Mobile Device Ranging Circuitry for Distance Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile devices lack efficient methods to determine relative distance and position between devices, limiting their ability to facilitate seamless communication, data sharing, and notification systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating ranging circuitry that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses to perform time-of-flight measurements between mobile devices, allowing for accurate determination of distance and relative position, which can be used to enhance communication, data sharing, and notification functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wireless protocols are used for communication, then device compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but the ability to determine relative distance and position between devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoiddistance measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication function into two distinct protocols: a first wireless protocol for establishing communication sessions and authentication, and a second wireless protocol specifically for ranging and distance measurement. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality to support both wireless protocols simultaneously. The device can use the first protocol for general communication while the second protocol provides enhanced distance measurement capabilities, making the device versatile enough to handle both communication and precise positioning tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If ranging functionality is added to mobile devices, then distance measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication function into two distinct protocols: a first wireless protocol for establishing communication sessions and authentication, and a second wireless protocol specifically for ranging and distance measurement. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the mobile device communicates ranging settings and authentication information through the first wireless protocol before initiating distance measurements with the second wireless protocol. This intermediary step simplifies the overall system by separating the complex authentication and setup phases from the ranging phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless protocols are implemented, then communication versatility and functionality are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication function into two distinct protocols: a first wireless protocol for establishing communication sessions and authentication, and a second wireless protocol specifically for ranging and distance measurement. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the mobile device automatically performs authentication and exchanges ranging settings between devices using the wireless protocols. The system handles the complexity of protocol selection and configuration automatically, reducing the burden on users while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise determination of relative distance and position between mobile devices, facilitating improved user interfaces for selecting recipients, triggering notifications, and performing sharing operations, thereby enhancing the productivity and usability of mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

time-of-flight measurements can be performed using ultra-wideband (UWB) pulses transmitted between the mobile devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250168272A1Ranging between mobile devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

A mobile device can include ranging circuitry to determine distance to another mobile device. A first wireless protocol can establish an initial communication session to perform authentication and/or exchange ranging settings. A second protocol can perform ranging, and other wireless protocols can transmit content. In one example, the distance information can be used to display a relative position of another device on a user interface of a sending device. The user interface can allow a user to quickly and accurately select the recipient device for sending the data item. As another example, the distance information obtained from ranging can be used to trigger a notification (e.g., a reminder) to be output from a first mobile device or used to display a visual indicator on a receiving device. Proximity of a device (e.g., as determined by a distance) can be used to suggest recipient for a new communication.