Signaling parameters for communication scheduling

Abstract

Aspects relate to signaling parameters to be used for communication scheduling, such as target wake time (TWT) scheduling. For example, a first wireless communication device (e.g., an access point or a peer station) can determine (e.g., specify or negotiate) parameters for at least one TWT schedule and transmit a broadcast management frame (e.g., a beacon) that includes the parameters. A second wireless communication device (e.g., a station) that receives the broadcast management frame can select to transmit during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the received parameters for one TWT schedule or the received parameters for multiple TWT schedules.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority and benefit to pending Indian provisional patent application No. 202041024781, filed on June 12, 2020, entitled “SIGNALING OF PARAMETERS FOR ANEGOTIATED COMMUNICATION SCHEDULE”, which is hereby assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The techniques discussed below generally relate to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to signaling parameters used for communication scheduling. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide a variety of communication services. Some of these networks can be multiple access networks that support communication for multiple users by sharing available network resources. For example, a wireless communication device (e.g., a station) can communicate with another wireless communication device (e.g., an access point or station) in the network to obtain access to the communication services provided by that network. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following provides an overview of one or more aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to identify key or defining elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to provide some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure in one form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] In some examples, a method for performing wireless communication at a first wireless communication device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The method may also include transmitting information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first parameter set.

[0007] In some examples, a first wireless communication device may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to receive broadcast management frames from a second wireless communication device via the transceiver. The broadcast management frames may include a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling. The processor and the memory may also be configured to transmit information to the second wireless communication device via the transceiver during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first set of parameters.

[0008] In some examples, a first wireless communication device may include means for receiving a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The first wireless communication device may also include means for transmitting information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first set of parameters.

[0009] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use by a first wireless communication device includes a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the first wireless communication device to: receive a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling. The computer-readable medium may also store instructions executable by one or more processors of the first wireless communication device to: transmit information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first set of parameters.

[0010] In some examples, a method for performing wireless communication at a first wireless communication device is disclosed. The method may include transmitting a broadcast management frame. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The first set of parameters may define at least one service period. The method may also include receiving information from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period.

[0011] In some examples, a first wireless communication device may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to transmit broadcast management frames via the transceiver. The broadcast management frames may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The first set of parameters may define at least one service period. The processor and the memory may also be configured to receive information from a second wireless communication device via the transceiver during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period.

[0012] In some examples, a first wireless communication device may include means for transmitting a broadcast management frame. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The first set of parameters may define at least one service period. The first wireless communication device may also include means for receiving information from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period.

[0013] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use by a first wireless communication device includes a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the first wireless communication device to: transmit a broadcast management frame. The broadcast management frame may include a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. The first set of parameters may define at least one service period. The computer-readable medium may also store instructions executable by one or more processors of the first wireless communication device to: receive information from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not crossing at least one boundary of the at least one service period.

[0014] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description. Other aspects, features, and examples of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific exemplary aspects of this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although features of this disclosure may be discussed below with respect to certain examples and drawings, all examples of this disclosure may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more examples may be discussed having certain advantageous features, one or more such features may also be used according to the various examples of this disclosure discussed herein. Similarly, although exemplary aspects may be discussed below as examples of devices, systems, or methods, it should be understood that such exemplary aspects can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 It is a conceptual explanation based on examples of wireless communication systems.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of an example of a wireless communication device based on some aspects.

[0017] Figure 3 It is based on some aspects Figure 2 A block diagram of example components of a wireless communication device that can be used to transmit wireless communication signals.

[0018] Figure 4 It is based on some aspects Figure 2A block diagram of example components of a wireless communication device that can be used to receive wireless communication signals.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a conceptual explanation of an example of scheduling based on target wait time (TWT) from several aspects.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a conceptual explanation based on examples of TWT service periods from various aspects.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a conceptual explanation based on examples of information elements from certain aspects.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a conceptual explanation based on examples of information elements in beacons from various aspects.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of signaling TWT parameters based on various aspects.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a block diagram that conceptually explains an example of the hardware implementation of a wireless communication device based on some aspects of the processing system.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example wireless communication process for signaling TWT parameters based on several aspects.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a block diagram that conceptually illustrates an example of a hardware implementation of a wireless communication device employing a processing system according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating another example of a wireless communication process used to signal TWT parameters, based on several aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent only the configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0029] While aspects and examples are described herein by way of illustration of a few examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses may arise via integrated chip examples and other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to a particular use case or application, broad applicability of the described innovations can emerge. The scope of implementations can 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 aspects of the described innovations. In some practical contexts, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described examples. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals requires several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0030] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to signaling parameters used for communication scheduling, such as Target Wake Time (TWT) scheduling. For example, a wireless communication device (such as an access point) may determine (e.g., specify or negotiate) parameters for at least one TWT scheduling and transmit a broadcast management frame (e.g., a beacon) including these parameters. A station (STA) receiving the broadcast management frame may select a TWT to use or perform other operations based on the parameters specified for one TWT scheduling or the parameters specified for multiple TWT schedulings (e.g., selecting to change the TWT scheduling or selecting to request a new TWT scheduling).

[0031] In some examples, an access point negotiates with different STAs operating under that access point (e.g., STAs in the access point's basic service set) to define a set of TWT schedules. The access point may then transmit in a beacon a corresponding set of parameters for each TWT schedule and / or in a beacon parameters for broadcasting TWT schedules (e.g., TWT schedules defined for a group of STAs under that access point). The set of parameters for a particular TWT schedule may include, for example, the start time of the service period, the duration of the service period, and the periodicity of the service period. The set of parameters for a particular TWT schedule may also include, for example, information about the use of the service period by STAs operating under that access point. Such usage information for a given TWT schedule may indicate, for example, how many STAs are being served, the type of traffic being transmitted, the percentage of resources being used, the percentage of time during which the service period is likely to be accessed within a defined time period, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In some examples, the STA receiving the set of parameters for TWT scheduling can decide which TWT scheduling to use based on the usage information in that set of parameters. For example, the STA may select a specific TWT scheduling if the number of stations using that TWT scheduling is relatively low, if the traffic type being transmitted has low priority and / or low data rate, if the percentage of resources being used is relatively low, if the percentage of time during which service sessions are likely to be accessed within a defined time period is relatively high, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In some examples, an STA that receives a set of parameters for TWT scheduling can request a new TWT schedule from an access point based on usage information within that set of parameters. For instance, if, for all TWT schedules indicated by a beacon, the number of stations using each TWT schedule is relatively high, the traffic type being transmitted has high priority and / or high data rate, the percentage of resources being used is relatively high, the percentage of time during which access to service is likely within a defined time period is relatively low, or any combination thereof, then the STA can determine that a new TWT schedule would better serve it.

[0034] In some examples, an STA receiving a set of parameters for TWT scheduling can modify (or request the access point to modify) the TWT scheduling based on usage information from one or more of the parameter sets. In some examples, modifications to the TWT scheduling may include changes to the timing of service periods, changes to the frequency band allocated to the TWT scheduling, changes to the spatial resources allocated to the TWT scheduling, or any combination thereof. For example, if the number of stations using the TWT scheduling is relatively high, if the traffic type being transmitted has high priority and / or high data rate, if the percentage of resources being used is relatively high, if the percentage of time during which access to the service period is likely to be within a defined time period is relatively low, or any combination thereof, the STA may determine that the modified TWT scheduling will better serve it.

[0035] In some examples, a STA may specify or request that a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) used by the STA to transmit to another wireless communication device (e.g., an access point or another STA) does not cross at least one boundary of a time period (e.g., a service period) indicated by a set of parameters used for TWT scheduling. In some examples, a STA that has already transmitted during a TXOP may terminate its transmission at that boundary (e.g., in the case where the initially scheduled TXOP extends beyond the boundary).

[0036] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be implemented across a wide range of telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Now refer to... Figure 1 Various aspects of this disclosure are illustrated with reference to a wireless communication system 100, as illustrative examples and not limitations. In some examples, the wireless communication system 100 may operate in accordance with wireless communication standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard.

[0037] Access point (AP) 104 may be deployed in the network to provide access to one or more services for one or more stations (STAs) such as STAs 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e, and 106f (collectively referred to herein as STA 106 or individually as STA 106), which may be installed within the network's coverage area or may roam throughout the coverage area. Therefore, at any given time, STA 106 may connect to AP 104 or to another access point in the network (not shown). In some examples, AP 104 may be referred to as an AP STA. In some examples, STA 106 may be referred to as a non-AP STA.

[0038] Various processes and methods can be used for transmission between AP 104 and STA 106 in the wireless communication system 100. For example, signals can be transmitted and received between AP 104 and each STA 106 according to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) / Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology. In this case, the wireless communication system 100 can be referred to as an OFDM / OFDMA system. However, within the scope of this disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above-described schemes and can be provided using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), Resource Spread Multiple Access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes.

[0039] The communication link facilitating transmission from AP 104 to one or more STAs 106 may be referred to as a downlink (DL) 108, while the communication link facilitating transmission from one or more STAs 106 to AP 104 may be referred to as an uplink (UL) 110. Alternatively, downlink 108 may be referred to as a forward link or forward channel, and uplink 110 may be referred to as a reverse link or reverse channel. In other examples, other terms may be used for these links.

