Beaconing rate adaptation for target device positioning in an electronic shelf label (ESL) network environment

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems that support beaconing rate adaptation, such as for target device positioning in an ESL network environment. Beaconing rate adaptation may provide for increasing, decreasing, or otherwise adapting the transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by one or more devices operating within a wireless communication coverage area of a wireless network. Adapting a beaconing rate may utilize one or more beaconing rate criteria, such as may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using various information regarding a target device. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

BEACONING RATE ADAPTATION FOR TARGET DEVICE POSITIONING IN AN ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL (ESL) NETWORK ENVIRONMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Greek Patent Application No. 20240100147, entitled, “BEACONING RATE ADAPTATION FOR TARGET DEVICE POSITIONING IN AN ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL (ESL) NETWORK ENVIRONMENT,” filed on February 29, 2024, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to electronic shelf label (ESL) systems, and more particularly, to methods and systems for beaconing rate adaptation for target device positioning in an ESL network environment.INTRODUCTION

[0003] In general, retail stores use paper labels to display information about products displayed on shelves, such as prices, discount rates, unit costs, origins, or the like. Using such paper labels for the price display has limitations. For example, when there are changes in product information or locations on shelves, the retailer must generate new paper labels and discard old ones. This raises costs for maintenance in both supplies and employee labor. Further, in environmental terms, replacing the labels wastes raw materials such as paper, which adversely affects the protection of the environment. Still further, humans are prone to make mistakes, such as mislabeling a shelf or product or forgetting to take down temporary price changes on certain shelving, which results in shopper frustration.

[0004] Electronic shelf label (ESL) devices are electronic devices for displaying price information for items on retail store shelves, which may be used in place of paper labels. ESL devices may be attached to a front edge of retail shelving and display a variety of pricing information using display devices, such as Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD). Whenever the information about a product or the location of a product is changed, the ESL device may be programmed with new product information. Thus, the electronic shelf label can be repeatedly used.

[0005] ESL infrastructure often presents a highly-dense network of nodes. For example, a plurality of ESL devices may be disposed in relatively close proximity throughout a particular environment, such as upon shelving, storage bins, etc. within a retail store or warehouse facility. The capabilities of the ESL devices of the ESL network are, however, constrained by the power resources available to the ESL devices.BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0006] The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] Electronic shelf label (ESL) devices may be used in a wireless network to provide information and services to shoppers and retailers (as users of an ESL system). For example, ESL devices operating on a wireless network as part of ESL system may support position location services to identify the location of ESLs devices within an environment (e.g., a retail store, warehouse, etc.). As another example, the ESL system may support position location services to identify a position of users within the environment by interacting with the user’s mobile device. The various devices, such ESL devices, wireless radios, mobile devices, electronic tracking tags, etc., for which position location services are provided may be referred to generally as target devices herein. The ESL system may, for example, support position location services to identify a position of target devices within the environment by adapting beaconing rates for a beacon transmitted by the target device, beacons transmitted by wireless radios, or a combination thereof.

[0008] Example embodiments provide beaconing rate adaptation in which the transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by one or more devices operating within an ESL network environment (e.g., within a wireless communication coverage area of a ESL network) may be increased, decreased, or otherwise adapted. According to an example, network-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios may be provided, such as for facilitating a position determination by or for a target device. For example, adapting the beaconing rate may configure an adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more ESL devices of the ESL networkfor received signal strength indicator (RS SI) measurement by the target device. According to a further example, network-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device may be provided, such as for facilitating a network-based position determination of or for the target device. According to a still further example, target device-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of the target device may be provided, such as for facilitating a network-based position determination of or for the target device. For example, adapting the beaconing rate may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device for RSSI measurement by one or more ESL devices of the ESL network.

[0009] In some embodiments, a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the ESL network environment may be adapted in correspondence with information regarding a target device. A target device report may, for example, provide various information (e.g., mobility information, coarse location information, desired position accuracy, device type, etc.) regarding a target device to be utilized in adapting the beaconing rate. According to an example, one or more beaconing rate criteria may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using information regarding a target device, such as information included in a target device report. The one or more beaconing rate criteria may, for example, include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or a combination thereof. A beaconing rate may be adapted (e.g., increased or decreased) based on, as a function of, or otherwise using at least one criterion of such beaconing rate criteria.

[0010] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of some examples includes receiving a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The method of some examples also includes adapting a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the method of some examples includes transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0011] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes a processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors. The processing system of some examples is configured to cause the apparatus to receive a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless networkenvironment. The processing system of some examples is also configured to cause the apparatus to adapt a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the processing system of some examples is configured to cause the apparatus to transmit an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0012] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus of some examples includes means for receiving a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The apparatus of some examples also includes means for adapting a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the apparatus of some examples includes means for transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0013] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations of some examples include controlling receiving of a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The operations of some examples also include adapting a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the operations of some examples include controlling transmission of an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of some examples includes collecting adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The method of some examples also includes adapting a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further the method of some examples includes setting the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0015] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes a processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors. The processing system of some examples is configured to cause the apparatus to collect adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The processing system of some examples is also configured to cause the apparatus to adapt a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the processing system of some examples is configured to cause the apparatus to set the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0016] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus of some examples includes means for collecting adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The apparatus of some examples also includes means for adapting a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the apparatus of some examples incudes means for setting the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0017] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations of some examples include collecting adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment. The operations of some examples also include adapting a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate. Further, the operations of some examples include setting the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0018] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organizationand method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

[0019] Devices, networks, and systems may be configured to communicate via one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The present disclosure describes certain aspects with reference to certain communications technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, the description is not intended to be limited to a specific technology or application, and one or more aspects described with reference to one technology may be understood to be applicable to another technology. Moreover, it should be understood that, in operation, wireless communication networks adapted according to the concepts herein may operate with any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum depending on loading and availability. Accordingly, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be applied to other communications systems and applications than the particular examples provided.

[0020] For example, the described implementations may be implemented in any device, system, or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to any of the wireless communication standards, including any of the IEEE 802.11 standards, the IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth® standards, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1 *EV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, 5GNew Radio (5GNR), 6G, or other known signals that are used to communicate within a wireless, cellular, or internet of things (IOT) network, such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G 5G, or 6G technology, or further implementations thereof.

[0021] In various implementations, the techniques and apparatus may be used in wireless communication networks such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, 5thGeneration (5G) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as “5G NR” networks, systems, or devices), as well as other communications networks. As described herein, the terms “networks” and “systems” may be used interchangeably and may refer to a collection of devices capable of communicating with each other through one or more communications techniques.

[0022] While aspects and implementations are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, or packaging arrangements. For example, implementations or uses may come about via integrated chip implementations or other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail devices or purchasing devices, medical devices, AI- enabled devices, etc.).

[0023] Implementations may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more described aspects. In some settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspects. It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of implementations, including both large devices or small devices, chiplevel components, multi-component systems (e.g., radio frequency (RF)-chain, communication interface, processor), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes, or constitutions.

[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, circuits, and processes to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” as used herein means connected directly to or connected through one or more intervening components or circuits. Also, in the following description and for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the teachings disclosed herein. In other instances, well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring teachings of the present disclosure.

[0025] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. In the present disclosure, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system.

[0026] In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a function or functions. The function or functions performed by that block may be performed in a single component or across multiple components, and / or may be performed using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described below generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the example devices may include components other than those shown, including well-known components such as a processor, memory, and the like.

[0027] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present application, discussions utilizing the terms such as “accessing,” “receiving,” “sending,” “using,” “selecting,” “determining,” “normalizing,” “multiplying,” “averaging,” “monitoring,” “comparing,” “applying,” “updating,” “measuring,” “deriving,” “settling,” “generating” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system’s registers, memories, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0028] The terms “device” and “apparatus” are not limited to one or a specific number of physical objects (such as one smartphone, one camera controller, one processing system, and so on). As used herein, a device may be any electronic device with one or more parts thatmay implement at least some portions of the disclosure. While the below description and examples use the term “device” to describe various aspects of the disclosure, the term “device” is not limited to a specific configuration, type, or number of objects. As used herein, an apparatus may include a device or a portion of the device for performing the described operations.

[0029] As used herein, including in the claims, the term “or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a device is described as containing components A, B, or C, the device may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0030] Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of’ indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (that is A and B and C) or any of these in any combination thereof.

[0031] Also, as used herein, the term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; for example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed implementations, the term “substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage includes .1, 1, 5, or 10 percent.

[0032] Also, as used herein, relative terms, unless otherwise specified, may be understood to be relative to a reference by a certain amount. For example, terms such as “higher” or “lower” or “more” or “less” may be understood as higher, lower, more, or less than a reference value by a threshold amount.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similarcomponents having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0034] Figure 1 A is a block diagram illustrating an example Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure IB is a diagram illustrating an example ESL device display according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a gondola with ESL devices according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2B is a top-down view of a retail environment with ESL devices accessible to a user according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating time division multiplexing for communicating with multiple ESL devices according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example ESL device according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example target device according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example infrastructure node according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 is a ladder diagram illustrating an example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is a ladder diagram illustrating an example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 is a ladder diagram illustrating another example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the inventive subject matter. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every case and that, in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity of presentation.

[0049] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media that support adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning. According to example embodiments, beaconing rate adaptation provides for increasing, decreasing, or otherwise adapting the transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by one or more devices operating within a wireless communication coverage area of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) network (also referred to herein as “an ESL network environment”). Adapting the beaconing rate may configure an adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more ESL devices of the ESL network. Additionally or alternatively, adapting the beaconing rate may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device.

[0050] A beaconing rate may, for example, be adapted with consideration to positioning accuracy available in association with a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations. According to an example, adapting a beaconing rate may utilize one or more beaconing rate criteria (e.g., target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, etc.), such as may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using various information regarding a target device (e.g., mobility information, coarse location information, desired position accuracy, device type, etc.). A beaconing rate may be adapted (e.g., increased or decreased) based on, as a function of, or otherwise using at least one criterion of such beaconing rate criteria, such as for use in received signal strength indicator (RS SI) measurement by one or more devices operating in the ESL network environment facilitating a position determination of or for a target device.

