U.S. patent application number 12/364392 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for using signal-generated location information to identify and list available devices.
Invention is credited to Jeyhan Karaoguz.
Application Number | 20090137256 12/364392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31891017 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090137256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan |
May 28, 2009 |
Using Signal-Generated Location Information to Identify and List
Available Devices
Abstract
A wireless detecting device may be operable to receive one or
more signals from a corresponding one or more wireless devices
within range of the wireless detecting device. A list of the
corresponding one or more wireless devices within range of the
wireless detecting device may be displayed on the wireless
detecting device. Based on the received one or more signals from
the corresponding one or more wireless devices, distance range
and/or geographic location of the one or more wireless devices,
relative to the wireless detecting device may be indicated on the
wireless detecting device. The wireless detecting device may
comprise one or more processors that may be operable to calculate
and/or otherwise determine distance range and/or geographic
location of the one or more wireless devices, as well as the
location of the wireless detecting device.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
31891017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/364392 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11902010 |
Sep 18, 2007 |
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12364392 |
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10314287 |
Dec 9, 2002 |
7289813 |
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11902010 |
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60409958 |
Sep 12, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/456.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/18 20130101;
H04W 4/20 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; G01S 13/878 20130101; H04M
1/72412 20210101; H04L 29/06 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; H04L
69/329 20130101; H04L 67/16 20130101; H04W 64/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/456.6 |
International
Class: |
H04W 24/00 20090101
H04W024/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method for determining information related to a device, the
method comprising: receiving at a wireless detecting device, one or
more signals from a corresponding one or more wireless devices
within range of said wireless detecting device; displaying on said
wireless detecting device, a list of said corresponding one or more
wireless devices within said range of said wireless detecting
device; and indicating on said wireless detecting device, based on
said received one or more signals from said corresponding one or
more wireless devices, distance range and/or geographic location of
said one or more wireless devices, relative to said wireless
detecting device.
3. The method according to claim 2, comprising receiving said one
or more signals from said one or more wireless devices via short
range communication and/or long range communication.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said short range
communication and/or said long range communication comprises one or
more ultra-wide band (UWB), Bluetooth, and Wireless local area
network (WLAN).
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein said one or more
signals received from said corresponding one or more wireless
devices comprise identification information and/or information
utilized to determine a direction and/or angle of signal
transmission, wherein said direction and/or angle of signal
transmission comprise a direction and/or angle, respectively, at
which said one or more signals are transmitted from said
corresponding one or more wireless devices.
6. The method according to claim 2, wherein said one or more
signals received from said corresponding one or more wireless
devices comprise device specific information related to said
corresponding one or more wireless devices aside from a location of
said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
7. The method according to claim 6, comprising displaying on said
wireless detecting device, said device specific information related
to said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
8. The method according to claim 2, comprising displaying on said
wireless detecting device, a location of said wireless detecting
device with respect to said corresponding one or more wireless
devices.
9. The method according to claim 2, comprising transmitting one or
more signals from said wireless detecting device and receiving said
one or more signals from a corresponding one or more wireless
devices in response to said transmitted one or more signals.
10. A computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computer
program having at least one code section for determining
information related to a device, the at least one code section
being executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform
the steps comprising: receiving at a wireless detecting device, one
or more signals from a corresponding one or more wireless devices
within range of said wireless detecting device; displaying on said
wireless detecting device, a list of said corresponding one or more
wireless devices within said range of said wireless detecting
device; and indicating on said wireless detecting device, based on
said received one or more signals from said corresponding one or
more wireless devices, distance range and/or geographic location of
said one or more wireless devices, relative to said wireless
detecting device.
11. The computer readable medium according to claim 10, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for receiving said
one or more signals from said one or more wireless devices via
short range communication and/or long range communication.
12. The computer readable medium according to claim 11, wherein
said short range communication and/or said long range communication
comprises one or more ultra-wide band (UWB), Bluetooth, and
Wireless local area network (WLAN).
13. The computer readable medium according to claim 10, wherein
said one or more signals received from said corresponding one or
more wireless devices comprise identification information and/or
information utilized to determine a direction and/or angle of
signal transmission, wherein said direction and/or angle of signal
transmission comprise a direction and/or angle, respectively, at
which said one or more signals are transmitted from said
corresponding one or more wireless devices.
