Electronic device and method for position determination using UWB signal

Provided is an electronic device that may include: an ultra wide band (UWB) communication module; a plurality of antennas; and a processor operatively connected to the UWB communication module. The UWB communication module may be configured to: receive first data of an UWB data frame from an external electronic device by using a first antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a first angle of arrival (AOA); receive second data of the UWB data frame by using a second antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a second AOA, where the second antenna set is configured during a section of the UWB data frame that does not include data; and measure the direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA and the second AOA. It is possible to provide various other embodiments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0111814, filed on Sep. 9, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

One or more embodiments of the instant disclosure generally relate to an electronic device that may determine position using a UWB signal and a method thereof.

Description of Related Art

Positioning or location technologies have recently advanced.

One early positioning technique uses the global positioning system (GPS), which receives signals from GPS satellites and calculates the current location of the user. The GPS signal is not well received indoors because it is highly attenuated when passing through objects such as buildings, making it unsuitable for indoor positioning.

Indoor positioning technologies developed so far may be described in brief as follows. With infrared-based positioning technology, infrared sensors are installed on the ceiling of the building, infrared generators in the form of badges called active badges are attached to persons, and corresponding signals are sensed by the infrared sensors to identify the position. With ultrasonic-based positioning technology, an ultrasonic wave generated from an ultrasonic generator attached to a person or an object is received by an ultrasonic receiver attached to the ceiling of the building to identify the position. With Wi-Fi-based positioning technology, the position is measured by using the strength or transmission delay of a radio frequency (RF) signal emitted by the access point (AP) of a wireless LAN. With radio frequency identification (RFID) based positioning technique, the reception strength of a received RF signal is measured, and the location is identified by measuring the signal transmission distance based on signal attenuation. With ultra wide band (UWB) based positioning technology, the position of a target is located using a wide frequency band signal.

SUMMARY

An electronic device may require an antenna to identify its location and/or the location of an external electronic device. The accuracy of the position measurement may vary depending on the number of antennas disposed in the electronic device. When the position is measured using a small number of antennas, the accuracy of the position measurement may be lower than when the position is measured using a large number of antennas.

As technology advances, the physical volume of electronic devices has gradually decreased, such that the number of antennas that can be included in an electronic device may be limited. In addition, as the number of antennas included in an electronic device increases, power consumed by the electronic device may increase, which may cause a problem.

Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a technique that can accurately determine the device's position using only a small number of antennas.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided an electronic device. The electronic device may include: an ultra wide band (UWB) communication module; a plurality of antennas; and a processor operatively connected to the UWB communication module, wherein the UWB communication module may be configured to: receive first data of an UWB data frame from an external electronic device by using a first antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a first angle of arrival (AOA); receive second data of the UWB data frame by using a second antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a second AOA, where the second antenna set is configured during a section of the UWB data frame that does not include data; and measure a direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA and the second AOA.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided an operation method for an electronic device. The operation method may include: receiving first data of an UWB data frame from an external electronic device by using a first antenna set including at least two antennas among plurality of antennas to measure a first angle of arrival (AOA); receiving second data of the UWB data frame by using a second antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a second AOA, where the second antenna set is configured during a section of the UWB data frame that does not include data; and measuring a direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA and the second AOA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosure, in the case of measuring distance and direction to an external electronic device based on a signal received from the external electronic device, accuracy can be improved through switching between the antennas that receive the signals for location determination.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosure, based on one data frame received from an external electronic device, it is possible to rapidly identify the distance and direction to the external electronic device from which the data frame was transmitted.

There are two main schemes for a receiving device to measure the distance to a transmitting device. The first scheme is one-way ranging. When the transmitting device transmits a signal carrying time information to the receiving device, the receiving device can identify the distance from the transmitting device by measuring the time of arrival. The second scheme is two-way ranging. The transmitting device and the receiving device may exchange signals several times and may measure the distance therebetween while sharing their time information to eliminate time errors. In one-way ranging, as communication is performed only once, the time required for distance measurement may be small and power consumption may be small, but synchronization must be achieved between the devices. On the other hand, in two-way ranging, power consumption may be large and the time required for position measurement may be long in comparison to one-way ranging. However, synchronization between the devices may be not necessary.

Two-way ranging schemes may be divided into one-sided two-way ranging and two-sided two-way ranging. In one-sided two-way ranging, when the transmitting device transmits one data frame, the receiving device transmits a data frame including information on the time the data frame is received and the time the data frame is transmitted. The transmitting device can measure the distance between the transmitting device and the receiving device by using the information included in the received data frame. In two-sided two-way ranging, when the transmitting device transmits one data frame, the receiving device transmits a data frame including information on the time the data frame is received and the time the data frame is transmitted. Then, the transmitting device transmits another data frame including information on the time the data frame is received and the time the data frame is transmitted. Thereby, both the transmitting device and the receiving device can measure the distance. The electronic device according to the instant disclosure can also measure the distance by using two-way ranging. This is described in detail below.

To identify the location of the transmitting device based on the location of the receiving device, the receiving device needs to know the direction of the transmitting device in addition to the distance. The receiving device can find the direction of the transmitting device by measuring the angle of arrival (AOA). For example, the receiving device may measure the AOA of a signal transmitted by the transmitting device, find the direction of the signal coming to the receiving device relative to the transmitting device, and determine the relative positions of the transmitting device and the receiving device.

When an electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1serving as a receiving device) tries to determine its location or the location of the transmitting device by using UWB communication, the number of UWB antennas mounted on the electronic device may be important. While the electronic device101can measure only the distance to a target (e.g., transmitting device) by using at least one of the schemes described above if there is one UWB antenna, the electronic device101can measure the AOA in addition to the distance to the target if there are two UWB antennas.

FIG. 2depicts a theoretical scheme for the electronic device to measure the AOA using two UWB antennas.