[0051] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages or benefits. Insome aspects, the present disclosure provides techniques for wireless communication systems that may be particularly beneficial in ESL applications. For example, adaptation of a beaconing rate according to concepts of the present disclosure facilitates position determinations with respect to a target device operating within an ESL network environment. Implementations enable high accuracy (e.g., sub-meter accuracy) position determinations using a dense network of devices, such as ESL devices, wireless radios, etc., in an ESL network while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by those devices. A beaconing rate may, for example, be adapted to optimize or otherwise improve a trade-off between positioning accuracy available in association with a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations.

[0052] Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example ESL system according to some embodiments of this disclosure. An ESL system 100 may include a management server 122, or other edge server, that is integrated with or coupled to a gateway node 120. The management server 122 may include at least one processor coupled to a memory, in which the at least one processor is configured to execute computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium to cause the management server 122 to perform operations related to managing operation of the ESL devices 108A-108D, the APs 106A-106B, the gateway node 120, and / or other components within the ESL system 100. For example, the management server 122 may perform operations relating to adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning according to concepts of the present disclosure. For example, the management server 122 may perform operations described with reference to Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, and / or Figure 10.

[0053] The gateway node 120 may communicate with access point (AP) 106 A and AP 106B. Although only two APs are shown in the example system, fewer or more APs may be included in the ESL system 100. The APs 106A and 106B may communicate through a first communication network, either wired or wireless, with the gateway node 120. The APs 106A and 106B also communicate through a second communication network with ESL tag devices. For example, the APs 106 A and 106B may communicate with paired ESL devices in an assigned geographic area. In a first geographic assignment 110A, the AP 106 A may communicate with ESL device 108 A and ESL device 108B; in a second geographic assignment HOB, the AP 106B may communicate with ESL device 108C and ESL device 108D. The first and second communication networks may be different networks. In some embodiments, the first communication network for communicationbetween AP 106A and gateway node 120 is a Wi-Fi network and the second communication network for communication between AP 106A and ESL device 108 A is a Bluetooth network.

[0054] Bluetooth technology provides a secure way to connect and exchange information between electronic devices, such as smartphones, other cellular phones, headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, wearables, and / or shelf labels. Bluetooth communications may include establishing wireless personal area networks (PANs) (also referred to as “ad hoc” or “peer-to-peer” networks). These ad hoc networks are commonly called “piconets.” Each device may belong to multiple piconets. Multiple interconnected piconets may be called scatternets. A scatternet may be formed when a member of a first piconet elects to participate in a second piconet. In the example of Figure 1A, the ESL device 108 A may be in a piconet with the AP 106 A.

[0055] Because many of the services offered over Bluetooth can expose private data or allow the connecting party to control the connected device, Bluetooth networks may have devices first establish a “trust relationship” before they are allowed to communicate private data to one another. This trust relationship may be established using a process referred to as “pairing,” in which a bond is formed between two devices. This bond enables the devices to communicate with each other in the future without further authentication. The ESL device 108 A may be bonded in such a manner to the AP 106 A. The pairing process may be triggered automatically each time the device is powered on or moved within a certain distance of another Bluetooth device. Pairing information relating to current and previously established pairings may be stored in a paired device list (PDL) in the memory of the Bluetooth device, such as the ESL device 108 A and / or the AP 106 A. This pairing information may include a name field, an address field, a link key field, and other similar fields (such as “profile” type) useful for authenticating the device or establishing a Bluetooth communication link. The pairing information may allow the ESL device 108 A to reconnect to the AP 106 A automatically when, for example, power loss causes the ESL system 100 to reset.

[0056] A Bluetooth “profile” describes general behaviors through which Bluetooth-enabled devices communicate with other Bluetooth devices. For example, the hands free profile (HFP) describes how a Bluetooth device (such as a smartphone) may place and receive calls for another Bluetooth device, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) describes how stereo-quality audio may be streamed from a first Bluetooth device (such as a smartphone) to another Bluetooth device (such as an earbud). The ESL devices 108 A-108D may be configured with an Electronic Shelf Label Profile compliant with the Electronic Shelf Label Profile vl.O dated March 28, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein. The ESL Profile may specify how the AP 106 A may use one or more ESL Services exposed by the ESL device 108 A.

[0057] The management server 122 may be implemented as a database (DB) server that stores and manages product information regarding products displayed in a distribution store. The management server 122 may store a variety of information used during the operation of a store, as well as product information. Furthermore, the management server 122 may write and manage command messages that are used to carry out various functions such as the synchronization, updating, and alteration of product information displayed on the ESL devices 108A-108D. The management server 122 may be provided with a database for the ESL devices 108A-108D and product information displayed on the ESL devices 108A-108D. That is, the management server 122 may be provided with a database that stores identification information relating to ESL devices 108A-108D in connection with product information displayed on a corresponding one of the ESL devices 108A-108D.

[0058] A command message, created by the management server 122 (e.g., a product-information change message or a management-information acquisition message) can be transferred to the gateway node using a message packaged into a packet suitable for a communication scheme used with the gateway node 120, and transfer the configured packet. Furthermore, the management server 122 may receive a reception acknowledgement message, sent from the gateway node 120, through the communication scheme, convert the received message into a message receivable by the management server 122, and transfer the converted message. Examples of messages communicated through the gateway node 120 may include various messages relating to adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning, such as target device report requests, target device reports, indications of adapted beaconing rates, position information reports, etc.

[0059] Although only one gateway node 120 is shown in the ESL system 100, there may be several such gateway nodes communicating with the management server 122. Each gateway node 120 analyzes data received from the management server 122 confirming the presence or absence of a message or data, which is to be sent to the ESL device 108 A, and then sends the confirmed message or data to the corresponding ESL device 108 A. The gateway node 120 may configure a message, which is to be sent to the ESL device 108 A, into a packet according to a communication scheme and send the configured packet to the ESL device 108 A through commanding the AP 106 A to transmit the packet.Furthermore, the gateway node 120 may transfer a reception acknowledgement message received from the ESL device 108A through the AP 106A to the management server 122.

[0060] The ESL devices 108A-108D may include a plurality of ESL devices 108A-108D displaying data concerning product information received from the gateway node 120. The ESL devices 108A-108D displaying product information associated with products may be attached to the shelving. One example layout of an ESL system 100 is shown across multiple gondolas 112A-112H. Each of the gondolas 112A-112H may include one or more shelves, to which the ESL devices 108A-108D are attached. The ESL devices 108A- 108D may be configured as shown, for example, in Figure 4, with the microcontroller configured to perform operations described with reference to Figure 7, Figure 8, and / or Figure 9.

[0061] In some embodiments, a video monitoring system may be included as part of ESL system 100 or used to augment the capabilities of the ESL system 100. For example, shelf cameras 104A-104D may be positioned with a field of view that captures one or more shelves of one or more of the gondolas 112A-112H. The shelf cameras 104A-104D may be used to assist in tracking stock levels and / or identifying items picked by users while in the environment. As another example, over-the-top (OTT) cameras 102A-102D may be positioned with a field of view capturing large regions of an environment of the ESL system 100. Object recognition systems may be applied to received image frames from the cameras 102A-102D or 104A-104D to determine a presence of, or count of, objects and humans in the field of view of a respective camera.

[0062] The OTT cameras 102A-102D may be used to support determination of a position of ESL devices 108A-108D, user mobile devices, and / or other devices within the environment. A mobile device 130, such as may be a mobile device supporting Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), may traverse the environment and communicate with the ESL devices 108A- 108D. The mobile device 130 may, for example, be an example instance of a target device which may perform operations relating to adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning according to concepts of the present disclosure. In an example, the mobile device 130 may receive identification information from the ESL devices 108A- 108D, with the location of the ESL devices 108A-108D determined by identifying a location of the mobile device 130 from the camera image frames at the time the mobile device 130 receives signals, and / or the strength of the signals, received from the ESL devices 108A-108D. The mobile device 130 may be configured as shown, for example,in Figure 5, with the microcontroller configured to perform operations described with reference to Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, and / or Figure 11.

[0063] The ESL devices 108A-108D may change price information or be activated or inactivated while communicating with the gateway node 120. A store manager may send the management server 122 a command concerning the synchronization between a product and the ESL device 108 A and / or a command for the correction of information regarding a product assigned to the ESL device 108 A. An example ESL device display is shown in Figure IB, with such a device displaying information including a product description, a product image, a product price, a product barcode, a product rating, a product Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), and / or a product link (e.g., a URL or QR code).

[0064] As described earlier, the environment may include ESL devices organized on gondolas and shelves. One example illustration of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2A is a perspective view of a gondola with ESL devices according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The gondola 112A may include multiple shelves 202A- 202C at different vertical levels from a floor. ESL devices may be attached to the shelves 202A-202C. For example, ESL device 108A may be attached to shelf 202A to display information regarding products stocked on shelf 202A in the vicinity of the ESL Device 108A.

[0065] The ESL devices may provide information to a shopper or store employee operating in the environment, such as to provide information regarding products and / or assist with location determination of products or the user. Figure 2B is a top-down view of a retail environment with ESL devices accessible to a user according to some embodiments of this disclosure. A user pushing a shopping cart having a mobile device 130 associated therewith (e.g., integrated into, disposed thereon, etc.) through an aisle may use ESL devices to determine the location of a particular product. For example, the mobile device 130 associated with the shopping cart may guide a user to location 210 where stock for a desired product is located.

[0066] Communication within the ESL system 100 between an AP and ESL devices may be performed according to a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme, such as one illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating time division multiplexing for communicating with multiple ESL devices according to some embodiments of this disclosure. An AP, such as AP 106A, may broadcast information that is received by all or some group of ESL devices, including ESL device 108 A, during a first time period, such as time period 302, 306, etc. The ESL devices may communicate with the AP duringsubsequent time periods. For example, a first ESL device, such as ESL device 108A, may transmit in time period 304A, with other ESL devices transmitting in time periods 304B- 304K. In ESL systems with significant numbers of ESL devices, the ESL devices may be configured to communicate in different groups. For example, ESL devices 1-11 may be configured to transmit to the AP during a first time cycle (e.g., time periods 302 and 304A-304K) and ESL devices 12-22 may be configured to transmit to the AP during a second time cycle (e.g., time periods 306 and 308A-308K). The first and second time cycles may alternate during operation of the wireless network.

