Method and device for ultra-wide band communication and bluetooth communication

Abstract

Disclosed in the present disclosure is a method for operating a ultra-side band (UWB) channel and a BT channel together. A method of a first electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise the steps of: receiving, from a second electronic device, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) advertisement message including a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE channel sounding configuration information of the second electronic device, and UWB configuration information of the second electronic device; transmitting, to the second electronic device, a connection request message including BLE channel sounding configuration information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB configuration information of the first electronic device; carrying out pre-ranging with the second electronic device via BLE channel sounding on the basis of the BLE channel sounding configuration information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding configuration information of the second electronic device; and when a condition for transition from the pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied, carrying out the UWB ranging with the second electronic device.

Description

Method and device for ultra-wideband communication and Bluetooth communication

[0001] The present disclosure relates to UWB communication, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing services through a UWB channel and a BT channel.

[0002] The Internet is evolving from a human-centered network where humans generate and consume information into an IoT (Internet of Things) network where distributed components, such as objects, exchange and process information. IoE (Internet of Everything) technology, which combines IoT with Big Data processing technologies through connections with cloud servers, is also emerging. Implementing IoT requires technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology. Recently, technologies such as sensor networks, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and Machine-Type Communication (MTC) are being researched for connecting objects.

[0003] In an IoT environment, intelligent IT (Internet Technology) services that create new value for human life by collecting and analyzing data generated from connected objects can be provided. Through the convergence and integration of existing IT (Information Technology) with various industries, IoT can be applied to fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart home appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0004] With the advancement of wireless communication systems, it has become possible to provide various services, and thus, measures to effectively provide these services are required. For example, a ranging technology that measures the distance between electronic devices using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) can be used.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for providing services through UWB channels and BT channels.

[0006] A method of a first electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving a BLE advertisement message from the second electronic device comprising a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device; transmitting a connection request message to the second electronic device comprising BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device; performing pre-ranging with the second electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device; and performing UWB ranging with the second electronic device when a condition for transitioning from pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0007] A method of a second electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: transmitting a BLE advertisement message to a first electronic device comprising a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device; receiving a connection request message from the first electronic device comprising BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device; performing pre-ranging with the first electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device; and performing UWB ranging with the first electronic device when a condition for transitioning from pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0008] A first electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transceiver; and a control unit. The control unit may receive a BLE advertisement message from the second electronic device that includes a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device. The control unit may control the transmission of a connection request message to the second electronic device that includes BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device. The control unit may perform pre-ranging with the second electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device. The control unit can perform UWB ranging with the second electronic device when the condition for switching from pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0009] A second electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transceiver; and a control unit. The control unit may control the transmission of a BLE advertisement message to a first electronic device, the message comprising a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device. The control unit may receive a connection request message from the first electronic device, the message comprising BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device. The control unit may perform pre-ranging with the first electronic device via BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device. The control unit can perform UWB ranging with the first electronic device when the switching condition from pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0010] The method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve UWB ranging capabilities by performing pre-ranging through BT channel sounding.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary architecture of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a communication system including a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of a ranging block and a round used for UWB ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4a illustrates a UWB ranging operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4b illustrates a UWB ranging operation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows an electronic device including a ranging control block according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a parameter negotiation process for BT channel sounding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 7a and 7b are drawings for explaining the process of performing UWB ranging based on BT channel sounding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for explaining the process of performing UWB ranging based on BT channel sounding according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 shows the structure of a first UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 shows the structure of a second UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] In describing the embodiments, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs and are not directly related to this disclosure are omitted. This is intended to convey the essence of this disclosure more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0024] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings have been exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Additionally, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual dimensions. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing have been assigned the same reference number.

[0025] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0026] At this point, it will be understood that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means to perform the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the function in a specific way, the instructions stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing means of instruction to perform the function described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, instructions that execute a computer or other programmable data processing equipment by performing a series of operation steps on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process executed by the computer may also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0027] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For instance, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the corresponding function.

[0028] In this embodiment, the term "part" used refers to a software or hardware component such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the "part" performs certain roles. However, the meaning of "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to run one or more processors. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." In addition, the components and 'parts' may be implemented to utilize one or more CPUs within the device or secure multimedia card. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the 'parts' may include one or more processors.

[0029] As used herein, the terms 'terminal' or 'device' may be referred to as a mobile station (MS), user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), wireless terminal, access terminal (AT), terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station (SS), wireless device, wireless communication device, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile node, mobile, or other terms. Various embodiments of a terminal may include a cellular telephone, a smartphone with wireless communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities, a wireless modem, a portable computer with wireless communication capabilities, a shooting device such as a digital camera with wireless communication capabilities, a gaming device with wireless communication capabilities, a music storage and playback appliance with wireless communication capabilities, an internet appliance capable of wireless internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals integrating combinations of such capabilities. Additionally, a terminal may include, but is not limited to, a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) terminal and a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) terminal / device. In this specification, the terminal may be referred to as an electronic device or simply a device.

[0030] The operating principles of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the present disclosure below, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present disclosure, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described as examples of communication systems using UWB, but embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds or characteristics. For example, communication systems using Bluetooth or Zigbee may be included therein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other communication systems with some modifications made at the discretion of a person with skilled technical knowledge, without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Furthermore, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present disclosure, and these definitions may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0033] Generally, wireless sensor network technologies are broadly classified into Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) technologies based on detection range. In this context, WLAN is a technology based on IEEE 802.11 that allows access to a backbone network within a radius of approximately 100 meters. WPAN, on the other hand, is a technology based on IEEE 802.15 and includes Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Ultra Wide Band (UWB). A wireless network in which these technologies are implemented can consist of multiple electronic devices. UWB can also refer to the band itself to which UWB communication is applied. UWB enables secure and accurate ranging between devices. Through this, UWB enables relative position estimation based on the distance between two devices or accurate position estimation of a device based on its distance from a fixed device (whose location is known).

[0034] Specific terms used in the following description are provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and the use of such specific terms may be modified in other forms without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0035] "Ranging Device" may be a device capable of performing UWB ranging. In this disclosure, the Ranging Device may be, for example, a Ranging Device (RDEV) or an Enhanced Ranging Device (ERDEV) as defined in IEEE 802.15.4 / 4z. In this disclosure, the Ranging Device may be referred to as a UWB device.