14. The computer readable medium according to claim 10, wherein
said one or more signals received from said corresponding one or
more wireless devices comprise device specific information related
to said corresponding one or more wireless devices aside from a
location of said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
15. The computer readable medium according to claim 14, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for displaying on
said wireless detecting device, said device specific information
related to said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
16. The computer readable medium according to claim 10, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for displaying on
said wireless detecting device, a location of said wireless
detecting device with respect to said corresponding one or more
wireless devices.
17. The computer readable medium according to claim 10, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for transmitting one
or more signals from said wireless detecting device and receiving
said one or more signals from a corresponding one or more wireless
devices in response to said transmitted one or more signals.
18. A system for determining information related to a device, the
system comprising: at least one processor for use in a wireless
detecting device, wherein said at least one processor is operable
to receive at said wireless detecting device, one or more signals
from a corresponding one or more wireless devices within range of
said wireless detecting device; said at least one processor is
operable to cause display on said wireless detecting device, a list
of said corresponding one or more wireless devices within said
range of said wireless detecting device; and said at least one
processor is operable to indicate on said wireless detecting
device, based on said received one or more second signals from said
corresponding one or more wireless devices, distance range and/or
geographic location of said one or more wireless devices, relative
to said wireless detecting device.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said at least one
processor is operable to receive said one or more signals from said
one or more wireless devices via short range communication and/or
long range communication.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said short range
communication and/or said long range communication comprises one or
more ultra-wide band (UWB), Bluetooth, and Wireless local area
network (WLAN).
21. The system according to claim 18, wherein said one or more
signals received from said corresponding one or more wireless
devices comprise identification information and/or information
utilized to determine a direction and/or angle of signal
transmission, wherein said direction and/or angle of signal
transmission comprise a direction and/or angle, respectively, at
which said one or more signals are transmitted from said
corresponding one or more wireless devices.
22. The system according to claim 18, wherein said one or more
signals received from said corresponding one or more wireless
devices comprise device specific information related to said
corresponding one or more wireless devices aside from a location of
said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said at least one
processor is operable to cause display on said wireless detecting
device, said device specific information related to said
corresponding one or more wireless devices.
24. The system according to claim 18, wherein said at least one
processor is operable to cause display on said wireless detecting
device, a location of said wireless detecting device with respect
to said corresponding one or more wireless devices.
25. The system according to claim 18, wherein said at least one
processor is operable to transmit one or more signals from said
wireless detecting device and receiving said one or more signals
from a corresponding one or more wireless devices in response to
said transmitted one or more first signals.
26. A method for determining surrounding environment, the method
comprising: receiving transmissions from one or more wireless
devices within reception range of a wireless detecting device;
receiving an interior design and/or an interior layout of a
building via wireless communication; displaying on said wireless
detecting device, a list of said one or more wireless devices from
which said transmissions are received; and indicating on said
wireless detecting device and in conjunction with said received
interior design and/or said interior layout, a geographic position
of said one or more wireless devices within said reception range of
said wireless detecting device relative to said wireless detecting
device.
27. The method according to claim 26, comprising receiving said
interior design and/or said interior layout of said building via a
master device.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein said master device
comprises an access point.
29. The method according to claim 26, comprising displaying on said
wireless detecting device, a geographic map overlay of said
interior design and/or said interior layout of said building,
wherein said map overlay comprises geographic positions of said one
or more wireless devices from which said transmissions are
received.
30. A computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computer
program having at least one code section for determining
surrounding environment, the at least one code section being
executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform the
steps comprising: receiving transmissions from one or more wireless
devices within reception range of a wireless detecting device;
receiving an interior design and/or an interior layout of a
building via wireless communication; displaying on said wireless
detecting device, a list of said one or more wireless devices from
which said transmissions are received; and indicating on said
wireless detecting device and in conjunction with said received
interior design and/or said interior layout, a geographic position
of said one or more wireless devices within said reception range of
said wireless detecting device relative to said wireless detecting
device.
31. The computer readable medium according to claim 30, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for receiving said
interior design and/or said interior layout of said building from a
master device.
32. The computer readable medium according to claim 31, wherein
said master device comprises an access point.