[0067] An ESL device may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example ESL device according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The ESL device 108 (e.g., an ESL device of ESL devices 108A-108D) may include a low-power microcontroller 410. Although functionality for the ESL device may be configured by the microcontroller 410 in embodiments of this disclosure, any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) may be used to perform the functions described according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0068] The microcontroller 410 may include a memory 416. The memory 416 may store computer program code that causes a microprocessor 414 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of this disclosure. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 410, the memory 416 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 410.

[0069] The microcontroller 410 may also include one or more wireless radios 412. The wireless radios 412 may include, for example, a Bluetooth wireless radio including a front end that couples to antenna 408 for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals at one or more frequencies in one or more frequency bands. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 410, the wireless radio 412 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 410. For example, the wireless radio 412 and / or the antenna 408 utilized in operation of examples of the ESL device 180 may be provided separate from the ESL device. An externally implemented instance of the wireless radio 412 and the antenna 408 may, for example, be provided in association with one or more ESL devices (e.g., one or more of the ESL devices 180A-18D), such as the ESL devices disposed on a same self, the ESL devices of a particular gondola, the ESL devices disposed within a same area, etc., and coupled thereto for supporting wireless communication by the one or more ESL devices.

[0070] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 410 is a System on Chip (SoC) in which two or more components of the wireless radio 412, the microprocessor 414, and / or the memory 416 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0071] The ESL device 108 may include VO devices, such as a notification LED 402 and / or an electronic display 404. The notification LED 402 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), or other light sources configured to flashlight of one or more colors. The notification LED may be triggered to blink at a specific time and / or with a specific color based on a command received from the gateway node 120. For example, a notification LED 402 may blink to attract a user’s attention to a particular location on a shelf. The electronic display 404 may be, for example, an electronic-ink (e-Ink) display configured to output the product information.

[0072] The ESL device 108 may couple to a battery 406 or other power source to power operations performed by the ESL device 108, such as to operate the wireless radio 412, the notification LED 402, the electronic display 404, the memory 416, and / or the microprocessor 414. The battery 406 may allow placement of the ESL device 108 in a place where constant power supply is difficult. Thus, in order that a single battery charge provides a long period of use (e.g., lasting longer than several years), the ESL device 108 may be configured to reduce power consumption during times when frequent commands are not expected. For example, the ESL device 108 may operate using a wakeup communication scheme. That is, the ESL device 108 wakes up according to predetermined time intervals to determine whether data is waiting to be received. When no data is waiting, power to the ESL device 108 is turned off until the next wakeup period to reduce power consumption. When there is data to be received, the ESL device 108 wakes up to perform communication operations.

[0073] User mobile devices, and / or other devices operable within the environment may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example mobile device (e.g., a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, other cellular phone, headphones, earbuds, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, wearable, shopping cart information device, inventory management unit, shelf label, rolling stock equipment, etc.) operable within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. A target device which performs operations relating to adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target devicepositioning according to concepts of the present disclosure may be implemented as the mobile device 130 of some examples.

[0074] The mobile device 130 may include a microcontroller 510. Although functionality for the mobile device 130 may be configured by the microcontroller 510 in embodiments of this disclosure, any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) may be used to perform the functions described according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0075] The microcontroller 510 may include a memory 516. The memory 516 may store computer program code that causes a microprocessor 514 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of this disclosure. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 510, the memory 516 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 510.

[0076] The microcontroller 510 may also include one or more wireless radios 512. The wireless radio 512 may include, for example, a cellular wireless radio, Wi-Fi wireless radio, and / or a Bluetooth wireless radio including one or more front ends that couple to antenna 508 for transmitting and receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies in one or more frequency bands. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 510, the wireless radio 512 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 510. For example, the wireless radio 512 and / or the antenna 508 utilized in operation of examples of the mobile device 130 may be provided separate from the mobile device and coupled thereto for supporting wireless communication by the mobile device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 510 is a SoC in which two or more components of the wireless radio 512, the microprocessor 514, and / or the memory 516 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0078] The mobile device 130 may include I / O devices, such as input components 503, display 504, and / or audio components 505. The input components 503 may be, for example, one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a digitizing tablet, a sensor, or other input device configured to accept various inputs, such as from a user and / or an environment in which the mobile device 130 is operating. The display 504 may be, for example, one or more of a LCD display, a touchscreen display, an image projector, a heads-up display, augmented reality (AR) glasses, or other display configured to output information. In some examples, an input component of input components 503 and a display of display 504 may be integrated, such as in a touchscreen implementation, a user view controlled AR glasses implementation, etc. The audio components 505 may be, for example, one or more of aspeaker, a microphone, a piezoelectric transducer, or other device configured output sound energy, such as instructions, directions, alerts, etc. and / or provide inputs from sound energy, such as verbal commands, sounds within the environment, etc. In some examples, an audio component of audio components 505 may operate as an input component of input components 503.

[0079] The mobile device 130 may couple to a battery 506 or other power source to power operations performed by the mobile device 130, such as to operate the wireless radio 512, the input components 503, the display 504, the audio components 505, the memory 516, and / or the microprocessor 514. The battery 506 may allow operation of the mobile device 130 without constant power supply, such as to support mobile operation within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100.

[0080] Infrastructure nodes operable within the ESL network environment may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in this disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example infrastructure node (e.g., an ESL AP 106, a management server 122, edge server, etc.) operable within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100 according to some embodiments of this disclosure. An infrastructure node which performs operations relating to adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning according to concepts of the present disclosure may be implemented as the infrastructure node 600 of some examples.

[0081] The infrastructure node 600 may include a microcontroller 610. Although functionality for the infrastructure node 600 may be configured by the microcontroller 610 in embodiments of this disclosure, any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) may be used to perform the functions described according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0082] The microcontroller 610 may include a memory 616. The memory 616 may store computer program code that causes a microprocessor 614 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of this disclosure. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 610, the memory 616 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 610.

[0083] The microcontroller 610 may also include one or more wireless radios 612. The wireless radio 612 may include, for example, a cellular wireless radio, Wi-Fi wireless radio, and / or a Bluetooth wireless radio including one or more front ends that couple to antenna 608 for transmitting and receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies in one or morefrequency bands. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 610, the wireless radio 612 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 610. For example, the wireless radio 612 and / or the antenna 608 utilized in operation of examples of the infrastructure node 600 may be provided separate from the infrastructure node and coupled thereto for supporting wireless communication by the infrastructure node.

[0084] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 610 is a SoC in which two or more components of the wireless radio 612, the microprocessor 614, and / or the memory 616 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0085] The infrastructure node 600 may include I / O devices, such as one or more network interfaces 606. A network interface 606 may, for example, be one or more of a local area network (LAN) interface, a wide area network (WAN) interface, a backhaul interface, an intranet interface, an internet interface, or other communication interface for communication of data and / or control information.

[0086] The infrastructure node 600 may couple to a power source (e.g., a battery or mains supplied power) to power operations performed by the infrastructure node 600, such as to operate the wireless radio 612, the network interface 606, the memory 616, and / or the microprocessor 614.

[0087] Often it is desirable to obtain position location information with respect to various devices. For example, it may be desirable to identify the location of a particular user, such as through positioning based on the user’s mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to identify the location of a particular device, such as a ESL device, wireless radio, smartphone, other cellular phone, headphone, earbud, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, wearable, shopping cart information device, inventory management unit, etc., by conducting positioning operations in association with the device. Similarly, it may be desirable to identify the location of a particular asset (e.g., package, rolling stock equipment, electronic device, etc.), such as through positioning based on a device attached thereto or otherwise associated therewith (e.g., RF identification (RFID), loT tag, electronic tracking tag, etc. (collectively referred to herein as “eTags”).

[0088] RS SI measurements may be obtained by one or more devices in operation facilitating position determinations with respect to a target device, such as a particular device of the one or more devices, a device in communication therewith, etc. According to an example RS SI measurement technique, n > rc > . . . nr may denote the RS SI values, in descending order, for M anchor nodes (e.g., devices of a wireless network infrastructure having fixedor known positions performing RSSI measurements, or transmitting signals for RSSI measurements, with respect to a target device). In the case of multiple RSSI measurements for a given anchor node, their average value or median may be taken. A position estimate (P) may be given, as shown in equation (1) below, by the weighted average of the anchor node positions, where the weights are a function of the RSSI values.In the example position estimate of equation (1), TV represents the number of anchor nodes whose RSSI values are used in the computation, and wk are the weighted average for the anchor node positions.

[0089] In some scenarios, RSSI measurements may provide the primary or only technique available to estimate the position of a target device. For example, RSSI measurement techniques may be the primary technique available for position estimation in situations in which one or more device performing operation facilitating position determination is a low-cost device having limited or rudimentary functionality (e.g., a device which cannot perform time of arrival (ToA) or angle of arrival (AoA) measurements that require advanced processing capability). In another example, RSSI measurement techniques may be the primary technique available for position estimation in situations in which devices performing operation facilitating position determinations, such as anchor nodes of a wireless network infrastructure, do not support timing measurements (e.g., legacy versions of WiFi APs that do not support two-way ranging using ToA measurements).

[0090] Although being a low-complexity approach, and thus supporting operation for position determination using devices having limited or rudimentary functionality, RSSI-based positioning typically yields lower accuracies. As can be appreciated from the example position estimate of equation (1), the positioning accuracy provided according to RSSI measurement techniques is proportional to the density of the anchor nodes. Accordingly, in many wireless network deployments (e.g., large stores, warehouses, etc.), where APs tend to be relatively far apart (e.g., on the order of 25-30m), positioning accuracy provided in operation of a RSSI measurement technique tends to be low. This effect is exacerbated in macro-scenarios (e.g., large campuses, cities, etc.), where wireless network nodes (e.g., base stations, gNBs, etc.) are several hundreds of meters apart.