The electronic device210(e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include two UWB antennas220and230(e.g., antenna197inFIG. 1). The electronic device210may know the distance d (250) between the two UWB antennas220and230. The distance difference Δd (260) between the two UWB antennas220and230can be calculated using Equation 1. Here, θ may indicate the AOA to be found.
Δd=d·cos θ  [Equation 1]

In addition, the phase difference Δϕ between the UWB signals reaching the two UWB antennas220and230can be represented by Equation 2.

Here, λ may indicate the wavelength of the UWB signal.

The electronic device210may calculate the AOA by using Equation 3 derived from Equation 1 and Equation 2.

Hence, the electronic device210can find the AOA240by using the distance d (250) between the two UWB antennas220and230and the phase difference Δϕ between the UWB signals reaching the UWB antennas220and230from the transmitting device. The AOA240may have a value between −90 degrees and 90 degrees in theory.

FIG. 3shows a result of AOA measurement performed by the electronic device using two UWB antennas.

In part (a) ofFIG. 3, the movement path of the transmitting device310is indicated by indicator315. As indicated by the movement path315, the transmitting device310may move with an AOA of between −90 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the electronic device210. The transmission device310may transmit a UWB signal to the electronic device210while moving at a preset speed along the movement path315.

Parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 3show the results of measurement of the AOA to the transmitting device310performed by the electronic device210using two channels (e.g., channels 5 and 9) having different UWB signal frequency bands. In parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 3, the graphs325and335show the actual AOA between the transmitting device310and the electronic device210. With reference to parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 3, when the AOA is between −60 and 60 degrees (total 120 degrees), as indicated by indicia320and330, the graphs325and335match well, indicating that the measured AOA coincides with the actual AOA. However, in the other ranges, it can be seen that the gap between the AOA measured by the electronic device210and the graph325or335is wide and an error has occurred. It can also be seen that the measured AOA is not constant.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, to reduce the error between the measured AOA and the actual AOA, the electronic device210may include a larger number of UWB antennas, and the UWB antennas may be properly arranged to accurately measure the AOA. In addition, the electronic device210may measure the AOA in three dimensions by using the plurality of UWB antennas.

FIG. 4illustrates a situation where the electronic device measures the AOA and distance according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Part (a) ofFIG. 4shows a UWB data frame that can be transmitted or received. For example, the UWB data frame may be generated by the UWB communication module430(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1). The UWB data frame may include a SYNC field410for temporal synchronization with an external electronic device (not shown), a SFD (start of frame delimiter) field412indicating the end of SYNC, a GAP field414, and/or an STS (scrambled timestamp sequence) field416for preventing an attack (e.g., relay attack) on data included in the UWB data frame. Here, the GAP field may refer to an interval where no signal is transmitted or received. In various embodiments of the disclosure, among the fields of the UWB data frame, timestamp values may be included in the SYNC field410and the STS field416. The timestamp values included in the SYNC field410and the STS field416may be used by the electronic device101to measure the distance to an external electronic device.

The electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include at least three UWB antennas. For example, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include a UWB communication module430(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1), at least one switch (e.g., first switch440), and at least one UWB antenna (e.g., first UWB antenna450). For example, when the electronic device includes three UWB antennas, it may receive a UWB data frame while switching between the first antenna450, the second antenna452, and the third antenna454. For example, the first antenna450and the second antenna452may be used as a first antenna set, and the second antenna452and the third antenna454may be used as a second antenna set. In this case, the electronic device may include three switches440,442, and444. In parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 4, the electronic device is depicted as including three switches that can implement both the first antenna set and the second antenna set. However, if the first antenna set and a third antenna set (e.g., first antenna450and third antenna454) are used, the electronic device may be configured to select the second antenna452and the third antenna454by using only one switch.

The electronic device may receive one UWB data frame by using the first antenna set and the second antenna set and measure the direction of or the distance to the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may receive a portion of a UWB data frame by using the first antenna set and receive the other portion thereof by using the second antenna set. Then, the electronic device may determine the direction to the external electronic device based on at least some of the AOAs measured by using the first antenna set and the second antenna set.

In an embodiment, with reference to parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 4, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include a UWB communication module430(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1), three switches440,442, and444, and three UWB antennas (e.g., first UWB antenna450, second UWB antenna452, and third UWB antenna454). For example, the UWB communication module430may include a first port432capable of both transmitting and receiving UWB signals, and a second port434capable of receiving UWB signals only. The first switch440is connected to the first port432of the UWB communication module430to select one of the first UWB antenna450and the second switch442. The second switch442is connected to the second UWB antenna452to select one of the first port432and the second port434of the UWB communication module430. The third switch444is connected to the second port434of the UWB communication module430to select one of the second switch442and the third UWB antenna454. The UWB communication module430may control the first to third switches440,442, and444that are electrically connected depending upon whether to use the first to third UWB antennas450,452, and454for transmission or reception.

For reference, the electronic device transmitting a UWB signal (e.g., master/slave anchor) may transmit a UWB data frame by connecting the first port432of the UWB communication module430to the first UWB antenna450or the second UWB antenna452.

Parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 4illustrate the settings of the electronic device101to measure two AOAs, and part (d) ofFIG. 4depicts the two AOAs measured according to the settings of parts (b) and (c) ofFIG. 4.

Part (b) ofFIG. 4illustrates the settings of the electronic device101for measuring the AOA460shown in part (d) ofFIG. 4. The electronic device101may perform an antenna switching operation while receiving one UWB data frame. The electronic device may receive a first portion418including the SYNC field410and the SFD field412of UWB data by using the first antenna450and the second antenna452. In this case, as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 4, the first switch440may select the first UWB antenna450, the third switch444may select the second switch442, and the second switch442may select the second UWB antenna452. For example, the first port432of the UWB communication module430may be connected to the first UWB antenna450and the second port434thereof may be connected to the second UWB antenna452so as to receive the first portion418including the SYNC field410and the SFD field412of the single UWB data frame.

