Device Configuration with Wireless Gigabit Capability

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the configuration of devices with WiGig capabilities. A device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is configured to determine the relative direction of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities (e.g., a docking station or an access point), and to configure using the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities when in an extended desktop mode and without user intervention. Additionally, a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities determines the relative direction of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, and is configured to display the direction and / or transmission quality for the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

Description

[0001] Division Case Explanation

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of September 7, 2016, application number 201610806971.4, and title "Device Configuration with Wireless Gigabit Capability". Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to devices with wireless gigabit (WiGig) capabilities, and more particularly to the configuration of devices with WiGig capabilities. Background Art

[0004] When a wireless gigabit (WiGig)-capable device (e.g., a laptop) operating in the unlicensed 60 GHz band is connected to a dock with an external display, and the user wishes to use the external display in extended desktop mode, the user manually selects whether to place the external display to the left or right of the laptop display. This selection affects the movement of the mouse when it reaches the edge of the laptop display or the external display, i.e., whether the mouse continues to move from the right side of the laptop display to the left side of the external monitor, or from the left side of the laptop display to the right side of the external monitor. This selection also affects whether a window can move between the displays from the right or left side of the laptop display.

[0005] In addition, when a user attempts to connect a laptop or other WiGig-capable device to a WiGig-capable dock or access point (AP), the user may be presented with multiple available docking stations / APs as connection options. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for configuring a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is disclosed, including: performing a transmit sector scan between a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, where the station is a dock or an access point (AP); indexing the sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determining the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is disclosed, including an antenna and a processor, where the processor is configured to perform the following operations: perform a transmit sector scan between the antenna and the antenna of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, where the station is a docking station or an access point (AP); index the sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determine the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities relative to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A and 1B A schematic diagram of a WiGig system is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary WiGig-capable device for use in the systems and methods according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for configuring a WiGig-capable device is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a WiGig system is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a display device of a WiGig-capable device is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary WiGig-capable wireless docking station or access point (AP) for use in the systems and methods according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for configuring a WiGig-capable device is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a WiGig-capable device that is configured to determine the relative orientation of a WiGig-capable station (e.g., a docking station or an access point), and when in an extended desktop mode and without user intervention, the device is configured using the relative orientation of the WiGig-capable station. Additionally, the WiGig-capable device determines the relative orientation of the WiGig-capable station and is configured to display the orientation and / or transmission quality of the WiGig-capable station.

[0016] Figure 1A and 1B FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a WiGig system 100 in two different configurations in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] The WiGig system 100 includes a WiGig-capable device 110 and a WiGig-capable docking station 120 with an external display (hereinafter simply referred to as a "WiGig-capable external display"). The WiGig-capable device 110 can be a laptop computer, a tablet device, a mobile phone, or other similar devices. The WiGig-capable device 110 transmits and receives signals via an antenna array 112. The WiGig-capable external display 120 also has an antenna array 122. Each antenna array can be a phased array having a set of independent antennas configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals. Signals from the independent antennas are combined to achieve improved performance compared to a single antenna. The illustrated antenna arrays 112, 122 are for illustrative purposes. In practice, these antenna arrays 112, 122 will likely be hidden inside the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable external display 120, respectively. Alternatively, each antenna array 112, 122 can be a switch beam antenna, a mechanically movable antenna, or other directional antennas.

[0018] Figure 1A and 1B FIG. shows a typical scenario of the relative layout of the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable external display 120. Figure 1A FIG. shows a configuration in which the WiGig-capable device 110 is located on the right side of the WiGig-capable external display 120. Alternatively, Figure 1B FIG. shows a configuration in which the WiGig-capable device 110 is located on the left side of the WiGig-capable external display 120.

[0019] The WiGig-capable device 110 is connected to the WiGig-capable display 120 using WiGig 60 GHz communication. Once the connection between the device 110 and the display 120 is established, a well-known beamforming training is performed to find the optimal directions for the antenna arrays 112, 122 to transmit and receive. This direction is typically the line of sight direction between the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable external display 120.