[0091] ESL infrastructure, such as that of the ESL system 100, often presents a highly-dense network of anchor nodes (e.g., ESL devices, wireless radios, etc.) that can be used in RSSI-based positioning to achieve sub-meter accuracy, albeit with constraints on powerconsumption. For example, ESL devices (e.g., wireless radios 412 associated with one or more of the ESL devices 108) operating as part of the ESL system 100 may support position location services to identify the location of target devices (e.g., ESL devices, wireless radios, mobile devices, electronic tracking tags, etc.) within an ESL network environment (e.g., within a wireless communication coverage area, or some portion thereof, of the ESL network of the ESL system 100). However, operation to facilitate position determinations have an appreciable impact upon power consumption, and thus may undesirably reduce a period of use with respect to the ESL devices 108 and / or the wireless radios 412 associated with the ESL devices 108.

[0092] Operation to facilitate position determination according to examples of the present disclosure is adapted to optimize or otherwise improve a trade-off between positioning accuracy available in association with a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations. For example, a position determination with respect to a target device within an ESL network environment may be facilitated according to examples herein by considering aspects of positioning accuracy and power consumption and adapting beaconing rates for a beacon transmitted by the target device, beacons transmitted by wireless radios associated with one or more ESL devices, or a combination thereof. Adapting a beaconing rate to optimize or otherwise improve a trade-off between positioning accuracy available in association with a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations may be based on, as a function of, or otherwise using various beaconing rate criteria related to or otherwise associated with the target device. Beaconing rate criteria may, for example, include mobility information, coarse location information, information regarding uncertainty in position, information regarding position accuracy, or a combination thereof. Example embodiments provide beaconing rate adaptation in which the transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by one or more devices operating within the ESL network environment may be increased, decreased, or otherwise adapted.

[0093] Figures 7, 8 and 9 are ladder diagrams illustrating example communication sessions for adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure. In particular, Figure 7 is a ladder diagram illustrating an example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a ladder diagram illustrating an example communicationsession for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 is a ladder diagram illustrating another example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0094] The anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 shown in the examples of Figures 7, 8, and 9 provide anchor nodes for RS SI measurements facilitating position determinations with respect to the target device 130. For example, the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 may comprise multiple devices (e.g., multiple instances of wireless radios 412) of the wireless network infrastructure of the ESL system 100 having fixed or known positions within the ESL network environment. Although illustrated as distinct devices, one or more of the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 of the examples of Figure 7, Figure 8, and / or Figure 9 may be integrated in a host device (e.g., instances of the wireless radio 412 integrated in a corresponding one of the ESL devices 108) or may be provided in a discrete configuration (e.g., external instances of wireless radios 412 coupled to one or more of the ESL devices 108). For example, one or more of the wireless radios 412 operable as anchor nodes of anchor nodes 701, 801, and / or 901 may be provided in association with one or more ESL devices disposed on a same self, the ESL devices of a particular gondola, the ESL devices disposed within a same area, etc., and coupled thereto.

[0095] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show example communication sessions for adaptation of a beaconing rate with reference to the target devices 703, 803, and 903, the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and 902, and the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901, respectively. According to some examples, the target devices 703, 803, and / or 903 may comprise a processor-based device having a transceiver (e.g., wireless radios), such as may be provided by an instance of mobile device 130. The target devices 703, 803, and / or 903 of some examples may be provided in a configuration having limited capabilities, such as an instance of an eTag, an energy harvesting device, etc. According to some examples, the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and / or 902 may comprise an instance of infrastructure node 600, such as may be implemented in the form of an ESL AP, a management server or other edge server, etc. Anchor nodes 701, 801, and / or 901 may comprise various configurations of devices for performing RSSI measurements and / or transmitting signals for RSSI measurements, such as instances of wireless radios 412, ESL devices 108, etc.

[0096] It is to be understood that operation for adapting a beaconing rate facilitating target device positioning according to concepts herein is not limited to implementations in which thevarious devices of the communication sessions are configured as the mobile device 130, the infrastructure node 600, and / or the wireless radios 412. For example, operation described with respect to the target devices 703, 803, and 903 in communication sessions corresponding to the examples of Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9 may be performed by a target device configured as an instance of an ESL device 180, a wireless radio 412, an eTag, etc. Operation described with respect to the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and 902 in communication sessions corresponding to the examples of Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9 may be performed by a network node configured as an instance of an ESL device 180, a wireless radio 412, an ESL AP 106, a management server 122, a mobile device 130, etc. Further, various configurations of anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 may be used in addition or alternative to wireless radios 412. For example, operation described with respect to the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 in communication sessions corresponding to the examples of Figure 7, Figure 8, and / or Figure 9 may be performed by a ESL device 180, an ESL AP 106, a mobile device 130, etc.

[0097] It is also to be understood that communication of signals by and between various ones of the target devices 703, 803, and 903, the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and 902, and the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 of Figures 7, 8, and 9 may be performed directly and / or indirectly. For example, beacons may be communicated directly between the target devices 703, 803, and 903 and corresponding ones of the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901. As another example, various information (e.g., target device report request, target device report, indication of adapted beaconing rate, position information report, etc.) may be communicated indirectly (e.g., via one or more of a ESL AP 106, a gateway node 120, a WiFi AP, a cellular base station, etc.) between the target devices 703, 803, and 903 and corresponding ones of the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and 902. Similarly, various information (e.g., target device report request, target device report, indication of adapted beaconing rate, position information report, etc.) may be communicated indirectly (e.g., via one or more of a ESL AP 106, a gateway node 120, etc.) between the anchor nodes 701, 801, and 901 and corresponding ones of the infrastructure nodes 702, 802, and 902.

[0098] Referring first to the example communication session for adapting a beaconing rate of Figure 7, network-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of anchor nodes may be provided, such as for target device position determination. In operation according to the illustrated example, the target device 703 collects information for adaptive beaconing at processing block 721. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 703 may be executed by a processing system(e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations to collect information for adaptive beaconing as described herein.

[0099] The information for adaptive beaconing collected by the target device 703 may, for example, comprise various information regarding the target device. In some examples, the information for adaptive beaconing may include mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, target device type information, etc.

[0100] Mobility information for the target device of some examples may include inertial measurement unit (IMU) readings, such as obtained under control of adaptive beaconing logic from a IMU (e.g., IMU providing a sensor of input components 503) in or associated with the target device 703. The IMU readings may, for example, provide information regarding angular rate, force, and acceleration experienced by the target device 703. Mobility information for the target device may additionally or alternatively include velocity and / or traveled distance readings, such as obtained under control of adaptive beaconing logic from an instrument cluster in or associated with the target device 703. For example, the target device 703 may be, or may be associated with, rolling stock equipment (e.g., a forklift, a pallet mover, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), etc.) having one or more sensors (e.g., speedometer and / or odometer instrumentation providing a sensor of input components 503) providing velocity and / or traveled distance information with respect to the target device 703.

[0101] Target device coarse location information of some examples may include a position estimate with respect to the target device 703. For example, one or more Bluetooth ESL radios, GPS radios, cellular radios, WiFi radios, etc. (e.g., wireless radios 512) of the target device 703 may be operated under control of adaptive beaconing logic to estimate a location of the target device within the ELS network environment. In operation according to some examples, one or more of the anchor nodes 701 may transmit beacon signal 711 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) from which the target device 703 may take RSSI measurements and estimate the position of the target device within the ELS network environment. Additionally or alternatively, one or more input devices (e.g., a camera of input components 503, a microphone of audio components 505, etc.) may be operated under control of adaptive beaconing logic to estimate a location of the target device within the ELS network environment. For example, a camera feed and / or audio feed may be analyzed by adaptive beaconing logic to recognize a general location(e.g., identify an aisle number or other marker within a facility, identify sounds of nearby machinery having a known position within a facility, etc.) for the target device 703.

[0102] Target device coarse location information of some examples may include an uncertainty metric (e.g., a deviation estimate, a tolerance percentage, a distance variance range, etc.) with respect to a position estimate. An uncertainty metric may, for example, be determined (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 703) based on a level of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), interference, signal strength, etc. experienced when the estimate of the position is made. An uncertainty metric may additionally or alternatively be determined from the dilution of precision with respect to the geometry of the positions of the anchor nodes 701.

[0103] Desired position accuracy information for the target device of some examples may include information with respect to a level of accuracy of a position determination for the target device 703. Desired position accuracy information may, for example, be provided as a configuration setting with respect to the target device 703, selected by a user of the target device 703 or of the ESL system, etc. Additionally or alternatively, desired position accuracy information may be determined (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 703) based on the target device type, the use scenario, ESL system configuration, type of facility associated with the ESL network environment, etc. Various target devices and / or their use scenarios may, for example, have need of different levels of position accuracy. For example, an eTag affixed to a package of inventory may present a target device use scenario in which position accuracy to the level of 3 meters (e.g., indicative of a particular aisle within a facility) may be sufficient. In contrast, a smartphone with which a user is attempting to navigate a facility to obtain a particular item of inventory may present a target device use scenario in which position accuracy to the sub-meter level (e.g., indicative of a particular gondola and / or shelf) may be desired.

[0104] Target device type information of some examples may include information with respect to a type of the target device 703 and / or a type of device associated with the target device 703. Target device type information may, for example, be provided as a configuration setting with respect to the target device 703, selected by a user of the target device 703 or of the ESL system, etc. Additionally or alternatively, target device type information may be determined (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 703) based on the use scenario for the target device 703, ESL system configuration, type of facility associated with the ESL network environment, etc. Target device type information of some examples may designate the target device 703 as a smartphone, othercellular phone, headphones, earbuds, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, wearable, shopping cart information device, inventory management unit, shelf label, eTag, rolling stock equipment, etc.

[0105] Collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by target device 703 periodically (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 703), such as according to a preconfigured schedule or upon the occurrence of an event (e.g., determined position accuracy being outside a desired position accuracy, determined position accuracy being unnecessarily high, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by target device 703 responsive to control signaling (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 703). For example, the target device report request signal 712 may be received by target device 703 (e.g., from infrastructure node 702 or some other node of the ESL system 100) to thereby trigger operation to collect information for adaptive beaconing.

[0106] Having collected information for adaptive beaconing, the target device 703 may provide a target device report including some or all of the information for adaptive beaconing. For example, the target device 703 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report signal 713 to the infrastructure node 702 for use in adapting a beaconing rate.