[0036] "Advertiser" may be a device that transmits messages for discovery (e.g., Ranging Device). For example, Advertiser may be a device that transmits (or broadcasts) an Advertisement message through a Mirroring channel or transmits (or broadcasts) a Discovery Beacon (message) through a Discovery channel.

[0037] "Scanner" may be a device that receives messages for discovery (e.g., Ranging Device). For example, Scanner may be a device that scans Mirroring channels to receive Advertisement messages or scans Discovery channels to receive Discovery beacons (messages). In this disclosure, Scanner may be referred to as Observer.

[0038] "Controller" may be a device (e.g., Ranging Device) that defines and controls the Ranging Control Message (RCM) (or control message).

[0039] "Controlee" may be a device (e.g., a Ranging Device) that uses the ranging parameters within the RCM (or control message) received from the Controller.

[0040] "Initiator" may be a device that initiates a ranging exchange (e.g., a Ranging Device).

[0041] "Responder" may be a device that responds to the Initiator in a ranging exchange (e.g., a Ranging Device).

[0042] "In-Band" can be data communication using UWB as an underlying wireless technology.

[0043] "Out-Of-Band (OOB)" is a lower-level wireless technology that can be data communication that does not use UWB.

[0044] A "UWB Session" may be the period from when the Controller and the Controlleree start communicating over the UWB until they stop communicating. During a UWB Session, a ranging frame (RFRAME) may be transmitted, or a data frame may be transmitted, or both a ranging frame and a data frame may be transmitted.

[0045] "UWB Session ID" may be an ID (e.g., a 32-bit integer) that identifies a UWB Session shared between the Controller and the Controlleree.

[0046] "UWB Session Key" may be a key used to secure a UWB Session. The UWB Session Key may be used to generate a Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS). In this disclosure, the UWB Session Key may be a UWB Ranging Session Key (URSK) and may be abbreviated as Session Key.

[0047] "UWB Subsystem (UWBS)" may be a hardware component that implements UWB PHY and MAC specifications included in a UWB device. In this disclosure, UWB PHY and MAC specifications may be, for example, PHY and MAC specifications defined in IEEE 802.15.4 / 4z. In this disclosure, UWBS may be referred to as a UWB component.

[0048] "UWB-enabled Application" may be an application for a service (UWB service). In this disclosure, "UWB-enabled Application" may be abbreviated as application or UWB application.

[0049] "Service" may be an implementation of a use case that provides a service to an end-user. In this disclosure, Service may be referred to as a UWB service.

[0050] "Service Data" may be data defined by a Service Provider that needs to be transmitted between two ranging devices to implement a service.

[0051] "Service Provider" may be an entity that defines and provides the hardware and software required to provide specific services to end-users.

[0052] "STS" may be a ciphered sequence to increase the integrity and accuracy of ranging measurement timestamps.

[0053] Unlike "Static STS," "Dynamic STS mode" can be an operation mode in which the STS is not repeated during the ranging session. In this mode, the STS is managed by the Ranging device, and the Ranging Session Key for creating the STS can be managed by the Secure Component.

[0054] "Static STS mode" is an operation mode in which STS is repeated during a session and does not need to be managed by the Secure Component.

[0055] "Secure Channel" can be a data channel that prevents overhearing and tampering.

[0056] "Secure Component" may be an entity with a defined security level that interfaces with UWBS for the purpose of providing RDS to UWBS, for example, when dynamic STS is used (e.g., SE (Secure Element) or TEE (Trusted Execution Environment).

[0057] "Secure Ranging" can be a ranging based on an STS generated through strong cryptographic operations.

[0058] "UWB channel" may be one of the candidate UWB channels allocated for UWB communication. The candidate UWB channels allocated for UWB communication may be channels allocated for UWB communication. A UWB channel may be used for UWB communication (e.g., UWB ranging and / or transactions). For example, a UWB channel may be used for the transmission and reception of ranging frames (RFRAME) and / or data frames. As an example, one or more UWB channels may be operated together.

[0059] Furthermore, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0060] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] FIG. 1 is an exemplary architecture of a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, the UWB device (100a) may include at least one PHY layer (110a), a MAC layer (MAC sublayer) (120a) and / or a higher layer (130a).

[0063] (1) PHY layer

[0064] At least one PHY layer (110a) may include a transceiver with a low-level control mechanism. In the present disclosure, the transceiver may be referred to as an RF transceiver or a radio transceiver.

[0065] In one embodiment, at least one PHY layer (110a) may include at least one first transceiver supporting a UWB channel and at least one second transceiver supporting a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) channel.

[0066] In one embodiment, at least one PHY layer (110a) may include a transceiver (dual-channel transceiver) that supports both a UWB channel and a BLE channel.

[0067] In one embodiment, the PHY layer (110a) may support at least one of the following functions.

[0068] - Transceiver activation and deactivation functions (transceiver on / off functions)

[0069] - Energy detection function

[0070] - Channel selection function

[0071] - CCA (Clear Channel Assessment) function

[0072] - Synchronization function

[0073] - low-level signaling function

[0074] - UWB Ranged, Positioning, and Localization Functions

[0075] - Spectrum resource management function

[0076] - Function to transmit / receive packets through a physical medium

[0077] (2) MAC layer

[0078] The MAC layer (120a) provides an interface between the upper layer (130a) and the PHY layer (110a).

[0079] In one embodiment, the MAC layer (120a) can provide the following two services.

[0080] - MAC Data Service: A service that enables the transmission and reception of MAC PDUs (protocol data units) through the PHY.

[0081] - MAC Management Service: A service that interfaces with MLME-SAP (MAC sublayer management entity (MLME) service access point (SAP)).

[0082] In one embodiment, the MAC layer (120a) may support at least one of the following functions.

[0083] - Device discovery and connection setup features

[0084] - Channel access function (access function for physical channels (e.g., UWB channels))

[0085] - Synchronization function (e.g., UWB channel synchronization)

[0086] - Interference mitigation function based on energy detection

[0087] - Functions related to narrowband signaling

[0088] - GTS (guaranteed timeslot) management function

[0089] - Frame delivery function

[0090] - UWB ranging function

[0091] - PHY parameter change notification function

[0092] - Security features

[0093] (3) Upper layer

[0094] The upper layer (130a) may include a network layer that provides functions such as network configuration and message routing, and / or an application layer that provides intended functions of the device.