[0040] AP 104 can act as a base station and provide wireless communication coverage in the Basic Service Area (BSA) 102. AP 104, together with STA 106 associated with and using AP 104 for communication, can be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0041] AP 104 and each STA 106 can exchange data units that may include control information and / or data. At the physical (PHY) layer, this data unit may be referred to as a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). In some respects, a PPDU may be referred to as a packet or physical layer packet. Each PPDU may include a preamble and a payload. The preamble may include at least one training field and at least one signaling (SIG) field. The payload may include, for example, data from a Media Access Control (MAC) header or other layers, and / or user data. The payload may be transmitted using one or more data symbols. The systems, methods, and apparatuses described herein may utilize data units with training fields whose peak power ratio has been minimized.

[0042] Wireless communication system 100 may employ methods based on unpredictable data transmission to allow efficient access to the wireless communication medium while avoiding collisions. For example, to gain access to a channel, devices in wireless communication system 100 may support a Media Access Control (MAC) Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) employing Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA) procedures. Other types of access schemes may be used in other examples. More generally, a device (e.g., an AP or STA) with data to transmit listens to the wireless communication medium to determine whether the channel is occupied. If the device detects that the channel is free, the device may transmit its data. Otherwise, the device may postpone transmission for a period of time before re-determining whether the wireless communication medium is free for transmission. One method for implementing CSMA / CA procedures may employ various gaps between successive transmissions to avoid collisions. In one aspect, a transmission may be referred to as a frame, and the gap between frames is called an inter-frame interval (IFS). Frames may be any of user data, control frames, management frames, etc.

[0043] The duration of the Inter-Frame Inter-Inter ...

[0044] Some wireless communication systems (e.g., those based on IEEE 802.11ax) employ a Targeted Waiting Time (TWT) mechanism, which schedules STAs to transmit or receive on the wireless communication medium at specific times. This allows STAs to switch to a low-power mode when they are not actively transmitting or receiving information. Therefore, STAs can save power (outside of their scheduled transmit or receive times). Furthermore, the use of TWT scheduling allows BSSs (e.g., APs) to manage traffic more efficiently (e.g., by preventing communication conflicts between STAs, prioritizing traffic, etc.).

[0045] In some examples (e.g., if one or more of STAs 106e and 106f are outside the range of AP 104 or otherwise have difficulty communicating with AP 104), STA 106d can be configured as a relay device. For example, STA 106d can be configured as a relay device that relays communication between AP 104 and STA 106e and also relays communication between AP 104 and STA 106f (e.g., a device that includes both STA and AP functionality).

[0046] In some implementations, the wireless communication network may not have a central AP 104, but can instead act as a peer-to-peer network between STAs. Accordingly, the functions of the AP 104 described herein can be performed by one or more STAs in some examples. Moreover, in some examples, a STA can connect to the network served by the AP and also establish a peer-to-peer network with another STA.

[0047] For example, STA 106b can communicate with STA 106c via signaling 114 to form a peer-to-peer network. In this scenario, STA 106b and 106c can be referred to as peer STAs. In some examples, communication between STA 106b and STA 106c can operate according to a wireless communication standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 standard or some other standard). For example, a first peer STA with data to transmit to a second peer STA can execute a CSMA / CA procedure to gain access to the channel. Furthermore, peer STAs can transmit data units conforming to the 802.11 standard (e.g., data units include a header and payload conforming to a specific version of the standard).

[0048] An access point in a network can connect to one or more network entities (for convenience, by...). Figure 1 Network entities (represented by network entity 112) communicate (including communicate with each other) to facilitate wide area network connectivity. Network entities can take various forms, such as, for example, one or more radio and / or core network entities. Therefore, in various implementations, network entity 112 can represent functionality such as at least one of the following: network management (e.g., via an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server), session management, mobility management, gateway functionality, interoperability functionality, database functionality, or some other suitable network functionality. Two or more such network entities can coexist in one location and / or two or more such network entities can be distributed throughout the network.

[0049] Figure 2 Several components of a wireless communication device 202 that can be deployed within a wireless communication system 100 have been explained. Device 202 is an example of a device that can be configured to implement the various methods described herein. For example, device 202 can be implemented as... Figure 1 One of the AP 104, a relay (e.g., STA 106d), or a STA 906.

[0050] Device 202 may include a processing system 204 that controls the operation of device 202. Processing system 204 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). A memory component 206 (e.g., including a memory device) that may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) provides instructions and data to processing system 204. A portion of memory component 206 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Processing system 204 typically performs logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within memory component 206. The instructions in memory component 206 may be executable to implement the methods described herein.

[0051] When device 202 is implemented as or used as a transport node, processing system 204 can be configured to select one of a variety of Media Access Control (MAC) header types and generate packets with that MAC header type. For example, processing system 204 can be configured to generate packets including a MAC header and a payload and determine which type of MAC header to use.

[0052] When device 202 is implemented as or used as a receiving node, processing system 204 can be configured to process packets with various MAC header types. For example, processing system 204 can be configured to determine the type of MAC header used in a packet and process the packet and / or the fields of the MAC header.

[0053] Processing system 204 may include a larger processing system implemented with one or more processors, or may be a component thereof. The one or more processors may be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, special-purpose hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entity capable of performing calculations or other manipulations on information.

[0054] The processing system may also include a machine-readable medium for storing software. Software should be interpreted broadly to mean any type of instruction, whether it is called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions may include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable code format). These instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the various functions described herein.

[0055] Device 202 may also include a housing that may include a transmitter 210 and a receiver 212 to allow data transmission and reception between device 202 and a remote location. Transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be combined into a single communication device (e.g., transceiver 214). In some implementations (e.g., where transceiver 214 is an RF transceiver), antenna 216 may be attached to the housing and electrically coupled to transceiver 214. Device 202 may also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, and / or multiple antennas. Transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be implemented as integrated devices in some implementations (e.g., transmitter and receiver circuitry implemented as a single communication device), as separate transmitter and receiver devices in some implementations, or otherwise implemented in other implementations.

[0056] Transmitter 210 can be configured to wirelessly transmit packets according to one or more MAC header types (e.g., corresponding to different versions of the 802.11 standard). For example, transmitter 210 can be configured to transmit packets with a header type generated by processing system 204, as discussed above.

[0057] Receiver 212 can be configured to wirelessly receive packets with one or more MAC header types. In some aspects, receiver 212 is configured to detect a specific type of MAC header and process the packet accordingly.

[0058] Receiver 212 can be used to detect and quantize the level of the signal received by transceiver 214. Receiver 212 can detect signals such as total energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density, and other signals. Device 202 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 220 for processing the signal. DSP 220 can be configured to generate data units for transmission. In some aspects, the data unit may include (e.g., a physical layer data unit) (PPDU). In some aspects, PPDU is referred to as a packet.

[0059] Device 202 may further include interface 222. In an example where interface 222 is a user interface, interface 222 may include (for example) a keypad, microphone, speaker, and / or display. The user interface may include any elements or components that communicate information to a user of device 202 and / or receive input from that user.

[0060] Various components of device 202 may be coupled together by bus system 226. Bus system 226 may include, for example, a data bus, as well as power buses, control signal buses, and status signal buses in addition to the data bus. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components of device 202 may be coupled together or use some other mechanism to receive or provide input to each other.

[0061] In some examples, device 202 may be an integrated circuit. In some aspects, device 202 may be configured to operate in a wireless communication node (e.g., an AP or a STA) and perform one or more of the operations described herein. For convenience, a wireless communication node may be referred to herein as a wireless node.

[0062] In some implementations, device 202 communicates with at least one other component of apparatus 200 (e.g., a component external to apparatus 200). For this purpose, in some implementations, interface 222 (e.g., a transmit / receive interface) may be coupled to processing system 204 to output and / or receive (e.g., transmit and / or receive) information (e.g., received information, generated information, decoded information, messages, etc.) between processing system 204 and other components. In some implementations, interface 222 may include an interface bus, bus driver, bus receiver, other suitable circuitry, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, interface 222 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuitry (e.g., an RF transmitter and / or RF receiver). In some implementations, interface 222 may be configured to communicate between device 202 and one or more other components of apparatus 200 (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) circuitry). Figure 2 Interface 222 may be configured to interface the processing system 204 with a radio frequency (RF) front end (e.g., an RF transmitter and / or an RF receiver).

[0063] Device 202 can communicate with other devices in various ways. In some examples, the device can transmit and receive information (e.g., frames, messages, bits, etc.) via RF signaling. In some cases, device 202 may have an interface to provide (e.g., output, transmit, transfer, etc.) information for RF transmission, rather than transmitting information via RF signaling. For example, processing system 204 may output information to an RF front end for RF transmission via a bus interface. Similarly, device 202 may have an interface to receive information received by another device, rather than receiving information via RF signaling. For example, processing system 204 may receive (e.g., receive) information from an RF receiver that receives information via RF signaling via a bus interface. In some implementations, the interface may include multiple interfaces. For example, a bidirectional interface may include a first interface for receiving and a second interface for outputting.

[0064] although Figure 2 Several separate components have been described, but one or more of these components can be combined or implemented together. For example, processing system 204 can be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to processing system 204, but also the functionality described above with respect to transceiver 214 and / or DSP 220. Furthermore, Figure 2Each component described herein may be implemented using multiple separate elements. Furthermore, the processing system 204 may be used to implement any of the components, modules, circuits, or the like described below, or each may be implemented using multiple separate elements.