[0107] Although the example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of Figure 7 has been described above with reference to the target device 703 performing operations to collect information for the adaptive beaconing and to provide a target device report, operation for collection of information for adaptive beaconing and / or providing a target device report may additionally or alternatively be performed in whole or in part by one or more other devices. According to some examples, the infrastructure node 702, or other edge server, may determine and / or collect information for adaptive beaconing. One or more of the anchor nodes 701 may operate to collect information for adaptive beaconing and / or provide a target device report. For example, the anchor nodes 701 may perform operations to collect information for the adaptive beaconing and to provide a target device report as described with respect to the anchor nodes 801 with reference to Figure 8 below. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of cameras 102A- 102D and / or 104A-104D may provide a camera feed (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic of an ESL device 108, an ESL AP 106, the management server 122, etc.) for general location information of the target device 703 (e.g., an aisle number, a known marker within a facility, etc.).

[0108] Having received a target device report or otherwise obtained information for adaptive beaconing, the infrastructure node 702 may operate to adapt a beaconing rate in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the information for adaptive beaconing. A beaconing rate may, for example, be adapted to facilitate position determinations with respect to target device 703. In operation according to the illustrated example, the infrastructure node 702 adapts one or more beaconing rates at processing block 722. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 616) accessible to the infrastructure node 702 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 614) to perform and / or control operations to adapt a beaconing rate for one or more devices as described herein. Adapting the beaconing rate for one or more devices may, for example, configure an adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one anchor node of the anchor nodes 701 for RSSI measurement and location estimation by the target device 703.

[0109] Operation to adapt a beaconing rate according to some examples may include determining (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the infrastructure node 702) one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information for adaptive beaconing, such as my be obtained from the target device report, and increasing or decreasing a beaconing rate for one or more devices based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria. The one or more beaconing rate criteria of some examples may include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or various combinations thereof.

[0110] Target device velocity of the beaconing rate criteria of some examples may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using mobility information for the target device obtained from a target device report. As another example, target device velocity of the beaconing rate criteria may be determined by tracking changes in target device position estimates over time.

[0111] According to some examples, one or more target device velocity values (e.g., a range of target device velocity values) may be mapped to a corresponding beaconing rate (e.g., an anchor node beaconing rate). For example, a first one or more target device velocity values may be mapped to a first beaconing rate, a second one or more target device velocity values may be mapped to a second beaconing rate, and so on. Higher target device velocities may, for example, map to higher beaconing rates, such as to facilitate the target device accumulating a set of time-coherent measurements in order to improveposition estimation accuracy. Similarly, lower target device velocities may map to lower beaconing rates, such as to facilitate wireless radios conserving power. According to some examples, target device velocity value indicating the target device is stationary may be mapped to a lowest beaconing rate, such as for facilitating maximum power conservation where position estimations are relatively consistent over time. Operation to adapt a beaconing rate to increase or decrease the beaconing rate based on, as a function of, or otherwise using one or more beaconing rate criteria may thus include increasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the target device velocity being a first value of target device velocity values, or decreasing the beaconing rate correspondence with the target device velocity being a second value of target device velocity values, wherein the first value is greater than the second value.

[0112] Target device coarse location information of the beaconing rate criteria of some examples may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using target device coarse location information obtained from a target device report. As another example, target device coarse location information of the beaconing rate criteria may be determined from RSSI measurements made by the wireless radios of the anchor nodes (e.g., as may be provided in one or more position information reports).

[0113] According to some examples, one or more general locations (e.g., an area within a facility, a particular aisle within a facility, etc., as may correspond to target device coarse locations) may be mapped to a corresponding beaconing rate (e.g., an anchor node beaconing rate). For example, a first general location may be mapped to a first beaconing rate, a second general location may be mapped to a second beaconing rate, and so on. Particular ones of the general locations (e.g., a certain aisle of the facility equipped with a fewer number of ESL radios) may be mapped to a higher beaconing rate, such as to facilitate improved position estimation accuracy. Similarly, other general locations (e.g., an area within the facility associated with typically lower velocities) may be mapped to a lower beaconing rate, such as for facilitating power conservation where position estimations change relatively slowly over time. Operation to adapt a beaconing rate to increase or decrease the beaconing rate based on, as a function of, or otherwise using one or more beaconing rate criteria may thus include increasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the target device coarse location corresponding to a first location within the ESL network environment or decreasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the target device coarse location corresponding to a second location within the ESL network environment.

[0114] Position uncertainty with respect to the target device of the beaconing rate criteria of some examples may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using target device coarse location information (e.g., an uncertainty metric) obtained from a target device report. As another example, position uncertainty with respect to the target device of the beaconing rate criteria may be determined from RS SI measurements made by the wireless radios of the anchor nodes (e.g., as may be provided in one or more position information reports).

[0115] According to some examples, one or more position uncertainty levels (e.g., a range of position uncertainty) may be mapped to a corresponding beaconing rate (e.g., an anchor node beaconing rate). For example, a first one or more position uncertainty levels may be mapped to a first beaconing rate, a second one or more position uncertainty levels may be mapped to a second beaconing rate, and so on. Higher position uncertainty (e.g., indicating that sufficient RSSI measurements are not available at the target device for achieving low uncertainty) may, for example, map to higher beaconing rates, such as to facilitate sufficient RSSI measurements to achieve low uncertainty (e.g., increasing the beaconing rate may result in more measurements at the target device, with the redundancy helping to lower position estimation uncertainty). Similarly, lower position uncertainty (e.g., indicating that sufficient RSSI measurements are available to achieve low uncertainty) may map to lower beaconing rates, such as to facilitate wireless radios conserving power. Operation to adapt a beaconing rate to increase or decrease the beaconing rate based on, as a function of, or otherwise using one or more beaconing rate criteria may thus include increasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a first level of position uncertainty levels, or decreasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a second level of position uncertainty levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

[0116] Desired position accuracy for the target device of the beaconing rate criteria of some examples may be determined based on, as a function of, or otherwise using desired position accuracy information for the target device obtained from a target device report. As another example, desired position accuracy for the target device of the beaconing rate criteria of some examples may be determined from target device type information obtained from a target device report.

[0117] According to some examples, one or more desired position accuracy levels (e.g., a range of position accuracy) may be mapped to a corresponding beaconing rate (e.g., an anchornode beaconing rate). For example, a first one or more desired position accuracy levels may be mapped to a first beaconing rate, a second one or more desired position accuracy levels may be mapped to a second beaconing rate, and so on. Higher desired position accuracy may, for example, map to higher beaconing rates, such as to facilitate sufficient RSSI measurements to achieve high position accuracy. Similarly, lower desired position accuracy may map to lower beaconing rates, such as to facilitate wireless radios conserving power. Operation to adapt a beaconing rate to increase or decrease the beaconing rate based on, as a function of, or otherwise using one or more beaconing rate criteria may thus include increasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the desired position accuracy for the target device being a first level of desired position accuracy levels, or decreasing the beaconing rate in correspondence with the desired position accuracy for the target device being a second level of desired position accuracy levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

[0118] Adapted beaconing rates of some examples may be provided with respect to multiple anchor nodes of anchor nodes 701. For example, an adapted beaconing rate may be provided for each anchor node of anchor nodes 701 in communication with, or in proximity to, the target device 703. According to some examples, adapted beaconing rates may be provided with respect to one or more particular anchor nodes of anchor nodes 701. For example, mapping of beaconing rate criteria to corresponding beaconing rates may differ for particular anchor nodes, such as based upon a device type of the anchor node, the relative location of the anchor node to the target device, the channel conditions between the anchor node and the target device, etc.

[0119] Having adapted one or more beaconing rates, the infrastructure node 702 may provide one or more indications of adapted beaconing rates. For example, infrastructure node 702 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 714 to the anchor nodes 701 for use in adapting a beaconing rate. The indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 714 may, according to some examples, include a same indication of adapted beaconing rate for each anchor node of anchor nodes 701 (e.g., broadcast or unicast to the anchor nodes 701). According to some examples, the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 714 may include different indications of adapted beaconing rates for particular anchor nodes of anchor nodes 701 (e.g., broadcast or unicast to the particular anchor nodes). The infrastructure node 702 of some examples may also transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the indication of adaptedbeaconing rate signal 715 to the target device 703, such as for use in monitoring a beacon transmitted according to the adapted a beaconing rate.

[0120] Although the example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of Figure 7 has been described above with reference to the infrastructure node 702 performing operations to adapt one or more beaconing rates for anchor nodes 701 and to provide an indication of adapted beaconing rate to anchor nodes 701, operation for adapting a beaconing rate and / or providing an indication of adapted beaconing rate may be performed with respect to one or more other devices. According to some examples, a beaconing rate may additionally be adapted for, and an indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be provided to, the target device 703, such as described with respect to the operation of infrastructure node 802 with reference to Figure 8 below.

[0121] Having received an indication of adapted beaconing rate or otherwise obtained information for adaptive beaconing, the anchor nodes 701 may operate at processing block 723 to set a beaconing rate in correspondence with the adapted beaconing rate. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 416) accessible to an anchor node 701 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 414) to perform and / or control operations to set a transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by the anchor node 701 in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the indication of adapted beaconing rate as described herein. The anchor nodes 701 may set a beaconing rate for a beacon signal 716 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) transmitted by the anchor node 701 (e.g., using wireless radio 412 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) from which the target device 703 may take RSSI measurements for use in estimating the position of the target device within the ELS network environment.

[0122] According to some examples, one or more anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 701 may not operate to set a beaconing rate in correspondence with an adapted beaconing rate. For example, the received indication of adapted beaconing rate may be ignored by the anchor node in some situations. In a situation in which the beaconing rate currently implemented by the anchor node is already below or above a certain minimum or maximum beaconing rate threshold, for example, the anchor node may continue to transmit a beacon at a current beaconing rate rather than setting the beaconing rate in correspondence with an adapted beaconing rate. In another example, in a situation in which the indication of adapted beaconing rate is not intended for the particular anchor node (e.g., as recognizedthrough an identifier, such as intended device ID or MAC address, embedded in the indication message), the anchor node may continue to transmit a beacon at a current beaconing rate after having received an indication of adapted beaconing rate. According to some examples, various identifiers (e.g., intended device group ID, etc.) may be mapped to multiple distinct groups of anchor nodes.