[0020] The beamforming process starts with the following operations: The WiGig-capable external display 120 performs sector scanning (i.e., "transmission index") by transmitting in a sector with a high-gain direction, and the WiGig-capable device 110 receives the transmission omnidirectionally. The number of sectors in which the antenna arrays 112, 122 transmit and receive depends on the number of independent antennas in the array, e.g., 16 or 32. The external display antenna array 122 can transmit relative to the WiGig-capable device 110 from -90° to +90°. Next, the WiGig-capable external display 120 enters the receive mode, and the WiGig-capable antenna array 112 transmits from -90° to +90°. Assuming the device has a line-of-sight connection, the WiGig-capable external display 120 finds the best transmission sector and determines its angle. It should be recognized that the angles from -90° to +90° are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Additionally, beamforming training is known (e.g., part of the IEEE802.11ad standard), and for the sake of brevity, it will not be further described here.

[0021] By using the best transmission sector angle, the WiGig-capable device 110 can determine whether the WiGig-capable external display 120 is located on the left or right side of the WiGig-capable device 110. Then, if the user of the WiGig-capable device 110 selects the extended desktop configuration, the information from the beamforming direction is used as an input to the display driver to set the extended desktop to the configuration of the WiGig-capable external display 120 on the left ( Figure 1A ) or the configuration of the WiGig-capable external display 120 on the right ( Figure 1B ) without user intervention.

[0022] The wireless connection between the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable external display 120 may not be a continuous connection. When the user of the WiGig-capable device 110 moves to another position relative to the WiGig-capable external display 120, or moves from one WiGig-capable external display 120 to another, the setting can be reconfigured without user intervention.

[0023] Figure 2FIG. shows a block diagram of an exemplary WiGig - capable device 200 for use with the systems and methods according to the present disclosure. For the purposes of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the WiGig - capable device 200 includes at least one WiGig radio 260 for establishing WiGig communication with one or more WiGig - capable displays, docks, and / or access points (APs).

[0024] As Figure 2 shown, the WiGig - capable device 200 may include a user interface 210 through which a user may communicate with the WiGig - capable device 200 or with a network with which the WiGig - capable device 200 communicates. The user interface 210 of the WiGig - capable device 200 may include any device through which a user may communicate with the WiGig - capable device 200, including, for example, an integrated keyboard, a touch - screen display, and / or a microphone for interpreting voice commands or other similar devices for data input and exchange with the WiGig - capable device 200. In fact, any means by which a user may input data and / or instructions to the WiGig - capable device 200 is contemplated.

[0025] The WiGig - capable device 200 may include one or more local processors 220 for performing processing and control functions separately, which processing and control functions are implemented by the WiGig - capable device 200 to complete data communication via at least one WiGig radio 260. The (one or more) processors 220 may include at least one processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions and processes data and signals to establish and enable WiGig communication in the WiGig - capable device 200. The (one or more) processors 220 may be a programmable general - purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a field - programmable array, or an application - specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0026] A device 200 with WiGig capabilities may include one or more data storage devices 230. Such (one or more) data storage devices 230 may be used to store data used by the device 200 with WiGig capabilities, as well as operating programs or applications. The (one or more) data storage devices 230 may include random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that store information and instructions for execution by the (one or more) processors 220. The (one or more) data storage devices 230 may also include read-only memory (ROM), which may include a ROM device or other types of static storage devices that store static information and instructions for execution by the (one or more) processors 220. The (one or more) data storage devices 230 will typically be those devices integrated with the device 200 with WiGig capabilities, rather than some other data storage device that may be provided external to the device 200 with WiGig capabilities and communicate with it wirelessly. The (one or more) data storage devices 230 may store functions, algorithms, and / or settings referenced when establishing and enabling WiGig communication with the device 200 with WiGig capabilities.

[0027] A device 200 with WiGig capabilities may include a display device 240, which may be configured to notify a user of the operations of the device 200 with WiGig capabilities through it and / or be combined with the user interface 210 to enable the user to execute applications stored in the device 200 with WiGig capabilities, or a display device that can be accessed by the device 200 with WiGig capabilities when the device 200 communicates with a network through a WiGig communication link established at least via the WiGig radio 260.

