Verified distance ranging

• US 8,552,903 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2007
• Issued: 10/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Julian, David Jonathan, Ekbal, Amal, Lee, Chong U.
• Primary Examiner(s): GALT, CASSI J
• Application Number:
  US11/735,867
• Publication Number:
  US 20070285306A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,367 Days
• Field of Search: 342/43, 342/42, 342/44, 342/45, 342/118, 342/125, 34042613-42617, 340 52- 586
• US Class Current: 342/43
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/0209 Systems with very large relative bandwidth, i.e. larger than 10 %, e.g. baseband, pulse, carrier-free, ultrawideband
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/284 using coded pulses
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/765 with exchange of information between interrogator and responder
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/00 Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

Various techniques are described relating to verifying a distance between devices. A distance between two devices may be verified by requiring one of the devices to take one or more actions that generate a result that is only possible if the device is at most a given distance from the other device. In some aspects verified ranging is accomplished through the use of a ranging signal and a responsive signal. In some aspects the ranging signal may comprise a random, pseudorandom, or deterministic sequence. A responding device may operate on a ranging signal in accordance with a known function to generate a responsive signal. A ranging device also may perform operations to determine the likelihood that a responding device properly operated on a ranging signal that the ranging device transmitted to the responding device.

Claims

1. A method operational in a first device for verifying a distance, comprising:

determining the distance between the first device and a second device;

comparing the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

transmitting, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the second device, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence unknown to the second device;

receiving a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the second device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the random sequence of the first set of at least one first signal;

determining, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the previously determined distance between the first device and the second device is valid or allowable; and

causing the second device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination if the distance is valid or allowable comprises determining whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the first device and the second device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the function comprises XORing.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the determination of whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal comprises performing a statistical analysis on the second set of at least one second signal.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second device transmits the second set of at least one second signal within a defined time period after the second device receives the first set of at least one first signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a modulated signal.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the modulated signal comprises a phase shift keying modulated signal, an on/off keying modulated signal, a frequency shift keying modulated signal, or a time shift keying modulated signal.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one ultra-wideband pulse.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission of the first set of at least one first signal and the reception of the second set of at least one second signal are via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network.

88. The method of claim 1, wherein verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance is predicated upon the second device transmitting the second set of the at least one second signal within a defined period of time after receiving the first set of the at least one first signal from the first device.

15. An apparatus for verifying a distance to a device, comprising:

a distance determiner adapted to determine the distance between the apparatus and the device;

a comparator adapted to compare the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

a transmitter adapted to transmit, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the device, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence unknown to the device;

a receiver adapted to receive a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the random sequence of the first set of at least one first signal; and

a verifier adapted to determine, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the distance between the apparatus and the device is valid or allowable and to cause the device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the verifier is further adapted to determine whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the apparatus and the device.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the function comprises XORing.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the verifier is further adapted to perform a statistical analysis on the second set of at least one second signal to determine whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal.

21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the device transmits the second set of at least one second signal within a defined time period after the device receives the first set of at least one first signal.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

23. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a modulated signal.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the modulated signal comprises a phase shift keying modulated signal, an on/off keying modulated signal, a frequency shift keying modulated signal, or a time shift keying modulated signal.

25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one ultra-wideband pulse.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

28. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network and the receiver is adapted to receive via the air interface of the personal area network or the air interface of the body area network.

89. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance is predicated upon the device transmitting the second set of the at least one second signal within a defined period of time after receiving the first set of the at least one first signal from the apparatus.

29. An apparatus for verifying a distance, comprising:

means for determining the distance between the apparatus and a device;

means for comparing the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

means for transmitting, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the device, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence unknown to the device;

means for receiving a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the random sequence of the first set of at least one first signal; and

means for determining, based on a round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal, whether the previously determined distance between the first device and the second device is valid or allowable; and

means for causing the second device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the means for determining determines whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal.

31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the apparatus and the device.

32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the function comprises XORing.

33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

34. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the means for determining performs a statistical analysis on the second set of at least one second signal to determine whether the second set of at least one second signal corresponds to the function applied to the first set of at least one first signal.

