Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and using signals transmitted by a device, e.g., a low cost beacon transmitter device, to facilitate making location determinations with regard to the transmitting device and/or making a decision of when or how to use location information generated based on received signals are described. In accordance with some features the processing performed on the received signal strength measurements is based on whether or not the device from which the signals are received is in motion. The size of a sample period used as a processing window when determining device location is based, in some embodiments, on the rate of motion. When and/or how to use location determinations are performed is also based on motion in some embodiments. Machine learning updates of location determination parameters, based on received signals, are disabled when the signals are from devices determined to be in motion.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for estimating risk associated with a user of a wireless device. In some embodiments, the risk relates to a risk of infection by a contagious disease. For example, in some embodiments, the contagious disease is Coronavirus 2019. In some embodiments, locations of multiple wireless devices are estimated based on signal strengths of signals associated with the devices. Neighboring devices are identified based on highest probability regions of the devices that are determined based on associated signals. A measure of proximity to other devices is then determined based on probabilities that each device is located in neighboring regions. The risk is then based on the measure of proximity. In some embodiments, a risk of a first user associated with a first wireless device is based, in part, on a risk of a second user within a proximity of the first user.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for determining a location of a device based on phase differences of a signal received from the device. In some embodiments, expected phase differences for signals transmitted from a plurality of regions are determined. The expected phase differences are those differences of the signal when received at each of a plurality of receive elements of a receiving device. By comparing phase differences of a signal received from the device to the expected phase differences, a location of the device is determined.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments estimate a location of a first wireless device based on signals received from the wireless device from two other wireless devices. To combine estimates of the two wireless devices, the two wireless devices share a definition of a plurality of geographic regions. A first set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a first of the two wireless devices, and a second set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a second of the two wireless devices. Based on these two sets of expected phase differences, each of the two devices estimate a position of the first wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments that determine a location of a first wireless device based on estimates of two other wireless devices. Each of the other wireless devices is assigned or defines its own plurality of regions. Each wireless device estimates a location of the first wireless device with respect to its assigned or defined plurality of regions. One of the estimates is then translated to the other device’s plurality of regions. The two estimates are then combined to estimate the location of the first wireless device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments estimate a location of a first wireless device based on signals received from the wireless device from two other wireless devices. To combine estimates of the two wireless devices, the two wireless devices share a definition of a plurality of geographic regions. A first set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a first of the two wireless devices, and a second set of expected phase differences for the plurality of regions are determined for a second of the two wireless devices. Based on these two sets of expected phase differences, each of the two devices estimate a position of the first wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for determining a location of a wireless terminal. The wireless terminal measures signal strength of a plurality of wireless transmitters. Based on this information, a plurality of location probability surfaces are generated. Each location probability surface indicates a plurality of probabilities that the wireless terminal is in each of a corresponding plurality of geographic regions. These probability surfaces are then averaged to determine a composite location probability surface. A motion probability surface is also determined, which stores a plurality of probabilities indicating variations of motion of the wireless terminal. The composite location probability surface is then updated based on the motion probability surface. A location estimate of the wireless terminal is then determined based on the updated composite location probability surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments that determine a location of a first wireless device based on estimates of two other wireless devices. Each of the other wireless devices is assigned or defines its own plurality of regions. Each wireless device estimates a location of the first wireless device with respect to its assigned or defined plurality of regions. One of the estimates is then translated to the other device's plurality of regions. The two estimates are then combined to estimate the location of the first wireless device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to use of actual and/or virtual beacons are described. Virtual beacons are virtual in that an actual beacon need not be transmitted but a rather a virtual beacon transmitter at a desired location maybe considered to transmit virtual beacons. In some embodiments a set of beacon transmitter information for one or more beacons is supplied to devices in a communications system. The beacon transmitter information indicates transmission power and location of actual and virtual beacon transmitters as well as information to be communicated by virtual beacons. Devices with access to beacon information can determine based on the location of a wireless terminal whether the wireless terminal is within coverage area of a virtual beacon and report reception of the virtual beacon to the wireless terminal or a component of the wireless terminal which acts upon receiving an indication of beacon reception.