[0123] Target device 703 may receive beacons transmitted by one or more of the anchor nodes 701 at a rate corresponding to an adapted beaconing rate and make RSSI measurements for location estimation. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations (e.g., operation at processing block 724) to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of one or more beacons transmitted by anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 701) and determine a position of the target device 703 using the collected information. Alternatively, the target device 703 of some examples may operate to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of one or more beacons transmitted by anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 701) and provide some or all of the collected information to infrastructure node 702 for determining a position of the target device, as described with reference to the position information report of Figure 8 below. The adapted beaconing rate utilized with respect to the one or more beacons transmitted by anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 701 may facilitate high accuracy position determinations, whether by target device 703 or infrastructure node 702, while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by the anchor nodes 701 and / or target device 703.

[0124] Referring now to the example communication session for adapting a beaconing rate of Figure 8, network-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of a target device may be provided, such as for network-based target device position determination. In operation according to the illustrated example, one or more of the anchor nodes 801 collect information for adaptive beaconing at processing block 821. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 416) accessible to the anchor node 801 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 414) to perform and / or control operations to collect information for adaptive beaconing as described herein.

[0125] The information for adaptive beaconing collected by the anchor nodes 801 may, for example, comprise various information regarding the target device, as described abovewith reference to Figure 7. For example, the information for adaptive beaconing may include mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, target device type information, etc.

[0126] Information for adaptive beaconing may be obtained by an anchor node 801 based on, from, or otherwise using signals transmitted by the target device 803. For example, the target device 803 may transmit the beacon signal 811 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) from which the anchor nodes 801 may take RS SI measurements and determine mobility information for the target device (e.g., velocity, direction of travel, distance traveled, etc.), target device coarse location information (e.g., estimate the position of the target device within the ELS network environment), etc. Additionally or alternatively, signals transmitted by the target device 803 may include various information of the information for adaptive beaconing. For example, beacon signal 811 and / or another signal (e.g., target device report) transmitted by target device 803 may include various aspects of mobility information for the target device (e.g., IMU readings, velocity and / or traveled distance readings, etc.), target device coarse location information (e.g., a position estimate, an uncertainty metric, etc.), desired position accuracy information for the target device (e.g., a level of accuracy for a position determination, etc.), and / or target device type information (e.g., a device type of the target device, a type of device associated with the target device, etc.).

[0127] Collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by anchor nodes 801 periodically (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the anchor node 801), such as according to a preconfigured schedule or upon the occurrence of an event (e.g., determined position accuracy being outside a desired position accuracy, determined position accuracy being unnecessarily high, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by anchor nodes 801 responsive to control signaling (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the anchor node 801). For example, the target device report request signal 812 may be received by an anchor node 801 (e.g., from infrastructure node 802 or some other node of the ESL system 100) to thereby trigger operation to collect information for adaptive beaconing.

[0128] Having collected information for adaptive beaconing, one or more of the anchor nodes 801 may provide a target device report including some or all of the information for adaptive beaconing. For example, an anchor node 801 may transmit (e.g., using wirelessradio 412 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report signal 813 to the infrastructure node 802 for use in adapting a beaconing rate.

[0129] Although the example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of Figure 8 has been described above with reference to one or more anchor nodes 801 performing operations to collect information for the adaptive beaconing and to provide a target device report, operation for collection of information for adaptive beaconing and / or providing a target device report may additionally or alternatively be performed in whole or in part by one or more other devices. According to some examples, the infrastructure node 802, or other edge server, may determine and / or collect information for adaptive beaconing. Target device 803 may operate to collect information for adaptive beaconing and / or provide a target device report. For example, the target device 803 may perform operations to collect information for the adaptive beaconing and to provide a target device report as described with respect to the target device 703 with reference to Figure 7 above. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of cameras 102A-102D and / or 104A-104D may provide a camera feed (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic of an ESL device 108, an ESL AP 106, the management server 122, etc.) for general location information of the target device 803 (e.g., an aisle number, a known marker within a facility, etc.).

[0130] Having received a target device report or otherwise obtained information for adaptive beaconing, the infrastructure node 802 may operate to adapt a beaconing rate in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the information for adaptive beaconing. A beaconing rate may, for example, be adapted to facilitate position determinations with respect to target device 803. In operation according to the illustrated example, the infrastructure node 802 adapts one or more beaconing rates at processing block 822. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 616) accessible to the infrastructure node 802 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 614) to perform and / or control operations to adapt a beaconing rate for one or more devices as described herein. Adapting the beaconing rate for one or more devices may, for example, configure an adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device 803 for RS SI measurement and location estimation by at least one anchor node of the anchor nodes 801.

[0131] Operation to adapt a beaconing rate according to some examples may include determining(e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the infrastructure node 802)one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information for adaptive beaconing, such as my be obtained from the target device report, and increasing or decreasing a beaconing rate for one or more devices based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria. The one or more beaconing rate criteria of some examples may include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or various combinations thereof, as may be determined as described with respect to the infrastructure node 702 with reference to Figure 7 above.

[0132] Having adapted one or more beaconing rates, the infrastructure node 802 may provide one or more indications of adapted beaconing rates. For example, infrastructure node 802 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 814 to the target device 803 for use in adapting a beaconing rate. The infrastructure node 802 of some examples may also transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 815 to one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 801, such as for use in monitoring a beacon transmitted according to the adapted a beaconing rate.

[0133] Signals for providing an indication of adapted beaconing rate may be adapted for receiving and use by various configurations of the target device 803. For example, in the case of a target device implemented as a smartphone or other device with a transceiver, the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 814 may be adapted as a signal that is received directly by the target device for decoding information regarding the indication of adapted beaconing rate, such as for updating the transmission rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device 803. In the case of a target device implemented as an energy-harvesting device (e.g., energy-harvesting eTag) or other device configuration which does not possess a capability (e.g., a receiver) to directly decode an indication of adapted beaconing rate, the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 814 may be adapted as a signal that is in the form of an energizing pattern corresponding to the indication of adapted beaconing rate. For example, an indication of adapted beaconing rate signal may be provided to one or more energizers disposed within an ESL network environment, and an energizer in proximity to the target device 803 may transmit energizing waveforms having a pattern (e.g., a known or predetermined ON-OFF pattern) recognized by the target device as an indication to increase or decrease the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device. According to some examples, a givenbeaconing rate can be mapped to a unique energizing waveform pattern. Various ones of the energizing waveform patterns, corresponding to various indications of adapted beaconing rates, may be known to, or otherwise determinable by, the target devices. According to some examples, various ones of the energizing waveform patterns may be programmed (e.g., through another energizing waveform pattern), such as prior to deployment of the target device.

[0134] Although the example communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of Figure 8 has been described above with reference to the infrastructure node 802 performing operations to adapt one or more beaconing rates for target device 803 and to provide an indication of adapted beaconing rate to target device 803, operation for adapting a beaconing rate and / or providing an indication of adapted beaconing rate may be performed with respect to one or more other devices. According to some examples, one or more beaconing rates may additionally be adapted for, and an indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be provided to, the anchor nodes 801, such as described with respect to the operation of infrastructure node 702 with reference to Figure 7 above.

[0135] Having received an indication of adapted beaconing rate or otherwise obtained information for adaptive beaconing, the target device 803 may operate at processing block 823 to set a beaconing rate in correspondence with the adapted beaconing rate. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 803 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations to set a transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by the target device 803 (e.g., using wireless radio 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the indication of adapted beaconing rate as described herein. The target device 803 may set a beaconing rate for a beacon signal 816 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) from which one or more of the anchor nodes 801 may take RSSI measurements for use in estimating the position of the target device within the ELS network environment.

[0136] According to some examples, the target device 803 may not operate to set a beaconing rate in correspondence with an adapted beaconing rate. For example, the received indication of adapted beaconing rate may be ignored by the target device in some situations. In a situation in which the beaconing rate currently implemented by the target device is already below or above a certain minimum or maximum beaconing rate threshold, for example, the target device may continue to transmit a beacon at a currentbeaconing rate rather than setting the beaconing rate in correspondence with an adapted beaconing rate. In another example, in a situation in which the indication of adapted beaconing rate is not intended for the particular target device (e.g., as recognized through an identifier, such as intended device ID or MAC address, embedded in the indication message, or an energizing waveform pattern that is not recognizable by the target device), the target device may continue to transmit a beacon at a current beaconing rate after having received an indication of adapted beaconing rate. According to some examples, various identifiers (e.g., energizing waveform patterns, intended device group ID, etc.) may be mapped to multiple distinct groups of target devices.

[0137] One or more anchor nodes 801 may receive a beacon transmitted by the target device 803 at a rate corresponding to an adapted beaconing rate and make RS SI measurements for location estimation. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 416) accessible to the anchor node may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 414) to perform and / or control operations (e.g., operation at processing block 824) to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of a beacon transmitted by the target device 803). The anchor nodes 801 of some examples may operate to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of one or more beacons transmitted by the target device 803) and provide some or all of the collected information to infrastructure node 802 for determining a position of the target device (e.g., operation at processing block 825). For example, one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 801 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 412 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the position information report signal 817 to the infrastructure node 802 for use in for determining a position of the target device. Alternatively, one or more of the anchor nodes 801 may operate to determine a position of the target device 803 using RSSI measurements of a beacon transmitted by the anchor nodes 801 (e.g., information collected by some of the anchor nodes 801 may be provided to a particular one of anchor nodes 801 for use in a position determination). The adapted beaconing rate utilized with respect to the beacon transmitted by the target device 803 may facilitate high accuracy position determinations, whether by infrastructure node 802 or an anchor node of anchor nodes 801, while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by the anchor nodes 801 and / or target device 803.

[0138] Referring now to the example communication session for adapting a beaconing rate of Figure 9, target device-based adaptation of the beaconing rate of the target device may beprovided, such as for network-based target device position determination. In operation according to the illustrated example, the target device 903 collects information for adaptive beaconing at processing block 921. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 903 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations to collect information for adaptive beaconing as described herein.