[0065] Figure 2 Components can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 2 The components can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by that circuit to provide this functionality. For example, by Figure 2 Some or all of the functionalities represented by the various boxes can be implemented by the processor and memory components of the device (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by properly configuring the processor components). It should be understood that these components can be implemented in different types of devices (e.g., ASICs, System-on-a-Chip (SoCs), etc.) in different implementations.

[0066] For ease of reference, when the discussed device 202 is configured as a transmitting node, it may be referred to hereinafter as device 202t. Similarly, when the discussed device 202 is configured as a receiving node, it may be referred to hereinafter as device 202r. The devices in the wireless communication system 100 may implement only the functionality of a transmitting node, only the functionality of a receiving node, or both the functionality of a transmitting node and a receiving node.

[0067] Figure 3 The various components that can be used to transmit wireless communications in device 202t are explained. Figure 3 The components described herein can, for example, be used to transmit OFDM communication. In some examples, Figure 3 The components described herein are used to generate and transmit packets to be sent over a bandwidth of less than or equal to 1 MHz. In some examples, Figure 3 The components described herein are used to generate and transmit packets to be sent on a bandwidth of 1 MHz or greater.

[0068] Figure 3 The device 202t may include a modulator 302 configured to modulate bits for transmission. For example, the modulator 302 may, for instance, map bits to multiple symbols according to a constellation from the received self-processing system 204 (…). Figure 2 ) or interface 222 ( Figure 2The bits of the modulator define multiple symbols. These bits may correspond to user data or control information. In some aspects, these bits are received in a codeword. In one example, modulator 302 may include (for example,) a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulator, such as a 16-QAM modulator or a 64-QAM modulator. In other aspects, modulator 302 may include (for example,) a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulator, a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulator, or an 8-PSK modulator. Other types of modulators may be used in other examples.

[0069] The device 202t may further include a conversion module 304 configured to convert symbols or otherwise modulated bits from the modulator 1102 into the time domain. Figure 3 In this context, transform module 304 is described as being implemented using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) module. Other types of transform modules may be used in other examples. In some implementations, there may be multiple transform modules (not shown) that transform data units of different sizes. In some implementations, transform module 304 itself may be configured to transform data units of different sizes. For example, transform module 304 may be configured with multiple modes, and different numbers of points may be used in each mode to transform symbols. For example, IFFT may have a mode in which 32 points are used to transform symbols being transmitted on 32 frequency moduli (i.e., subcarriers) into the time domain, and a mode in which 24 points are used to transform symbols being transmitted on 24 frequency moduli into the time domain. The number of points used by transform module 304 may be referred to as the size of transform module 304.

[0070] exist Figure 3 In this context, modulator 302 and converter 304 are described as being implemented in DSP 320. However, in some aspects, one or both of modulator 302 and converter 304 are implemented in processing system 204 or in another element of device 202t (see, for example, the reference above). Figure 2 (Description).

[0071] As discussed above, the DSP 320 can be configured to generate data units for transmission. In some aspects, the modulator 302 and the conversion module 304 can be configured to generate data units that include multiple fields, including control information and multiple data symbols.

[0072] The device 202t may further include a digital-to-analog converter (D / A) 306 configured to convert the output of the conversion module into an analog signal. For example, the time-domain output of the conversion module 304 may be converted by the D / A converter 306 into a baseband OFDM signal. The D / A converter 306 can be implemented in... Figure 2In another element of the processing system 204 or device 202. In some aspects, the digital-to-analog converter 306 is implemented in the transceiver 214 ( Figure 2 In the data transmission processor or in the data transmission processor.

[0073] Analog signals can be wirelessly transmitted by transmitter 310. The analog signals can be further processed before transmission by transmitter 310, such as being filtered or up-converted to an intermediate frequency or carrier frequency. Figure 3 As explained herein, transmitter 310 includes transmit amplifier 308. Analog signals can be amplified by transmit amplifier 308 before being transmitted. In some aspects, amplifier 308 may include a low-noise amplifier (LNA).

[0074] Transmitter 310 is configured to transmit one or more packets or data units in a wireless signal based on the analog signal. These data units can be processed by processing system 204. Figure 2 The data units that can be generated and / or transmitted, as discussed above, are described in more detail herein, for example, using the modulator 302 and converter 304 discussed above.

[0075] Figure 4 The various components that can be used in device 202r to receive wireless communications are explained. Figure 4 The components described herein can, for example, be used to receive OFDM communication. For example, Figure 4 The components described above can be used to receive data from the above-mentioned components. Figure 3 The data unit transmitted by the components under discussion.

[0076] The receiver 412 of device 202r is configured to receive one or more packets or data units in a wireless signal. The data units may be received and decoded or otherwise processed as discussed below.

[0077] exist Figure 4 As explained herein, receiver 412 includes a receive amplifier 401. Receiver amplifier 401 may be configured to amplify radio signals received by receiver 412. In some aspects, receiver 412 is configured to adjust the gain of receive amplifier 401 using an automatic gain control (AGC) procedure. In some aspects, automatic gain control uses information from one or more received training fields (such as, for example, a received short training field (STF)) to adjust the gain. Those skilled in the art will understand the methods used to perform AGC. In some aspects, amplifier 401 may include an LNA.

[0078] Device 202r may include an analog-to-digital converter (A / D) 410 configured to convert an amplified wireless signal from receiver 412 into its digital representation. Following amplification, the wireless signal may be processed (e.g., by receiver 412) before conversion by A / D converter 410, for example by filtering or down-converting to an intermediate frequency or baseband frequency. A / D converter 410 may be implemented in processing system 204. Figure 2 In one of the components of device 202r, the analog-to-digital converter 410 is implemented in transceiver 214. Figure 2 In the data receiving processor or in the data receiving processor.

[0079] Device 202r may further include a transformation module 404 configured to convert a representation of a wireless signal into a spectrum. Figure 4 In this context, the transform module 404 is described as being implemented by a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module. In some respects, the transform module can identify a symbol for each point it uses. (See above reference...) Figure 3 As described, the transform module 404 can be configured with multiple modes, and can use a different number of points to transform the signal in each mode. The number of points used by the transform module 404 may be referred to as the size of the transform module 404. In some aspects, the transform module 404 may identify a symbol for each point it uses. Other types of transform modules may be used in other examples.

[0080] The device 202r may further include a channel estimator and equalizer 405 configured to form an estimate of the channel on which data units are received and to remove certain effects of the channel based on the channel estimate. For example, the channel estimator and equalizer 405 may be configured to approximate a function of the channel, and the channel equalizer may be configured to apply the inverse function of that function to the data in the spectrum.

[0081] Device 202r may further include a demodulator 406 configured to demodulate equalized data. For example, demodulator 406 may determine multiple bits from the symbols output by transform module 404 and channel estimator and equalizer 405, for example, by inverting the bit-to-symbol mapping in the constellation. These bits can be processed by system 204 (…). Figure 2 ) processing or evaluation, or used to communicate with interface 222 ( Figure 2This device displays information or otherwise outputs information to itself. In this way, data and / or information can be decoded. In some respects, these bits correspond to codewords. In one respect, demodulator 406 may include a QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) demodulator, such as an 8-QAM demodulator or a 64-QAM demodulator. In other respects, demodulator 406 may include a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) demodulator or a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulator. Other types of demodulators may be used in other examples.

[0082] exist Figure 4 In this context, the transformation module 404, the channel estimator and equalizer 405, and the demodulator 406 are described as being implemented in the DSP 420. However, in some aspects, one or more of the transformation module 404, the channel estimator and equalizer 405, and the demodulator 406 are implemented in the processing system 204. Figure 2 In or in device 202 Figure 2 It is implemented in another component of ).

[0083] As discussed above, the wireless signal received at receiver 212 may include one or more data units. Using the functions or components described above, the data unit or data symbols therein may be decoded, evaluated, or otherwise evaluated or processed. For example, processing system 204 ( Figure 2 The DSP 420 and / or DSP 420 can be used to decode data symbols in a data unit using the transform module 404, the channel estimator and equalizer 405, and the demodulator 406.

[0084] Figure 3 The device 202t shown is an example of a single transmission chain used for transmission via an antenna. Figure 4 The device 202r shown is an example of a single receive chain for receiving via an antenna. In some implementations, the device 202t or 202r can be part of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system using multiple antennas to simultaneously transmit data via multiple streams and / or simultaneously receive transmitted data via multiple streams.

[0085] As mentioned above, the target wait time (TWT) mechanism can be used to schedule STAs to transmit or receive on the wireless communication medium at a specific time. Figure 5An example of TWT scheduling 500 is explained. Here, the first TWT scheduling designates (indicated by dashed line 502) a first set of TWT service periods, wherein the first TWT service period 504a occurs after a first defined time period 506 following the beacon transmission 508 by the access point, and subsequent TWT service periods follow according to the first defined interval 510. For example, a second TWT service period 504b designated by the first TWT scheduling occurs after the first TWT service period 504a within the defined interval 510. Furthermore, each TWT service period of the first TWT scheduling may have a first defined duration 512.

[0086] Similarly, the second TWT schedule specifies (indicated by dashed line 514) a second set of TWT service periods, wherein the first TWT service period 516 in the second set of TWT service periods occurs after a second defined time period 518 following the beacon transmission 508 by the access point, and subsequent TWT service periods follow according to the second defined interval 520. Furthermore, each TWT service period in the second TWT schedule may have a second defined duration 522. Other TWT schedules may also be defined ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the image).