Part (c) ofFIG. 4illustrates the settings of the electronic device101for measuring the AOA462shown in part (d) ofFIG. 4. The electronic device101may receive the second portion420including the STS field416of UWB data by using the second antenna452and the third antenna454. For example, the electronic device101may receive the first portion418of the UWB data frame by using the first antenna450and the second antenna452, and may configure the first to third switches440,442, and444as shown in part (c) ofFIG. 4to utilize the second antenna452and the third antenna454while receiving the GAP field following the first portion418. For example, the settings of the first to third switches440,442, and444shown in part (c) ofFIG. 4may be configured during the GAP field414between the SFD field412and the STS field416. The UWB communication module430(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1) of the electronic device101may detect the SFD field412and change the settings of the first to third switches440,442, and444during the GAP field414. For example, the first switch440may select the second switch442, the second switch442may select the second UWB antenna452, and the third switch444may select the third UWB antenna454. For example, the first port432of the UWB communication module430may be connected to the second UWB antenna452and the second port434thereof may be connected to the third UWB antenna454so as to receive the second portion420including the STS field416of the UWB data frame.

The electronic device may determine the direction to the external electronic device based on at least some of the AOA measured through the first antenna set and the AOA measured through the second antenna set.

Although a UWB data frame including one STS field has been described in part (a) ofFIG. 4, a case where two STS fields are included as shown in part (a) ofFIG. 5described below may also be applicable. For example, when using a UWB data frame including two STS fields, the electronic device101may measure the AOA by changing the switch settings once more or using a third antenna set (e.g., second antenna452and third antenna454). If the electronic device includes more UWB antennas, the antenna sets may be formed in more varied ways. For example, if the electronic device includes one more UWB antenna, a total of six antenna sets can be formed ((first antenna, second antenna), (first antenna, third antenna), (first antenna, fourth antenna), (second antenna, third antenna), (second antenna, fourth antenna), (third antenna, fourth antenna)). In addition, the electronic device may change the order of the antenna sets to receive the UWB data frame by changing the settings of the switches. For example, the electronic device may receive a UWB data frame by using the first antenna set and then receive the UWB data frame by using the second antenna set or may receive a UWB data frame by using the third or fourth antenna set.

FIG. 5illustrates a situation where the electronic device measures the AOA and distance according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Part (a) ofFIG. 5illustrates a UWB data frame that can be transmitted or received. The UWB data frame may be generated by the UWB communication module530(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1) of the electronic device. The UWB data frame may include a SYNC field510for temporal synchronization with an external electronic device (not shown), a SFD field512indicating the end of SYNC, first and second GAP fields514and518, and first and second STS fields516and520for preventing an attack (e.g., relay attack) on data included in the UWB data frame. Here, the first and second GAP fields514and518may indicate intervals where no signal is transmitted or received. In an embodiment of the disclosure, among the fields of the UWB data frame, timestamp values may be included in the SYNC field510, the first STS field516, and/or the second STS field520. The timestamp value included in the SYNC field510, the first STS field516, or the second STS field520may be used by the electronic device101to measure the distance to the external electronic device.

The electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include at least some of the components of the electronic device shown inFIG. 4. For example, when the electronic device includes three UWB antennas, the electronic device may receive a UWB data frame while switching between the first antenna550, the second antenna552, and the third antenna554. For example, the first antenna550and the second antenna552may be used as the first antenna set, the second antenna552and the third antenna554may be used as the second antenna set, and the third antenna554and the first antenna550may be used as the third antenna set. In this case, the electronic device may include three switches540,542, and544.

The electronic device may receive one UWB data frame by using the first antenna set, the second antenna set, and the third antenna set and measure the direction or the distance to the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device may receive different portions of one UWB data frame by using the first antenna set, the second antenna set, and/or the third antenna set. The electronic device may measure the AOA based on each of the different portions of one UWB data frame received through the first antenna set, the second antenna set, and/or the third antenna set and determine the direction of the external electronic device based on at least some of the measured AOAs.

In an embodiment, with reference to parts (b) to (d) ofFIG. 5, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include a UWB communication module530(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1), three switches540,542, and544(e.g., switches440,442, and444inFIG. 4), and three UWB antennas including a first UWB antenna550, a second UWB antenna552and a third UWB antenna554(e.g., antennas450,452, and454inFIG. 4). For example, the UWB communication module530may include a first port532capable of both transmitting and receiving a UWB signal, and a second port534capable of receiving a UWB signal only. The first switch540may be connected to the first port532of the UWB communication module530to select one of the first UWB antenna550and the second switch542. The second switch542may be connected to the second UWB antenna552to select one of the first port532and the second port534of the UWB communication module530. The third switch544may be connected to the second port534of the UWB communication module530to select one of the second switch542and the third UWB antenna554. The UWB communication module530may control the first to third switches540,542, and544that are electrically connected depending upon whether to use the first to third UWB antennas550,552, and554for transmission or reception. Alternatively, the processor (e.g., processor120inFIG. 1) may control the first to third switches540,542, and544that are electrically connected depending upon whether to use the first to third UWB antennas550,552, and554for transmission or reception. The processor may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a video card controller, etc. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Certain of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a “processor” or “microprocessor” may be hardware in the claimed disclosure. Under the broadest reasonable interpretation, the appended claims are statutory subject matter in compliance with 35 U.S.C. § 101.

For reference, the electronic device transmitting a UWB signal (e.g., master/slave anchor) may transmit a UWB data frame by connecting the first port532of the UWB communication module530to the first UWB antenna550or the second UWB antenna552.