[0095] In one embodiment, the application layer may be a UWB-enabled Application Layer for providing UWB services.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows a communication system including a UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 2, the communication system (10b) may include a first UWB device (100b) and a second UWB device (200b). The first UWB device (100b) and / or the second UWB device (200b) of FIG. 2 may be, for example, an example of the UWB device (100a) of FIG. 1.

[0098] The first UWB device (100b) may include a UWB-enabled Application Layer (110b), a framework (120b), at least one UWB transceiver (130b) and / or at least one BLE transceiver (140b). Additionally, the second UWB device (200b) may include a UWB-enabled Application Layer (210b), a framework (220b), at least one UWB transceiver (230b) and / or at least one BLE transceiver (240b).

[0099] In FIG. 2, the UWB transceiver and BLE transceiver of each device are shown as separate configurations, but this is a distinction based on their operation / function. That is, this is not intended to limit the implementation of the UWB transceiver and BLE transceiver to separate physical configurations (e.g., separate chipsets). Therefore, the UWB transceiver and BLE transceiver may each be implemented as separate chipsets, or the UWB transceiver and BLE transceiver may be implemented as a single integrated chipset.

[0100] The UWB-enabled Application Layer (110b, 210b) may be an upper application layer for UWB services.

[0101] The framework (120b, 220b) may be an entity that integrates and manages UWB transceivers (130b, 230b) and BLE transceivers (140b, 240b). In one embodiment, the framework (120b, 220b) may support functions for controlling UWB / BLE communication (e.g., MAC (Medium Access Control), UWB / BLE transceiver synchronization functions) and / or functions for communicating acquired information to an upper application layer (110b, 210b).

[0102] The UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) may support at least one of the candidate UWB channels allocated for UWB communication. That is, the UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) may support at least one UWB channel. The at least one UWB channel supported by the UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) or the UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) may be used for UWB communication (e.g., UWB ranging and / or transactions). For example, the at least one UWB channel supported by the UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) or the UWB transceiver (130b, 230b) may be used for transmitting and receiving ranging frames (RFRAME) and / or data frames.

[0103] The BLE transceiver (140b, 240b) can support at least one BLE channel having a bandwidth narrower than the UWB channel (e.g., 50 MHz or less). The BLE transceiver (140b, 240b) or at least one BLE channel supported by the BLE transceiver (140b, 240b) can be used for advertisement signaling.

[0104] In one embodiment, a first UWB device (100b) and a second UWB device (200b) can perform UWB communication (procedure) (in-band communication) through a first wireless link (UWB channel) established through the UWB transceiver (110b) of the first UWB device (100b) and the UWB transceiver (210b) of the second UWB device (200b).

[0105] In one embodiment, the first UWB device (100b) and the second UWB device (200b) can perform BLE communication (procedure) through a second wireless link (BLE channel) established through the BLE transceiver (110b) of the first UWB device (100b) and the BLE transceiver (210b) of the second UWB device (200b).

[0106] FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of a ranging block and a round used for UWB ranging according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] In the present disclosure, a ranging block refers to a time period for ranging. A ranging round may be a period of sufficient duration to complete one entire range-measurement cycle involving a set of UWB devices participating in the ranging exchange. A ranging slot may be a period of sufficient duration for the transmission of at least one ranging frame (RFRAME) (e.g., a ranging start / response / final message, etc.).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 3, one ranging block includes at least one ranging round, and each ranging round may include at least one ranging slot.

[0109] Meanwhile, if the ranging mode is a block-based mode, the mean time between consecutive ranging rounds can be constant. Alternatively, if the ranging mode is an interval-based mode, the time between consecutive ranging rounds can be dynamically changed. That is, the interval-based mode can adopt a time structure with adaptive spacing.

[0110] The number of slots and duration included in a ranging round can be changed between ranging rounds. This can be set via control messages from the controller.

[0111] In the present disclosure, a ranging block may be abbreviated as block, a ranging round may be abbreviated as round, and a ranging slot may be abbreviated as slot.

[0112] FIG. 4a illustrates a UWB ranging operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] The UWB ranging operation of FIG. 4a may be an example of the UWB ranging operation of the UWB procedure of FIG. 2. The UWB ranging operation of FIG. 4a may be performed through a UWB channel.

[0114] In the embodiment of FIG. 4a, the UWB ranging may be, for example, SS-TWR (Single-sided two-way ranging) or DS-TWR (Double-sided two-way ranging).

[0115] In the embodiment of FIG. 4a, it is assumed that the Controller (401) acts as the Initiator and the Controlleree (402) acts as the responder.

[0116] Referring to operation 410a, the Controller (401) may transmit a control message (Ranging control message) to the Controlleree (402) to control UWB ranging. For example, the Controller (401) may transmit the control message to the Controlleree (402) over a UWB channel. In one embodiment, the control message may include information about the role of the UWB device (e.g., initiator or responder), ranging slot index information, and / or address information of the UWB device.

[0117] Referring to operation 420a, the Controller (Initiator) (401) can send a range initiation message to the Controlee (responder) (402) to start a range exchange. For example, the Controller (Initiator) (401) can send the range initiation message to the Controlee (responder) (402) over a UWB channel.

[0118] Referring to operation 430a, the Controlee (responder) (402) can transmit a Range response message corresponding to a Range initiation message to the Controller (Initiator) (401). For example, the Controlee (responder) (402) can transmit the Range response message to the Controller (Initiator) (403) via a UWB channel.

[0119] In one embodiment, the ranging response message may further include first measurement report information. The first measurement report information may include, for example, AoA measurements, reply times measured by the responder, and / or a list of round-trip time measurements for responder addresses and responders. Here, the reply time may indicate the time difference between the reception time of the ranging initiation message and the transmission time of the ranging response message from the responder side. Based on this, single-sided two-way ranging (SS-TWR) may be performed. The calculation of time-of-flight (ToF) and distance / direction / position through SS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z.

[0120] Meanwhile, in the case of DS-TWR, the Controller (Initiator) (401) may further transmit a ranged response message to the Controlee (responder) (402) to complete the ranged. For example, the Controller (Initiator) (401) may further transmit the ranged response message to the Controlee (responder) (402) via a UWB channel.

