ranging with devices within the range (330). That is, the external electronic device (150) can perform ranging with the AP (170) within the range (330), but cannot perform ranging with the electronic device (130). The method by which the external electronic device (150) performs ranging with devices within the range (330) is substantially the same as the method by which the electronic device (130) performs ranging with devices within the range (310), so a redundant description is omitted.

[0045] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, if the electronic device (130) cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it may display (or provide) a UI indicating the direction to the commonly searched AP (170).

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating Wi-Fi RTT ranging according to the Wi-Fi 802.11mc communication standard according to one embodiment.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) can perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with an AP (170). Wi-Fi RTT ranging may refer to a method of measuring the distance between an electronic device (130) and an AP (170) by measuring the time interval for transmitting and receiving messages between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170). Below, a specific method of Wi-Fi RTT ranging performed between an electronic device (130) and an AP (170) will be described.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the message flow (400) may represent the exchange of messages between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170).

[0050] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (130) may transmit (or send) a fine timing measurement (FTM) request (404) to an AP (170). The AP (130) may transmit an ACK (408) to the electronic device (130) in response to the FTM request (404). The contents of the FTM request (404) are defined in the IEEE standard 802.11mc and may include a request to measure the distance to the AP (170) using the RTT method. The ACK (408) may be a message indicating successful reception of the FTM request (404).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) and / or AP (170) may record the transmission and reception times of the message when transmitting and receiving the message. The electronic device (130) may measure the round-trip time (RTT) taken to transmit and receive the message based on the transmission and reception times of the message. For example, after receiving an FTM request (404) from the electronic device (130), the AP (170) may transmit an FTM message (410) to the electronic device (130). The AP (170) may record the time (e.g., departure time) (e.g., t1) when a part of the FTM message (410) (e.g., preamble) is transmitted from the antenna of the AP (170). The electronic device (130) receives an FTM message (710) and can record the time (e.g., arrival time) (e.g., t2) when a part of the FTM message (410) (e.g., preamble) is received at the antenna of the electronic device (130). In response to the reception of the FTM message (410), the electronic device (130) transmits an ACK (412) to the AP (170) and can record the time (e.g., t3) when a specific part of the ACK (412) is transmitted at the antenna of the electronic device (130). The AP (170) receives the ACK (412) and can record the time (e.g., t4) when a specific part of the ACK (412) is received at the antenna of the AP (170). AP (170) can transmit an FTM_R message (414) (e.g., FTM report message) containing times t1 and t4 recorded by AP (170) to the electronic device (130). The electronic device (130) can verify times recorded by AP (170) (e.g., t1 and t4) through the FTM_R message (414), as well as times recorded by the electronic device (130) (e.g., t2 and t3). The electronic device (130) can calculate the round-trip time taken to exchange messages with AP (170) based on the time taken to exchange two messages (e.g., FTM message (410) and ACK (412)) (e.g., t1 to t4).The round-trip time can be calculated by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] In mathematical formula 1, RTT represents the round-trip time, t1 represents the time when a portion of the FTM message (410) is transmitted from the antenna of the AP (170), t2 represents the time when a portion of the FTM message (410) is received from the antenna of the electronic device (130), t3 represents the time when a specific portion of the ACK (412) is transmitted from the antenna of the electronic device (130), and t4 represents the time when a specific portion of the ACK (412) is received from the antenna of the AP (170).

[0055] According to one embodiment, to increase the accuracy of the round-trip time measurement, the message exchange between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170) (e.g., FTM message (410), ACK (412), FTM_R message (414)) may be repeated multiple times. For example, if the message exchange is repeated n times, the round-trip time may be determined by the average of the round-trip times corresponding to each repetition. This can be expressed as shown in Equation 2 below.

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] In mathematical formula 2, n represents the number of repetitions of the message, and t1 to t4 are the same as in mathematical formula 1.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can determine the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170) based on the round-trip time. For example, the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170) can be calculated by multiplying the round-trip time by half the speed of the electromagnetic wave, as shown in Equation 3 below.

[0060]

[0061] In mathematical formula 3, d represents the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170), RTT represents the round-trip time, and c represents the speed of the electromagnetic wave.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the clocks of the electronic device (130) and the AP (170) do not need to be synchronized, because the time differences between readings obtained by the same clock may be included in the calculation.

[0063] According to one embodiment, a method for performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging between an electronic device (130) and an AP (170) has been described through FIG. 4, but this may be substantially applicable to performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging between an electronic device (130) and an external electronic device (150) and / or performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging between an external electronic device (150) and an AP (170). However, in order to perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging, the electronic device (130), the external electronic device (150), and the AP (170) may need to support Wi-Fi 802.11mc.

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of a ranging method according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, operations 510 to 570 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (510 to 570) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0067] In operation 510, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) may transmit a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) that wishes to locate a location. The electronic device (130) may transmit the first request message to the external electronic device (150) through a separate server (e.g., the server (110) of FIG. 1) without establishing a direct communication session (e.g., an OOB session) with the external electronic device (150). For example, the electronic device (130) may transmit the first request message to the server (110) through a wireless communication module (e.g., the wireless communication circuit (210) of FIG. 2), and the server (110) may transmit the received first request message to the external electronic device (150). However, it is not limited to this, and if the electronic device (130) has a direct communication session with the external electronic device (150), it may also transmit the first request message to the external electronic device (150) through the communication session.

[0068] In operation 530, the electronic device (130) may receive a first response message corresponding to a first request message from an external electronic device (150). As in operation 510, the electronic device (130) may receive the first response message through a separate server (e.g., server (110) of FIG. 1) without creating a direct communication session (e.g., session) with the external electronic device (150) when receiving as well as when transmitting. For example, the external electronic device (150) may transmit the first response message to the server (110) in response to receiving the first request message from the server (110). The server (110) transmits the first response message to the electronic device (130), and the electronic device (130) may receive the first response message through a wireless communication circuit (210). When the external electronic device (150) transmits the first response message, it may perform a scan to receive a subsequent message (e.g., the response of the electronic device (130) to the first response message) through the electronic device (130) and / or server (110).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first request message and / or the first response message may include identification information of the device that transmitted the message (e.g., an electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and an external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). The electronic device (130) may receive the first response message and identify (or locate) the device that responded to the location search request (e.g., the external electronic device (150)).