[0087] In some examples, wireless communication devices (e.g., STAs and access points or sets of peer STAs) can negotiate to determine parameters for a specific TWT scheduling. For example, one or more of these devices can declare the parameters they will prefer to use (e.g., duration, periodicity, etc.). As another example, one of the devices (e.g., an access point or STA) can send a request to use a specific set of parameters for TWT scheduling. In response to this request, other devices (e.g., STAs or access points) can accept, modify, or reject the request. Once the devices agree on the parameters to be used for TWT scheduling, they can begin communicating with each other according to the TWT schedule.

[0088] A STA configured for TWT scheduling can therefore follow a specific schedule specified by one or more TWT parameters. For example, a STA can be expected to transmit within a specific scheduled service period of the TWT schedule and not transmit outside of that scheduled service period. In some examples, a device (e.g., an AP or a peer STA) can assist a STA in accessing the wireless communication medium by transmitting trigger frames (e.g., specifying when a particular STA should transmit).

[0089] In some examples, it can be expected that the STA (e.g., in the absence of a trigger frame or outside of the TWT service period) will not contend for access to the wireless communication medium on its own. However, the STA may not be required to suppress contention for access. Therefore, in some scenarios, the STA may contend for access to the wireless communication medium.

[0090] STAs can contend for such access using Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) procedures or some other suitable media access contention procedure. In some examples, STAs can use baseline EDCA parameters to control how they access the wireless communication medium. For example, EDCA parameters can define a counter used by the STA to delay access to the wireless communication medium for a period of time (e.g., where the delay period can change over time according to defined criteria). In some examples, STAs can use (e.g., multi-user (MU) EDCA parameters defined for a group of users). In some aspects, MU EDCA parameters can provide lower priority and / or can be enabled when the STA responds to certain trigger frames.

[0091] Given the above, STAs configured for TWT scheduling may not have strict requirements regarding access to the wireless communication medium based on TWT allocations. For example, there might only be a recommendation that STAs do not access the wireless communication medium (contrary to the requirement that STAs not access the wireless communication medium). Furthermore, STAs may not be aware of how many STAs are using a given TWT service period (e.g., for a given TWT schedule). Therefore, scheduling performance implemented using such a TWT scheduling mechanism may be suboptimal.

[0092] This disclosure relates in some respects to improving wireless communication performance by providing stricter rules to STAs when contention occurs for the wireless communication medium. For example, these rules may apply both during and / or outside the STA's scheduled service period.

[0093] This disclosure relates in some respects to improving scheduling performance by providing STAs with statistical data (or other information) related to the use of service periods. For example, STAs can use this information to select the TWT scheduling that the STA will use to communicate with access points or peer STAs.

[0094] In some examples, the following access rules may apply to STAs that have subscribed to (e.g., agreed to use) TWT scheduling. STAs subscribed to TWT scheduling may be required to follow MUEDCA parameters when contending for the wireless communication medium outside of TWT service periods. In some examples, MU EDCA parameters may provide a lower (or higher) priority relative to the baseline EDCA and / or may completely disable access. Conversely, STAs subscribed to TWT scheduling may be required to follow TWT EDCA parameters (or baseline EDCA parameters) when contending for the wireless communication medium during TWT service periods.

[0095] In some examples, the following access rules may apply to STAs when switching from operations within the TWT service period to operations outside the TWT service period, and vice versa. Previously used EDCA counters may be suspended or reset. Additionally, new EDCA counters can be restored or reset.

[0096] refer to Figure 6 The TWT service period (SP) in Figure 600 will be referenced. Figure 6 An example describing a counter suspension procedure. Figure 6 The first TWT service period (SP) 602, the second TWT service period (SP) 604, and the time periods outside these TWT service periods are explained. When the STA operates outside the first TWT service period (SP) 602, the STA can use EDCA to contend for the wireless communication medium. Accordingly, at time T1, the STA can start a first EDCA counter, which is used to determine when the STA can attempt to access the wireless communication medium outside the TWT service period. At time T2, if the STA starts operating within the TWT service period while the first EDCA counter is still running, the STA can suspend the first EDCA counter and store its value in memory. During the first TWT service period 602, the STA can start a second EDCA counter at time T3 to determine when the STA can attempt to access the wireless communication medium. If the TWT service period ends (time T4) while the second EDCA counter is still running, the STA can suspend the second EDCA counter and store its value in memory. Then, when operation begins outside of the TWT service period (e.g., immediately following time T4), the STA can retrieve the stored value of the first EDCA counter and set the first EDCA counter to that value. If the STA subsequently begins operation within the second TWT service period 604 at time T5, the STA can retrieve the stored value of the second EDCA counter and set the second EDCA counter to that value.

[0097] Conversely, in other examples, STA can reset any running counter at each boundary. For example, refer again... Figure 6 In these replacement examples, STA can reset the first EDCA counter at time T2 and the second EDCA counter at time T4.

[0098] Suspending a counter can be beneficial in some ways because it preserves previous contention and therefore previously acquired priority. However, suspending a counter involves using additional memory to store the counting parameters. Conversely, resetting a counter can be beneficial in some ways because the process is less complex than a counter suspension procedure and uses less memory.

[0099] Similar considerations can be applied to transmission opportunities (TXOPs) obtained before the TWT service period boundary. For example, TXOPs can be truncated at or before the TWT service period boundary (e.g., TXOPs can be terminated) (e.g., so that the STA will not continue transmitting after the boundary, thereby preventing other devices from gaining access to the wireless communication medium after the boundary). See again... Figure 6 If a STA gains access to the wireless communication medium at time T3 and the TXOP for that STA (e.g., the TXOP defined by the access point or STA) is longer than the time period from time T3 to time T4, then the TXOP can be truncated (e.g., so that the TXOP ends at time T4).

[0100] In some examples, the STA can unilaterally truncate (terminate) the TXOP at the TWT service time boundary. For example, upon determining that the TXOP extends beyond the TWT service time boundary, the STA can stop transmitting at the TWT service time boundary even if the TXOP has not yet ended. In some examples, the STA does not notify the access point that the TXOP has been truncated. However, the access point (or peer STA) can determine that the STA has terminated the TXOP by detecting the elapsed transmission from the STA for a certain period of time (e.g., the SIFS period).

[0101] In some examples, the STA can truncate the TXOP at the TWT service time boundary and send a message to the access point (or peer STA) notifying it that the TXOP has been truncated. For example, the STA can send this indication via the Connection Frame Number (CFN) or other suitable signaling. Upon receiving this indication, the access point (or peer STA) can choose to use the remaining portion of the TXOP or contend for the wireless communication medium.

[0102] In some examples, the duration of a TXOP can be specified by taking into account the TWT service time boundary. For example, after gaining access to the wireless communication medium, the STA can determine whether it needs to constrain the length of the TXOP (e.g., where the maximum length of the TXOP can be specified by the access point or peer STA) to ensure that the TXOP does not cross the TWT service time boundary.

[0103] As mentioned above, STAs and access points (or peer STAs) can negotiate to define individual TWT schedules. For example, STAs and access points (or peer STAs) can participate in TWT request and TWT response exchanges against the TWT protocol. Typically, only the access point (or peer STA) and that STA are aware of the individual TWT schedule. Therefore, other STAs will not be aware of which other individual TWT schedules the access point (or peer STA) is currently supporting.

[0104] STAs under an access point can follow broadcast TWTs announced by the access point, and therefore all STAs are aware of these broadcast TWTs. Here, STAs do not need to tell the access point which TWT schedule they are following. Furthermore, STAs can request the creation of additional TWT schedules that satisfy their traffic patterns. A TWT request can contain several independent TWT schedules. Therefore, STAs can join existing TWT schedules (e.g., schedule access TWT schedules in a manner similar to their traffic patterns) or request additional schedules (e.g., new traffic patterns).

[0105] This disclosure relates in some respects to notifying the STA of usage (e.g., load) associated with an individual TWT schedule. The STA can collect statistics on its own by listening to each TWT schedule. However, these monitoring operations can consume considerable power (e.g., thereby reducing the STA's battery life) and may take a considerable amount of time to execute.

[0106] This disclosure relates in several aspects to an access point (or peer STA) notifying STAs of usage (e.g., load) associated with an individual TWT schedule. For example, the access point may transmit information indicating each TWT schedule (e.g., parameters for each TWT schedule) and information indicating the usage of each TWT schedule.

[0107] In some examples, the access point may transmit a broadcast management frame that includes the TWT scheduling information. The broadcast management frame may include, for example, a beacon (e.g., which includes a defined information pattern), a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Establishment (FILS) discovery frame, or a Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame.

[0108] In some examples, an access point (or peer STA) may include TWT scheduling information in the same frame (e.g., a beacon frame) in which it transmits a broadcast TWT information element (IE). This IE may contain a list of broadcast TWT schedules.

[0109] In the first example implementation, the access point can (e.g., via a beacon) provide information about individual TWT scheduling (e.g., scheduling of negotiated TWTs as opposed to non-negotiated TWTs such as broadcast TWTs). In this way, the STA can discover the existence of individual TWT scheduling (e.g., and broadcast TWT scheduling). In some examples, the beacon may include at least one individual TWT IE (e.g., one IE for all individual TWT scheduling or different IEs for different individual TWT scheduling). In some examples, the functionality of existing TWT IEs can be extended so that both negotiated (e.g., individual) and non-negotiated (e.g., broadcast) TWT scheduling are carried in the same IE. In some examples, new IEs (e.g., TWT statistics IEs) can be defined to carry individual TWT scheduling.