[0121] In one embodiment, the ranging final message may further include second measurement report information. The second measurement report information may include an AoA measurement, a round-trip time for the first responder (First round-trip time), and / or a list of responder addresses and reply time measurements for the responders. Here, the First round-trip time may indicate the time difference between the ranging response message from the responder and the ranging final message from the initiator. Based on this, Single-sided two-way ranging (DS-TWR) may be performed. The calculation of time-of-flight (ToF) and distance / direction / position through DS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z.

[0122] FIG. 4b illustrates a UWB ranging operation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The UWB ranging operation of FIG. 4b can be performed through a UWB channel. In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the UWB ranging may be, for example, SS-TWR (Single-sided two-way ranging) or DS-TWR (Double-sided two-way ranging).

[0124] In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4a, it is assumed that the Controller (401) acts as the responder and the Controlee (402) acts as the Initiator.

[0125] Referring to operation 410b, the Controller (401) can send a control message (Ranging control message) to the Controlleree (402) to control UWB ranging. For example, the Controller (401) can send the control message to the Controlleree (402) over a UWB channel.

[0126] In one embodiment, the control message may include information about the role of the UWB device (e.g., initiator or responder), ranging slot index information and / or address information of the UWB device.

[0127] Referring to operation 420b, the Controlee (Initiator) (402) can send a Range initiation message to the Controller (responder) (401) to start a Range exchange. For example, the Controlee (Initiator) (402) can send the Range initiation message to the Controller (responder) (401) over a UWB channel.

[0128] Referring to operation 430b, the Controller (responder) (401) may transmit a Ranged response message corresponding to a Ranged Initiation message to the Controlee (Initiator) (402). For example, the Controller (responder) (401) may transmit the Ranged response message to the Controlee (Initiator) (402) over a UWB channel. In one embodiment, the Ranged response message may further include first Measurement Report information. The first Measurement Report information may include, for example, an AoA measurement, a reply time measured by the responder, and / or a list of round-trip time measurements for the responders and the responders. Here, the reply time may indicate the time difference between the reception time of the Ranged Initiation message and the transmission time of the Ranged response message on the responder side. Based on this, Single-sided two-way ranging (SS-TWR) may be performed. The calculation of time-of-flight (ToF) and distance / direction / position through SS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z.

[0129] Meanwhile, in the case of DS-TWR, the Controlee (Initiator) (402) may further transmit a Range response message to the Controller (responder) (401) to complete the Range response. For example, the Controlee (Initiator) (402) may further transmit the Range response message to the Controller (responder) (401) via a UWB channel.

[0130] In one embodiment, the ranging final message may further include second measurement report information. The second measurement report information may include an AoA measurement, a round-trip time for the first responder (First round-trip time), and / or a list of responder addresses and reply time measurements for the responders. Here, the First round-trip time may indicate the time difference between the ranging response message from the responder and the ranging final message from the initiator. Based on this, Single-sided two-way ranging (DS-TWR) may be performed. The calculation of time-of-flight (ToF) and distance / direction / position through DS-TWR follows the method defined in IEEE 802.15.4z.

[0131] The present disclosure proposes a method to prevent access control from being performed regardless of the user's intent in a UWB ranging-based access control situation. In the case of a UWB-based Access Control Service (ACS) system in which the gate is opened seamlessly (in the case of a logical access service, a user login) when an electronic device (e.g., a mobile device) is located in close proximity to the gate, a method for controlling access may be required by determining whether the user of the electronic device is attempting to open the gate or whether the electronic device has simply remained close to the gate.

[0132] For example, when UWB ranging-based access control is set up between a mobile device and a car door, there may be instances where the car door opens and exposes the user to security risks if the user has the mobile device in a kitchen near the garage. For example, when UWB ranging-based access control is set up between a mobile device and a gate, there may be instances where the door opens automatically while the user is talking to a colleague near the gate. For example, when UWB ranging-based access control is set up between a mobile device and a laptop, there may be instances where the user is logged into the laptop system and exposed to security risks even if the user is merely near the laptop and has no intention of logging in.

[0133] The present disclosure proposes a pre-ranging method for determining whether the user is approaching the second electronic device or staying at a close distance of the second electronic device for a long time by monitoring the movement of the first electronic device (e.g., mobile device) carried by the user when UWB ranging-based access control is established between a first electronic device (e.g., mobile device) and a second electronic device. Since continuous ranging from a long distance is required for the pre-ranging, Bluetooth (BT) channel sounding may be utilized.

[0134] BT channel sounding is a technique for calculating the distance between two BT devices, and phase-based distance measurement can be used across multiple channels to obtain accurate distance measurements. For BT channel sounding, a first BT device transmits a first wireless signal to a second BT device, and the second BT device measures the phase of the first wireless signal and transmits a second wireless signal back to the first BT device with the same phase. The first BT device can determine (or calculate) the distance traveled by the signal by evaluating the phase change between the transmitted first wireless signal and the received second wireless signal. BT channel sounding can be repeated multiple times at different channel frequencies, and the BT device can estimate a clear distance in an accurate manner using phase data.

[0135] The pre-ranging method using BT channel sounding can improve UX by performing pre-ranging using BT, a low-power communication medium in an always-on state, to identify the user's intention, and by activating UWB ranging between electronic devices when the user approaches within a certain distance to perform secure ranging.

[0136] FIG. 5 shows an electronic device including a ranging control block according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device (500) supporting BT (or BLE) communication and UWB communication may include an application layer (510), a framework (or FiRa Framework) (520), a secure component (530) including an Applet, BLE connectivity (540) supporting BLE communication, and a UWB subsystem (UWBS) (550) supporting UWB communication. The electronic device (500) may be implemented as a FiRa device for ranging. According to one embodiment, the BLE connectivity (540) and the UWB subsystem (550) may each be implemented as separate chipsets. According to another embodiment, the BLE connectivity (540) and the UWB subsystem (550) may be implemented within a single chipset.