[0070] In operation 550, the electronic device (130) may attempt to create a session to perform ranging with an external electronic device (150) based on the first response message.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the first request message and / or the first response message may include GPS information of the device that transmitted the message (e.g., an electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and an external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). Before attempting to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) (e.g., a communication session for exchanging ranging parameters), the electronic device (130) may first determine (or decide) whether to attempt to create a session based on the GPS information of the external electronic device (150). If the electronic device (130) determines that ranging can be performed because the distance to the external electronic device (150) is closer than a preset threshold, it may attempt to create a session. On the other hand, if the electronic device (130) determines that ranging cannot be performed because the distance to the external electronic device (150) is farther than a preset threshold, it may not attempt to create a session. If the electronic device (130) decides not to attempt to create a session, it may display a UI regarding the location (e.g., approximate location) of an external electronic device (150) based on GPS information. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0072] In operation 570, if the electronic device (130) attempts to create a session but no session is created, it can identify at least one AP (e.g., AP (170) of FIG. 1) that is commonly discovered between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first request message and / or the first response message may include a list of APs discovered from the device that sent the message (e.g., an electronic device (130) in the case of the first request message and an external electronic device (150) in the case of the first response message). The list of APs consists of at least one AP that supports Wi-Fi 802.11mc and may be sorted in order of largest RSSI.

[0074] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) attempts to create a session but the session is not created, it can check the list of APs discovered from the external electronic device (150) to determine if there is at least one AP among the list of APs discovered from the external electronic device (150) that is discovered in common with the electronic device (130).

[0075] In operation 590, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with at least one AP (170) that is searched in common with the external electronic device (150) and display a UI (user interface) indicating the direction to the at least one AP (170). When a session is created because the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is close (e.g., when the external electronic device (150) is located within the range (310) of FIG. 3), the external electronic device (150) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) by exchanging ranging parameters through the created session. However, when a session is not created because the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is far (e.g., when the external electronic device (150) is located outside the range (310) as shown in FIG. 3), the external electronic device (150) cannot immediately exchange ranging parameters. In order to create a session, it may be necessary for the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) to be close. The electronic device (130) may provide (or display) a UI that indicates the direction to the commonly discovered AP (170) to the user, and suggest that the user move according to the UI.

[0076] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) attempts to create a session in operation 550 but no session is created, it may measure the distance between the electronic device (130) and at least one commonly discovered AP (170). For example, the electronic device (130) may measure the round-trip time between the electronic device (130) and the AP with the largest RSSI among the at least one commonly discovered APs, and the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may send an FTM request (e.g., FTM request (404) of FIG. 4) to the external electronic device (150) and the AP with the largest RSSI. If the AP successfully receives the FTM request (404), it may send an ACK (e.g., ACK (408) of FIG. 4) to the electronic device (130) in response to the FTM request (404). After the ACK (408) is transmitted, message exchange for RTT measurement between the electronic device (130) and the AP (e.g., exchange of FTM message (410), ACK (412), and / or FTM_R message (414) of FIG. 4) is performed, and the electronic device (130) and the AP can record the transmission and reception times for each message during the message exchange process. Based on the transmission and reception times for each message, the electronic device (130) can measure the round-trip time and calculate the distance to the AP (e.g., d of Equation 3) according to the round-trip time. Specific methods for measuring the round-trip time and calculating the distance have been described with reference to FIG. 4, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can calculate the direction of the AP (170) based on the distance between the electronic device (130) and at least one commonly searched AP (170). The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction of the AP (170) from the distance to the AP (170) through a direction estimation algorithm. For example, the electronic device (130) can measure the distance to the AP (170) at various locations. The electronic device (130) can calculate (or estimate) the direction of the AP (170) through trilateration based on the distance to the AP (170) measured at three different locations.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) when the user moves according to a direction indicator UI for a commonly explored AP and the electronic device (130) is located within a range where a session can be created with the external electronic device (150) (e.g., range (330) of FIG. 3). Based on the result of ranging with the external electronic device (150), the electronic device (130) can display a UI indicating the distance to the external electronic device (150) and / or the direction to the external electronic device (150).

[0079]

[0080] FIGS. 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining a method of providing a ranging-related UI according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6a, according to one embodiment, operations 610 to 670 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (610 to 670) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0082] In operation 610, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) may transmit a first request message. The electronic device (130) may transmit the first request message to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) through a server (e.g., the server (110) of FIG. 1). Since operation 610 is substantially the same as operation 510 of FIG. 5, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0083] In operation 620, the electronic device (130) may receive a first response message. The electronic device (130) may receive a first response message from an external electronic device (150) via the server (110). Since operation 620 is substantially the same as operation 530 of FIG. 5, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0084] In operation 630, the electronic device (130) can determine whether it is possible to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can determine whether to attempt to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) based on a first response message (e.g., GPS information of the external electronic device (150)). For example, the electronic device (130) can measure the distance (e.g., approximate distance) between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) based on the GPS information of the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can determine that ranging is not possible if the approximate distance to the external electronic device is greater than a preset threshold value (e.g., a distance far beyond the range (310) for creating a session with the external electronic device (150)). If the electronic device (130) determines that ranging is not possible, it can decide not to attempt to create a session. The electronic device (130) may determine that ranging is possible if the approximate distance to an external electronic device is smaller than a preset threshold value (e.g., a distance far beyond the range (310)). If the electronic device (130) determines that ranging is possible, it may decide to attempt to create a session.

[0085] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it can perform operation 650. If the electronic device (130) cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it can perform operation 640.

[0086] In operation 640, the electronic device (130) can display the external electronic device (150) on a map. If the electronic device (130) cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it cannot find the exact location of the external electronic device (150). In this case, the electronic device (130) can display the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) obtained through the GPS information of the external electronic device (150) on the map.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6b, according to one embodiment, the screen (680) shows the approximate location of the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) only displays the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) obtained through GPS information on a map, as shown in the screen (680), and cannot obtain the exact location of the external electronic device (150) (e.g., the exact location obtained through ranging with the external electronic device (150)).

[0088] In operation 650, the electronic device (130) may attempt to create a session with the external electronic device (150). To create a session with the external electronic device (150), the electronic device (130) may transmit a second request message regarding a request to create a session to the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may adjust the transmission power of the second request message according to the distance (e.g., approximate distance) between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 8. If the second request message is successfully transmitted to the external electronic device (150), the external electronic device (150) may transmit a second response message corresponding to the second request message to the electronic device (130). If the electronic device (130) receives the second response message, a session with the external electronic device (150) may be successfully created. However, if the electronic device (130) transmits a second request message but the external electronic device (150) does not receive it, the electronic device (130) cannot receive a second response message. In this case, a session cannot be established with the external electronic device (150).