[0139] The information for adaptive beaconing collected by the target device 903 may, for example, comprise various information regarding the target device, as described above with reference to Figure 7. For example, the information for adaptive beaconing may include mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, target device type information, etc.

[0140] Information for adaptive beaconing may be obtained by target device 903 based on, from, or otherwise using signals transmitted by one or more anchor nodes 901. For example, the target device 903 may transmit the beacon signal 911 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) from which the anchor nodes 901 may perform and / or control operations (e.g., operation at processing block 920) collect information for adaptive beaconing (e.g., make RSSI measurements of a beacon transmitted by the target device 903). Having collected information for adaptive beaconing, one or more of the anchor nodes 901 may provide a target device report including some or all of the information for adaptive beaconing. For example, an anchor node 901 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 412 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report signal 913 to the target device 903 for use in adapting a beaconing rate. According to some examples, the target device report signal 913 and / or another signal (e.g., beacon) transmitted by an anchor node of anchor nodes 901 may include various aspects of mobility information for the target device (e.g., RSSI measurements, velocity information, direction of travel information, distance traveled information, etc.) and / or target device coarse location information (e.g., a position estimate, an uncertainty metric, etc.).

[0141] Collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by anchor nodes 901 and / or target device 903 periodically (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the anchor node 901 and / or target device 903), such as according to a preconfigured schedule or upon the occurrence of an event (e.g., determined positionaccuracy being outside a desired position accuracy, determined position accuracy being unnecessarily high, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed by anchor nodes 901 and / or target device 903 responsive to control signaling (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the anchor node 901 and / or target device 903). For example, the target device report request signal 912 may be received by an anchor node 901 (e.g., from target device 903 or some other node of the ESL system 100) to thereby trigger operation to collect information for adaptive beaconing.

[0142] Having collected information for adaptive beaconing, the target device 903 may operate to adapt a beaconing rate in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the information for adaptive beaconing. A beaconing rate may, for example, be adapted to facilitate position determinations with respect to target device 903. In operation according to the illustrated example, the target device 903 adapts one or more beaconing rates at processing block 922. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 903 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations to adapt a beaconing rate for one or more devices as described herein. Adapting the beaconing rate for one or more devices may, for example, configure an adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device 903 for RS SI measurement and location estimation by at least one anchor node of the anchor nodes 901.

[0143] Operation to adapt a beaconing rate according to some examples may include determining (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic executed by the target device 903) one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information for adaptive beaconing, and increasing or decreasing a beaconing rate for one or more devices based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria. The one or more beaconing rate criteria of some examples may include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or various combinations thereof, as may be determined by the target device 903 as described with respect to the infrastructure node 702 with reference to Figure 7 above.

[0144] Having adapted one or more beaconing rates, the target device 903 may operate at processing block 923 to set a beaconing rate in correspondence with the adapted beaconing rate. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 903 may be executed by a processing system(e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations to set a transmission rate of one or more beacons transmitted by the target device 903 (e.g., using wireless radio 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the adapted beaconing rate as described herein. The target device 903 may set a beaconing rate for a beacon signal 915 (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon, a WiFi beacon, etc.) from which one or more of the anchor nodes 901 may take RSSI measurements for use in estimating the position of the target device within the ELS network environment. The target device 903 of some examples may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) an indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 914 to one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 901 for use in monitoring a beacon transmitted according to the adapted a beaconing rate.

[0145] One or more anchor nodes 901 may receive a beacon transmitted by the target device 903 at a rate corresponding to an adapted beaconing rate and make RSSI measurements for location estimation. For example, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 416) accessible to the anchor node may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 414) to perform and / or control operations (e.g., operation at processing block 924) to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of a beacon transmitted by the target device 903). The anchor nodes 901 of some examples may operate to collect information for position determination (e.g., make RSSI measurements of one or more beacons transmitted by the target device 903) and provide some or all of the collected information to infrastructure node 902 for determining a position of the target device (e.g., operation at processing block 925). For example, one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 901 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 412 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the position information report signal 916 to the infrastructure node 902 for use in for determining a position of the target device. Alternatively, one or more of the anchor nodes 901 may operate to determine a position of the target device 903 using RSSI measurements of a beacon transmitted by the anchor nodes 901 (e.g., information collected by some of the anchor nodes 901 may be provided to a particular one of anchor nodes 901 for use in a position determination). The adapted beaconing rate utilized with respect to the beacon transmitted by the target device 903 may facilitate high accuracy position determinations, whether by infrastructure node 902 or an anchor node of anchornodes 901, while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by the anchor nodes 901 and / or target device 903.

[0146] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The flow 1000 of Figure 10 may, for example, be implemented with respect to a communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning in accordance with that described above with reference to Figure 7. In another example, the flow 1000 may be implemented with respect to a communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning in accordance with that described above with reference to Figure 8. According to some examples, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 616) accessible to the infrastructure node 702 or 802 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 614) to perform and / or control operations shown and described with respect to flow 1000 of Figure 10.

[0147] At block 1001, a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment may be received. For example, the infrastructure node 702 or 802 (e.g., an ESL AP 106, a management server 122, edge server, etc.) may receive (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) a target device report from one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment (e.g., an ESL network environment). The target device report may, for example, be provided by the target device report signal 713 transmitted by target device 703. Additionally or alternatively the target device report may be provided by the target device report signal 813 transmitted by one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 801. According to some examples, the target device report may be provided by one or more signals transmitted by various devices operating within the wireless network environment, such as one or more of cameras 102A-102D and / or 104A-104D. Information included in the target device report may, for example, include mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, target device type information, etc.

[0148] Target device reports may be received periodically, such as according to a preconfigured schedule or upon the occurrence of an event (e.g., determined position accuracy being outside a desired position accuracy, determined position accuracy being unnecessarily high, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, target device reports may be received in responseto control signaling. For example, the infrastructure node 702 or 802 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report request signal 712 to the target device 703 to trigger operation to provide a target device report. As another example, the infrastructure node 702 or 802 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report request signal 812 to one or more anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 801 to trigger operation to provide a target device report.

[0149] At block 1002, a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment may be adapted in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate. For example, the infrastructure node 702 or 802 (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic) may operate to adapt a beaconing rate in correspondence with, using, based on, based on information derived from, etc. information included in the target device report. Adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices according to some examples may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices of the wireless network for RS SI measurement and location estimation by the target device. Additionally or alternatively, adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device for RS SI measurement by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network.

[0150] Operation to adapt the beaconing rate of one or more devices according to some examples includes determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information of the information included in the target device report. The beaconing rate criteria may, for example, include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, etc. According to some examples, the beaconing rate may be increased or decreased based on at least one criterion of the beaconing rate criteria.

[0151] In an example, the beaconing rate criteria includes at least target device velocity. The beaconing rate may be increased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the target device velocity being a first value of target device velocity values or the beaconing rate may be decreased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the target device velocity being a second value of target device velocity values (e.g., where the first value is greater than the second value).

[0152] In another example, the beaconing rate criteria includes at least target device coarse location. The beaconing rate may be increased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the target device coarse location corresponding to a first location within the ESL network environment or the beaconing rate may be decreased or the beaconing rate may be decreased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the target device coarse location corresponding to a second location within the ESL network environment (e.g., where the first location and the second location are different locations within the wireless network environment).

[0153] In yet another example, the beaconing rate criteria includes at least position uncertainty with respect to the target device. The beaconing rate may be increased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a first level of position uncertainty levels or the beaconing rate may be decreased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a second level of position uncertainty levels (e.g., where the first level is greater than the second level).

[0154] In still another example, the beaconing rate criteria includes at least desired position accuracy for the target device. The beaconing rate may be increased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the desired position accuracy for the target device being a first level of desired position accuracy levels or the beaconing rate may be decreased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) the desired position accuracy for the target device being a second level of desired position accuracy levels (e.g., where the first level is greater than the second level).

[0155] At block 1003, an indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate. For example, the infrastructure node 702 or 802 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 612 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) an indication of adapted beaconing rate signal to one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment. The indication of adapted beaconing rate signal may, for example, be transmitted as the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 714 for providing an indication of adapted beaconing rate to one or more anchor nodes of anchor nodes 701. Additionally or alternatively, the indication of adapted beaconing ratesignal may be transmitted as the indication of adapted beaconing rate signal 814 for providing an indication of adapted beaconing rate to the target device 803.

[0156] An indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted using signals of various configurations. For example, an indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted through a beacon signal. According to some examples, an indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be provided in a signal configured for one or more devices decoding the indication of the adapted beaconing rate and updating a beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the respective devices. In some examples, an indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be provided in a signal configured for transmission as energizing waveforms recognized by one or more devices as an indication to increase or decrease a beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the respective devices.

[0157] In operation according to some examples, information included in a target device report may be provided by a target device and an indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate. In some examples, information included in a target device report may be provided by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network and an indication of an adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to a target device to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0158] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The flow 1100 of Figure 11 may, for example, be implemented with respect to a communication session for providing adaptation of the beaconing rate of wireless radios facilitating target device positioning in accordance with that described above with reference to Figure 9. According to some examples, adaptive beaconing logic stored in memory (e.g., the memory 516) accessible to the target device 903 may be executed by a processing system (e.g., including one or more of the microprocessors 514) to perform and / or control operations shown and described with respect to flow 1100 of Figure 11.

[0159] At block 1101, adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment may be collected. For example, the target device 903 (e.g., a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, other cellular phone, headphones, earbuds, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, wearable, shopping cart information device, inventory management unit, shelf label, rolling stock equipment, etc. for which positionlocation services are to be performed) may collect (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic) various adaptive beaconing information. The information for adaptive beaconing may, for example, include various information regarding the target device, such as mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, target device type information, etc.

[0160] In operation according to some examples, information for adaptive beaconing, or some portion thereof, may be obtained based on, from, or otherwise using signals transmitted by one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment (e.g., an ESL network environment). For example, one or more anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 901 may provide a target device report including some or all of the information for adaptive beaconing.