[0138] The electronic device (500) can perform free-ranging with an external electronic device based on BLE communication and secure-ranging with an external electronic device based on UWB communication. The framework (520) may include a ranging control block (521) for controlling at least one of BLE communication-based free-ranging and UWB communication-based secure-ranging.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the ranging control block (521) may receive information (or a command) from the application layer (510) indicating that the BLE channel sounding is used for pre-ranging. The ranging control block (521) may discover a BLE device through the BLE connectivity (540) and transmit a command to proceed for the BT channel sounding to the BLE connectivity (540). The ranging control block (521) may control the application layer (510) to allow the user authentication procedure (e.g., credential or payment) required by the application (APP) to proceed. The ranging control block (521) may generate a session key based on the result value according to the user authentication procedure. The ranging control block (521) can perform UWB communication-based secure ranging after deriving a Dynamic STS (Scrambled Timestamp Sequence) with a session key value when the pre-ranging result value is less than or equal to a threshold value received in advance from the application (APP).

[0140] The STS may be a ciphered sequence to increase the integrity and accuracy of the ranging measurement timestamps. In a dynamic STS, the STS is not repeated during the ranging session, and the session key for generating the STS may be managed by a security component (530).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the ranging control block (521) may stop the BLE CS and proceed with UWB ranging when a user performs a specific service (e.g., listening to music) during ranging via BLE channel sounding. The ranging control block (521) may receive information (or a command) from the application layer (510) indicating that BLE channel sounding is used for pre-ranging. The ranging control block (521) may discover a BLE device via BLE connectivity (540) and transmit a command to proceed with BT channel sounding to the BLE connectivity (540). The ranging control block (521) may control the application layer (510) to allow the user authentication procedure (e.g., credential or payment) required by the application (APP) to proceed. When the ranging control block (521) receives information from the BLE connectivity (540) indicating an error due to congestion and / or resource shortage, it can stop the BLE CS and proceed with UWB ranging.

[0142] The applet included in the secure component (530) may be an applet executed on the secure component that includes UWB parameters and service data. According to one embodiment, the applet may be a FiRa applet.

[0143] This disclosure defines values ​​required for using channel sounding within an APP API (Application Programming Interface). An API may provide an interface for a software application to interact with other software components or services.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the Service Configuration of the Service API Status FIRAServiceInit (ServiceConfiguration, UWBConfiguration, OOBConfiguration) may define values ​​required for the use of BLE channel sounding. The ServiceConfiguration includes information indicating whether to use BLE channel sounding in pre-ranging mode, and the ServiceConfiguration may be passed to the framework (520). For example, if the value indicating whether to use BLE channel sounding in pre-ranging mode is a specific value (e.g., True), a threshold value used to switch from BLE pre-ranging to UWB ranging may be set.

[0145] According to one embodiment, ServiceConfiguration may include at least one of the parameters in Table 1 to indicate whether to use BLE channel sounding as pre-ranging, etc.

[0146] [Table 1]

[0147]

[0148] Referring to Table 1, CS Preranging can indicate whether BLE channel sounding (BLE CS) is used for preranging. Preranging Threshold can indicate the ranging value for switching from BLE CS to UWB ranging. Ranged delta condition_N can indicate the number of consecutive BLE channel soundings within the preranging threshold. Ranged delta condition_period can indicate the period value of BLE channel sounding performance within the preranging threshold. The Ranged delta condition_delta may indicate a value different from the previous measurement of the BLE channel sounding within the pre-ranged threshold.

[0149] When the electronic device performs BT CS N times within a specified period within the pre-ranging threshold, if the change value is greater than or equal to the delta value, it can proceed with UWB ranging.

[0150] FIG. 6 illustrates a parameter negotiation process for BT channel sounding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 6, the controller (610) may be an electronic device operating as a Responder / Tx, and the controller (620) may be an electronic device operating as an Initiator / Rx.

[0152] For parameter negotiation for BT CS, the controller (620) can send a first message (PUT UWB Controlee_Info + BT CS Info) containing UWB information for the controller (620) and information for BT CS to the controller (610).

[0153] According to one embodiment, UWB information (Controlee_Info) for the controller (620) may include at least one of UWB capability information (UWB_CAPABILITY), preference information of the controller (620) for UWB communication (UWB_CONTROLEE_PREFERENCE), information on the session key (SESSION_KEY_INFO), and regulation information for UWB communication (UWB_REGULATORY).

[0154] According to one embodiment, information about BT CS (BT CS Info) may include at least one of the parameters listed in Table 2.

[0155] [Table 2]

[0156]

[0157] According to one embodiment, information about BT CS (BT CS Info) may include at least one of the number of CS configurations supported by the controller (610), the maximum number of consecutive CS procedures supported by the local controller, the number of antenna elements available for CS tone exchanges, the maximum number of antenna paths supported by the local controller for CS tone exchanges, the CS roles supported by the local controller, optional CS modes supported by the local controller, time-of-flight (TOF) accuracy, support by the local controller for reporting NADM when CS_SYNC receives a sounding sequence or a random sequence, optional transmit and receive PHYs supported by the local controller for CS SYNC exchanges, sub-features supported by the local controller, and the supported time duration used in the CS stage.

[0158] In response to the first message for parameter negotiation for BT CS, the controller (610) may send a second message (PUT UWB Session Data & Accept / PUT preferred BT CS Data) to the controller (620) that includes at least one of UWB Session Data, UWB Session Accept, and preferred BT CS Data.

[0159] According to one embodiment, after establishing a BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) link, UWB sensing information can be obtained by using a GET command instead of a PUT command.

[0160] According to one embodiment, a Channel Sounding reject message (HCI (Host Controller Interface) Format) for rejecting BLE (or BT) channel sounding may be defined. According to one embodiment, a command (HCI_LE_CS_Procedure_Reject) for rejecting BLE (or BT) channel sounding may be configured as shown in Table 3.

[0161] [Table 3]

[0162]

[0163] Referring to Table 3, the command (HCI_LE_CS_Procedure_Reject) can instruct whether to reject BLE (or BT) channel sounding to Enable using the identifier Config_ID for the connection identified by Connection_Handle.

[0164] According to one embodiment, if there are insufficient resources to set up channel sounding, a Channel Sounding reject message may be transmitted from the BLE connectivity (e.g., 540 in FIG. 5) to a host (or framework) (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the BLE connectivity (e.g., 540 in FIG. 5) may notify the host (or framework) (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5) that Channel sounding cannot be performed due to a lack of resources, in the form of an error message for Setup.