[0028] A device 200 with WiGig capabilities may include an antenna array 250. As discussed above, an antenna array is a set of independent antennas configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals, or any antenna system capable of selectively receiving and transmitting in a specific direction. Additionally, the antenna array 250 may also be a beam-switching antenna, a mechanically movable antenna, or other directional antennas.

[0029] A device 200 with WiGig capabilities may include a WiGig radio 260. The WiGig radio 260 may include an integrated WiGig transceiver, or may otherwise include separate transmitter and receiver devices. It should be noted that the device 200 with WiGig capabilities may include other radios for establishing communication links in other parts of the authorized or unlicensed radio frequency spectrum, including, for example, a Wi-Fi radio or a cellular phone radio.

[0030] A WiGig-capable device 200 may include a motion sensor 270 (e.g., an accelerometer, a motion detector, a camera, a trajectory module, a tracking module, etc.) to provide location-related information. The motion sensor 270 may include or be included as part of the following: a hardware module of the WiGig-capable device 200 (e.g., an accelerometer, etc.), a software module of the WiGig-capable device 200 (e.g., motion detection software), and / or any combination of hardware and software (e.g., a camera and motion detection software). The motion sensor 270 may provide arrangement-related information, including location-related information and / or orientation-related information, to the processor 220 in any suitable format.

[0031] The processor 220 may receive arrangement-related information from the motion sensor 270, including first arrangement-related information and second arrangement-related information, where the first arrangement-related information indicates first arrangement-related attributes of the WiGig-capable device 200 at a first time, and the second arrangement-related information indicates second arrangement-related attributes of the WiGig-capable device 200 at a second time after the first time. For example, the processor 220 may receive arrangement-related information from the motion sensor 270 according to a predefined timing scheme (e.g., every second, etc.). In another example, the motion sensor 270 is capable of providing arrangement-related information to the processor 220 based on any suitable criteria, where any suitable criteria may be, for example, when a change in the sensed arrangement-related attributes is detected, when the change in the sensed arrangement-related attributes is equal to or greater than a predefined threshold, etc.

[0032] As Figure 2 depicted, the various components of the WiGig-capable device 200 may all be connected via one or more data / control buses 280. The (one or more) data / control buses 280 may provide internal communication between the various components of the WiGig-capable device 200, since all of these components are integrally housed within the WiGig-capable device 200.

[0033] It should be anticipated that the various elements of the disclosed WiGig-capable device 200 may be arranged in a combination of subsystems as separate components or a combination of components, but regardless of the specific configuration, all of the described components may be integrated into a single unit, i.e., the WiGig-capable device 200.

[0034] Figure 3FIG. 300 is a flow chart showing a method of configuring a WiGig-capable device 110 to a WiGig-capable external station 120 according to the present disclosure. The WiGig-capable external station 120 may be a dock with an external display.

[0035] In step 310, the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable station 120 are initially connected.

[0036] In step 320, during beamforming training, a transmit sector scan is performed between the WiGig-capable device 110 and the WiGig-capable station 120.

[0037] In step 330, the sectors are indexed into an ordered set of directional transmissions, which is a known part of beamforming training.

[0038] In step 340, based on the indexed sectors, the relative direction of the WiGig-capable station 120 with respect to the WiGig-capable device 110 is determined.

[0039] In step 350, if the WiGig-capable device 110 is in extended desktop mode and the relative position θ of the WiGig-capable station 120 with an external display is, for example, 0 < θ < 180°, the WiGig-capable device 110 is configured such that the WiGig-capable external display 120 is located on its left side (step 360, as Figure 1A shown), otherwise on its right side (step 370, as Figure 1B shown).