33. The computer readable medium according to claim 30, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for displaying on
said wireless detecting device, a geographic map overlay of said
interior design and/or said interior layout of said building,
wherein said map overlay comprises geographic positions of said one
or more wireless devices from which said transmissions are
received.
34. A system for determining surrounding environment, the system
comprising: one or more processors for use in a wireless detecting
device, wherein said one or more processors are operable to receive
transmissions from one or more wireless devices within reception
range of said wireless detecting device; said one or more
processors are operable to receive an interior design and/or an
interior layout of a building via wireless communication; said one
or more processors are operable to display on said wireless
detecting device, a list of said one or more wireless devices from
which said transmissions are received; and said one or more
processors are operable to indicate on said wireless detecting
device and in conjunction with said received interior design and/or
said interior layout, a geographic position of said one or more
wireless devices within said reception range of said wireless
detecting device relative to said wireless detecting device.
35. The system according to claim 34, wherein said one or more
processors are operable to receive said interior design and/or said
interior layout of said building from a master device.
36. The system according to claim 35, wherein said master device
comprises an access point.
37. The system according to claim 34, wherein said one or more
processors are operable to display on said wireless detecting
device, a geographic map overlay of said interior design and/or
said interior layout of said building, wherein said map overlay
comprises geographic positions of said one or more wireless devices
from which said transmissions are received.
38. A method for determining surrounding environment, the method
comprising: receiving transmissions from one or more wireless
devices within reception range of a wireless detecting device;
displaying on said wireless detecting device, a list of said one or
more wireless devices from which said transmissions are received;
and indicating on said wireless detecting device, said one or more
wireless devices from which said transmissions are received in
relation to a location of said wireless detecting device.
39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said received
transmissions comprise at least information about said one or more
wireless devices within reception range of a wireless detecting
device.
40. The method according to claim 38, comprising displaying on said
wireless detecting device, device specific information related to
said corresponding one or more wireless devices within reception
range of a wireless detecting device.
41. A computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computer
program having at least one code section for determining
surrounding environment, the at least one code section being
executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform the
steps comprising: receiving transmissions from one or more wireless
devices within reception range of a wireless detecting device;
displaying on said wireless detecting device, a list of said one or
more wireless devices from which said transmissions are received;
and indicating on said wireless detecting device, said one or more
wireless devices from which said transmissions are received in
relation to a location of said wireless detecting device.
42. The computer readable medium according to claim 41 wherein said
received transmissions comprise at least information about said one
or more wireless devices within reception range of a wireless
detecting device.
43. The computer readable medium according to claim 41, wherein
said at least one code section comprises code for displaying on
said wireless detecting device, device specific information related
to said corresponding one or more wireless devices within reception
range of a wireless detecting device.
44. A system for determining surrounding environment, the system
comprising: one or more processors for use in a wireless detecting
device, wherein said one or more processors are operable to receive
transmissions from one or more wireless devices within reception
range of said wireless detecting device; said one or more
processors are operable to cause display on said wireless detecting
device, a list of said one or more wireless devices from which said
transmissions are received; and said one or more processors are
operable to indicate on said wireless detecting device, said one or
more wireless devices from which said transmissions are received in
relation to a location of said wireless detecting device.
45. The system according to claim 44, wherein said received
transmissions comprise at least information about said one or more
wireless devices within reception range of a wireless detecting
device.
46. The system according to claim 44, wherein said one or more
processors are operable to display on said wireless detecting
device, device specific information related to said corresponding
one or more wireless devices within reception range of a wireless
detecting device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuing application of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/314,287, filed Dec. 9, 2002, which claims priority of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/409,958, filed Sep. 12,
2002. The contents of the previous applications are hereby
incorporated in their entirety by reference.
[0002] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/902,010, entitled "Using Signal-Generated Location Information
to Identify and List Available Devices," which was filed on Sep.
18, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a method of and an
apparatus for using signal-generated range and geographic position
information to provide a list of available devices in a wireless
communication network environment such as IEEE 802.11,
BLUETOOTH.TM., Ultra-Wideband or any other wireless environment. In
particular, the present invention relates to a method of and a
system of using signals such as ultra-wideband (UWB) signals to
locate and list available electronic devices within a network such
as a wireless network. The present invention can be implemented in
a wireless network device, which may include discrete devices or
which may be implemented on a semiconductor substrate such as a
silicon chip.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Currently, cables and wires are predominately used as the
communication medium for transferring information such as voice,
video, data, etc. from one source to another. For example, cables
or wires are commonly used to set up networking infrastructures in
business offices, and are also used for personal home computing,
and for connecting to the Internet. Although cables and wires may
provide an inexpensive and fast connection with a communication
network, any device connected to such communication network by way
of wires or cables must remain stationary or is restricted to
movement by the length of the wire or cable.
[0007] Wireless technology offers mobility of a communication
device that wired technology cannot. In a wireless communication
infrastructure, each wireless device may freely move from one
geographic area to another without having the communication
disconnected or interrupted. As wireless services become popular,
the usage thereof will increase. Accordingly, more and more
wireless device will be used in public areas, such as cafes,
airports, hotel lobbies, as well as in the office environments.
Therefore, in order to enhance communication between mobile
devices, it may be important to detect available mobile devices
within a geographic area and to provide a listing thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One example of the present invention can include a method of
displaying information related to at least one device. The method
can include the steps of activating a signal-generated locator,
transmitting at least one first signal from the signal-generated
locator, and receiving at least one second signal at the
signal-generated locator. The method can further include the steps
of processing the at least one second signal with respect to the at
least one first signal, and displaying information related to at
least one device.
[0009] In another example, the present invention can relate to a
signal-generated locator locating at least one device. The
signal-generated locator can have a transmitter configured to
transmit at least one first signal, and a receiver configured to
receive at least one second signal. In addition, the
signal-generated locator can have a first processing unit
configured to process the at least one second signal with respect
to the at least one first signal, and a display unit configured to
display information processed by the processing unit, wherein the
information is related to at least one device.
[0010] Furthermore, another example of the present invention can
provide a system for displaying information related to at least one
device. The system can include an activating means for activating a
signal-generated locator, a transmitting means for transmitting at
least one first signal from the signal-generated locator, and a
receiving mean for receiving at least one second signal at the
signal-generated locator. Also, the system can include a processing
means for processing the at least one second signal with respect to
the at least one first signal, and a display means for displaying
information related to at least one device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should
be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network
configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a wireless network
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart illustrating one example of
a method of displaying information related to at least one device
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart illustrating another example
of a method displaying information related to at least one device
according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating another example
of a method displaying information related to at least one device
according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration
for displaying information related to at least one device according
to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7a illustrates one example of a display configuration
for displaying information related to at least one device according
to the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7b illustrates another example of a display
configuration for displaying information related to at least one
device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network. The
wireless network of FIG. 1 can be an ad hoc network 100 having two
or more wireless nodes, stations or devices 101a, 101b, 101c, . . .
101n therein (hereinafter, any reference to device(s) shall also
include node(s) and/or station(s)). The ad hoc network 100 can be
formed on a temporary basis whereby two or more wireless devices
can recognize each other and can establish communications with each
other. The wireless devices can be any wireless communication
device configured to communicate with the Internet and having
multimedia capabilities. For example, devices 101a, 101b, 101c, . .
. 101n can be a smart phone, PDA, a mobile laptop computer, a
web-pad, a digital video camera, an automobile equipped with a
wireless communication device, or any mobile device. Within the ad
hoc wireless network 100, each device can communicate with each
other on a peer-to-peer level.
[0021] Another example of a wireless network is shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 provides a wireless infrastructure network 210 containing an
Access Point 215 connected with a LAN 205, such as an Ethernet LAN.
In addition, the wireless infrastructure network 210 can contain
devices 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, . . . 220n. The Access Point 215 is
connected to the LAN 205 by wires or cables and can be formed as
part of the wired network infrastructure 205, having at least one
service provider 200. One function of the Access Point 215 can be a
bridge or a connection between the wireless network 210 and the
wired network 205. Accordingly, all communications between the
devices 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, . . . 220n or between the devices
and the wired network 205 can go through Access Point 215.
[0022] The examples of wireless networks as illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 can use wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11,
BLUETOOTH.TM., UWB, etc.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a method of displaying
information related to one or more wireless device(s) pursuant to
the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates one example
of a method of displaying distance range information of one or more
wireless device(s). The method of the present example can be
implemented in hardware, or software, or a combination of both
hardware and software.