[0166] According to one embodiment, a specific application (e.g., a music player app) may notify a host (or framework) (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5) that it is receiving a specific service (e.g., listening to music), thereby causing the host (or framework) (e.g., 520 in FIG. 5) to stop the BT CS.

[0167] FIGS. 7a and 7b are drawings for explaining the process of performing UWB ranging based on BT channel sounding according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, a first electronic device (710) acting as a controller may include a framework (FiRa UWB Framework) (711), an application layer (712), a secure component (713), a UWB subsystem (714) supporting UWB communication, and a BLE component (715) supporting BLE communication. The framework (711) may include a ranging control block for controlling at least one of BLE communication-based free-ranging and UWB communication-based secure ranging. The first electronic device (710) may be implemented as a FiRa device for ranging.

[0169] A second electronic device (720) operating as a peripheral may include a framework (FiRa UWB Framework) (721), a secure component (723), a UWB subsystem (724) supporting UWB communication, and a BLE component (725) supporting BLE communication. The second electronic device (720) may be implemented as a FiRa device for ranging.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 7a, the BLE component (725) can transmit a BLE Advertisement message including at least one of the device ID (FiRa Device ID) of the second electronic device (720), the SCR (Service Component Repository) UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), the BT CS setting information of the second electronic device (720), and the UWB setting information of the second electronic device (720). According to one embodiment, the BT CS setting information may include information about the aforementioned BT CS (BT CS Info).

[0171] The BLE component (715) can receive the BLE Advertisement message and transmit a Connection request to the BLE component (725). The Connection request may include at least one of an SC ID, an applet ID, BT CS configuration information of the first electronic device (710), and UWB configuration information of the first electronic device (710). According to one embodiment, the BT CS configuration information may include information about the aforementioned BT CS (BT CS Info).

[0172] The BLE component (715) and the BLE component (725) can perform a negotiation procedure for security and / or capability for BLE channel sounding. According to one embodiment, each of the BLE component (715) and the BLE component (725) can perform pre-ranging through channel sounding immediately upon discovery of a counterpart device.

[0173] In the first electronic device (710), the framework (711) can transmit a command to trigger BLE channel sounding to the BLE component (715). The command can utilize an HCI command and an LE CS procedure Enable command.

[0174] In the second electronic device (720), the framework (721) can transmit a command to trigger BLE channel sounding to the BLE component (725). The command can utilize an HCI command and an LE CS procedure Enable command.

[0175] Afterwards, the BLE component (715) and the BLE component (725) can perform BT (or BLE) channel sounding (CS) at least once. The BLE component (715) can transmit the CS ranging result value to the framework (711) at least once.

[0176] The framework (711) can check whether the CS ranging result value is below a threshold value for pre-ranging. The framework (711) can check whether the BT CS count is greater than or equal to a first value (Ranging delta condition_N) and whether the change in the CS ranging result value is greater than or equal to a second value (Ranging delta condition_delta).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the framework (711) may determine to switch to UWB ranging if the CS ranging result value is below a threshold value for pre-ranging. According to one embodiment, the framework (711) may determine to switch to UWB ranging if the number of BT CS counts is greater than or equal to a first value (Ranging delta condition_N) and the change in the CS ranging result value is greater than or equal to a second value (Ranging delta condition_delta).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the framework (711) can determine to switch to UWB ranging if the CS ranging result value is below a threshold value for pre-ranging, the number of BT CS counts is above a first value (Ranging delta condition_N), and the change in the CS ranging result value is above a second value (Ranging delta condition_delta).

[0179] When the framework (711) decides to switch to UWB ranging, it can transmit credentials and / or payment data to the application layer (712). The application layer (712) can transmit the received credentials and / or payment data to the security component (713).

[0180] Referring to FIG. 7b, the first electronic device (710) can transmit credentials and / or payment data to the second electronic device (720) via BT GATT or UWB.

[0181] The framework (721) of the second electronic device (720) performs an authentication procedure for the first electronic device (710), and if the authentication of the first electronic device (710) is successful, the security component (723) can transmit the session key to the security component (713). Each of the security component (723) and the security component (713) can generate a Dynamic STS based on the session key.

[0182] The framework (711) can send a message (or command) to the UWB subsystem (714) instructing the start of UWB ranging. The framework (721) can send a message (or command) to the UWB subsystem (724) instructing the start of UWB ranging. Afterward, the UWB subsystem (714) and the UWB subsystem (724) can proceed with UWB ranging. The UWB subsystem (724) can send the UWB ranging result value to the framework (721).

[0183] If authentication for the first electronic device (710) is successful and the UWB ranging result value is smaller than the threshold value, the first electronic device (710) and the second electronic device (720) can perform the procedure for opening the door or acknowledging payment.

[0184] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings for explaining the process of performing UWB ranging based on BT channel sounding according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a first electronic device (810) acting as a controller may include a framework (FiRa UWB Framework) (811), an application layer (812), a secure component (813), a UWB subsystem (814) supporting UWB communication, and a BLE component (815) supporting BLE communication. The framework (811) may include a ranging control block for controlling at least one of BLE communication-based free-ranging and UWB communication-based secure ranging. The first electronic device (810) may be implemented as a FiRa device for ranging.

[0186] A second electronic device (820) operating as a peripheral may include a framework (FiRa UWB Framework) (821), a secure component (823), a UWB subsystem (824) supporting UWB communication, and a BLE component (825) supporting BLE communication. The second electronic device (820) may be implemented as a FiRa device for ranging.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 8a, the BLE component (825) can transmit a BLE Advertisement message including at least one of the device ID (FiRa Device ID) of the second electronic device (820), the SCR (Service Component Repository) UUID (Universally Unique Identifier), the BT CS setting information of the second electronic device (820), and the UWB setting information of the second electronic device (820). According to one embodiment, the BT CS setting information may include information about the aforementioned BT CS (BT CS Info).

[0188] The BLE component (815) can receive the BLE Advertisement message and transmit a Connection request to the BLE component (825). The Connection request may include at least one of an SC ID, an applet ID, BT CS configuration information of the first electronic device (810), and UWB configuration information of the first electronic device (810). According to one embodiment, the BT CS configuration information may include information about the aforementioned BT CS (BT CS Info).