[0110] Figure 7 An example of IE 700 (e.g., for a beacon) is explained, which includes a first parameter set 702 for a first TWT and a second parameter set 704 for a second TWT. IE 700 may also include a third parameter set 706 for a broadcast TWT. IE 700 may also include other parameter sets (not shown) for other TWTs.

[0111] Figure 8 An example of beacon 800 is described, which includes a first IE 802 for a first parameter set for a first TWT and a second IE 804 for a second parameter set for a second TWT. Beacon 800 may also include a third IE 806 for a third parameter set for a broadcast TWT. Beacon 800 may also include other IEs (not shown) for other parameter sets for other TWTs.

[0112] In the second example implementation, each TWT parameter set may include one or more of the following: subsequent usage information parameters to be followed and / or other parameters indicating the use of the TWT scheduling. In some examples, the second example implementation may be combined with the first example implementation.

[0113] In some examples, the TWT parameter set can indicate the number of STAs served by the access point in the TWT schedule. For example, the first parameter set for the first TWT schedule can indicate that "X" STAs have selected to use the first TWT schedule, and the second parameter set for the second TWT schedule can indicate that "Y" STAs have selected to use the second TWT schedule, and so on.

[0114] In some examples, the TWT parameter set can indicate the type of traffic being transmitted according to the TWT schedule. For example, the traffic type can indicate whether the traffic is uplink (UL) traffic, downlink (DL) traffic, both UL and DL traffic, streaming traffic, triggered traffic, time-sensitive traffic, high-priority traffic, low-priority traffic, periodic traffic, intermittent traffic, wideband traffic, narrowband traffic, high data rate traffic, low data rate traffic, some other type of traffic, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0115] In some examples, the TWT parameter set can indicate (e.g., for each type of traffic) the percentage of resources being used. The percentage of resources used can be specified by time, frequency, space, or any combination thereof. For example, a first parameter set for a first TWT scheduling can indicate the "X" percentage of the TWT service period of the first TWT scheduling being used, a second parameter set for a second TWT scheduling can indicate the "Y" percentage of the frequency band allocated to the second TWT scheduling being used, a third parameter set for a third TWT scheduling can indicate the "X" percentage of the spatial domain allocated to the third TWT scheduling being used, and so on.

[0116] In some examples, the TWT parameter set can indicate the percentage of time an access point is able to access the TWT-scheduled wireless communication medium within a defined time limit (e.g., a time limit from the start time of the TWT service period). For example, this usage information can indicate whether the access point is typically able to obtain access to the wireless communication medium frequently (or quickly), or whether the access point is rarely able to obtain (or rarely able to obtain quickly) access to the wireless communication medium.

[0117] The usage information described above can be characterized in terms of time. For example, the TWT parameter set can indicate the average number of STAs served by the access point in each TWT schedule over a time period, the average percentage of resources used over a time period, the average time required to access the wireless communication medium of the TWT schedule over a time period, and so on. The usage information described herein can also be characterized as variance.

[0118] The usage information described herein can be characterized with respect to one or more thresholds. For example, the TWT parameter set can indicate the percentage of times during a time period that the number of STAs served by the access point in each TWT schedule exceeds (and / or falls below) a threshold number, the percentage of times during a time period that the number of resources being used exceeds (and / or falls below) a threshold number, the percentage of times during a time period that the time spent accessing the wireless communication medium of the TWT schedule exceeds (and / or falls below) a threshold, and so on.

[0119] In addition to TWT scheduling, the teachings in this paper are generally applicable to communication scheduling (e.g., negotiation-based communication scheduling). In some respects, using TWT-based scheduling can facilitate the adoption of 802.11-based devices (e.g., Wi-Fi devices), since TWT is already supported and well-adopted by, for example, 802.11ax.

[0120] An access point can require all STAs operating under that access point (e.g., associated with that access point) to use TWT. Therefore, a BSS supporting both 802.11 High Throughput (EHT) and 802.11 EHT operations can be defined. This BSS can support both 802.11 High Efficiency (HE) STAs (TWT plus MU EDCA provides scheduling functionality) and 802.11 EHT STAs (TWT enhancements provide further scheduling functionality).

[0121] Figure 9 Examples of TWT parameter signaling 900 in wireless communication networks, including AP 902, STA A 904, STA B 906, STA C 908, and STA D 910, are explained. In some examples, AP 902 may correspond to one or more of the following: Figure 1 AP 104, Figure 2 Wireless communication equipment 202 Figure 12 Wireless communication device 1000. In some examples, STA A 904, STA B 906, STA C 908, or STA D 910 may correspond to one or more of the following: Figure 1 STA 106 Figure 2 Wireless communication equipment 202 Figure 10 The wireless communication device 1000. In some examples, subsequent operations of one or more APs can be performed by peer STAs.

[0122] exist Figure 9 AP 902 and STA A 904 can negotiate to determine the parameters to be used for the first TWT scheduling. For example, AP 902 and STA A 904 can select the start time of the first service period of the first TWT scheduling, the duration of each service period of the first TWT scheduling, the periodicity of the service period, and other parameters (if applicable).

[0123] In 914, AP 902 and STA B 906 can negotiate to determine the parameters to be used for the second TWT scheduling. For example, AP 902 and STA B 906 can select the start time of the first service period of the second TWT scheduling, the duration of each service period of the second TWT scheduling, the periodicity of the service period, and other parameters (if applicable).

[0124] In 916, AP 902 transmits a beacon that includes a set of parameters for each of the TWT schedulers. For example, the beacon may include a first set of parameters for a first TWT scheduler and a second set of parameters for a second TWT scheduler. As discussed herein, each parameter set may include usage information and other information for the corresponding TWT scheduler.

[0125] At 918, STA A 904 selects one or more parameters of the first TWT schedule to be changed. For example, STA A 904 may determine, based on the usage information for the first TWT schedule received by STA A 904 at 916, that STA A 904 will be better served if there is a change during the service period (or for some other resource of the first TWT schedule). Therefore, at 920, STA A 904 transmits a request to AP 902 to change the first TWT schedule.

[0126] At 922, STA C 908 selects which of the TWT schedules advertised by AP 902 to use. For example, STA C 908 may determine that the second TWT schedule is well-suited to STA C 908's traffic pattern based on the first TWT schedule and / or the second TWT schedule (and optionally corresponding usage information) received by STA C 908 at 916. STA C 908 may or may not notify AP 902 of the selection at 922. In the scenario where STA C 908 notifies AP 902 of this selection, at 924, STA C 908 transmits a message to AP 902 indicating the selection of one of the TWT schedules advertised by AP 902.

[0127] At 926, STA D 910 selects to request a new TWT schedule from AP 902. For example, STA D 910 may determine, based on the first and / or second TWT schedules (and optionally other information) received by STA D 910 at 916, that neither of these TWT schedules is well-suited to STA D 910's traffic patterns. Therefore, at 928, STA D 910 transmits a request to AP 902 to create a new TWT schedule.

[0128] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of a wireless communication device 1000 employing a processing system 1014. For example, the wireless communication device 1000 may be a base station (STA) or other device configured to wirelessly communicate with another device (e.g., an access point or peer STA), as in... Figure 1-8 As discussed in any one or more of the above. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1000 may correspond to one or more of the following: Figure 1STA 106 Figure 2 Wireless communication device 202, or Figure 9 STA A904, STA B906, STA C908 or STA D910.

[0129] According to various aspects of this disclosure, elements, or any part thereof, or any combination thereof, may be implemented using a processing system 1014 (e.g., including one or more processors 1004). Examples of processors 1004 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionalities described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, wireless communication device 1000 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, as utilized in wireless communication device 1000, processor 1004 may be used to implement any one or more processes and procedures described below.

[0130] Processing system 1014 can be implemented with a bus architecture generally represented by bus 1002. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of processing system 1014, bus 1002 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 1002 communicatively couples together various circuits including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 1004), memory 1005, and computer-readable media (generally represented by computer-readable media 1006). Bus 1002 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. Bus interface 1008 provides an interface between bus 1002 and transceiver 1010, and between bus 1002 and interface 1030. Transceiver 1010 provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices over a wireless transmission medium. Interface 1030 provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other equipment and devices (e.g., other devices housed within the same equipment as the wireless communication device 1000 or other external devices) over an internal bus or external transmission medium (such as an Ethernet cable). Depending on the characteristics of the equipment, interface 1030 may include a user interface (e.g., a keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick). Of course, such a user interface is optional and may be omitted in some examples (such as IoT devices).

[0131] Processor 1004 is responsible for managing bus 1002 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium 1006. When executed by processor 1004, the software causes processing system 1014 to perform various functions described below for any particular device. Computer-readable medium 1006 and memory 1005 may also be used to store data manipulated by processor 1004 during software execution. For example, memory 1005 may store TWT information 1015 used by processor 1004 for the communication operations described herein.

[0132] One or more processors 1004 in the processing system can execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or other terms. Software may reside on a computer-readable medium 1006.