[0089] According to one embodiment, ranging between an electronic device (130) and an external electronic device (150) can be performed through various methods (e.g., UWB ranging, Wi-Fi RTT ranging, Bluetooth channel sounding ranging, etc.), and the creation of a session according to each method can be attempted. For example, when a Wi-Fi RTT ranging method is used, the electronic device (130) can transmit a second request message (e.g., FTM request (404) of FIG. 4) to the external electronic device (150), and the external electronic device can transmit a second response message (e.g., ACK (408) of FIG. 4).

[0090] According to one embodiment, if a session between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is not created, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 655. If a session between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is created, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 670.

[0091] In operation 655, the electronic device (130) may attempt to range with a common AP (e.g., a common discovered AP (170)). The electronic device (130) may attempt Wi-Fi RTT range with the AP (170). If range with the AP (170) is successful, the electronic device (130) may perform operation 660. If range with the AP (170) fails, the electronic device (130) may re-perform operation 630. For example, if range with the AP (170) fails, the electronic device (130) may re-determine whether range is possible based on GPS information, and if range is possible as a result of the re-determination, it may re-attempt range by adjusting the transmission power of the second request message.

[0092] In operation 660, the electronic device (130) can display a direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170). The electronic device (130) can measure the distance between the external electronic device (150) and the first AP with the largest RSSI through Wi-Fi RTT ranging between the external electronic device (150) and the first AP with the largest RSSI among at least one common discovered AP. The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction for the first AP based on the distance to the first AP. The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction for the first AP through a direction estimation algorithm, such as trilateration, after measuring the distance to the first AP at multiple locations. The electronic device (130) can provide a UI that displays the direction between the external electronic device (150) and the first AP with the largest RSSI.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the direction indicator UI for a common searched AP (170) may include not only the direction for the common searched AP (170) but also the distance to the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). For example, the electronic device (130) may measure the distance to the AP (170) and provide the distance to the external electronic device (150) along with the direction for the common searched AP (170) using a symbol (or phrase) indicating that the distance to the external electronic device (150) may be farther or closer than the measured distance to the AP (170).

[0094] According to one embodiment, when a user moves according to the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170), the electronic device (130) can return to operation 650 to identify whether a session is created while providing the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170). When a user moves according to the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170), the electronic device (130) can create a session with the external electronic device (150) while being located within the range where a session of the external electronic device (150) can be created (e.g., the range (330) of FIG. 3). When a session is created with the external electronic device (150), the following operations 670 and 675 may be performed.

[0095] In operation 670, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can exchange ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150) through a session. The electronic device (130) can measure the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) by performing ranging with the external electronic device (150) according to the ranging parameters.

[0096] According to one embodiment, Wi-Fi RTT ranging can be performed between an electronic device (130) and an external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can measure the round-trip time by exchanging ranging parameters (e.g., FTM message (410), ACK (412), and / or FTM_R message (414) of FIG. 4) with the external electronic device (150), and based on the round-trip time, measure the distance to the external electronic device (150). Wi-Fi RTT ranging has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, so redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can calculate the direction for the external electronic device (150) based on the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). The direction for the external electronic device (150) can be calculated through a direction estimation algorithm, such as trilateration, as in the direction calculation for the first AP.

[0098] In operation 675, the electronic device (130) can display a direction and distance display UI for an external electronic device (150).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6c, according to one embodiment, a screen (690) displays a UI for displaying directions and distances from an electronic device (130) to an external electronic device (150). On the screen (690), directions from the electronic device (130) to the external electronic device (150) may be provided by pictures and / or text such as arrows. On the screen (690), distances from the electronic device (130) to the external electronic device (150) may be provided. The electronic device (130) may provide directions and distances that change in real time as the user moves.

[0100] According to one embodiment, a direction indicator UI for a common searched AP (170) may also be provided substantially the same as a direction indicator UI for an external electronic device (150) of the screen (690).

[0101] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) attempts to create a session in operation 650 but no session is created, it may provide the user with a direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170), such as on the screen (690). As the user moves according to the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170) displayed on the screen (690), the electronic device (130) may reach a range where a session can be created with the external electronic device (150) (e.g., range (330) of FIG. 3). The electronic device (130) may perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) to calculate the distance and direction to the external electronic device (150). In this case, the electronic device (130) may replace the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170) on the screen (690) with a UI that displays the direction and distance to the external electronic device (150). That is, from the user's perspective, the user may not be able to distinguish whether the UI displayed on the screen (690) is a direction indicator UI for the common searched AP (170) or a direction indicator UI for the external electronic device (150). The user can move along the UI displayed on the screen (690) to approach the external electronic device (150). However, this is not limited to this, and the direction indicator UI for the common searched AP (170) and the direction indicator UI for the external electronic device (150) may be displayed differently.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining whether ranging is possible based on GPS information in advance, according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, operations 710 to 790 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (710 to 790) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0105] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) may receive a first response message from an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) through a server (e.g., the server (110) of FIG. 1). The first response message may include GPS information of the external electronic device (150).

[0106] In operation 710, the electronic device (130) can calculate the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) based on GPS information (e.g., GPS information of the electronic device (130) and / or GPS information of the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1). The GPS information may be inaccurate, particularly in indoor location measurements. Since the electronic device (130) can only determine the approximate location information of the external electronic device (150) through the GPS information, the approximate distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) can be calculated by comparing the GPS information of the electronic device (130) with the GPS information of the external electronic device (150).

[0107] In operation 720, the electronic device (130) can determine whether ranging can be performed with an external electronic device (150). Since operation 720 is substantially the same as operation 630 of FIG. 6a, redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0108] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) is unable to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it may perform operation 730. If the electronic device (130) is able to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it may perform operation 750.

[0109] In operation 730, the electronic device (130) can display the external electronic device (150) on a map. If the electronic device (130) cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it cannot find the exact location of the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can display the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) obtained through GPS information of the external electronic device (150) on a map, as shown in the screen (680) of FIG. 6b.