[0161] Collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed periodically, such as according to a preconfigured schedule or upon the occurrence of an event (e.g., determined position accuracy being outside a desired position accuracy, determined position accuracy being unnecessarily high, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, collection of information for adaptive beaconing may be performed in response to control signaling. For example, the target device 903 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radios 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) the target device report request signal 912 to one or more anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 901 to trigger operation to provide information for adaptive beaconing.

[0162] At block 1102, a beaconing rate for the target device may be adapted in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate. For example, the target device 903 (e.g., under control of adaptive beaconing logic) may operate to adapt a beaconing rate in correspondence with, using, based on, based on information derived from, etc. information included in the target device report. Adapting the beaconing rate for the target device according to some examples may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device for RS SI measurement by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network. Additionally or alternatively a beaconing rate may be adapted for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices of the wireless network for RS SI measurement and location estimation by the target device.

[0163] Operation to adapt the beaconing rate of the target device according to some examples includes determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information of theadaptive beaconing information. The beaconing rate criteria may, for example, include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, etc. According to some examples, the beaconing rate may be increased or decreased based on at least one criterion of the beaconing rate criteria. The beaconing rate may be increased or decreased in correspondence with (e.g., using, based on, based on information derived from, etc.) beaconing rate criterion of the examples described above with reference to Figure 10.

[0164] At block 1103, the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device may be set to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate. For example, the target device 903 may set (e.g., increase, decrease, or otherwise adapt) a rate of transmission of a beacon transmitted by the target device (e.g., by wireless radio 512 under control of adaptive beaconing logic), such as for one or more of the anchor nodes 901 taking RSSI measurements for use in estimating the position of the target device.

[0165] According to some examples, an indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment. For example, target device 903 may transmit (e.g., using wireless radio 512 operating under control of adaptive beaconing logic) an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling one or more anchor nodes of the anchor nodes 901 that the beacon is being transmitted by the target device with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0166] It is noted that one or more blocks (or operations) described with reference to Figures 1- 6 may be combined with one or more blocks (or operations) described with reference to another of the figures. For example, one or more blocks (or operations) of Figure 5 may be combined with one or more blocks (or operations) of Figures 1-6. As another example, one or more blocks associated with any of Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and / or 11 may be combined with one or more blocks associated with Figures 1-6.

[0167] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting ESL systems may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in connection with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for receiving a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment, adapting a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in thetarget device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate, and transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate. In some implementations, the apparatus includes a wireless device, such as an ESL device, an AP, a gateway node, or a server. In some implementations, the apparatus may include a processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors. The processing system may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform operations described herein. In some other implementations, the apparatus may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon and the program code may be executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform operations described herein with reference to the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatus may include one or more means configured to perform operations described herein. In some implementations, a method of wireless communication may include one or more operations described herein with reference to the apparatus.

[0168] In a second aspect, in combination with the first aspect, adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices of the wireless network for RS SI measurement and location estimation by the target device.

[0169] In a third aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect or the second aspect, the information included in the target device report may be provided by the target device and the indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0170] In a fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the third aspect, the information included in the target device report may include one or more of mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, or target device type information.

[0171] In a fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the fourth aspect, adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices may configure the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device for RS SI measurement by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network.

[0172] In a sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the fifth aspect, the information included in the target device report may be provided by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network and the indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0173] In a seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the sixth aspect, the information included in the target device report may include RS SI information configured for determining one or more of mobility information for the target device or target device coarse location information.

[0174] In an eighth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the seventh aspect, the indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be transmitted to the target device through a beacon signal.

[0175] In a ninth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the eighth aspect, the indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be provided in a signal configured for the target device decoding the indication of the adapted beaconing rate and updating the beaconing rate of the beacon transmitted by the target device.

[0176] In a tenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the ninth aspect, the indication of the adapted beaconing rate may be provided in a signal configured for transmission as energizing waveforms recognized by the target device as an indication to increase or decrease the beaconing rate of the beacon transmitted by the target device.

[0177] In an eleventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the tenth aspect, the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information of the information included in the target device report, and increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria.

[0178] In a twelfth aspect, in combination the eleventh aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or a combination thereof.

[0179] In a thirteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include target device velocity and the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for increasing the beaconing rate based on the target device velocity being a firstvalue of target device velocity values, or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the target device velocity being a second value of target device velocity values, wherein the first value is greater than the second value.

[0180] In a fourteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eleventh aspect through the thirteenth aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include target device coarse location and the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for increasing the beaconing rate based on the target device coarse location corresponding to a first location within the wireless network environment, or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the target device coarse location corresponding to a second location within the wireless network environment.

[0181] In a fifteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eleventh aspect through the fourteenth aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include position uncertainty with respect to the target device and the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for increasing the beaconing rate based on the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a first level of position uncertainty levels, or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a second level of position uncertainty levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

[0182] In a sixteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the eleventh aspect through the fifteenth aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include desired position accuracy for the target device and the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for increasing the beaconing rate based on the desired position accuracy for the target device being a first level of desired position accuracy levels, or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the desired position accuracy for the target device being a second level of desired position accuracy levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

[0183] In a seventeenth aspect, methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for collecting adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment, adapting a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate, and setting the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate. In some implementations, the apparatus includes a wireless device, such as an ESL device, an AP, a gateway node, or a server. In some implementations, the apparatus may includea processing system that includes one or more processors and one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors. The processing system may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform operations described herein. In some other implementations, the apparatus may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon and the program code may be executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform operations described herein with reference to the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatus may include one or more means configured to perform operations described herein. In some implementations, a method of wireless communication may include one or more operations described herein with reference to the apparatus.

[0184] In an eighteenth aspect, in combination with the seventeenth aspect, the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information for the target device, and increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria.

[0185] In a nineteenth aspect, in combination with one or more of the seventeenth aspect or the eighteenth aspect, the one or more beaconing rate criteria may include target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or a combination thereof.

[0186] In a twentieth aspect, in combination with one or more of the seventeenth aspect through the nineteenth aspect, the methods, apparatuses, and articles for supporting ESL system operation may provide for transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment that the beacon is being transmitted by the target device with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

[0187] Components, the functional blocks, and the modules described herein with respect to the figures described above include processors, electronics devices, hardware devices, electronics components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, among other examples, or any combination thereof. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, application, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or otherwise. In addition, features discussedherein may be implemented via specialized processor circuitry, via executable instructions, or combinations thereof.

[0188] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Skilled artisans will also readily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods, or interactions that are described herein are merely examples and that the components, methods, or interactions of the various aspects of the present disclosure may be combined or performed in ways other than those illustrated and described herein.

[0189] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm processes described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been described generally, in terms of functionality, and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0190] The hardware and data processing apparatus used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. In some implementations, a processor may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP anda microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.

[0191] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents thereof, or in any combination thereof. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification also may be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

[0192] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. The processes of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor-executable software module which may reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that may be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine readable medium and computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0193] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to some other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0194] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0195] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example processes in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations that are not depicted may be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, some other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0196] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method comprising: receiving a target device report for a target device operating within a wireless network environment; adapting a beaconing rate for one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment in correspondence with information included in the target device report to provide an adapted beaconing rate; and transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling the one or more devices to transmit a beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices configures the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices of the wireless network for received signal strength indicator (RS SI) measurement and location estimation by the target device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information included in the target device report is provided by the target device and the indication of the adapted beaconing rate is transmitted to at least one wireless radio associated with one or more wireless devices to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the information included in the target device report includes one or more of mobility information for the target device, target device coarse location information, desired position accuracy information for the target device, or target device type information.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein adapting the beaconing rate for the one or more devices configures the adapted beaconing rate for a beacon transmitted by the target device for received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the information included in the target device report is provided by one or more wireless devices of the wireless network and the indication of the adapted beaconing rate is transmitted to the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information included in the target device report includes received signal strength indicator (RSSI) information configured for determining one or more of mobility information for the target device or target device coarse location information.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication of the adapted beaconing rate is transmitted to the target device through a beacon signal.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication of the adapted beaconing rate is provided in a signal configured for the target device decoding the indication of the adapted beaconing rate and updating the beaconing rate of the beacon transmitted by the target device.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication of the adapted beaconing rate is provided in a signal configured for transmission as energizing waveforms recognized by the target device as an indication to increase or decrease the beaconing rate of the beacon transmitted by the target device.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein adapting the beaconing rate of the one or more devices comprises: determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information of the information included in the target device report; and increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes target device velocity and wherein increasing or decreasing the beaconing ratebased on the at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria comprises: increasing the beaconing rate based on the target device velocity being a first value of target device velocity values; or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the target device velocity being a second value of target device velocity values, wherein the first value is greater than the second value.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes target device coarse location and wherein increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria comprises: increasing the beaconing rate based on the target device coarse location corresponding to a first location within the wireless network environment; or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the target device coarse location corresponding to a second location within the wireless network environment.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes position uncertainty with respect to the target device and wherein increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria comprises: increasing the beaconing rate based on the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a first level of position uncertainty levels; or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the position uncertainty with respect to the target device being a second level of position uncertainty levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes desired position accuracy for the target device and wherein increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria comprises: increasing the beaconing rate based on the desired position accuracy for the target device being a first level of desired position accuracy levels; or decreasing the beaconing rate based on the desired position accuracy for the target device being a second level of desired position accuracy levels, wherein the first level is greater than the second level.

17. A method comprising: collecting adaptive beaconing information for a target device operating within a wireless network environment; adapting a beaconing rate for the target device in correspondence with the adaptive beaconing information to provide an adapted beaconing rate; and setting the beaconing rate of a beacon transmitted by the target device to transmit the beacon with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein adapting the beaconing rate for the target device comprises: determining one or more beaconing rate criteria based on information for the target device; and increasing or decreasing the beaconing rate based on at least one criterion of the one or more beaconing rate criteria.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more beaconing rate criteria includes target device velocity, target device coarse location, position uncertainty with respect to the target device, desired position accuracy for the target device, or a combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: transmitting an indication of the adapted beaconing rate for signaling one or more devices operating within the wireless network environment that the beacon is being transmitted by the target device with a transmission rate according to the adapted beaconing rate.

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