Parts (b) to (d) ofFIG. 55illustrate a situation where the electronic device101selects two UWB antennas (or antenna sets) out of three UWB antennas550,552, and554to receive one UWB data frame according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The electronic device may perform an antenna switching operation while receiving one UWB data frame. The electronic device may receive first data522including the SYNC field510and the SFD field512of the UWB data by using the first antenna550and the second antenna552. In this case, the electronic device may select the first and second UWB antennas550and552(e.g., first antenna set) among the three UWB antennas550,552, and554as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 5. In part (b) ofFIG. 5, the first switch540may select the first UWB antenna550, the second switch542may select the third switch544, and the third switch544may select the second UWB antenna552. For example, the first port532of the UWB communication module530may be connected to the first UWB antenna550and the second port534may be connected to the second UWB antenna552, so that the first data522including the SYNC field510and the SFD field512of the UWB data frame can be received.

To receive second data524including the first STS field516of the UWB data frame, the electronic device101may select the second and third UWB antennas552and554(e.g., second antenna set) among the three UWB antennas550,552, and554as shown in part (c) ofFIG. 5. For example, when receiving the GAP field514following the first data522after receiving the first data522of the UWB data frame by using the first antenna550and the second antenna552, the electronic device101may configure the settings of the first to third switches540,542, and544as shown in part (c) ofFIG. 5to use the second antenna552and the third antenna554. For example, the settings of the first to third switches540,542, and544may be configured as shown in part (c) ofFIG. 5during the GAP field514between the SFD field512and the first STS field516. The UWB communication module530(e.g., communication module190inFIG. 1) of the electronic device101may detect the SFD field512and change the settings of the first to third switches540,542, and544during the GAP field514. In part (c) ofFIG. 5, when the first switch540selects the second switch542, the second switch542may select the second UWB antenna552, and the third switch544may select the third UWB antenna554. For example, the first port532of the UWB communication module530may be connected to the second UWB antenna552and the second port534may be connected to the third UWB antenna554, so that the second data524including the first STS field516of the UWB data frame can be received.

To receive third data526including the second STS field520of the UWB data frame, the electronic device101may select the third and first UWB antennas554and550(e.g. third antenna set) from among the three UWB antennas550,552, and554as shown in part (d) of FIG.5. The settings of the first to third switches540,542, and544may be configured shown in part (d) ofFIG. 5during the GAP field518between the first STS field516and the second STS field520. The UWB communication module530of the electronic device101may detect the STS field516and change the settings of the first to third switches540,542, and544during the GAP field518. In part (d) ofFIG. 5, the first switch540may select the first UWB antenna550, and the third switch544may select the third UWB antenna554. For example, the first port532of the UWB communication module530may be connected to the first UWB antenna550and the second port534may be connected to the third UWB antenna554, so that the third data526including the second STS field520of the UWB data frame can be received.

Part (e) ofFIG. 5illustrates the AOA that can be measured when the electronic device101is configured as shown in parts (b) to (d) ofFIG. 5. For example, when a UWB signal is received at an angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees (560) relative to the electronic device101, the electronic device101can obtain a valid AOA when configured as shown in part (b) ofFIG. 5(e.g., the first UWB antenna550and the second UWB antenna552are used). When a UWB signal is received at an angle between 270 degrees and 30 degrees (562), the electronic device101can obtain a valid AOA when configured as shown in part (c) ofFIG. 5(e.g., the second UWB antenna552and the third UWB antenna554are used). When a UWB signal is received at an angle between 150 degrees and 270 degrees (564), the electronic device101can obtain a valid AOA when configured as shown in part (d) ofFIG. 5(e.g., the first UWB antenna550and the third UWB antenna554are used).

FIG. 6illustrates a situation where the electronic device measures the elevation angle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include at least three UWB antennas. For example, the electronic device (for example, electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include three UWB antennas610,620, and630. Here, the first antenna610, the second antenna620, and the third antenna630may be placed on the same plane, or at least one antenna may be placed so as to be able to measure the altitude.

For example, the electronic device may measure the direction of an external electronic device by using the antennas placed on the same plane. For example, when a GAP field (e.g., GAP field414inFIG. 4) is included between the SYNC field (e.g., SYNC field410inFIG. 4) and the STS field (e.g., STS field416inFIG. 4) of a UWB data frame received by the electronic device, the electronic device may receive the first portion (e.g., first portion418inFIG. 4) including the SYNC field of the UWB data frame by using the first antenna610and the second antenna620, and may perform antenna switching during the GAP field of the UWB signal to receive the second portion (e.g., second portion420inFIG. 4) including the STS field of the UWB data frame after the GAP field by using the second antenna620and the third antenna630.

The electronic device may use the first and second antennas610and620and the second and third antennas620and630to measure the direction of and the distance to an external electronic device by performing an antenna switching operation based on separate segments of one UWB data frame. For example, the electronic device may measure a first AOA based on the first data of the UWB data frame obtained through the first antenna610and the second antenna620, and may measure a second AOA by using the second antenna620and the third antenna630. Then, the electronic device may determine the direction of the external electronic device at least partially based on the first AOA and the second AOA.

When the electronic device receives a UWB data frame through antenna switching and measures the AOA by using the UWB data frame, if at least one antenna is not placed on the same plane, the electronic device may estimate the elevation angle of the external electronic device.

Next, a description is given of a scheme for more accurately measuring the distance by using a plurality of UWB antennas according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an electronic device equipped with a plurality of UWB antennas according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 7Billustrates measurements of the distance to an external electronic device by using the plurality of UWB antennas according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

With reference toFIG. 7A, the electronic device710(e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may include, for example, two UWB antennas720and730. As the two UWB antennas720and730are disposed apart in the electronic device710, the reception environments of the UWB signal may be different. For example, only the second UWB antenna730may be placed in the user's pocket, or only the first UWB antenna720may be covered by a certain object.