[0024] As mentioned above, a wireless network configuration can
contain two or more wireless devices therein. The wireless devices
within a wireless network can communicate with each other or
communicate with a wired network without being physically connected
to wires or cables. In order to identify and list the available
wireless devices for communication therewith, FIG. 3 of the present
example illustrates one example of using signal-generated distance
range information to identify and list available devices within a
geographic area.
[0025] When a user having a wireless device enters a geographic
area, the user can activate UWB device locator within the wireless
device to commence identification and listing of available devices.
This step of activating is provided in step 300 of FIG. 3. The UWB
device locator can be integrated with any wireless device and can
be, for example, a module within the wireless device. The module
can be switched on or off. By activating the UWB device locator,
the feature of detecting and listing available devices is switch to
active mode.
[0026] Once the UWB device locator is activated, the device locator
within the detecting wireless device can request the user to enter
a specified distance range at step 305. If no user-defined distance
range is provided, then the UWB device locator can identify a
predetermined default distance range at step 310. The predetermined
default distance range can be preprogrammed within the UWB device
locator and stored in memory. In other words, the UWB device
locator of the present example can provide the user with the option
of either entering a specified distance range or using the default
distance range to detect the available device. For instance,
suppose an user knows he only wants to identify available devices
within a distance range of 10 meters, the user can enter 10 meters
when prompted with the request. On the other hand, if the user does
not have a preference, then the user can provide no information
when the UWB device locator requests for an entry, and thereby the
default distance range can be used. It is noted UWB device locator
can accept user-defined distance ranges less or equal to the
default distance range.
[0027] Once the distance range is determined or identified, whether
it is the user-defined distance range or the default distance
range, the UWB device locator can transmit UWB signals within the
distance range at step 315. The UWB device locator can transmit UWB
signals in unidirectional mode or omni-directional mode. In
addition, the UWB device locator can transmit UWB signals in short
pulses with short duty cycles. Suppose for example the distance
range is 10 meters. Thus, the UWB device locator can transmit short
pulses within a 10 meters distance range.
[0028] FIG. 3 further shows the step of receiving reflected UWB
signals at step 320. After the transmission of UWB signals, either
uni-directionally or omni-directionally, the transmitted UWB
signals can come into contact with one or more devices within the
distance range, and thereafter the signals can reflect back to the
UWB device locator where the reflected signals can be received by
the receiver within the wireless device.
[0029] The UWB device locator can monitor and register the timing
of the transmission of the signals as well as the timing of the
propagation of the signals. For example, the UWB device locator can
monitor and record the time each signal is transmitted. Once the
transmitted signals are reflected back and received by the
receiver, the UWB device locator can monitor and record the time
each signal is received. Based on this information, the UWB device
locator can measure the total time duration for a signal to travel
from a transmitter of the UWB device locator to another device, and
to reflect back and received by the receiver.
[0030] Based on this information and other factors, such as
propagation delay, the direction and angle of the signal
transmission, the speed at which the signal travels compared to the
speed at which light travels, etc., the UWB device locator can
process the information in a range processor to determine the
distance range of one or more available device(s) at step 330. Once
the distance range of other wireless devices are determined, the
UWB device locator can display such information on a display to the
user.
[0031] For instance, a user can enter a specific range of 20 meters
after activating the UWB device locator. Thereafter, the device
locator can begin to transmit UWB signals. Concurrently, the UWB
device locator monitors and records the time of each transmission,
records the direction and angle of the signal transmission, and
monitors the time when the signals are reflected back. This
information along with other factors can be processed through a
range processor and the distance range of each available device
within the detecting coverage area can be determined and displayed
to the user.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a method of displaying
information related to one or more wireless device(s) pursuant to
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates another
example of a method of displaying distance range information of one
or more available device(s). The method of the present example can
be implemented in hardware, or software, or a combination of both
hardware and software.
[0033] An UWB device locator can be activated at step 400.
Activating the UWB device locator can switch on the device locator
to initiate the features of detecting and displaying available
wireless devices. As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 3, the
UWB device locator can be integrated with any wireless device, and
can be, for example a separate module within a wireless device.