[0133] Computer-readable medium 1006 may be a non-transient computer-readable medium. As examples, non-transient computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key-type drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions accessible and readable by a computer. Computer-readable medium 1006 may reside in processing system 1014, be external to processing system 1014, or be distributed across multiple entities including processing system 1014. Computer-readable medium 1006 may be implemented in a computer program product. As an example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium within encapsulation material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how the functionality described throughout this disclosure is best implemented depending on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system as a whole.

[0134] The wireless communication device 1000 can be configured to perform any one or more operations as described herein (e.g., as combined above). Figure 1-9 The description and the following text in combination Figure 11 (As described). In some aspects of this disclosure, such as the processor 1004 utilized in the wireless communication device 1000, circuitry may be configured for various functions.

[0135] Processor 1004 may include communication and processing circuitry system 1041. Communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include one or more hardware components providing a physical structure for performing various processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. Communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may further include one or more hardware components providing a physical structure for performing various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include two or more transmit / receive chains, each configured to process signals of different RAT (or RAN) types. Communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may be further configured to execute communication and processing software 1051 included on computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0136] In some implementations where communication involves receiving information, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may obtain information from components of wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., from transceiver 1010 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may output information to another component of processor 1004, to memory 1005, or to bus interface 1008. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include the functionality of means for receiving. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include the functionality of means for decoding.

[0137] In some implementations where communication involves sending (e.g., transmitting) information, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may obtain information from (e.g., from another component of processor 1004, memory 1005, or bus interface 1008), process (e.g., encode) that information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may output information to transceiver 1010 (e.g., to transmit information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may send one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may send information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include the functionality of means for sending (e.g., means for transmitting). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1041 may include the functionality of means for encoding.

[0138] Processor 1004 may include frame processing circuitry 1042 configured to perform frame processing-related operations as discussed herein. Frame processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to execute frame processing software 1052 included on computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0139] The frame processing circuitry system 1042 may include the functionality of means for receiving broadcast management frames. For example, the frame processing circuitry system 1042 may be configured to receive beacon frames and parse the information contained in the beacon frames (e.g., TWT scheduling parameters).

[0140] Processor 1004 may include scheduling circuitry 1043 configured to perform scheduling-related operations as discussed herein. Scheduling circuitry 1043 may be configured to execute scheduling software 1053 included on computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0141] The scheduling circuit system 1043 may include functionality for identifying time periods used for communication with an access point. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to determine whether a particular TWT schedule is well-suited to the traffic pattern of the wireless communication device. As another example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to determine that parameters of the TWT schedule should be changed to better suit the traffic pattern of the wireless communication device. As yet another example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to select a new TWT schedule that requests a better fit to the traffic pattern of the first wireless communication device.

[0142] The scheduling circuit system 1043 may include functionality for transmitting information during a TXOP. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to transmit information during the TXOP until the boundary of the service period is reached. Once the boundary is reached, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to terminate the transmission of the information.

[0143] The scheduling circuit system 1043 may include functionality for defining or truncating a TXOP. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to determine that the TXOP extends beyond at least one boundary of a service period defined by the TWT scheduling. As another example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to terminate the TXOP at or before at at least one boundary of a service period defined by the TWT scheduling.

[0144] The scheduling circuit system 1043 may include functionality for suspending, resuming, or resetting counters. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to suspend a first counter at a first service period boundary and start or resume a second counter at the same boundary. As another example, the scheduling circuit system 1043 may be configured to resume the first counter at a second service period boundary and suspend the second counter at the same boundary.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example wireless communication system process 1100 according to some aspects of this disclosure. As described below, some or all of the described features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of this disclosure, and some described features may not be required to implement all examples. In some examples, process 1100 may be... Figure 10 The process 1100 is performed by the wireless communication device 1000 described herein. In some examples, the process 1100 may be performed by a STA (e.g., user equipment). In some examples, the process 1100 may be performed by any suitable equipment or apparatus for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0146] In block 1102, the first wireless communication device can receive a broadcast management frame from the second wireless communication device, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. For example, in conjunction with the above... Figure 10 The frame processing circuitry 1042 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1041 and the transceiver 1010 can provide means for receiving broadcast management frames from a second wireless communication device.

[0147] In some examples, the first communication schedule is a negotiation-based communication schedule. In other examples, the first communication schedule is a non-negotiation-based communication schedule.

[0148] In some examples, the first communication schedule may include a target wake-up time (TWT) schedule. In some examples, the first communication schedule may specify at least one of the following for a service period: the start time of the service period, the duration of the service period, the periodicity of the service period, or any combination thereof.

[0149] In some examples, the first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling may specify at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the number of stations scheduled to be served by the second wireless communication device during the at least one service period, at least one type of traffic scheduled during the at least one service period, the percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, the time percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, access time information associated with the at least one service period, at least one variance associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, at least one mean associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, or any combination thereof.

[0150] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include (for example) a beacon, a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frame, or an Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame.

[0151] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include a first information element (IE) including a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule and a second set of parameters for a second communication schedule. In some examples, the broadcast management frame may further include a third IE including a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0152] In block 1104, the first wireless communication device may transmit information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by a first set of parameters. For example, in conjunction with the above... Figure 10 The scheduling circuit system 1043, shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 1041 and the transceiver 1010, can provide means for transmitting information to a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by a first set of parameters.

[0153] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may choose to use a first communication schedule for communication with the second wireless communication device. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may send a request to the second wireless communication device to create a second communication schedule for communication with the second wireless communication device. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may send a request to the second wireless communication device to modify either the first or second communication schedule.

[0154] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may further include a second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling. In this case, the first wireless communication device may select the second communication scheduling for communication with the second wireless communication device based on the first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling and the second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0155] In some examples, the first set of parameters defines a service period. In this case, the first wireless communication device may determine the time to transmit during the service period, determine the frequency resources to be used during the service period, determine the spatial resources to be used during the service period, or any combination thereof.

[0156] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include an information element (IE) that includes a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. In some examples, the IE may further include a second set of parameters for a second communication schedule. In some examples, the IE may further include a third set of parameters for the broadcast communication schedule. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may select the time period based on the third set of parameters for the broadcast communication schedule.

[0157] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may define the TXOP based on the at least one boundary. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may truncate the TXOP based on the at least one boundary. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may transmit a message to the second wireless communication device indicating that the TXOP has been truncated. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may receive from the second wireless communication device an indication that the TXOP has been truncated based on the at least one boundary.

[0158] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may suspend a first media access counter (e.g., a wireless communication media access counter or timer) at the at least one boundary. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may resume a second media access counter at the at least one boundary. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may reset the media access counter at the at least one boundary.

[0159] In one configuration, the wireless communication device 1000 includes: means for receiving a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling; and means for transmitting information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first set of parameters. In one aspect, the aforementioned means may be... Figure 10The processor 1004 shown is configured to perform the functions described in the aforementioned device (e.g., as discussed above). On the other hand, the aforementioned device may be a circuit or any equipment configured to perform the functions described in the aforementioned device.

[0160] Of course, in the above examples, the circuitry included in processor 1004 is provided merely as an example, and other means for performing the described functions may be included within various aspects of this disclosure, including but not limited to instructions stored in computer-readable medium 1006, or... Figure 1 , 2 Described in one or more of 9 and 10 and using, for example, this article about Figure 11 Any other suitable device or apparatus for the described method and / or algorithm.

[0161] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of a wireless communication device 1200 employing a processing system 1214. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1200 (e.g., an access point) may correspond to one or more of the following: Figure 1 AP 104, Figure 2 Wireless communication equipment 202 Figure 9 AP 902. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 1200 (e.g., a peering STA) may correspond to one or more of the following: Figure 1 STA 106 Figure 2 Wireless communication device 202, or Figure 9 STA A 904, STAB 906, STAC 908 or STAD 910.

[0162] According to various aspects of this disclosure, an element, or any part thereof, or any combination thereof, may be implemented using a processing system 1214 (e.g., including one or more processors 1204). The processing system 1214 may be compatible with... Figure 10 The processing system 1014 described herein is substantially the same, including a bus interface 1208, a bus 1202, a memory 1205, a processor 1204, and a computer-readable medium 1206. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 1200 may include an interface 1230 (e.g., a network interface) that provides means for communicating with at least one other device within at least one radio network. The memory 1205 may store TWT information 1215 used by the processor 1204 for the communication operations described herein.

[0163] The wireless communication device 1200 can be configured to perform any one or more operations as described herein (e.g., as combined above). Figure 1-9 The description and the following text in combination Figure 13(As described). In some aspects of this disclosure, such as the processor 1204 utilized in the wireless communication device 1200, circuitry may be configured for various functions.

[0164] In some aspects of this disclosure, processor 1204 may include communication and processing circuitry system 1241. Communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may include one or more hardware components providing physical structures for performing various processes related to communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. Communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may further include one or more hardware components providing physical structures for performing various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. Communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may be further configured to execute communication and processing software 1251 included on computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0165] In some implementations where communication involves receiving information, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may obtain information from components of wireless communication device 1200 (e.g., from transceiver 1210 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may output information to another component of processor 1204, to memory 1205, or to bus interface 1208. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may include the functionality of means for receiving. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may include the functionality of means for decoding.