[0110] In operation 740, the electronic device (130) may send a response interruption request (e.g., a request to stop the transmission of the first response message). The external electronic device (150) may perform a scan to receive a subsequent message (e.g., the response of the electronic device (130) to the first response message) from the electronic device (130) when the first response message has been transmitted. Since the electronic device (130) cannot perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), it may be necessary to stop unnecessary scanning by the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may send a response interruption request to the external electronic device (150) to stop scanning by the external electronic device (150). The external electronic device (150) may receive the response interruption request, confirm that the ranging attempt between the electronic devices (130) has ended, and stop scanning to receive a subsequent message from the electronic device (130).

[0111] In operation 750, the electronic device (130) can adjust the transmission power of a second request message (e.g., a message regarding a request to create a session) according to the distance (e.g., the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) calculated through GPS information in operation 710 (e.g., approximate distance)). If the transmission power of the second request message is high, the range for creating a session (e.g., the range (310) in FIG. 3) is widened, and if the transmission power of the second request message is low, the range for creating a session (e.g., the range (310) in FIG. 3) may be narrowed. If the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is somewhat far, the electronic device (130) can increase the transmission power of the second request message to widen the range (310). When the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is somewhat short, the electronic device (130) can reduce the transmission power of the second request message and narrow the range (310). This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0112] In operation 760, the electronic device (130) can transmit a second request message to an external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can transmit the second request message to the external electronic device (150) according to the transmission power adjusted in operation 750.

[0113] In operation 770, the electronic device (130) can determine whether it has received a second response message corresponding to a second request message from an external electronic device (150). If the external electronic device (150) has successfully received the second request message from the electronic device (130), it can transmit a second response message corresponding to the second request message to the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging, if the external electronic device (150) has successfully received the second request message (e.g., FTM request (404) of FIG. 4), it can transmit a second response message (e.g., ACK (408) of FIG. 4) which is an acknowledgment of the request message to the electronic device (130).

[0114] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) receives a second response message, it may perform operation 780. If the electronic device (130) does not receive a second response message, it may perform operation 785.

[0115] In operation 780, the electronic device (130) can create a session. A session can be created when the second request message and the second response message are successfully transmitted and received. The electronic device (130) can perform ranging by exchanging ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150) through the created session.

[0116] In operation 785, the electronic device (130) may attempt to range with a commonly discovered AP (e.g., AP (170) in FIG. 1). The electronic device (130) may attempt to range with the external electronic device (150) among at least one commonly discovered AP in order of largest RSSI. For example, the electronic device (130) may attempt to range with the first AP with the largest RSSI. If the electronic device (130) fails to range with the first AP, it may attempt to range with the second AP, which is next in rank. If the electronic device (130) succeeds in ranging with one of the at least one commonly discovered AP, it may perform operation 790. If the electronic device (130) fails to range with at least one commonly discovered AP, it may perform operation 750 again. For example, the electronic device (130) can readjust the transmission power of the second request message to retry ranging with the external electronic device (150).

[0117] In operation 790, the electronic device (130) may display a direction indicator UI for a common AP (e.g., a commonly discovered AP (170)). A session cannot be created because a second request message and / or a second response message were not successfully transmitted or received. The electronic device (130) may measure the distance to the AP (170) by performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging with at least one of the commonly discovered APs between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may calculate the direction to the AP (170) based on the distance to the AP (170). The electronic device (130) may display a UI indicating the direction to the AP (170). However, the electronic device (130) may provide a symbol (or phrase) indicating that the distance to the external electronic device (150) may be farther than the distance to the measured AP (170), along with the direction to the AP (170). A method for creating and displaying a direction indicator UI for the AP will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when a user moves according to a direction indicator UI for a common discovered AP (170), the electronic device (130) can return to operation 750 and adjust the transmission power of the second request message while providing a direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170). As the user moves, the electronic device (130) can adjust the transmission power of the second request message by reflecting the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) (e.g., approximate distance based on GPS information) as the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) also decreases. Afterwards, operations 760 to 790 may be performed again.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation to adjust the transmission power of a second request message according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, operations 810 to 870 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (810 to 870) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0122] In operation 810, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) can compare the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) with a pre-set interval. The distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) may be an approximate distance calculated using GPS information, as in operation 710 of FIG. 7. The pre-set interval may be multiple intervals, and while FIG. 8 describes the premise that it is set to three intervals, it is not limited thereto. For example, the interval may also be set to four or more intervals.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 830 when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is a first interval (e.g., between a and b). The electronic device (130) can perform operation 850 when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is a second interval (e.g., between b and c). The electronic device (130) can perform operation 870 when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is a third interval (e.g., between c and d).

[0124] In operation 830, the electronic device (130) may set the transmission power of the second request message to a first level when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) is a first interval (e.g., between a and b). The first level may be a higher level than the second level and / or the third level. This is because, as the transmission power of the second request message increases, the range of session creation possible (e.g., range (310) in FIG. 3) becomes wider; therefore, the level may be set higher as the distance decreases (e.g., first level > second level > third level) to expand the range of session creation possible. However, the level of transmission power may take into account not only the distance but also other factors such as the characteristics of the external electronic device (150) and surrounding communication conditions (e.g., communication channel interference by other external electronic devices).

[0125] In addition to operations 850 and 870, if the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) falls within the corresponding interval as in operation 830, the transmission power of the second request message can be adjusted to a level corresponding to each interval.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation to display a UI indicating the direction to an external electronic device based on whether a session between an electronic device and an external electronic device is created, according to one embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, operations 910 to 990 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (910 to 990) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0129] In operation 910, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) can transmit a second request message to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1). The second request message can be transmitted at a level of transmission power set according to the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150), as described in FIG. 8.

[0130] In operation 920, the electronic device (130) can determine whether it has received a second response message. Since operation 920 is substantially the same as operation 770 of FIG. 7, redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0131] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (130) receives a second response message, it may perform operation 930. If the electronic device (130) does not receive a second response message, it may perform operation 940.

[0132] In operation 930, since the electronic device (130) has received a second response message from the external electronic device (150), it can create a session with the external electronic device (150). The session may be a session for exchanging ranging parameters.