[0034] Once the UWB device locator is activated, the device locator
can send one or more range message signal(s) to one or more
wireless device(s) at step 405. The one or more range message
signal(s) can be sent out from a transmitter within the wireless
device. In addition, the range message signal(s) can be transmitted
in short duty cycles at a starting time T, such as T=0. Similar to
the example above, the transmission of the range message signals
can be unidirectional or omni-directional.
[0035] After sending the range message signal(s), one or more
available wireless device(s) can receive the range message
signal(s) at a time T1. T1 for example, can be the sum of time T,
the time of the processing delay .DELTA.P, and the time of the
first propagation delay .DELTA.T.sub.1. Thus, one of the available
wireless devices can receive the range message signal at time T1,
and can be represented as follows:
T1=T+.DELTA.P+.DELTA.T.sub.1
[0036] Once the available wireless device receives the range
message signal(s), the available wireless device can process the
received range message at step 415. The available wireless device
at the juncture can determine whether or not to establish
communication with the originating device locator. Or the available
wireless device can automatically response and attempt to establish
communication with the originating device locator. Thereafter, the
available wireless device can send a range message acknowledgement
signal to the originating device locator at step 420. The range
message acknowledgement signal can contain various information
about the available device, such as the type of the device,
protocol information, job queue information, etc. The available
wireless device can send the range message acknowledgement signal
at time T2. T2 for example, can be the sum of time T, the time of
the processing delay .DELTA.P, the time of the first propagation
delay .DELTA.T.sub.1, and the turn-around time .DELTA.TA. The
turn-around time .DELTA.TA can represent the period of time from
the time the available wireless device receives the range message
signal to the time said available wireless device transmits the
range message acknowledgement signal. Accordingly, time T2 can be
represented as the following equation.
T2=T+.DELTA.P+.DELTA.T.sub.1+.DELTA.TA
[0037] At time T2, a range message acknowledgement signal can be
sent from an available wireless device to the originating UWB
device locator. After the range message acknowledgement signal
reaches the originating UWB device locator, the range message
acknowledgement signal can be received by the receiver at step 425
of FIG. 4. Once the range message acknowledgment signal is
received, the originating UWB device locator can determine a total
time T.sub.Total. The total time T.sub.Total can be the sum of time
T2 and the second propagation time delay .DELTA.T.sub.2.
Accordingly, the total time T.sub.Total can be represented by the
following equation.
T.sub.Total=T2+.DELTA.T.sub.2
[0038] Based on the total time T.sub.Total, the information
embedded within the range message acknowledgement signal, and other
factors such as device related delays, the originating UWB device
locator can determine the distance range of the available wireless
device, and display or list the information on a display at step
435 for the user.
[0039] One embodiment of the above example can be embodied in an
environment such as a hotel environment. The hotel environment of
this example can be configured to have a wireless network
infrastructure similar to the wireless network infrastructure as
shown in FIG. 2. The wireless network infrastructure can, for
example, be in a lobby of a hotel, and can contain an Access Point.
The Access Point can be connected to a wired LAN, such as an
Ethernet LAN. Suppose for example, a user having a mobile wireless
device such as a PDA with a UWB device locator system incorporated
therein enters the lobby of the hotel and desires to have access to
a printer. Therefore, the user can activate the UWB device locator
module in the PDA, which turns on the UWB locator system. Once the
UWB device locator system is activated, the PDA can commence to
transmit pulses of UWB range message signals in short duty cycles
covering a specified range area.
[0040] Thereafter, the printer within the hotel lobby receives the
range message signal sent by the user's PDA and automatically
responds back by sending a range message acknowledgment signal
embedded with various information such as the type of the printer,
the printer queue, the data rate, etc. The user's PDA receives such
acknowledgement signal and processes the acknowledgment signal to
determine the distance range of the printer and data rates based in
part on the total time T.sub.Total and other related information.
Upon determining the distance range of the printer, the present
embodiment can display the printer along with a list of other
detected devices within the lobby of the hotel for the user.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a method of displaying
information related to one or more wireless device(s) pursuant to
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates one
example of a method of displaying geographic position information
of one or more available device(s). The method of the present
example can be implemented in hardware, or software, or a
combination of both hardware and software.