[0040] Although the present disclosure shows the WiGig-capable device 110 being configured for a single WiGig-capable station 120 with an external display, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. The WiGig-capable device 110 may be connected to multiple WiGig-capable stations 120 with external displays, all of which are WiGig-capable. The WiGig-capable device 110 determines the direction to each WiGig-capable station 120 with an external display and determines whether each WiGig-capable station 120 with an external display is placed on the left or right side of the WiGig-capable device 110. Then, using this information, the WiGig-capable device 110 can automatically determine the order of the WiGig-capable stations 120 with external displays from left to right and correctly configure the extended display mode.

[0041] Figure 4 FIG. 400 is a schematic diagram showing a WiGig system 400 according to the present disclosure.

[0042] The WiGig system 400 includes a WiGig-capable device 410 and a plurality of WiGig-capable stations 420a-e (collectively 420). The WiGig-capable device 410 is similar to the WiGig-capable devices 110, 200 discussed above. The WiGig-capable stations 420 are similar to the WiGig-capable stations 120 discussed above.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a display device 500 of the WiGig-capable device 410 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0044] When a user of the WiGig-capable device 410 moves within a range relatively close to one or more WiGig-capable stations 420, direction information to each WiGig-capable station 420 is graphically presented on a display device 500 of the WiGig-capable device 410 as discussed above with respect to Figure 1A 、 1B 、2, and 3 of the WiGig system 100. The user can use this information to locate a particular WiGig-capable station 420, turn the WiGig-capable device 410 to face the desired WiGig-capable station 420, or select a WiGig-capable station 420 having a line of sight (LOS) to the WiGig-capable device 410.

[0045] As discussed above, the direction is obtained by using WiGig beamforming training. When the user approaches a cubicle including a set of WiGig-capable stations 420, the WiGig-capable device 410 receives WiGig signals from the WiGig-capable stations 420 and performs a transmit sector scan with each station 420 to generate a transmit direction. Then, the WiGig-capable stations 420 are displayed on the display device 500. Instead of simply displaying the WiGig-capable stations 420 as a list, the stations 420 are graphically displayed using corresponding icons 520a-e (collectively 520) to indicate whether a particular WiGig-capable station 420 is a docking station or an AP.

[0046] More specifically, with an omnidirectional antenna, the receiving station 420 with WiGig capabilities is open for transmission. Whenever a WiGig-capable device 410 is not connected to a WiGig-capable station 420 (e.g., a docking station and / or an AP), the WiGig-capable device 410 actively performs a startup sector scan in all directions and listens for any response. Then, the WiGig-capable device 410 obtains responses from each WiGig-capable station 420 that is nearby and not connected to too many other devices, and the responses include the best signal quality transmission sector / index. Thereafter, the WiGig-capable device 410 responds by performing a directional transmission to the WiGig-capable station 420.

[0047] Whether the WiGig-capable device 410 is stationary or mobile, it performs a sector scan with several nearby WiGig-capable stations 420. Each WiGig-capable station 420 responds with both the transmission direction and quality. Then, this information is displayed on the display device 500 so that the user will know where the other WiGig-capable stations 420 are located. The user thus has information on how to reach the specific cubicle that includes the corresponding WiGig-capable station 420.

[0048] As long as the WiGig-capable device 410 is not connected, an indication of the reception quality and direction for each WiGig-capable station 420 is displayed. In a scenario where the system is designed for the WiGig-capable device 410 to be connected to only a single WiGig-capable station 420, once the WiGig-capable device 410 is connected, the WiGig-capable device 410 can stop scanning. Alternatively, the WiGig-capable device 410 can keep scanning. Additionally, the WiGig-capable device 410 can decide to connect to more than one WiGig-capable station 420, such as connecting to both a docking station and an access point.

[0049] The display device 500 can additionally display corresponding bar graphs 522(522a-e) indicating the link quality. The link quality can be determined in any known manner. Additionally, the WiGig-capable station 420 can be color-coded for load based on the number of WiGig-capable devices 410 connected thereto and the amount of transmission / reception time in a previous predetermined time period (e.g., ten minutes). For example, if more than a predetermined number of WiGig-capable devices 410 have been connected to the WiGig-capable station 420 in the previous ten minutes, the WiGig-capable station 420 can be shown in red. Alternatively, the link quality can be based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

[0050] Additionally, a fine time measurement protocol can be executed to determine the distance between the WiGig-capable device 410 and each WiGig-capable station 420. This protocol involves the WiGig-capable device 410 sending a first packet, and the WiGig-capable station 420 sending a response at a specific time or after a specific delay from the first packet. Then, the WiGig-capable device 410 receives the response and uses the response to estimate the distance between the two devices. Thereafter, the relative distance between the WiGig-capable device 410 and each WiGig-capable station 420 can be indicated on the display device 500.