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to use of actual and/or virtual beacons are described. Virtual beacons are virtual in that an actual beacon need not be transmitted but a rather a virtual beacon transmitter at a desired location maybe considered to transmit virtual beacons. In some embodiments a set of beacon transmitter information for one or more beacons is supplied to devices in a communications system. The beacon transmitter information indicates transmission power and location of actual and virtual beacon transmitters as well as information to be communicated by virtual beacons. Devices with access to beacon information can determine based on the location of a wireless terminal whether the wireless terminal is within coverage area of a virtual beacon and report reception of the virtual beacon to the wireless terminal or a component of the wireless terminal which acts upon receiving an indication of beacon reception.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for determining a location of a device based on phase differences of a signal received from the device. In some embodiments, expected phase differences for signals transmitted from a plurality of regions are determined. The expected phase differences are those differences of the signal when received at each of a plurality of receive elements of a receiving device. By comparing phase differences of a signal received from the device to the expected phase differences, a location of the device is determined.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for guided alignment of the orientation of two wireless devices. A first wireless device is at a known position and a known orientation. A signal from a second wireless device is received via a plurality of receive elements of the first wireless device. The first wireless device measures phase differences of the signal at the plurality of receive elements, and determines locations of each of the second wireless device's transmit elements based on the differences. Based on the transmit element locations, and a known antenna layout of the second wireless device, an orientation of the second wireless device is determined. Based on differences between the determined orientation and the known orientation of the first wireless device, instructions for aligning the devices are generated. Once the devices are aligned, location estimates of a third wireless device are made by both the first wireless device and the second wireless device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using beacon signals are described. One or more sectorized base stations are used in some embodiments to transmit beacon signals into zones, e.g., each zone being at least partially covered by one or more beacon signals. Use of sectorized base stations allows a single base station, e.g., a Bluetooth or other base station capable of transmitting beacon signals, to cover a number of different zones avoiding the need for multiple different beacon transmitters at different locations to establish different beacon coverage areas. Sectorization of a Bluetooth base station and the ability to remotely or locally configure the base station allows for great flexibility to use beacon signals in stores or other locations without the need for numerous individual battery powered beacon transmitters at floor or display level.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for determining a location of a device based on phase differences of a signal received from the device. In some embodiments, expected phase differences for signals transmitted from a plurality of regions are determined. The expected phase differences are those differences of the signal when received at each of a plurality of receive elements of a receiving device. By comparing phase differences of a signal received from the device to the expected phase differences, a location of the device is determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using beacon signals are described. One or more sectorized base stations are used in some embodiments to transmit beacon signals into zones, e.g., each zone being at least partially covered by one or more beacon signals. Use of sectorized base stations allows a single base station, e.g., a Bluetooth or other base station capable of transmitting beacon signals, to cover a number of different zones avoiding the need for multiple different beacon transmitters at different locations to establish different beacon coverage areas. Sectorization of a Bluetooth base station and the ability to remotely or locally configure the base station allows for great flexibility to use beacon signals in stores or other locations without the need for numerous individual battery powered beacon transmitters at floor or display level.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for estimating risk associated with a user of a wireless device. In some embodiments, the risk relates to a risk of infection by a contagious disease. For example, in some embodiments, the contagious disease is Coronavirus 2019. In some embodiments, locations of multiple wireless devices are estimated based on signal strengths of signals associated with the devices. Neighboring devices are identified based on highest probability regions of the devices that are determined based on associated signals. A measure of proximity to other devices is then determined based on probabilities that each device is located in neighboring regions. The risk is then based on the measure of proximity. In some embodiments, a risk of a first user associated with a first wireless device is based, in part, on a risk of a second user within a proximity of the first user.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for estimating risk associated with a user of a wireless device. In some embodiments, the risk relates to a risk of infection by a contagious disease. For example, in some embodiments, the contagious disease is Coronavirus 2019. In some embodiments, locations of multiple wireless devices are estimated based on signal strengths of signals associated with the devices. Neighboring devices are identified based on highest probability regions of the devices that are determined based on associated signals. A measure of proximity to other devices is then determined based on probabilities that each device is located in neighboring regions. The risk is then based on the measure of proximity. In some embodiments, a risk of a first user associated with a first wireless device is based, in part, on a risk of a second user within a proximity of the first user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to use of actual and/or virtual beacons are described. Virtual beacons are virtual in that an actual beacon need not be transmitted but a rather a virtual beacon transmitter at a desired location maybe considered to transmit virtual beacons. In some embodiments a set of beacon transmitter information for one or more beacons is supplied to devices in a communications system. The beacon transmitter information indicates transmission power and location of actual and virtual beacon transmitters as well as information to be communicated by virtual beacons. Devices with access to beacon information can determine based on the location of a wireless terminal whether the wireless terminal is within coverage area of a virtual beacon and report reception of the virtual beacon to the wireless terminal or a component of the wireless terminal which acts upon receiving an indication of beacon reception.