[0133] In operation 935, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) and display a direction and distance display UI for the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can perform ranging by exchanging ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150) through a created session. The electronic device (130) can exchange ranging parameters with the external electronic device (150) through a session. The electronic device (130) can obtain the accurate position and distance of the external electronic device (150) through ranging with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can measure the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) by performing ranging with the external electronic device (150) according to the ranging parameters. The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction to the external electronic device (150) based on the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can display a UI indicating the direction and distance to the external electronic device (150), such as the screen (690) shown in FIG. 6c. For example, the electronic device (130) can create a Wi-Fi RTT session with the external electronic device (150) and calculate the distance to the external electronic device (150) through Wi-Fi RTT ranging. Wi-Fi RTT ranging has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, so a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0134] In operation 940, the electronic device (130) can check the number of attempts to create a session. The electronic device (130) can determine how many attempts there are for operations 910 and 920 (e.g., determining whether to send a second request message and receive a second response message) for creating a session. If the number of attempts to create a session is greater than a preset value, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 960. If the number of attempts to create a session is less than or equal to a preset value, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 950. This is to prevent infinitely repeated attempts at ranging with the external electronic device (150) by displaying a direction indicator UI through operations 950 to 990, which will be described below, if the number of attempts to create a session is less than or equal to a preset value, but terminating the attempt to range with the external electronic device (150) after the preset value. That is, from the attempt after the preset value, the attempt to range with the external electronic device (150) is terminated, and only the approximate location (e.g., approximate location obtained through GPS information) is displayed on the map, rather than the exact location of the external electronic device (150) (e.g., exact location obtained through ranging).

[0135] In operation 960, the electronic device (130) may display (or show) the external electronic device (150) on a map. The electronic device (130) may display the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) on a map when the attempt to range with the external electronic device (150) has ended (e.g., when the attempt to range exceeds a preset value as described in operation 940) and / or when it is determined that ranging is not possible (e.g., when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) obtained via GPS information (e.g., approximate distance) is far outside the range of session creation (e.g., range (310) in FIG. 3) as described in operation 630 of FIG. 6a and / or operation 720 of FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 6b, the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) may be displayed as a screen (680).

[0136] In operation 950, if no session is created, the electronic device (130) can identify at least one AP that is commonly discovered (or found) by the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150). Since at least one AP must be able to perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the electronic device (130), it may be an AP that supports Wi-Fi 802.11mc.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may transmit a first request message and receive a first response message to determine whether to search for an external electronic device (150) and / or range with the external electronic device (150) prior to performing operation 910. This has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 6a and FIG. 7, so further description will be omitted below. The first response message may include a list of APs searched from the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) may check the list of APs searched from the external electronic device (150) to determine if there is a common AP among the list of APs searched from the electronic device (130).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may perform operation 960 if there is no common search (or search) for at least one AP. This may be to terminate the ranging attempt because, if there is no common search for at least one AP, the direction to the external electronic device cannot be estimated, and thus the UI cannot be displayed. The electronic device (130) may perform operation 970 if there is at least one common search for one AP.

[0139] In operation 970, the electronic device (130) performs Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP (e.g., the AP with the largest RSSI with the external electronic device (150) among at least one AP commonly discovered) and can display the direction of the AP (e.g., the direction from the electronic device (130) to the AP) in the UI. Through Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP, the electronic device (130) can measure the round-trip time between the AP and the electronic device (130) and calculate the distance and / or direction to the AP from the measured round-trip time.

[0140] In operation 980, if the user moves according to the UI, the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP may become closer. The electronic device (130) can determine whether the distance to the AP is smaller than a preset threshold. If the distance to the AP is greater than the preset threshold, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 970 to display the direction of the AP, which changes according to the user's movement, in real time on the UI. If the distance to the AP is smaller than the preset threshold, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 990. If, according to the user's movement, the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP becomes smaller than the preset threshold, the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) may be positioned relative to each other within their respective session creation ranges (e.g., range (310) and range (330) of FIG. 3). In this case, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150).

[0141] In operation 990, the electronic device (130) can set the attempt to create a session to failure. That is, the electronic device (130) can count the number of attempts to create a session to prevent infinitely repeated ranging attempts as described in operation 940. That is, the electronic device (130) can set the nth attempt to failure and perform the n+1th attempt to create a session by performing it again starting from operation 910.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may re-perform operation 910 after operation 990. At this time, if the electronic device (130) is located within a range where a session can be created with the external electronic device (150) (e.g., range (330) in FIG. 3) as the user moves according to the direction indicator UI for the common discovered AP (170), the electronic device (130) may transmit a second request message in the re-performed operation 910 and receive a second response message in the re-performed operation 920. In this case, the electronic device (130) may display a UI indicating the direction and distance to the external electronic device (150) through operations 930 and 935.

[0143]

[0144] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing Wi-Fi RTT ranging with at least one commonly discovered AP according to one embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 10, according to one embodiment, operations 1310 to 1350 may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation (1010 to 1050) may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0146] In operation 1010, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) can identify whether there is at least one AP that is commonly discovered (or searched) by the electronic device (130) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) when no session is created. Since operation 1010 is substantially the same as operation 960 of FIG. 9, redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may perform operation 1020 if there is no commonly discovered AP. The electronic device (130) may perform operation 1030 if there is at least one commonly discovered AP.

[0148] In operation 1020, the electronic device (130) may display (or show) an external electronic device (150) on a map. If the electronic device (130) determines that it cannot range with the external electronic device (150) (e.g., if there is no common searched AP, and thus the direction of the external electronic device (150) cannot be estimated), it may display the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) on the map. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) may be displayed as a screen (680). As described in operation 950 of FIG. 9, the electronic device (130) may also display only the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) on the map when the direction of the external electronic device (150) cannot be estimated because there is no common searched AP as described above, when the ranging attempt is terminated (e.g., when the ranging attempt exceeds a preset value as described in operation 940) and / or when it is determined that ranging cannot be performed (e.g., when the distance between the electronic device (130) and the external electronic device (150) obtained through GPS information (e.g., approximate distance) is far outside the range of session creation (e.g., range (310) of FIG. 3) as described in operation 630 of FIG. 6a and / or operation 720 of FIG. 7).