[0042] The UWB device locator can be activated at step 500 of FIG.
5. The UWB device locator of the present example can also be
integrated with any wireless device, and therefore can be a
separate module within a wireless device. In this example, when an
UWB device locator is activated at step 500, the geographic
position locator can be automatically switched on. In the
alternative, the UWB device locator can, in another example,
provide the user with the option to choose between a distance range
detection mode or a geographic position detection mode. Whether the
geographic position locator is automatically switched on or is
selected by the user, the geographic position locator can determine
the surrounding environment in relation to the detecting device at
step 505. In other words, when the geographic position locator is
activated, the geographic position locator can determine the
geographic area surrounding the detecting device through geographic
position unit or other positioning systems such as Global
Positioning Systems. Suppose for example a user with a wireless
device enters a coffee shop in a downtown area of Washington, D.C.
Upon entering the coffee shop, the user activates the geographic
position locator and selects the geographic position detection
mode. The activation and selection of the geographic position
locator accesses the geographic position unit wherein the
geographic position unit determines that the surrounding
environment of the user's wireless device is within the geographic
vicinity of 17.sup.th Street and L Street in downtown Washington,
D.C. Once the surrounding geographic area of the detecting wireless
device is determined, the geographic position locator can display a
geographic map overlay of the area surround 17.sup.th Street and L
Street. This implementation, of course, can be applicable to any
geographic location.
[0043] Next, the geographic position locator of the present example
can determine it's own position in relation to the immediate
surrounding environment at step 510. In other words, and continuing
with the example above, the geographic position locator can detect
the surrounding geographic environment within the coffee shop in
relation to its own position therein. Therefore, the geographic
position locator can for example transmit initial UWB detecting
signals to detect the interior design or interior layout of the
coffee shop. In an alternative example, the geographic position
locator can establish communication with a Master device within the
coffee shop such as an Access Point wherein the Master device can
provide the interior design or interior layout instantly.
[0044] After determining the immediate surrounding geographic area
in relation to its own position, the geographic position locator
can commence the steps of determining the distance range of
available wireless devices at step 530 by way of the examples
mentioned above with respect to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The steps of
determining the distance range can include step 515 of transmitting
UWB signals within the surrounding environment, step 520 of
receiving the reflected signals, step 525 of measuring the total
time propagation time, etc.
[0045] Once the geographic position locator has identified the
available wireless devices and has also determined the distance
range of each available wireless devices in relation to its own
position, the geographic position locator thereafter determines the
coordinates of each available wireless device at step 535 based
information such as the distance range information, the surrounding
geographic environment information, the global geographic
positioning information, etc.
[0046] Having determined the necessary information with respect to
the geographic position of each available wireless device, the
geographic position locator can display the geographic location of
each available device on a display at step 540. In other words, the
user can be provide with a display showing a geographic map overlay
of the coffee shop, and indicated on the map overlay are the
geographic positions of the available wireless devices within the
coffee shop in relation to the user's own position therein.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration
that can detect, identify and display a list of available devices,
in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the hardware
configuration of FIG. 6 can be in an integrated, modular and single
chip solution, and therefore can be embodied on a semiconductor
substrate, such as silicon. Alternatively, the hardware
configuration of FIG. 6 can be a plurality of discrete components
on a circuit board. The configuration can also be implemented as a
general purpose device configured to implement the invention with
software.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a signal-generated locator 600 configured
to determine the distance range and/or determine the geographic
position of available wireless devices, and displaying such
information. The signal-generated locator 600 contains a receiver
605 and a transmitter 610. The transmitter 610 can transmit
electro-magnetic signals as well as various other signals such as
UWB signals. The transmitter 610 can transmit UWB signals in short
pulses in short duty cycles. In the alternative, the receiver 605
can receive electro-magnetic signals as well as various other
signals such as UWB signals.
[0049] Furthermore, the signal-generated locator 600 can include a
geographic position unit 615 and a memory 635. The geographic
position unit 615 can assist in the determination of global
positioning in relation to the signal-generated locator 600. In
other words, the geographic position unit 615 can assist in
determining the surrounding geographic area of the signal-generated
locator 600. Furthermore, the memory 635 can store information such
as geographic maps, algorithms to determine distance range and
coordinates, default values and look-up table, etc.