FIG. 7Bshows channel impulse responses (CIR) of the UWB antennas when only the second UWB antenna730is put in the user's pocket. InFIG. 7B, the X-axis represents the index of the timestamp measured at regular intervals, and the Y-axis represents the CIR value, which is a distance calculated using the measured signal. It can be seen fromFIG. 7Bthat the first peak occurs at index767with a CIR value of 3520 for the first UWB antenna720and the first peak occurs at index762with a CIR value of 935.7 for the second UWB antenna730. It can be seen fromFIG. 7Bthat, even though the UWB antennas are included in the same electronic device710, they may produce different CIR measurement values according to the environment around the UWB antennas. In certain embodiments, the timestamp can be determined in consideration of the CIR value measured using each UWB antenna. For example, among CIR values measured using each UWB antenna, the electronic device710may determine the final timestamp to be the timestamp associated with the minimum CIR value or the average CIR value. Alternatively, the electronic device710may determine the final timestamp to be the timestamp associated with a good signal state (figure of merit (FOM)).

If one UWB data frame is received in whole using the same antenna as in the case the conventional art, the environment around the UWB antenna may be not considered. For example, if a UWB data frame is received using the second UWB antenna730, as the electronic device710cannot know the environment around the second UWB antenna730, it has to use the received data as it is. On the other hand, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure, if the electronic device710receives a single UWB data frame while switching between the UWB antennas, it can measure the distance while taking advantage of the different surrounding environments of each UWB antenna.

Although two UWB antennas are used inFIGS. 7A and 7B, if the number of UWB antennas is increased, the method of determining the final distance can be considered in even more various ways. Accordingly, the electronic device710can measure the distance more accurately. It has been described above that the electronic device710according to an embodiment of the disclosure can receive the STS and SYNC fields while switching between three UWB antennas. However, to measure the distance using the STS and SYNC fields, the electronic device710may set a reference RMARKER (ranging marker) to the timestamp value at the time when the final distance is determined.

In the case of UWB communication, the SYNC field (e.g., SYNC field410inFIG. 4) of a UWB data frame may be at risk of being exposed to various attacks such as hacking by a malicious actors. In this regard, the electronic device that performs positioning may not use the SYNC field (e.g., SYNC field410inFIG. 4). The electronic device710according to an embodiment of the disclosure may also be exposed to risks from attacks. However, according to certain embodiments of the disclosure, because the UWB antenna (e.g., UWB antenna450inFIG. 4) used by the electronic device710to receive the SYNC field can be used once more to receive the STS field (e.g., STS field416inFIG. 4) (e.g., parts (b) and (d) ofFIG. 4), if the distance measured by the same UWB antenna having received the SYNC and STS fields is different by a preset range, the electronic device710may presume that the external electronic device having transmitted the UWB data frame is not normal (e.g., malicious attacker). According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, if it is presumed that there has been an attack, the electronic device710may ignore only the information on the distance measured through reception of the SYNC field or may ignore all information on the attacked UWB data frame and perform measurement again.

FIGS. 8A to 8Dillustrate the arrangement of antennas installed in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

For example, the electronic device inFIGS. 8A and 8Bmay be a smartphone, and the electronic device inFIGS. 8C and 8Dmay be a foldable smartphone.

Both the electronic device816inFIG. 8Aand the electronic device826inFIG. 8Bmay include three UWB antennas (indicia810,812, and814inFIG. 8A, indicia820,822, and824inFIG. 8B), but their arrangements may be different. InFIG. 8A, among the UWB antennas, the first antenna810and the second antenna812may be disposed close to each other and the third antenna814may be disposed relatively apart. When the UWB antennas are separately arranged in this way, some of the UWB antennas may be protected from impact on a specific portion of the device. If all three UWB antennas810,812, and814are arranged in a certain region as shown inFIG. 8B, the distance to the transmitting device measured by each UWB antenna may all be within an error range. The UWB antennas included in the electronic devices816and826ofFIGS. 8A and 8Bcan be located on the same plane, so that the AOA of 360 degrees can be measured for the azimuth or elevation angle in the direction where the electronic device is placed. Alternatively, if the electronic devices816and826ofFIGS. 8A and 8Bare oriented so that they are perpendicular to the ground, the electronic device may measure the azimuth angle and the elevation angle.

The electronic device836inFIG. 8Cmay include three UWB antennas830,832, and834, and the electronic device848inFIG. 8Dmay include four UWB antennas840,842,844, and846. The UWB antennas installed in the foldable electronic device may have different AOAs that can be measured according to the degree of folding of the electronic device. Even if the foldable electronic device836includes 3 UWB antennas830,832, and834, when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, it can be seen that the UWB antennas are disposed on the same plane as shown inFIG. 8C. However, if the foldable electronic device is folded even a little, the altitude can be measured. As shown inFIG. 8D, when the electronic device848includes four UWB antennas840,842,844, and846, and the UWB antennas840,842,844, and846are not all disposed on the same plane, the AOA can be measured in two or three dimensions. For example, when the electronic device848inFIG. 8Dis folded, the AOA can be measured in two dimensions by using three UWB antennas840,846, and842, and the AOA can be measured in three dimensions by using a subset of UWB antennas840,846, and844or another subset of UWB antennas844,846, and842.

The electronic devices shown inFIGS. 8A to 8Dare only examples, and the number, type and/or arrangement of UWB antennas may vary depending on the size, purpose, and usage of the electronic device. Patch antenna, array antenna, metal antenna, or PCB antenna can be used as the UWB antenna.

FIG. 9shows examples of the format of a UWB data frame.

