/Patent Tracker
SamsungGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Samsung patents UWB method to save power while tracking distance

This patent describes a method for an electronic device to measure the distance to another device using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio signals. It starts with a precise two-way measurement, then switches to a lower-power one-way mode to track changes in distance, and only switches back to the precise mode when specific conditions are met.

Why it mattersThis technique could help devices like phones or smart tags conserve battery life while still maintaining accurate location tracking for features like digital keys or object finding.

In the filing’s own words

An electronic device may include a communication circuit configured to perform communication via an ultra-wide band (UWB) band, and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a first distance between the electronic device and an external electronic device based on first signals exchanged while the electronic device operates in a two-way ranging mode, switch from the two-way ranging mode to a one-way ranging mode in response to determining the first distance, determine a second distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on the first distance and second signals received from the external electronic device while the electronic device operates in the one-way ranging mode, and switch from the one-way ranging mode to the two-way ranging mode in response to determining that a specified condition related to distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device is satisfied.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: a communication circuit configured to perform data transmission and/or reception via an ultra-wide band (UWB); and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to: determine a first distance between the electronic device and an external electronic device based on first signals exchanged between the external electronic device and the electronic device while the electronic device operates in two-way ranging mode; switch from the two-way ranging mode to a one-way ranging mode in response to determining the first distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device; receive, from the external electronic device, second signals while the electronic device operates in the one-way ranging mode for determining an amount of change of distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device; determine a second distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device based on the first distance and the amount of change of the distance; and switch from the one-way ranging mode to the two-way ranging mode in response to determining that a specified condition related to distance between the electronic device and the external electronic device is satisfied.

Facts

Company
Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title
Electronic device for determining location of external electronic device, and operation method of electronic device
Patent number
US12724137B2
Application number
18450120
Filed
Aug 15, 2023
Granted
Sep 1, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
14

Classified under

G01S 13/103 Physics & computingG01S 7/4021 Physics & computingG01S 13/0209 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

More from Samsung in Networks & wireless

Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.