35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the device transmits the second set of at least one second signal within a defined time period after the device receives the first set of at least one first signal.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

37. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a modulated signal.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the modulated signal comprises a phase shift keying modulated signal, an on/off keying modulated signal, a frequency shift keying modulated signal, or a time shift keying modulated signal.

39. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one random or pseudorandom signal.

40. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

41. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one ultra-wideband pulse.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

43. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the means for transmitting transmits and the means for receiving receives via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network.

90. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance is predicated upon the device transmitting the second set of the at least one second signal within a defined period of time after receiving the first set of the at least one first signal from the apparatus.

44. A non-transient computer-readable medium comprising instructions operational in a first device verifying a distance to a second device, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to:

determine a distance between the first device and the second device;

compare the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

transmit, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the second device, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence unknown to the second device;

receive a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the second device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the random sequence of the first set of at least one first signal;

determining, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the previously determined distance between the first device and the second device is valid or allowable; and

causing the second device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance.

91. The computer-readable medium of claim 44, wherein verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance is predicated upon the second device transmitting the second set of the at least one second signal within a defined period of time after receiving the first set of the at least one first signal from the first device.

45. A headset for processing signals, comprising:

a distance determiner adapted to determine a distance between the headset and a device;

a comparator adapted to compare the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

a transmitter adapted to transmit, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the device, the first set of at least one signal including a defined sequence unknown to the device;

a receiver adapted to receive a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the defined sequence of the first set of at least one first signal;

a verifier adapted to determine, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the distance between the headset device and the device is valid or allowable and to cause the device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance; and

a transducer adapted to provide an audible output based on a signal received via the receiver.

46. A watch for processing signals, comprising:

a distance determiner adapted to determine a distance between the watch and a device;

a comparator adapted to compare the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

a transmitter adapted to transmit, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the device, the first set of at least one signal including a defined sequence unknown to the device;

a receiver adapted to receive a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the random sequence of the first set of at least one first signal;

a verifier adapted to determine, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the distance between the watch and the device is valid or allowable and to cause the device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance; and

a display adapted to provide a visual output based on a signal received via the receiver.

47. A medical device for processing signals, comprising:

a distance determiner adapted to determine a distance between the medical device and a second device;

a comparator adapted to compare the determined distance to a threshold maximum acceptable distance to determine if the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance;

a transmitter adapted to transmit, after the determination of the distance and that the determined distance is equal to or less than the threshold maximum acceptable distance, a first set of at least one first signal to the second device, the first set of at least one signal including a defined sequence unknown to the second device;

a receiver adapted to receive a second set of at least one second signal transmitted by the second device in response to the first set of at least one first signal, the second set of at least one second signal generated by applying a function to the defined sequence of the first set of at least one first signal;

a verifier adapted to determine, based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance, whether the distance between the medical device and the device is valid or allowable and to cause the device to take one or more actions, in response to verification of the validity or allowability of the previously determined distance; and

a sensor adapted to generate sensed data to be transmitted via the transmitter.

48. A method of responding to a signal, comprising:

receiving a first set of at least one first signal at a second device from a first device after a determination of a distance between the first device and the second device and a determination by the first device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

generating a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the first device and the second device; and

transmitting the second set of at least one second signal to the first device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the first device and the second device to be verified, the first device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the first device and the second device.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein the function comprises XORing.

51. The method of claim 48, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

52. The method of claim 48, wherein:

the first time is associated with receipt of a specified signal from the first set of at least one first signal; and

a specified signal from the second set of at least one second signal is transmitted at the second time.

53. The method of claim 48, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

54. The method of claim 48, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one phase shift keying modulated signal, at least one on/off keying modulated signal, at least one frequency shift keying modulated signal, or at least one time shift keying modulated signal.

55. The method of claim 48, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one random or pseudorandom signal.

56. The method of claim 48, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

57. The method of claim 48, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises ultra-wideband pulses.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

59. The method of claim 48, wherein the reception of the first set of at least one first signal and the transmission of the second set of at least one second signal are via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network.