[0050] FIG. 6 also shows a processing unit 620, a range processing
unit 625 and a geographic processing unit 630. It is noted that
although the range processing unit 625 and the geographic
processing unit 630 are shown to be within the processing unit 620,
the range processing unit 625 and the geographic processing unit
630 can be separate and distinct processing units from the
processing unit 620.
[0051] Therefore, the processing unit 620 can be the main
processing unit and can process functions outside the realms of the
range processing unit 625 and outside the realms of geographic
processing unit 630, such as detecting a specified range or
identifying a default range when the specified range is not
detected, and etc. The range processing unit 625 can therefore
perform all the functions and tasks related to the determining of
the distance range of the available wireless devices. For instance,
the range processing unit 625 can measure or calculate the period
of time period from the time UWB signal is transmitted to the time
the UWB signal is received. Similarly, the geographic processing
unit 630 can perform all the functions and tasks related to the
determining of the geographic position of the available wireless
devices. These processing functions can include determining the
geographic coordinates of the available wireless devices within the
surrounding geographic environment of the signal-generated locator
600.
[0052] Furthermore, the example FIG. 6 includes a display 640. The
display 640 can be a plasma display, a LCD display or various other
types of display for displaying multimedia information.
[0053] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrates two examples of the display
format in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7a
illustrates an example of a display format 700 showing the distance
range and the data rates of each detected wireless device. In
addition, FIG. 7b illustrates another example of a display format
720 showing the geographic positions and the data rates of each
detected wireless device with a geographic area.
[0054] Main display area 710 of FIG. 7a can represent a main
portion of the display 700 and can be used to display information
related to a separate task running in tandem with the UWB device
locator. For example, the main display area 710 can display a WWW
web page if the user has accessed the Internet. In another example,
the main display area 710 can display multimedia information from
an e-mail received by the user.
[0055] Furthermore, display 700 of FIG. 7a can contain a listing
display area 705. The listing display area 705 can display a list
of the detected wireless devices. Within the listing display area
705, information such as the identification of the devices, the
distance range of the devices in relation to its own position, and
the data rates of each device can be provided. Also, the listing
display area 705 can display the specified range if it was entered
by the user and/or the default range if the specified range was not
detected.
[0056] As mentioned above, FIG. 7b illustrates another example of a
display 720 showing the geographic positions and the data rates of
each detected wireless device with a geographic area.
[0057] The display of 720 of FIG. 7b can contain a main display
area 730. The main display area 703 can display information related
to separate task running in tandem with the UWB device locator, or
the main display area 703 can display information with respect to
the UWB device locator in a vector format or in a map overlay
format, or a combination of both. For example, the main display
area 730 can display a WWW web page if the user has accessed the
Internet. In another example, the main display area 730 can display
multimedia information from an e-mail received by the user. In the
alternative, the main display area 730 can display each and every
detected device in relation to the locator's position. In other
words, the main display area 730 can provide a map overlay of the
surrounding geographic area and can indicate on the map-overly the
position of each detected device within the surrounding geographic
area. Furthermore, the main display area 730 can provide pointers
indicating the geographic location of each device in a vector
format.
[0058] Furthermore, the display 720 can include a listing display
area 725. Similar to the listing display area 725 of FIG. 7a, the
listing display area 725 of FIG. 7b can display a list of the
detected wireless devices. Within the listing device area 725,
information such as the identification of the devices, the distance
range of the devices in relation to its own position, the
coordinates of the device, and the data rates of each device can be
provided. Also, listing device area 725 can display the specified
range if it was entered by the user and/or the default range if the
specified range was not detected.
[0059] As for display area 715 and display area 735 of FIGS. 7a and
7b respectively, these display areas 715 and 735 can display icons
and/or tools for accessing specific applications or functions.
These icons can either be related to the UWB signal-generated
device locator or can be separate application modules unrelated to
the device locator. For example, a user can access the e-mail
feature by actuating the mail envelope icon, or the user can
actuate the house icon to establish a connection with the Internet
and access a home page.
[0060] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand
that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps
in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in
configurations which are different than those which are disclosed.
Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon
these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill
in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and
bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the
appended claims.
* * * * *