[0149] In operation 1030, the electronic device (130) can perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with one of at least one commonly discovered AP. The electronic device (130) can attempt Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the APs in order of largest RSSI among the at least one commonly discovered AP, and calculate the direction for the AP for which Wi-Fi RTT ranging was successful. The list of commonly discovered APs can be sorted in order of largest RSSI. The electronic device (130) can check the order of the list of APs received from the external electronic device (150) to identify the AP with the largest RSSI (e.g., the first AP) with the external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can calculate the direction for the external electronic device (150) with the first AP by measuring the round-trip time between the external electronic device (150) and the first AP. However, if Wi-Fi RTT ranging between the external electronic device (150) and the first AP fails, the electronic device (130) may attempt Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the second AP with the next highest RSSI. At this time, the electronic device (130) may check the order of the AP list to identify the second AP with the second highest RSSI and perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the second AP. If Wi-Fi RTT ranging for the second AP fails, it may likewise attempt Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the third AP, which is next in rank.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the AP with the largest RSSI with respect to the external electronic device (150) may change depending on the movement of the external electronic device (150). In this case, if the AP with the largest RSSI before the movement of the external electronic device (150) satisfies the specified communication quality, the electronic device (130) can still perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP with the largest RSSI before the movement of the external electronic device (150). However, if the AP with the largest RSSI before the movement of the external electronic device (150) does not satisfy the specified communication quality, the electronic device (130) can perform Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the changed AP.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when selecting an AP to perform ranging among commonly discovered APs, the electronic device (130) may use the distance between the external electronic device (150) and the AP in addition to the RSSI between the external electronic device (150) and the AP. For example, the external electronic device (150) may measure the distance from the external electronic device (150) to each AP by performing ranging with the APs discovered from the external electronic device (150). The external electronic device (150) may send the list of APs discovered from the external electronic device (150) included in the first response message to the electronic device (130) by sorting them based on the distance from the external electronic device (150) to each AP (e.g., sorted in order of closest distance) rather than the RSSI. The electronic device (130) may check the list of APs received from the external electronic device (150) and perform ranging starting from the APs that are closest in distance from the external electronic device (150).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can display the direction to the AP (e.g., the AP that performed Wi-Fi RTT ranging) as a UI (e.g., a direction display UI for the external electronic device (150).

[0153] In operation 1040, the electronic device (130) can determine whether the distance to the AP (e.g., the AP that performed Wi-Fi RTT ranging in operation 1330) is smaller than a preset threshold value (e.g., X meters). If the distance to the AP is greater than the preset threshold value, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 1030 to display the direction of the AP, which changes according to the user's movement, in real time on the UI. If the distance to the AP is smaller than the preset threshold value, the electronic device (130) can perform operation 1050.

[0154] In operation 1050, the electronic device (130) can transmit a second request message (e.g., start ranging request) to the external electronic device (150). At this time, as described in operation 990 of FIG. 9, the number of ranging attempts can be counted, and the creation of the session to be attempted thereafter can be set to the nth attempt. If the creation of the session fails in an attempt that exceeds a preset value, as described in operations 940 and 950 of FIG. 9, the electronic device (130) can terminate the ranging attempt and display the approximate location of the external electronic device (150) on a map.

[0155]

[0156] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are drawings for illustrating a scenario in which a user moves according to a UI indicating the direction to an external electronic device, according to one embodiment, and ranges with the external electronic device.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, according to one embodiment, range (310) represents a ranging range of an electronic device (130) (e.g., a range in which a session for exchanging ranging parameters can be created), and range (330) represents a ranging range of an external electronic device (150). FIGS. 11a and 11b show only one common searched AP, but there may be multiple common searched APs. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that among at least one common searched AP, AP (170) is the AP with the largest RSSI with the external electronic device (150) and is an AP capable of ranging with the electronic device (130).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging (e.g., Wi-Fi RTT ranging) with an AP (170) within the range (310), but cannot perform ranging with an external electronic device (150). The electronic device (130) can obtain a direction toward the AP (170) through Wi-Fi RTT ranging with the AP (170). As the method of obtaining (or calculating) distance and direction through Wi-Fi RTT ranging has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (130) may provide a user with a UI that indicates the direction to the AP (170). Additionally, the electronic device (130) may estimate the distance to an external electronic device (150) based on the distance to the AP (170) and provide an indication related to the distance to the external electronic device (150) (e.g., a symbol indicating that the distance to the external electronic device (150) may be farther or closer than the measured distance to the AP (170)) along with the UI that indicates the direction to the AP (170).

[0160] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11b, a user of an electronic device (130) moves according to a direction indicator UI for a commonly discovered AP (170), so that the distance between the electronic device (130) and the AP (170) can be reduced. At this time, the electronic device (130) may be located within the session creation range (e.g., range (330)) of an external electronic device (150). In this case, the electronic device (130) can perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) and locate the position of the external electronic device (150). That is, when the electronic device (130) is too far from the external electronic device (150) to perform ranging, it can enable ranging with the external electronic device (150) by providing a UI (e.g., a UI showing the direction to the AP (170)) to the user to induce the user to move closer to the external electronic device (150), thereby bringing the distance to the external electronic device (150) closer (e.g., being located within the session creation range of the external electronic device (150)).

[0161]

[0162] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0163] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1201) in a network environment (1200) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, in the network environment (1200), an electronic device (1201) (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) may communicate with an electronic device (1202) (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) through a first network (1298) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (1204) (e.g., the external electronic device (150) of FIG. 1) or a server (1208) through a second network (1299) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1201) may communicate with the electronic device (1504) through the server (1208). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1201) is a processor (1220),

[0164] It may include a memory (1230), an input module (1250), an audio output module (1255), a display module (1260), an audio module (1270), a sensor module (1276), an interface (1277), a connection terminal (1278), a haptic module (1279), a camera module (1280), a power management module (1288), a battery (1289), a communication module (1290), a subscriber identification module (1296), or an antenna module (1297). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., a connection terminal (1278)) may be omitted from the electronic device (1201), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., a sensor module (1276), a camera module (1280), or an antenna module (1297)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a display module (1260)).

[0165] The processor (1220) can, for example, execute software (e.g., program (1240)) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1201) connected to the processor (1220) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1220) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (1276) or communication module (1290)) in volatile memory (1232), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (1232), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (1234).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the processor (1220) may be implemented as a circuitry (e.g., a processing circuit) such as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC). The processor (1220) may include one or more processors. For example, the processor (1220) may include a combination of one or more processors such as a CPU, GPU, MPU, AP, and CP.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the processor (1220) may include a main processor (1221) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1223) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (1201) includes a main processor (1221) and an auxiliary processor (1223), the auxiliary processor (1223) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1221) or to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor (1223) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1221) or as part thereof.