[0166] In some implementations where communication involves sending (e.g., transmitting) information, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may obtain information from (e.g., from another component of processor 1204, memory 1205, or bus interface 1208), process (e.g., encode) that information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may output information to transceiver 1210 (e.g., to transmit information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may send one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may send information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may include the functionality of means for sending (e.g., means for transmitting). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 may include the functionality of means for encoding.

[0167] Processor 1204 may include frame generation circuitry 1242 configured to perform frame generation-related operations as discussed herein. Frame generation circuitry 1242 may be configured to execute frame generation software 1252 included on computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0168] The frame generation circuitry system 1242 may include the functionality of means for transmitting frames. For example, the frame generation circuitry system 1242 may be configured to generate a broadcast management frame (e.g., a beacon frame) that includes at least one parameter for TWT scheduling. As another example, the frame generation circuitry system 1242 may be configured to transmit (e.g., broadcast) the frame to any STA that is communicating with (e.g., served by) the wireless communication device 1200.

[0169] The frame generation circuitry system 1242 may include functionality for identifying the packet filters. For example, the frame generation circuitry system 1242 may be configured to identify information to be included in the packet.

[0170] Processor 1204 may include scheduling circuitry 1243 configured to perform scheduling-related operations as discussed herein. Scheduling circuitry 1243 may be configured to execute scheduling software 1253 included on computer-readable medium 1206 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0171] The scheduling circuit system 1243 may include functionality for defining TXOPs. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to define TXOPs such that the TXOPs do not extend beyond the boundaries of the service period.

[0172] The scheduling circuit system 1243 may include the functionality of means for determining that a wireless communication device has truncated a TXOP. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to receive and process a message from a STA indicating that the STA has truncated (e.g., ended) a specific TXOP. As another example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to determine that no transmissions arriving from the STA for more than a threshold time period have been received during a specific TXOP.

[0173] The scheduling circuit system 1243 may include functionality for receiving information during a TXOP. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to receive data transmissions according to a TWT schedule announced by the wireless communication device 1200. As another example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to receive information during the TXOP until the boundary of the service period is reached. Once the boundary is reached, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to terminate receiving the information.

[0174] The scheduling circuit system 1243 may include the functionality of means for determining a set of parameters for communication scheduling. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1243 may be configured to negotiate with a wireless communication device (e.g., STA) to determine parameters (e.g., service period start time, service period duration, etc.) for TWT scheduling.

[0175] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example wireless communication system process 1300 according to some aspects of this disclosure. As described below, some or all of the described features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of this disclosure, and some described features may not be required to implement all examples. In some examples, process 1300 may be... Figure 12 The wireless communication process 1300, as explained in the text, is executed by the wireless communication device 1200. In some examples, the wireless communication process 1300 may be executed by an access point. In some examples, the process 1300 may be executed by any suitable equipment or apparatus for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0176] In block 1302, the first wireless communication device can transmit a broadcast management frame, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling, and wherein the first set of parameters defines at least one service period. For example, in conjunction with the above... Figure 12 The frame generation circuitry system 1242 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry system 1241 and the transceiver 1210 can provide means for transmitting broadcast management frames.

[0177] In some examples, the first communication schedule is a negotiation-based communication schedule. In other examples, the first communication schedule is a non-negotiation-based communication schedule.

[0178] In some examples, the first communication schedule may include a target wake-up time (TWT) schedule. In some examples, the first communication schedule may specify at least one of the following for a service period: the start time of the service period, the duration of the service period, the periodicity of the service period, or any combination thereof.

[0179] In some examples, the first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling may specify at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the number of stations scheduled to be served by the first wireless communication device during the at least one service period, at least one type of traffic scheduled during the at least one service period, the percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, the time percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, access time information associated with the at least one service period, at least one variance associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, at least one mean associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, or any combination thereof.

[0180] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may negotiate with a second or third wireless communication device to select a first set of parameters for the first communication schedule. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may receive a request to create the first communication schedule. In some examples, the first wireless communication device may receive a request to modify the first communication schedule.

[0181] In box 1304, the first wireless communication device may receive information from the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period. For example, in conjunction with the above... Figure 12 The scheduling circuitry 1243, shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1241 and the transceiver 1210, can provide means for receiving information from the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the service period.

[0182] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include (for example) a beacon, a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Establishment (FILS) discovery frame, or an Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame. In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include an Information Element (IE) that includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling. In some examples, the IE may further include a second set of parameters for a second communication scheduling. In some examples, the process may further include defining a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling. In this case, the IE may further include a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0183] In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include a first information element (IE) that includes a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule. In some examples, the broadcast management frame may include a second set of parameters for a second communication schedule. In some examples, the broadcast management frame may further include a third IE that includes a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0184] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may determine a second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling. In this case, the broadcast management frame may further include the second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0185] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may receive a signal from itself and determine, based on the signal, that it has truncated a transmission opportunity (TXOP) based on a boundary associated with a first communication schedule. In some examples, the signal may include a message from the first wireless communication device instructing it to truncate the TXOP. In some examples, the signal may be received during the TXOP (e.g., the first wireless communication device may determine that the signal stops at the TWT service period boundary).

[0186] In some examples, the first wireless communication device may define the TXOP based on the at least one boundary. In this case, the process may further include transmitting an indication that the TXOP has been truncated.

[0187] In one configuration, the wireless communication device 1200 includes: means for transmitting a broadcast management frame, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling, and wherein the first set of parameters defines at least one service period; and means for receiving information from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period. In one aspect, the aforementioned means may be... Figure 12 The processor 1204 shown is configured to perform the functions described in the aforementioned apparatus (e.g., as discussed above). Alternatively, the aforementioned apparatus may be a circuit or any device configured to perform the functions described in the aforementioned apparatus.

[0188] Of course, in the above examples, the circuitry included in processor 1204 is provided merely as an example, and other means for performing the described functions may be included within various aspects of this disclosure, including but not limited to instructions stored in computer-readable medium 1206, or... Figure 1 , 2 Described in one or more of 9 and 12 and using, for example, this article about Figure 13 Any other suitable device or apparatus for the described method and / or algorithm.

[0189] Figure 11 and 13 The methods shown may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein. An overview of several aspects of this disclosure is provided below:

[0190] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: receiving a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling; and transmitting information to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of a time period indicated by the first set of parameters.

[0191] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein the first communication schedule includes target wake-up time (TWT) scheduling.

[0192] Aspect 3: The method of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first communication schedule specifies at least one of the following for a service period: the start time of the service period, the duration of the service period, the periodicity of the service period, or any combination thereof.

[0193] Aspect 4: The method of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling specifies at least one of the following for at least one service period: the number of stations scheduled to be served by the second wireless communication device during the at least one service period, at least one type of traffic scheduled during the at least one service period, the percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, the time percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, access time information associated with the at least one service period, at least one variance associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, at least one mean associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, or any combination thereof.

[0194] Aspect 5: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a beacon, a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frame, or an Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame.

[0195] Aspect 6: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 5 further includes: selecting to schedule the first communication for communication with the second wireless communication device.

[0196] Aspect 7: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein: the broadcast management frame further includes a second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling; and further includes selecting the second communication scheduling for communication with the second wireless communication device based on the first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling and the second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0197] Aspect 8: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 7 further includes: sending a request to the second wireless communication device for creating a second communication schedule for communication with the second wireless communication device.

[0198] Aspect 9: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 7 further includes: sending a request to a second wireless communication device to modify the first communication schedule or the second communication schedule.

[0199] Aspect 10: A method of any of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein: a first set of parameters defines a service period; and the method further includes at least one of: determining the time to be transmitted during the service period, determining the frequency resources to be used during the service period, determining the space resources to be used during the service period, or any combination thereof.

[0200] Aspect 11: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 10 further includes: defining the TXOP based on the at least one boundary.

[0201] Aspect 12: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 10 further includes: truncating the TXOP based on the at least one boundary.

[0202] Aspect 13: The method of aspect 12 further includes: transmitting a message to a second wireless communication device indicating that the TXOP has been truncated.

[0203] Aspect 14: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 11 further includes: receiving from a second wireless communication device an indication that the TXOP has been truncated based on the at least one boundary.

[0204] Aspect 15: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 14 further includes: suspending a first media access counter at the at least one boundary.

[0205] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15 further includes: restoring the second media access counter at the at least one boundary.

[0206] Aspect 17: The method described in any of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the media access counter is reset at at least one boundary.

[0207] Aspect 18: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the broadcast management frame includes an information element (IE) that includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling.

[0208] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18, wherein the IE further includes a third set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0209] Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein the IE further includes a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0210] Aspect 21: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 20 further includes: selecting the time period based on a third set of parameters used for the broadcast communication scheduling.

[0211] Aspect 22: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 21, wherein the broadcast management frame includes: a first information element (IE) including a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule; and a second set of parameters for a second communication schedule.

[0212] Aspect 23: The method of aspect 22, wherein the broadcast management frame further includes a third IE, the third IE including a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0213] Aspect 24: A wireless communication device comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a radio access network; a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to perform any of aspects 1 to 23.

[0214] Aspect 25: A device configured for wireless communication, comprising at least one means for performing any of aspects 1 to 23.

[0215] Aspect 26: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the computer-executable code including code for causing a device to perform any of aspects 1 to 23.

[0216] Aspect 27: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: transmitting a broadcast management frame, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling, and wherein the first set of parameters defines at least one service period; and receiving information from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) defined as not spanning at least one boundary of the at least one service period.