For example, the format of a UWB data frame can be varied as shown in parts (a) to (d) ofFIG. 9. As described above, the UWB data frame may include at least some of a SYNC field for temporal synchronization with an external electronic device (not shown), an SFD field indicating the end of SYNC, a PHY (physical layer) payload field containing data to be transmitted, a PHR (PHY header) field indicating the header portion of the PHY, or an STS field for preventing an attack (e.g., relay attack) on the data contained in the UWB data frame.

The electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) needs a RMARKER serving as a reference for measuring the distance to the transmitting device, and the RMARKER can be inserted at the end of the SFD field according to one embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may perform UWB antenna switching at the GAP field of the UWB data frame. In the UWB data frame, the GAP field can be inserted before or after the STS field. As the UWB data frame format shown in part (a) ofFIG. 9does not include an STS field, a GAP field cannot be included in the UWB data frame format shown in part (a) ofFIG. 9, so the disclosure may be not applicable. If the electronic device attempts to measure the distance to or the AOA of an external electronic device while using the UWB data frame format shown in part (a) ofFIG. 9, it may change the UWB data frame format to that shown in part (b), (c) or (d) ofFIG. 9through negotiation with the external electronic device.

In addition, as all the UWB data frame formats shown in parts (b) to (d) ofFIG. 9include the STS field910,920or930, the disclosure may be applicable. Although all the UWB data frame formats shown in parts (b) to (d) ofFIG. 9include a single STS field, the electronic device may divide the STS field into plural STS fields through negotiation with the external electronic device, where a GAP field (e.g., GAP field518inFIG. 5) may be inserted between the STS fields. When utilizing a UWB data frame format including plural STS fields, the electronic device can perform antenna switching at least as many times as the number of STS fields, and thus the number of switches and UWB antennas that can be included may increase.

For reference, the UWB communication modules430and530inFIGS. 4 and 5include two ports, but the number of ports is not limited thereto. For example, if the number of ports of the UWB communication module increases, the number of switches and UWB antennas electrically connected thereto may also increase.

FIG. 10is a flowchart of a procedure for the electronic device to measure the distance and the AOA of an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

At operation1010, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may configure the settings of a plurality of switches to receive a signal by using a first antenna set among a plurality of antennas (e.g., part (b) ofFIG. 4). In an embodiment, the plurality of antennas are antennas that receive a UWB signal. At least three antennas (e.g., first UWB antenna450, second UWB antenna452, and third UWB antenna454inFIG. 4) may be included in the electronic device101. Each antenna set may include at least two antennas (e.g., first and second UWB antennas450and452, or second and third UWB antennas452and454inFIG. 4). The plurality of switches (e.g., first switch440, second switch442and third switch444inFIG. 4) may connect the ports (e.g., first port432and second port434inFIG. 4) of the communication module (e.g., communication module430inFIG. 4) to the antennas (e.g., first UWB antenna450, second UWB antenna452, and third UWB antenna454inFIG. 4). In the disclosure, each antenna set is described as including two antennas, but the antenna set may include a larger number of antennas.

At operation1020, the electronic device101may receive first data of one UWB data frame by using the first antenna set (e.g., first UWB antenna450and second UWB antenna452inFIG. 4) and measure the AOA. In an embodiment, the first data (e.g., first data418inFIG. 4) of one UWB data frame may include a SYNC field (e.g., SYNC field410inFIG. 4). The electronic device101may cross-correlate the received SYNC field410with a SYNC sequence to calculate a channel impulse response (CIR). The electronic device101can find the timestamp of the first antenna set (e.g., antennas450and452) and the AOA from the SYNC field410based on the calculated CIR. The AOA measured based on the received SYNC field410may be an azimuth angle (e.g., angle460inFIG. 4) or an altitude angle (e.g., angle462inFIG. 4).

At operation1030, the communication module (e.g., communication module430inFIG. 4) of the electronic device101may configure the settings of the plural switches (e.g., part (c) ofFIG. 4) to receive a signal through a second antenna set (e.g., second UWB antenna452and third UWB antenna454inFIG. 4) among the plurality of antennas during a section of one UWB data frame that does not include data. In an embodiment, the section of one UWB data frame that does not include data may be the GAP field (e.g., GAP field inFIG. 4). For example, the communication module430may detect the SFD field (e.g., SFD field412inFIG. 4) of one UWB data frame and configure the settings of the switches to receive a signal through the second antenna set (antennas452and454) during the GAP field414. The second antenna set (e.g., antennas452and454) need not be mutually exclusive with the first antenna set (e.g., antennas450and452), and may include at least one antenna not belonging to the first antenna set.

At operation1040, the electronic device101may receive second data (e.g., second data420inFIG. 4) of one UWB data frame by using the second antenna set (antennas452and454) and measure the AOA. In an embodiment, the second data420of one UWB data frame may include the STS field (e.g., STS field416inFIG. 4). The electronic device101may cross-correlate the received STS field416with a STS sequence to calculate a CIR. The electronic device101can find the timestamp of the second antenna set (antennas452and454) and the AOA from the STS field416based on the calculated CIR. The AOA measured based on the received STS field416may be an altitude angle462or an azimuth angle460. For example, the AOA measured based on the received first data and second data may be an elevation angle462and/or an azimuth angle460.