[0168] The auxiliary processor (1223) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (1201) (e.g., display module (1260), sensor module (1276), or communication module (1290)) on behalf of the main processor (1221) while the main processor (1221) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1221) while the main processor (1221) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1223) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (1280) or communication module (1290)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1223) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (1201) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (1208)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0169] The memory (1230) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (1201) (e.g., processor (1220) or sensor module (1276)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (1240)) and related commands.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the memory (1230) may include one or more memories. Instructions stored in the memory (1230) may be stored in a single memory. Instructions stored in the memory (1230) may be divided and stored in multiple memories. Instructions stored in the memory (1230) may be executed individually or collectively by a processor (1220) to enable an electronic device (1201) (e.g., electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) to perform and / or control the ranging method described with reference to FIG. 1 through 11b. Instructions stored in the memory (1230) may be executed individually or collectively by a plurality of processors to enable an electronic device (1201) (e.g., electronic device (130) of FIG. 1) to perform and / or control the ranging method described with reference to FIG. 1 through 11b.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the memory (1230) may include a volatile memory (1232) or a non-volatile memory (1234).

[0172] The program (1240) may be stored as software in memory (1230) and may include, for example, an operating system (1242), middleware (1244), or an application (1246).

[0173] The input module (1250) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (1201) (e.g., processor (1220)) from outside the electronic device (1201) (e.g., user). The input module (1250) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0174] The sound output module (1255) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (1201). The sound output module (1255) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0175] The display module (1260) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (1201). The display module (1260) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (1260) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0176] The audio module (1270) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1270) can acquire sound through the input module (1250) or output sound through the sound output module (1255) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (1201).

[0177] The sensor module (1276) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (1201) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1276) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0178] The interface (1277) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (1201) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202)). According to one embodiment, the interface (1277) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0179] The connection terminal (1278) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1201) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (1278) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0180] The haptic module (1279) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (1279) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0181] The camera module (1280) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1280) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0182] The power management module (1288) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (1201). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1288) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0183] The battery (1289) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (1201). According to one embodiment, the battery (1289) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0184] The communication module (1290) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (1201) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1202), electronic device (1204), or server (1208)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1290) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (1220) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1290) may include a wireless communication module (1292) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (1294) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (1204) through a first network (1298) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (1299) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (1292) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (1201) within a communication network such as the first network (1298) or the second network (1299) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1296).

[0185] The wireless communication module (1292) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (1292) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (1292) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1292) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1201), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1204)), or network system (e.g., second network (1299)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1292) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0186] An antenna module (1297) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (1297) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (1297) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (1298) or a second network (1299), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (1290). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1290) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (1297). According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1297) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0187] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0188] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1201) and an external electronic device (1204) through a server (1208) connected to a second network (1299). Each of the external electronic devices (1202, or 1204) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1201). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (1201) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (1202, 1204, or 1208). For example, if the electronic device (1201) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1201) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (1201). The electronic device (1201) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (1201) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1204) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1208) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1204) or server (1208) may be included within the second network (1299). The electronic device (1201) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0189]

[0190] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1 and / or the electronic device (1201) of FIG. 12) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit (210) of FIG. 2 and / or the wireless communication module (1290) of FIG. 12). The electronic device (130, 101) may include at least one processor (e.g., the processor (220) of FIG. 2 and / or the processor (1220) of FIG. 12)) including a processing circuit. The electronic device (130, 1201) may include a memory for storing instructions (e.g., the memory (230) of FIG. 2 and / or the memory (1230) of FIG. 12). The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to transmit a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device (150) that wishes to find a location. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to receive a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the external electronic device (150). The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to attempt to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message.The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to identify at least one access point (AP) commonly discovered between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message when the electronic device (130, 1201) attempts to create the session but the session is not created. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to perform ranging with the at least one AP and display a user interface (UI) indicating the direction to the at least one AP. The first response message may include an access point (AP) list discovered from the external electronic device (150).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the first response message may further include GPS information of the external electronic device (150).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to determine whether to attempt to create the session based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150). The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to transmit a second request message regarding a request to create the session to the external electronic device (150) via the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290) if it decides to attempt to create the session. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to display a UI regarding the location of the external electronic device (150) according to the GPS information when it decides not to attempt to create the session.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to measure the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150). The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to determine whether ranging with the external electronic device (150) is possible based on the distance.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to adjust the transmission power of the second request message based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to determine whether the session is created based on whether it has received a second response message corresponding to the second request message from the external electronic device (150) through the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to measure the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) when an attempt is made to create the session but the session is not created. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to calculate the direction for the at least one AP based on the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to measure the round-trip time (RTT) between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the first AP, which has the highest RSSI (received signal strength indicator), among the at least one AP. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to calculate the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the first AP based on the round-trip time between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to measure the round-trip time between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the second AP, which has the next largest RSSI among the at least one AP, when the round-trip time measurement between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) fails. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to calculate the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the second AP based on the round-trip time between the second AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0199] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to create a session with the external electronic device (150) when the user moves according to a UI indicating a direction to the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) is located within a range where a session with the external electronic device (150) can be created. The instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to exchange a ranging parameter for calculating the location of the external electronic device (150) through the session. The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) according to the ranging parameter to measure the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150). The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to calculate the direction for the external electronic device (150) based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150). The above instructions may be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201) to display a UI indicating the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) and the direction to the external electronic device (150).

[0200] According to one embodiment, a method of operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (130) of FIG. 1 and / or the electronic device (1201) of FIG. 12) may include an operation of transmitting a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device (150) that is to find a location. The method of operation may include an operation of receiving a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the external electronic device (150). The method of operation may include an operation of attempting to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message. If the method of operation attempts to create the session but the session is not created, the method of operation may include an operation of identifying at least one access point (AP) that is commonly discovered between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message. The above operation method may include performing ranging with the at least one AP and displaying a UI (user interface) indicating the direction to the at least one AP. The first response message may include an access point (AP) list discovered from the external electronic device (150).

