Device-to-Device Ranging Using Angle-of-Arrival and Distance

The patent introduces discovery signals and response signals as intermediaries between devices to enable direct distance and direction determination. These signals carry timing information that allows devices to calculate propagation delay and determine their relative position without relying on network infrastructure positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and positioning availability.

The patent replaces the mechanical/network infrastructure-based positioning system with a device-to-device signal exchange mechanism. By using electromagnetic signal propagation time measurements instead of network-provided location data, the system achieves reliable positioning in environments where network infrastructure positioning is unavailable or inaccurate.

The patent segments the ranging process into distinct phases: discovery signal transmission, response signal transmission, timing measurement, and calculation. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the determination process into manageable steps, each handled by specific circuitry (transceiver for signal exchange, control for measurement and calculation).

The patent enables devices to perform their own ranging determination autonomously using their transceiver and control circuitry. Each device measures the propagation delay of signals exchanged with other devices and calculates distance and direction independently, without requiring complex network infrastructure support, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through self-service operation.

The patent employs periodic discovery signal transmissions and scheduled response signals to establish ranging measurements. By structuring the signal exchange in periodic intervals with predetermined timing relationships, the system achieves accurate propagation delay measurement while managing latency through efficient periodic operation rather than continuous signaling.

The patent uses preliminary timing synchronization and predetermined slot structures for discovery and response signals. By establishing timing relationships in advance and using predefined signal formats, the system reduces the processing and coordination overhead during actual ranging operations, thereby minimizing latency while maintaining measurement precision.