[0051] When the user selects one of the displayed WiGig-capable stations 420 for connection or closes the display window, the display device 500 can stop displaying the icons.

[0052] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary WiGig-capable station (e.g., a docking station or AP) 600 for the system and method according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] The docking station / AP 600 can include its own user interface 610 through which the user can communicate with other components of the docking station / AP 600. The user interface 610 of the docking station / AP 600 can include devices similar to those described above with reference to the user interface 210 of the WiGig-capable device 200. Alternatively, the user interface 610 can include a separate keyboard and mouse or other user interface devices (e.g., portable data storage media and compatible data storage media readers) that the user can use to input data and / or instructions to the docking station / AP 600.

[0054] The docking station / AP 600 may include one or more processors 620 configured to perform determination and control functions, including signal transmission control and sequencing. It is contemplated that most of the determination of signal transmission sequencing to assist in establishing WiGig communication with one or more devices will be borne by the processor(s) 620 in the docking station / AP 600, possibly based on information provided by the user via the user interface 610.

[0055] The docking station / AP 600 may include one or more data storage devices 630. The data storage device(s) 630 may be used for static or dynamic storage of data to be sent to one or more devices. When more than one WiGig radio device 660 may be part of the docking station / AP 600, the data storage device(s) 630 may be isolated according to the type of data stored or according to the communication link for which the data is stored.

[0056] The docking station / AP 600 may include its own display device 640, which may be configured as a conventional display device through which the user is notified of the operation of the docking station / AP 600 and / or the status of the communication link or device communicating with the docking station / AP 600 for monitoring purposes.

[0057] The docking station / AP 600 may include an antenna array 650. As discussed above, an antenna array is a set of independent antennas configured to transmit and / or receive radio waves. Additionally, the antenna array 650 may also be a beam-switching antenna, a mechanically movable antenna, or other directional antenna.

[0058] The docking station / AP 600 may include a WiGig radio device 660. The WiGig radio device 660 may include an integrated WiGig transceiver or may otherwise include separate transmitter and receiver devices. It should be noted that the docking station / AP 600 may include other radio devices for establishing communication links in other parts of the authorized or unlicensed RF spectrum, including, for example, Wi-Fi radio devices or cellular phone radio devices. Cables such as Ethernet cables may also be used to connect to other communication devices.

[0059] The docking station / AP 600 may include one or more external communication interfaces 670 via which data and application information may be exchanged with the network supported by the docking station / AP 600 to establish WiGig communication with one or more WiGig-capable devices, thereby facilitating the exchange of data between the (one or more) devices and the network and the execution of applications hosted on the network. The external communication interfaces 670 may be configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication according to any protocol available for data exchange and application execution communication with the network supported by the docking station / AP 600.

[0060] As Figure 6 depicted, various components of the docking station / AP 600 may all be connected via one or more data / control buses 680. The (one or more) data / control buses 680 may provide wired or wireless communication between the various components of the docking station / AP 600, whether they are locally housed together within a single unit or remotely dispersed across multiple separate facilities.

[0061] It should be appreciated that although depicted as an integral unit in Figure 6 , the various disclosed elements of the docking station / AP 600 may be arranged as any combination of subsystems of independent components or combinations of components, housed in a single location or remotely dispersed across multiple locations, communicating wired or wirelessly with other independent components of the docking station / AP 600. In other words, Figure 6 the description in

[0062] Figure 7 does not imply any particular configuration for the docking station / AP 600, such as as an integrated unit or a support unit, or as a number of widely dispersed units or subsystems.