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first response message may further include GPS information of the external electronic device (150).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the operation of attempting to create the session may include an operation of determining whether to attempt to create the session based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150). If it is decided to attempt to create the session, the operation of attempting to create the session may include an operation of transmitting a second request message regarding a request to create the session to the external electronic device (150) through the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290). If it is decided not to attempt to create the session, the operation of attempting to create the session may include an operation of displaying a UI regarding the location of the external electronic device (150) according to the GPS information.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the operation of determining whether to attempt to create the session may include the operation of measuring the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150). The operation of determining whether to attempt to create the session may include the operation of determining whether ranging with the external electronic device (150) is possible based on the distance.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the operation of transmitting the second request message to the external electronic device (150) may include the operation of adjusting the transmission power of the second request message based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the operation of attempting to create the session may include an operation of determining whether to create the session based on whether a second response message corresponding to the second request message is received from the external electronic device (150).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the operation of displaying a UI indicating the direction to the at least one AP may include the operation of measuring the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) when an attempt to create the session is made but the session is not created. The operation of displaying a UI indicating the direction to the at least one AP may include the operation of calculating the direction to the at least one AP based on the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0207] According to one embodiment, the operation of measuring the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) may include the operation of measuring the round-trip time (RTT) between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the first AP, which has the largest RSSI (received signal strength indicator) among the at least one APs and the external electronic device (150). The operation of measuring the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) may include the operation of calculating the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the first AP based on the round-trip time between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the operation of measuring the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) may include, if the round-trip time measurement between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) fails, the operation of measuring the round-trip time between the second AP, which has the next largest RSSI among the at least one AP, and the electronic device (130, 1201). The operation of measuring the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) may include the operation of calculating the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the second AP based on the round-trip time between the second AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

[0209] According to one embodiment, the operation method may include an operation to create a session with the external electronic device (150) when the user moves according to a UI displaying a direction for the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) is located within a range where a session can be created with the external electronic device (150). The operation method may include an operation to exchange a ranging parameter to calculate the position of the external electronic device (150) through the session. The operation method may include an operation to measure the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) by performing ranging with the external electronic device (150) according to the ranging parameter. The operation method may include an operation to calculate the direction for the external electronic device (150) based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150). The above operation method may include an operation of displaying a UI that indicates the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) and the direction to the external electronic device (150).

[0210]

[0211] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0212] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0213] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0214] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (1540)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (1536) or external memory (1538)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (1201)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (1220)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (1201)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0216] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (130, 1201), Wireless communication circuit (210, 1290); At least one processor (220, 1220) including a processing circuit; and Memory for storing instructions (230, 1230) Includes, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), A first request message regarding a location search request is transmitted to an external electronic device (150) that wants to find a location, and A first response message corresponding to the first request message is received from the above external electronic device (150), and Based on the first response message above, an attempt is made to create a session to perform ranging with the external electronic device (150), and If an attempt is made to create the above session but the above session is not created, based on the first response message, at least one access point (AP) commonly discovered between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) is identified, and Performing ranging with at least one AP, and displaying a UI (user interface) indicating the direction to the at least one AP, and The above first response message is, Access point (AP) list found from the above external electronic device (150) An electronic device (130, 1201) including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above first response message is, GPS information of the above external electronic device (150) An electronic device further comprising 3. In either Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), Based on the GPS information of the external electronic device (150), it is determined whether to attempt to create the session, and If it is decided to attempt to create the above session, a second request message regarding the request to create the above session is transmitted to the external electronic device (150) through the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290), and An electronic device (130, 1201) that displays a UI regarding the location of the external electronic device (150) according to the GPS information when it is decided not to attempt to create the above session.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), Based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150), the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) is measured, and An electronic device (130, 1201) that determines whether ranging can be performed with the external electronic device (150) based on the above distance.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), An electronic device (130, 1201) that adjusts the transmission power of the second request message based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), An electronic device (130, 1201) that determines whether the session is created based on whether a second response message corresponding to the second request message is received from the external electronic device (150) through the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), If an attempt is made to create the above session but the above session is not created, the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) is measured, and An electronic device (130, 1201) that calculates a direction for the at least one AP based on the distance between the at least one AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), Measure the round-trip time (RTT) between the external electronic device (150) among the above at least one AP, the first AP with the largest RSSI (received signal strength indicator), and the electronic device (130, 1201), and An electronic device (130, 1201) that calculates the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the first AP based on the round-trip time between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), If the round-trip time measurement between the first AP and the electronic device (130, 1201) fails, the round-trip time between the second AP, which has the next largest RSSI among the at least one AP, and the electronic device (130, 1201) is measured, and An electronic device (130, 1201) that calculates the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the second AP based on the round-trip time between the second AP and the electronic device (130, 1201).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, The above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (220, 1220) to cause the electronic device (130, 1201), According to the UI indicating the direction to at least one AP, if the user moves and the electronic device (130, 1201) is located within a range where a session can be created with the external electronic device (150), the session is created with the external electronic device (150). Through the above session, a ranging parameter for calculating the position of the external electronic device (150) is exchanged, and By performing ranging with the external electronic device (150) according to the above ranging parameters, the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) is measured, and Based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150), the direction for the external electronic device (150) is calculated, and An electronic device (130, 1201) that displays a UI indicating the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) and the direction to the external electronic device (150).

11. In a method of operating an electronic device (130, 1201), The operation of transmitting a first request message regarding a location search request to an external electronic device (150) to find the location; The operation of receiving a first response message corresponding to the first request message from the above external electronic device (150); An operation to attempt to create a session for performing ranging with the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message above; If an attempt is made to create the above session but the above session is not created, an operation to identify at least one access point (AP) commonly discovered between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on the first response message; and The operation of performing ranging with at least one AP and displaying a UI (user interface) indicating the direction to the at least one AP. Includes, The above first response message is, Access point (AP) list found from the above external electronic device (150) A method of operation including 12. In Paragraph 11, The above first response message is, GPS information of the above external electronic device (150) A method of operation that further includes 13. In either of Paragraphs 11 and 12, The action of attempting to create the above session is, An operation to determine whether to attempt to create the session based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150); If it is decided to attempt to create the above session, the operation of transmitting a second request message regarding the request to create the above session to the external electronic device (150) via the wireless communication circuit (210, 1290); and If it is decided not to attempt to create the above session, the operation of displaying a UI regarding the location of the external electronic device (150) according to the GPS information A method of operation including 14. In any one of paragraphs 11 through 13, The action of determining whether to attempt to create the above session is, An operation to measure the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150) based on GPS information of the external electronic device (150); and Operation to determine whether ranging with the external electronic device (150) is possible based on the above distance A method of operation including 15. In any one of paragraphs 11 through 14, The operation of transmitting the above second request message to the above external electronic device (150) is, Operation of adjusting the transmission power of the second request message based on the distance between the electronic device (130, 1201) and the external electronic device (150). A method of operation including

Images