60. An apparatus for responding to a signal, comprising:

a receiver adapted to receive a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between the apparatus and a device and a determination by the device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

a signal generator adapted to generate a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the apparatus and the device; and

a transmitter adapted to transmit the second set of at least one second signal to the device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the apparatus and the device to be verified, the device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance.

61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the apparatus and the device.

62. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the function comprises XORing.

63. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

64. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein:

the first time is associated with receipt of a specified signal from the first set of at least one first signal; and

the transmitter is further adapted to transmit a specified signal from the second set of at least one second signal at the second time.

65. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

66. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one phase shift keying modulated signal, at least one on/off keying modulated signal, at least one frequency shift keying modulated signal, or at least one time shift keying modulated signal.

67. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one random or pseudorandom signal.

68. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

69. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises ultra-wideband pulses.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

71. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network and the receiver is adapted to receive via the air interface of the personal area network or the air interface of the body area network.

72. An apparatus for responding to a signal, comprising:

means for receiving a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between the apparatus and a device and a determination by the device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

means for generating a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the apparatus and the device; and

means for transmitting the second set of at least one second signal to the device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the apparatus and the device to be verified, the device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the random sequence is generated in accordance with at least one cryptographic key associated with at least one of the apparatus and the device.

74. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the function comprises XORing.

75. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the function comprises determining whether or not a signal is transmitted.

76. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein:

the first time is associated with receipt of a specified signal from the first set of at least one first signal; and

the means for transmitting transmits a specified signal from the second set of at least one second signal at the second time.

77. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the defined time period comprises 10 microseconds.

78. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one phase shift keying modulated signal, at least one on/off keying modulated signal, at least one frequency shift keying modulated signal, or at least one time shift keying modulated signal.

79. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises at least one random or pseudorandom signal.

80. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises a defined sequence of pulses.

81. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the first set of at least one first signal comprises ultra-wideband pulses.

82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein each ultra-wideband pulse has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more, has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more, or has a fractional bandwidth on the order of 20% or more and has a bandwidth on the order of 500 MHz or more.

83. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the means for transmitting transmits and the means for receiving receives via an air interface of a personal area network or an air interface of a body area network.

84. A computer-program product for responding to a signal, comprising:

non-transient computer-readable medium comprising codes executable by at least one computer to;

receive a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between a first device and a second device and a determination by the first device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

generate a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the first device and the second device; and

transmit the second set of at least one second signal to the second device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the first device and the second device to be verified, the second device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance.

85. A headset for processing signals, comprising:

a receiver adapted to receive a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between the headset and a device and a determination by the device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

a signal generator adapted to generate a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the headset and the device;

a transmitter adapted to transmit the second set of at least one second signal to the device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the headset and the device to be verified, the device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance; and

a transducer adapted to provide an audible output based on a signal received via the receiver.

86. A watch for processing signals, comprising:

a receiver adapted to receive a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between the watch and a device and a determination by the device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a defined sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

a signal generator adapted to generate a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the watch and the device;

a transmitter adapted to transmit the second set of at least one second signal to the device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the watch and the device to be verified, the device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance; and

a display adapted to provide a visual output based on a signal received via the receiver.

87. A medical device for processing signals, comprising:

a receiver adapted to receive a first set of at least one first signal after a determination of a distance between the medical device and a device and a determination by the device that the determined distance is equal to or less than a threshold maximum acceptable distance, the first set of at least one signal including a random sequence and wherein the first set of at least one first signal is received at a first time;

a signal generator adapted to generate a second set of at least one second signal by applying a function to the random sequence, based on a signal response scheme known to the medical device and the device;

a transmitter adapted to transmit the second set of at least one second signal to the device at a second time that is within a defined time period after the first time causing the previously determined distance between the medical device and the second device to be verified, the device verifying that the previously determined distance is valid or allowable based on an actual round-trip time from transmission of the first set of at least one first signal to reception of the second set of at least one second signal and an expected round-trip time for the previously determined distance; and

a sensor adapted to generate sensed data to be transmitted via the transmitter.