At operation1050, the electronic device101may measure the distance to the external electronic device by using the first data and the second data. For example, the electronic device101may receive plural UWB data frames and may find the distance to the external electronic device by using the timestamps of the first data and the second data obtained by repeating operations1020and1040. The electronic device101may calculate the distance to the transmitting device by using the smallest value or the average value among a total of four timestamps (timestamps of the first antenna450and the second antenna452from the SYNC field410and timestamps of the second antenna452and the third antenna454from the STS field416). When there is a common antenna belonging to the first antenna set and the second antenna set, the electronic device101can presume that an attack (or interference) has occurred if the difference between the measured distances deviates from a preset range. Upon presuming that an attack (or interference) has occurred, the electronic device101may determine a timestamp for measuring the distance to the transmitting device by ignoring the distance measured using the corresponding antenna and newly measuring the distance.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a procedure for the electronic device to measure the distance and the AOA of a transmitting device in two dimensions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

At operation1110, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device101inFIG. 1) may configure the settings of a plurality of switches to receive a signal by using a first antenna set formed from among a plurality of antennas (e.g., part (b) ofFIG. 5). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of antennas are antennas capable of receiving a UWB signal, at least three antennas (e.g., first UWB antenna550, second UWB antenna552, and third UWB antenna554inFIG. 5) may be included in the electronic device101, and each antenna set may include at least two antennas (e.g., antennas550and552, antennas552and554, or antennas550and554inFIG. 5). The plurality of switches (e.g., first switch540, second switch542, and third switch544inFIG. 5) may connect the ports (e.g., first port532and second port534inFIG. 5) of the communication module to the antennas (e.g., first UWB antenna550, second UWB antenna552, and third UWB antenna554). In the disclosure, each antenna set is described as including two antennas, but it may include a larger number of antennas.

At operation1120, the electronic device101may receive the first data (e.g., first data522inFIG. 5) of one UWB data frame by using the first antenna set (e.g., antennas550and552inFIG. 5) and measure the AOA. In an embodiment, the first data of one UWB data frame may include a SYNC field (e.g., SYNC field510inFIG. 5). The electronic device101may cross-correlate the received SYNC field510with a SYNC sequence to calculate a CIR. The electronic device101may find the timestamp of the first antenna set (antennas550and552) and the AOA from the SYNC field510based on the calculated CIR. The AOA measured based on the received SYNC field510may be an AOA in two dimensions (e.g., AOA560,562, or564).

At operation1130, the communication module (e.g., communication module530inFIG. 5) of the electronic device101may configure the settings of the plurality of switches (e.g., part (c) ofFIG. 5) to receive a signal through a second antenna set (e.g., antennas552and554inFIG. 5) among the plurality of antennas during a section of one UWB data frame that does not include data. In an embodiment, the section of one UWB data frame that does not include data may be the GAP field (e.g., GAP field514inFIG. 5). For example, the communication module530may detect the SFD field (e.g., SFD field512inFIG. 5) of one UWB data frame and configure the settings of the switches to receive a signal through the second antenna set (antennas552and554) during the GAP field514. The second antenna set (e.g., antennas552and554) need not be mutually exclusive with the first antenna set (e.g., antennas550and552), and may include at least one antenna not belonging to the first antenna set.

At operation1140, the electronic device101may receive second data (e.g., second data524inFIG. 5) of one UWB data frame by using the second antenna set (antennas552and554) and measure the AOA. In an embodiment, the second data of one UWB data frame may include the STS field (e.g., STS field516inFIG. 5). The electronic device101may cross-correlate the received STS field516with a STS sequence to calculate a CIR. The electronic device101can find the timestamp of the second antenna set (antennas552and554) and the AOA from the STS field516based on the calculated CIR. The AOA measured based on the received STS field516may be an AOA in two dimensions (e.g., AOA560,562, or564).

At operation1150, the communication module530of the electronic device101may configure the settings of the plurality of switches (e.g., part (d) ofFIG. 5) to receive a signal through a third antenna set (e.g., antennas550and554inFIG. 5) among the plurality of antennas during a section of one UWB data frame that does not include data. In an embodiment, the section of one UWB data frame that does not include data may be the GAP field (e.g., GAP field518inFIG. 5). For example, the communication module530may detect the SFD field (e.g., SFD field516inFIG. 5) of one UWB data frame and configure the settings of the switches to receive a signal through the third antenna set (antennas550and554) during the GAP field518.

At operation1160, the electronic device101may receive third data (e.g., third data526inFIG. 5) of one UWB data frame by using the third antenna set (antennas550and554) and measure the AOA. In an embodiment, the third data of one UWB data frame may include the STS field (e.g., STS field520inFIG. 5). The electronic device101may cross-correlate the received STS field520with a STS sequence to calculate a CIR. The electronic device101can find the timestamp of the third antenna set (antennas550and554) and the AOA from the STS field520based on the calculated CIR. The AOA measured based on the received STS field520may be an AOA in two dimensions (e.g., AOA560,562or564).

At operation1170, the electronic device101may measure the distance to the transmitting device by using the first data, the second data, and the third data. For example, the electronic device101may receive more UWB data frames and may find the distance to the transmitting device by using the timestamps of the first to third data obtained by repeating operations1120,1140, and1160. The electronic device101may calculate the distance to the transmitting device by using the smallest value or the average value among a total of six timestamps (timestamps of the first antenna550and the second antenna552from the SYNC field510, timestamps of the second antenna552and the third antenna554from the STS field516, and timestamps of the first antenna550and the third antenna554from the STS field520). When there is a common antenna belonging to the first to third antenna sets, the electronic device101may presume that an attack (or interference) has occurred if the difference between the measured distances deviates from a preset range. Upon presuming that an attack (or interference) has occurred, the electronic device101may measure the distance to the transmitting device by ignoring the distance measured using the corresponding antenna and newly measuring the distance. In one embodiment, when the first antenna550, the second antenna552, and the third antenna554are not all on the same plane, it is possible to measure the AOA in three dimensions. The electronic device101may determine three different distances based on signals received by the first, second, and third antenna sets and may determine the shortest distance among the three distances as the distance between the devices.