[0063] In step 710, a list of WiGig-capable stations 420 is collected. The list is collected by performing a transmit sector scan and collecting responses from the devices 420.

[0064] In step 720, the direction of the WiGig-capable station 420 relative to the WiGig-capable device 410 is determined.

[0065] Optionally, in step 730, after the WiGig-capable device 410 moves, the direction of the WiGig-capable station 420 relative to the WiGig-capable device 410 may be corrected. The WiGig-capable device 410 does not continuously perform transmit scans to conserve power. Laptop computers and smart phones, for example, have accelerometers (included in Figure 2within the mobile sensor 270), they are assumed to operate continuously. The accelerometer and compass together indicate the actual orientation in which the laptop is placed with reference to a set of ground coordinates. If, after obtaining the orientation between the WiGig-capable device 410 and the WiGig-capable station 420, the WiGig-capable device 410 is moved or rotated, it is possible to know how the WiGig-capable device 410 has rotated. This information can be used to correct the orientation previously determined to be the current accurate orientation. For example, if when performing a sector scan with a particular WiGig-capable station 420, the line of sight of the antenna array of the WiGig-capable device 410 points to the azimuth angle θ 1 at time t 1 and the elevation angle and the accelerometer and compass in the WiGig-capable device 410 indicate that at time t 2 the WiGig-capable device 410 has turned to the azimuth angle θ 2 and the elevation angle then at time t 2 the orientation displayed on the display 500 should correct the azimuth angle by θ 2 -θ 1 and correct the elevation angle by

[0066] In step 740, the position of the WiGig-capable station 420 is displayed.

[0067] In step 750, optionally, the RSSI for the WiGig-capable station 420 is determined and displayed on the WiGig-capable device 410.

[0068] In step 760, the WiGig-capable device 410 waits for a predetermined period of time and then repeats this process starting from step 710.

[0069] Example 1 is a method for configuring a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, including: performing a transmit sector scan between a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, where the station is a docking station or an access point (AP); indexing the sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determining the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0070] In Example 2, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, where the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the left of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0071] In Example 3, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, where the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the right of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0072] In Example 4, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, where the configuration further includes: configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0073] In Example 5, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, and further includes performing a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, where the configuration further includes: configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0074] In Example 6, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, and further includes: performing a transmit sector scan between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training; indexing the sectors into an ordered set of corresponding directional transmissions for each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; determining the relative direction of each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the relative direction.

[0075] In Example 7, it includes the subject matter of Example 6, where the configuration includes: configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the direction of each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0076] In Example 8, it includes the subject matter of Example 6, where the configuration further includes: configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0077] In Example 9, it includes the subject matter of Example 6, and further includes performing a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and wherein the configuration further includes: configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0078] In Example 10, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities includes an external display with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0079] In Example 11, it includes the subject matter of Example 1, and further includes: sensing the movement of a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and based on the sensed movement, correcting the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0080] Example 12 is a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, including an antenna and a processor configured to perform the following operations: performing a transmit sector scan between the antenna and the antenna of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, wherein the station is a docking station or an access point (AP); indexing the sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determining the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0081] In Example 13, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the left of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0082] In Example 14, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the right of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0083] In Example 15, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the processor is further configured to configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0084] In Example 16, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0085] In Example 17, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: perform a transmit sector scan between the antenna of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the antenna of each station among multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training; index the sectors into an ordered set of corresponding directional transmissions for each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; determine the relative direction of each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the relative direction.

[0086] In Example 18, it includes the subject matter of Example 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the direction of each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0087] In Example 19, it includes the subject matter of Example 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0088] In Example 20, it includes the subject matter of Example 17, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the relative distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0089] In Example 21, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities includes an external display with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0090] In Example 22, it includes the subject matter of Example 12, and further includes a mobile sensor configured to sense the movement of a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, wherein the processor is further configured to correct the relative direction of a station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the sensed movement.

[0091] In Example 23, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the configuration further includes configuring a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for a station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0092] In Example 24, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4, and further includes performing a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and a station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, wherein the configuration further includes configuring a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0093] In Example 25, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-5, and further includes: performing a transmit sector scan between a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training; indexing sectors into a corresponding ordered set of directional transmissions for each of the plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; determining the relative direction between each of the plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the relative direction.