[0189] The BLE component (815) and the BLE component (825) can perform a negotiation procedure for security and / or capability for BLE channel sounding. According to one embodiment, each of the BLE component (815) and the BLE component (825) can perform pre-ranging through channel sounding immediately upon discovery of a counterpart device.

[0190] In the first electronic device (810), the framework (811) can transmit a command to trigger BLE channel sounding to the BLE component (815). The command can utilize an HCI command and an LE CS procedure Enable command.

[0191] In the second electronic device (820), the framework (821) can transmit a command to trigger BLE channel sounding to the BLE component (825). The command can utilize an HCI command and an LE CS procedure Enable command.

[0192] Afterwards, the BLE component (815) and the BLE component (825) can perform BT (or BLE) channel sounding (CS) at least once. The BLE component (815) can transmit the CS ranging result value to the framework (811) at least once.

[0193] The framework (811) receives the CS ranging result value and can determine whether a specific service (e.g., music playback) is in progress on the first electronic device (810). If a specific service (e.g., music playback) is in progress on the first electronic device (810), the BLE component (815) can send a command (HCI_LE_CS_Procedure_Reject) to the application layer (812) to reject BLE (or BT) channel sounding. The application layer (812) can send a command (Channel Sounding Stop) to the BLE component (815) to stop channel sounding.

[0194] The framework (811) can transmit a command (UWB Ranging Strat) instructing to start UWB ranging to the UWB subsystem (814). According to one embodiment, the command (UWB Ranging Strat) instructing to start UWB ranging may instruct unsecure ranging and static STS. Subsequently, the UWB subsystem (814) and the UWB subsystem (824) can proceed with unsecure UWB ranging.

[0195] The framework (811) can transmit credentials and / or payment data to the application layer (812). The application layer (812) can transmit the received credentials and / or payment data to the security component (813).

[0196] Referring to FIG. 8b, the first electronic device (810) can transmit credentials and / or payment data to the second electronic device (820) via BT GATT or UWB.

[0197] The framework (821) of the second electronic device (820) performs an authentication procedure for the first electronic device (810), and if the authentication of the first electronic device (810) is successful, the security component (823) can transmit the session key to the security component (813). Each of the security component (823) and the security component (813) can generate a Dynamic STS based on the session key.

[0198] The framework (811) can send a message (or command) to the UWB subsystem (814) instructing the start of UWB ranging. The framework (821) can send a message (or command) to the UWB subsystem (824) instructing the start of UWB ranging. Afterward, the UWB subsystem (814) and the UWB subsystem (824) can proceed with secure UWB ranging. The UWB subsystem (824) can send the UWB ranging result value to the framework (821).

[0199] If authentication for the first electronic device (810) is successful and the UWB ranging result value is smaller than the threshold value, the first electronic device (810) and the second electronic device (820) can perform the procedure for opening the door or acknowledging payment.

[0200] FIG. 9 shows the structure of a first UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the first UWB device may be implemented as the UWB device (100a) of FIG. 1, the first UWB device (100b) of FIG. 2, and the first electronic device (710 and / or 810) of FIG. 7a to FIG. 8b.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 9, the first UWB device may include a transceiver (910), a control unit (920), and a storage unit (930). In the present disclosure, the control unit may be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0203] The transceiver (910) can transmit and receive signals with other entities. The transceiver (910) can transmit and receive data with other devices, for example, using at least one BLE channel and / or at least one UWB channel.

[0204] In one embodiment, the transceiver (910) may include at least one first transceiver supporting a UWB channel and at least one second transceiver supporting a BLE channel. In another embodiment, the transceiver (920) may include at least one transceiver supporting at least two of a BLE channel and a UWB channel.

[0205] The control unit (920) can control the overall operation of the first UWB device according to the embodiment proposed in the present disclosure. For example, the control unit (920) can control the signal flow between each block to perform operations according to the flowchart described above. Specifically, the control unit (920) can control the operation of the first UWB device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, for example.

[0206] The storage unit (930) can store at least one of the information transmitted and received through the transmission and reception unit (910) and the information generated through the control unit (920). For example, the storage unit (930) can store information and data necessary for the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the control unit (920) may receive a BLE advertisement message from the second electronic device that includes the device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (920) may control the transmission of a connection request message to the second electronic device that includes BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (920) may perform pre-ranging with the second electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (920) can perform the UWB ranging with the second electronic device when the condition for switching from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the transition condition from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging may include at least one of the result of comparing the result of the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding with a first threshold value; the result of comparing the number of pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding with a second threshold value; and the result of comparing the change in the result of the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding with a third threshold value.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the BLE channel sounding configuration information of the second electronic device may include at least one of the number of channel sounding configurations supported by the second electronic device, the maximum number of continuous channel sounding procedures supported by the local controller, the number of antenna elements available for channel sounding tone exchanges (CS tone exchanges), the maximum number of antenna paths supported by the local controller for channel sounding tone exchanges, channel sounding roles supported by the local controller, optional channel sounding modes supported by the local controller, time-of-flight (TOF) accuracy, sub-features supported by the local controller, and time durations supported in the channel sounding stage.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the control unit (920) checks for the execution of a specific service during the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding and can stop the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding so that the specific service continues to be executed.

[0211] According to one embodiment, a command that triggers the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding in the framework of the first electronic device can be transmitted to the BLE component of the first electronic device.

[0212] FIG. 10 shows the structure of a second UWB device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the second UWB device may be implemented as the UWB device (100a) of FIG. 1, the second UWB device (200b) of FIG. 2, or the second electronic device (720 and / or 820) of FIG. 7a to 8b.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 10, the second UWB device may include a transceiver (1010), a control unit (1020), and a storage unit (1030). In the present disclosure, the control unit may be defined as a circuit or an application-specific integrated circuit or at least one processor.

[0215] The transceiver (1010) can transmit and receive signals with other entities. The transceiver (1010) can transmit and receive data with other devices, for example, using at least one BLE channel and / or at least one UWB channel.

[0216] In one embodiment, the transceiver (1010) may include at least one first transceiver supporting a UWB channel and at least one second transceiver supporting a BLE channel. In another embodiment, the transceiver (920) may include one transceiver supporting both a BLE channel and a UWB channel.