FIG. 12illustrates a configuration screen of an application that performs measurement about an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the electronic device1200may include three UWB antennas on the same plane. For example, if the user wants to measure the AOA in two dimensions, a 2D measurement option1210can be selected. The electronic device can measure the AOA in two dimensions when placed on the floor or on a desk. In another example, if the user wants to measure the AOA in three dimensions, a 3D measurement option1220can be selected in the electronic device. When the user selects the 3D measurement option1220, the electronic device may measure the AOA while being flat relative to the ground, and then output a notification “Please stand the device up” (1230) to the user. The user can stand the electronic device up at the point of view of the azimuth angle calculated in two dimensions. For example, if the azimuth angle calculated in two dimensions is 30 degrees, the user must stand the electronic device up after rotating the electronic device 30 degrees. Although the notification is output on the display inFIG. 12, it may be output as a voice message.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may be applied to an application that finds another electronic device or tracks the location of a specific electronic device. For example, when the user rotates the electronic device left or right or up and down, the azimuth angle changes correspondingly, so that an external electronic device may be easily found without movement. As another example, the height of the transmitting device may be measured using the elevation angle and distance.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include: an ultra wide band (UWB) communication module (e.g., communication module430inFIG. 4, or communication module530inFIG. 5); a plurality of antennas (e.g. antennas450,452, and454inFIG. 4, or antennas550,552, and554inFIG. 5); and a processor operatively connected to the UWB communication module, wherein the UWB communication module (e.g., communication module430inFIG. 4, or communication module530inFIG. 5) may be configured to: receive first data (e.g., first data418inFIG. 4or first data522inFIG. 5) of an UWB data frame from an external electronic device by using a first antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a first angle of arrival (AOA) (e.g., AOA460inFIG. 4, or AOA560inFIG. 5); receive second data (e.g., second data420inFIG. 4or second data524inFIG. 5) of the UWB data frame by using a second antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a second AOA e.g., (AOA462inFIG. 4, or AOA562inFIG. 5), where the second antenna set is configured during a section of the UWB data frame that does not include data (e.g., GAP414inFIG. 4, or GAP514inFIG. 5); and measure a direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA460or560and the second AOA462or562.

In an embodiment, if at least one of the plurality of antennas is not located on the same plane as other antennas, the UWB communication module of the electronic device may be configured to measure an azimuth angle or elevation angle of the external electronic device relative to the electronic device based on the first AOA and the second AOA.

In an embodiment, the UWB communication module may be configured to further measure the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device by using the first data and/or the second data.

In an embodiment, when the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device measured using a signal received by a common antenna belonging to the first antenna set and the second antenna set is out of a preset range, the UWB communication module of the electronic device may be configured to discard the signal received by the common antenna.

In an embodiment, the UWB communication module430of the electronic device may be configured to measure the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on a signal having a highest magnitude (e.g., CIR value inFIG. 7B) among signals received through the first antenna set and the second antenna set.

In an embodiment, the UWB communication module (e.g., communication module530inFIG. 5) of the electronic device may be configured to: receive third data (e.g., third data526inFIG. 5) of the UWB data frame by using a third antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a third AOA (e.g., AOA564), where the third antenna set is configured during another section of the UWB data frame that does not include data (e.g., GAP518inFIG. 5); and measure the direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA, the second AOA, and the third AOA.

In an embodiment, if the plurality of antennas having received the first data, the second data, and the third data are located on the same plane, the first AOA, the second AOA, and the third AOA are each an AOA on a two-dimensional plane of the external electronic device relative to the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the UWB communication module of the electronic device may be configured to further measure the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on at least some of the signals received through the first to third antenna sets.

In an embodiment, the UWB communication module of the electronic device may be configured to a shortest distance to the external electronic device measured based on signals received by the first through third antenna sets as the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

In an embodiment, when the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device measured using a signal received by a common antenna belonging to the first through third antenna sets is out of a preset range, the UWB communication module of the electronic device may be configured to discard the signal received by the common antenna.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an operation method for the electronic device may include: receiving first data (e.g., first data418inFIG. 4or first data522inFIG. 5) of an UWB data frame from an external electronic device by using a first antenna set including at least two antennas among plurality of antennas to measure a first angle of arrival (AOA) (e.g., AOA460inFIG. 4, or AOA560inFIG. 5); receiving second data (e.g., second data420inFIG. 4or second data524inFIG. 5) of the UWB data frame by using a second antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a second AOA (e.g., AOA462inFIG. 4, or AOA562inFIG. 5), where the second antenna set is configured during a section of the UWB data frame that does not include data; and measuring the direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA and the second AOA.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include measuring, if at least one of the plurality of antennas is not located on the same plane as other antennas, an azimuth angle or elevation angle of the external electronic device relative to the electronic device based on the first AOA and the second AOA.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include measuring the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device by using the first data and/or the second data.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include discarding, if the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device measured using a signal received by a common antenna belonging to the first antenna set and the second antenna set is out of a preset range, the signal received by the common antenna.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include measuring the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based a signal having the highest magnitude (e.g., CIR value inFIG. 7B) among signals received through the first antenna set and the second antenna set.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may further include: receiving third data (e.g., third data526inFIG. 5) of the UWB data frame by using a third antenna set including at least two antennas among the plurality of antennas to measure a third AOA (e.g., AOA564), where the third antenna set is configured during another section of the UWB data frame that does not include data (e.g., GAP518inFIG. 5); and measuring the direction of the external electronic device by using the first AOA, the second AOA, and the third AOA.

In the operation method for the electronic device of an embodiment, if the plurality of antennas having received the first data, the second data, and the third data are located on the same plane, the first AOA, the second AOA, and the third AOA may each be an AOA on a two-dimensional plane of the external electronic device relative to the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may further include measuring the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on at least some of the signals received through the first to third antenna sets.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include determining a shortest distance to the external electronic device measured based on signals received by the first through third antenna sets as the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device.

In an embodiment, the operation method for the electronic device may include discarding, if the distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device measured using a signal received by a common antenna belonging to the first through third antenna sets is out of a preset range, the signal received by the common antenna.

In addition, it is possible to provide various other embodiments.