[0217] Aspect 28: The method of aspect 27, wherein the first communication schedule includes a target wake-up time (TWT) schedule.

[0218] Aspect 29: The method of any of Aspects 1 to 28, wherein the first communication schedule specifies at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the start time of the at least one service period, the duration of the at least one service period, the periodicity of the at least one service period, or any combination thereof.

[0219] Aspect 30: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 29, wherein a first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling specifies for the at least one service period at least one of the following: the number of stations scheduled to be served by the first wireless communication device during the at least one service period, at least one type of traffic scheduled during the at least one service period, the percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, the time percentage of resources scheduled during the at least one service period, access time information associated with the at least one service period, at least one variance associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, at least one mean associated with the use of the at least one service period over time, or any combination thereof.

[0220] Aspect 31: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 30, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a beacon, a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frame, or an Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame.

[0221] Aspect 32: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 31 further includes: negotiating with a second wireless communication device or a third wireless communication device to select a first set of parameters for the first communication scheduling.

[0222] Aspect 33: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 32, wherein: the method further includes determining a second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling; and the broadcast management frame further includes the second set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0223] Aspect 34: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 32 further includes: receiving a request to create a first communication schedule.

[0224] Aspect 35: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 34 further includes: receiving a request to modify the first communication schedule.

[0225] Aspect 36: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 35 further includes: receiving a signal from a second wireless communication device; and determining, based on the signal, that the second wireless communication device has truncated the TXOP based on the at least one boundary.

[0226] Aspect 37: The method of aspect 36, wherein the signal includes a message from the second wireless communication device indicating that the second wireless communication device has truncated the TXOP.

[0227] Aspect 38: The method of any of Aspects 36 to 37, wherein the signal is received during the TXOP.

[0228] Aspect 39: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 35 further includes: defining the TXOP based on the at least one boundary; and transmitting an indication that the TXOP has been truncated.

[0229] Aspect 40: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 39, wherein the broadcast management frame includes an information element (IE) that includes a first set of parameters for a first communication scheduling.

[0230] Aspect 41: The method of aspect 40, wherein the IE further includes a third set of parameters for the second communication scheduling.

[0231] Aspect 42: The method of aspect 41, wherein: the method further includes defining a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling; and the IE further includes the third set of parameters for the broadcast communication scheduling.

[0232] Aspect 43: The method of any of Aspects 27 to 42, wherein the broadcast management frame includes: a first information element (IE) including a first set of parameters for a first communication schedule; and a second set of parameters for a second communication schedule.

[0233] Aspect 44: The method of aspect 43, wherein the broadcast management frame further includes a third IE, the third IE including a third set of parameters for broadcast communication scheduling.

[0234] Aspect 45: A wireless communication device comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a radio access network; a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to perform any of aspects 27 to 44.

[0235] Aspect 46: A device configured for wireless communication, comprising at least one means for performing any of aspects 27 to 44.

[0236] Aspect 47: A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable code, the computer-executable code including code for causing a device to perform any of Aspects 27 to 44.

[0237] Several aspects of wireless communication networks have been illustrated with reference to examples. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the various aspects described herein can be extended to other telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0238] The examples demonstrate how various aspects can be implemented within systems defined by IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, etc. These aspects can also be extended to systems defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, and / or Evolved Data Optimization (EV-DO). Other examples can be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The specific telecommunications standards, network architecture, and / or communication standards employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0239] Within this disclosure, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" need not be construed as superior to or better than other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term "coupling" is used herein to refer to direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically contacts object B, and object B contacts object C, then objects A and C can still be considered coupled to each other—even if they are not in direct physical contact. For example, a first object can be coupled to a second object, even if the first object never directly contacts the second object. The terms "circuit" and "circuit system" are used broadly and are intended to include both hardware implementations of electronic devices and conductors, and software implementations of information and instructions, which, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in this disclosure, without limitation on the type of electronic circuit, and which, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described in this disclosure. As used herein, the term "determine" can include, for example, identifying, parsing, selecting, choosing, establishing, operating, calculating, processing, deriving, studying, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and similar actions. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and similar actions.

[0240] Figures 1 to 13 One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions described herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or may be implemented in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figure 1 , 2The apparatus, devices, and / or components described in 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0241] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the steps in the disclosed methods is an explanation of the exemplary process. Based on design preferences, it will be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the steps in these methods can be rearranged. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless specifically stated herein.

[0242] The preceding description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will readily be understood by those skilled in the art, and the universal principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be granted the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein references to the singular form of an element are not intended to mean “one and only one”—unless specifically stated otherwise—but are intended to mean “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some / a” refers to one or more. The phrase “at least one of” referring to a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. As an example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. All structural and functional equivalents of the aspects described throughout this disclosure that are currently or hereafter known to a person skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be donated to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims.

Claims

1. A first wireless communication device, comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as A processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: The transceiver receives a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first TWT parameter set for scheduling a first target wake-up time (TWT); and Information is transmitted to the second wireless communication device via the transceiver during a transmission opportunity with maximum length (TXOP), the TXOP being further truncated based on the end boundary of at least one service period indicated by the first TWT parameter set. as well as A message indicating that the TXOP has been truncated is transmitted to the second wireless communication device.

2. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first TWT scheduling is associated with service time constraints.

3. The first wireless communication device as described in claim 1, wherein, The first TWT parameter set indicates at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the start time of the at least one service period, the duration of the at least one service period, the periodicity of the at least one service period, or any combination thereof.

4. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first TWT parameter set specifies at least one traffic type, or any combination thereof, associated with high-priority traffic, time-sensitive traffic, for the at least one service period.

5. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a beacon, a Traffic Indication Mapping (TIM) broadcast frame, a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) discovery frame, or an Opportunity Power Saving (OPS) frame.

6. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The broadcast management frame further includes a second TWT parameter set for second TWT scheduling; and The processor and the memory are further configured to select the second TWT scheduling for communication with the second wireless communication device based on at least one of the first TWT parameter set for the first TWT scheduling or the second TWT parameter set for the second TWT scheduling.

7. The first wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Send a request to the second wireless communication device to create a second TWT schedule for communication with the second wireless communication device.

8. The first wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Send a request to the second wireless communication device to modify the first TWT schedule or the second TWT schedule.

9. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The first TWT parameter set defines a service period; and The processor and the memory are further configured to perform at least one of the following: determining the time to transmit during the service period, determining the frequency resources to be used during the service period, determining the space resources to be used during the service period, or any combination thereof.

10. The first wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Obtain a first TXOP with a first duration based on the end boundary of the at least one service period.

11. The first wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Reset the media access counter at the end boundary of the at least one service period.

12. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The broadcast management frame includes an information element (IE), which includes a first TWT parameter set for scheduling the first TWT; and The first TWT scheduling is associated with service time constraints.

13. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The IE further includes a second set of TWT parameters for TWT scheduling that is not associated with service time constraints.

14. The first wireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to: Another service period is selected based on the second TWT parameter set used for TWT scheduling that is not associated with service period constraints.

15. A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: Receive a broadcast management frame from a second wireless communication device, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first TWT parameter set for scheduling a first target wake-up time (TWT); as well as Information is transmitted to the second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) with at least one boundary having a maximum length, the TXOP being further truncated based on the end boundary of at least one service period indicated by the first TWT parameter set; and A message indicating that the TXOP has been truncated is transmitted to the second wireless communication device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first TWT scheduling is associated with a service time constraint.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first TWT parameter set indicates at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the start time of the at least one service period, the duration of the at least one service period, the periodicity of the at least one service period, or any combination thereof.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first TWT parameter set is at least one call type, or any combination thereof, associated with high-priority call, time-sensitive call, or at least one service period.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Obtain a first TXOP with a first duration based on the end boundary of the at least one service period.

20. A first wireless communication device, comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as A processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: The broadcast management frame is transmitted via the transceiver, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first TWT parameter set for scheduling a first target wake-up time (TWT); and Information is received from the second wireless communication device via the transceiver during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) with at least one boundary of maximum length, the TXOP being further truncated based on the end boundary of at least one service period indicated by the first TWT parameter set; and Receive a message from the second wireless communication device indicating that the TXOP has been truncated.

21. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The first TWT scheduling is associated with service time constraints.

22. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The first TWT parameter set specifies at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the start time of the at least one service period, the duration of the at least one service period, the periodicity of the at least one service period, or any combination thereof.

23. The first wireless communication device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The first TWT parameter set specifies at least one traffic type, or any combination thereof, associated with high-priority traffic, time-sensitive traffic, for the at least one service period.

24. A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: Transmit a broadcast management frame, wherein the broadcast management frame includes a first TWT parameter set for scheduling a first target wake-up time (TWT); as well as Information is received from a second wireless communication device during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) with at least one boundary of maximum length, the TXOP being further truncated based on the end boundary of at least one service period indicated by the first TWT parameter set; and Receive a message from the second wireless communication device indicating that the TXOP has been truncated.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first TWT scheduling is associated with a service time constraint.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein, The first TWT parameter set indicates at least one of the following for the at least one service period: the start time of the at least one service period, the duration of the at least one service period, the periodicity of the at least one service period, or any combination thereof.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein, The first TWT parameter set is at least one call type, or any combination thereof, associated with high-priority call, time-sensitive call, or at least one service period.

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