[0217] The control unit (1020) can control the overall operation of the second UWB device according to the embodiment proposed in the present disclosure. For example, the control unit (1020) can control the signal flow between each block to perform operations according to the flowchart described above. Specifically, the control unit (1020) can control the operation of the second UWB device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, for example.

[0218] The storage unit (1030) can store at least one of the information transmitted and received through the transmission and reception unit (1010) and the information generated through the control unit (1020). For example, the storage unit (1030) can store information and data necessary for the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the control unit (1020) may control the transmission of a BLE advertisement message to the first electronic device, the message including the device ID of the second electronic device, the BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and the UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (1020) may receive a connection request message from the first electronic device, the message including the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the UWB setting information of the first electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (1020) may perform pre-ranging with the first electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device. According to one embodiment, the control unit (1020) can perform the UWB ranging with the first electronic device when the condition for switching from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging is satisfied.

[0220] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the components included in the present disclosure are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural, it may be composed of a singular form, and even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed of a plural form.

[0221] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present disclosure, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In the method of the first electronic device, The operation of receiving a BLE advertisement message from the second electronic device, the message comprising a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device; The operation of transmitting a connection request message to the second electronic device, the message including BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device; An operation of performing pre-ranging with the second electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device; and A method comprising the operation of performing the second electronic device and the UWB ranging when the condition for switching from the above-mentioned pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

2. In paragraph 1, the transition condition from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging is, Comparison result of the result of the pre-ranging through the above BLE channel sounding and the first threshold value; Comparison result of the number of pre-rangings through the above BLE channel sounding and the second threshold value; and A method comprising at least one of the result of comparing the change in the result value of the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding and the third threshold value.

3. In paragraph 1, the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device is, A method comprising at least one of the number of channel sounding configurations supported by the second electronic device, the maximum number of continuous channel sounding procedures supported by the local controller, the number of antenna elements available for channel sounding tone exchanges (CS tone exchanges), the maximum number of antenna paths supported by the local controller for channel sounding tone exchanges, channel sounding roles supported by the local controller, optional channel sounding modes supported by the local controller, time-of-flight (TOF) accuracy, sub-features supported by the local controller, and time durations supported in the channel sounding stage.

4. In Paragraph 1, An operation to verify the execution of a specific service during the pre-ranging via the above BLE channel sounding; An action of stopping the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding so that the specific service above can continue to run; and A method comprising the above-mentioned second electronic device and the operation of performing the above-mentioned UWB ranging.

5. In Paragraph 1, A method of transmitting a command that triggers the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding in the framework of the first electronic device to the BLE component of the first electronic device.

6. In the method of the second electronic device, The operation of transmitting a BLE advertisement message to a first electronic device, the device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device; The operation of receiving a connection request message from the first electronic device, the message including BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device; An operation of performing pre-ranging with the first electronic device through BLE channel sounding based on BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device; and A method comprising the operation of performing the first electronic device and the UWB ranging when the condition for switching from the above-mentioned pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

7. In paragraph 6, the transition condition from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging is, Comparison result of the result of the pre-ranging through the above BLE channel sounding and the first threshold value; Comparison result of the number of pre-rangings through the above BLE channel sounding and the second threshold value; and A method comprising at least one of the result of comparing the change in the result value of the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding and the third threshold value.

8. In paragraph 6, the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device is, A method comprising at least one of the number of channel sounding configurations supported by the second electronic device, the maximum number of continuous channel sounding procedures supported by the local controller, the number of antenna elements available for channel sounding tone exchanges (CS tone exchanges), the maximum number of antenna paths supported by the local controller for channel sounding tone exchanges, channel sounding roles supported by the local controller, optional channel sounding modes supported by the local controller, time-of-flight (TOF) accuracy, sub-features supported by the local controller, and time durations supported in the channel sounding stage.

9. In Paragraph 6, A method in which, if the execution of a specific service is confirmed during the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding of the first electronic device, the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding is stopped so that the specific service can continue to be executed.

10. In Paragraph 6, A method of transmitting a command that triggers the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding in the framework of the second electronic device to the BLE component of the second electronic device.

11. In the first electronic device, Transmitter / receiver; and It includes a control unit, and the control unit, A BLE advertisement message including a device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device is received from the second electronic device, and Controls the transmission of a connection request message to the second electronic device, the message including BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device. Based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, pre-ranging is performed with the second electronic device through BLE channel sounding, and A device that performs the UWB ranging with the second electronic device when the condition for switching from the above-mentioned pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied.

12. In paragraph 11, the transition condition from the pre-ranging to the UWB ranging is, Comparison result of the result of the pre-ranging through the above BLE channel sounding and the first threshold value; Comparison result of the number of pre-rangings through the above BLE channel sounding and the second threshold value; and A device comprising at least one of the result of comparing the change in the result value of the pre-ranging through the BLE channel sounding and the third threshold value.

13. In Clause 11, the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device is, A device comprising at least one of the number of channel sounding configurations supported by the second electronic device, the maximum number of continuous channel sounding procedures supported by the local controller, the number of antenna elements available for channel sounding tone exchanges (CS tone exchanges), the maximum number of antenna paths supported by the local controller for channel sounding tone exchanges, channel sounding roles supported by the local controller, optional channel sounding modes supported by the local controller, time-of-flight (TOF) accuracy, sub-features supported by the local controller, and time durations supported in the channel sounding stage.

14. In Clause 11, the control unit is, Confirm the execution of a specific service during the pre-ranging via the above BLE channel sounding, and To ensure that the above specific service continues to run, the above pre-ranging through the above BLE channel sounding is stopped, and The second electronic device and the device performing the UWB ranging.

15. In the second electronic device, Transmitter / receiver; and It includes a control unit, and the control unit, Control to transmit a BLE advertisement message to a first electronic device, the message including the device ID of the second electronic device, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) setting information of the second electronic device. A connection request message is received from the first electronic device, the message including BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and UWB setting information of the first electronic device, and Based on the BLE channel sounding setting information preferred by the first electronic device and the BLE channel sounding setting information of the second electronic device, pre-ranging is performed with the first electronic device through BLE channel sounding, and A device that performs the UWB ranging, wherein the condition for switching from the above-mentioned pre-ranging to UWB ranging is satisfied, the first electronic device and the device that performs the above-mentioned UWB ranging.

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