[0094] In Example 26, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 6-7, wherein the configuration further includes configuring a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each of a plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0095] In Example 27, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 6-8, and further includes performing a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and wherein the configuration further includes configuring a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of the plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0096] In Example 28, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-9, wherein the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities includes an external display with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0097] In Example 29, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-5 and 10, and further includes: sensing the movement of a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and based on the sensed movement, correcting the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0098] In Example 30, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17-18, wherein the processor is further configured to: configure a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0099] In Example 31, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17-19, wherein the processor is further configured to: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the relative distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0100] In Example 32, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 12-20, wherein the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities includes an external display with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0101] In Example 33, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 12-16 and 21, and further includes a motion sensor configured to sense the movement of a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, wherein the processor is further configured to correct the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the sensed movement.

[0102] Example 34 is a device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, including an antenna and a processing device for performing the following operations: performing a transmit sector scan between the antenna and the antenna of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, wherein the station is a docking station or an access point (AP); indexing sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determining the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configuring the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0103] In Example 35, it includes the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability is to the left of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0104] In Example 36, it includes the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the relative position of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability is to the right of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0105] In Example 37, it includes the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operations: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0106] In Example 38, it includes the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operations: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0107] In Example 39, it includes the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operations: perform a transmit sector scan between the antenna of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability and the antenna of each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability during beamforming training; index the sectors into an ordered set of corresponding directional transmissions for each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability; determine the relative direction of each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability based on the indexed sectors; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability based on the relative direction.

[0108] In Example 40, it includes the subject matter of Example 39, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operation: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the direction of each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0109] In Example 41, it includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 39 - 40, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operation: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each station among the multiple stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

[0110] In Example 42, including the subject matter of any one of Examples 39-41, wherein the processing device is further configured to perform the following operations: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of a plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and configure the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the relative distances between the device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and each of the plurality of stations having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0111] In Example 43, including the subject matter of any one of Examples 34-38, wherein the station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities includes an external display having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

[0112] In Example 44, including the subject matter of any one of Examples 34-38, further including a motion sensing device for sensing the movement of a device having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, wherein the processing device further corrects the relative direction of the station having wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the sensed movement.

[0113] Example 45 is a device generally as shown and described.

[0114] Example 46 is a method generally as shown and described.

[0115] Although the foregoing has been described in connection with exemplary aspects, it should be understood that the term "exemplary" merely indicates as an example, rather than the best or optimal example. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0116] Although specific aspects have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific aspects shown and described without departing from the scope of the present application. The present application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific aspects discussed herein.

Claims

1. A device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities, comprising: an antenna; and a processor configured to perform the following operations: perform a transmit sector scan between the antenna and the antenna of a station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training, where the station is a docking station or an access point AP; index sectors into an ordered set of directional transmissions; determine the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configure the extended desktop mode of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities using the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities when the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is in extended desktop mode and without user intervention.

2. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities according to claim 1, wherein the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the left of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

3. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities according to claim 1, wherein the relative direction of the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities is to the right of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

4. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display a received signal strength indicator RSSI for the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

5. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; and configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities to graphically display the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities.

6. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: perform a transmit sector scan between the antenna of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities and the antenna of each of a plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities during beamforming training; index sectors into an ordered set of corresponding directional transmissions for each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities; determine the relative direction of each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities with respect to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the indexed sectors; and configure the extended desktop mode of the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capabilities based on the relative direction.

7. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability according to claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the direction of each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability relative to the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

8. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability according to claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: Configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

9. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability according to claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to perform each of the following operations: Execute a fine time measurement protocol to determine the distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability and each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability; and Configure the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability to graphically display the relative distance between the device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability and each of the plurality of stations with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

10. The device with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability according to claim 1, wherein the station with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability includes an external display with wireless high-frequency directional communication capability.

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