Prioritizing precise timing measurement requests

Abstract

Aspects described herein include a method comprising receiving an initial fine timing measurement (FTM) request from an initiating station (ISTA), determining a priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs, and determining whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to wireless network devices, and more specifically to addressing ranging requests from wireless devices. Background Technology

[0002] The IEEE 802.11 standard recently introduced Precision Timing Measurement (FTM) techniques, which allow initiating stations (ISTAs) to obtain their relative or absolute location via ranging exchange. FTMs allow ISTAs to be uniquely identified, even when an ISTA is not associated with a responding station (RSTA) and / or when the ISTA changes its MAC address. The FTM process is largely controlled by the requesting ISTA, rather than by the receiving station (RSTA). Attached Figure Description

[0003] For a more detailed understanding of the features described above, reference can be made to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate typical embodiments and should not be considered limiting; other equally effective embodiments can be anticipated.

[0004] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an exemplary FTM exchange according to one or more embodiments.

[0005] Figure 2 An exemplary system including an access point (AP) with an FTM decision module is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0006] Figure 3 An exemplary arrangement of an FTM decision module according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0007] Figure 4 An exemplary method for addressing an FTM request according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0008] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used where possible to denote common elements in the figures. It is anticipated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Overview

[0010] One embodiment of this disclosure is a method comprising: receiving an initial precision timing measurement (FTM) request from an initiating station (ISTA); determining the priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs; and determining whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification.

[0011] Another embodiment proposed in this disclosure is an access point (AP) including one or more computer processors configured to: receive an initial precision timing measurement (FTM) request from an initiating station (ISTA); determine the priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs; and determine whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification.

[0012] Another embodiment of this disclosure is a computer program product including a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code. The computer-readable program code is executable by one or more computer processors to perform operations including: receiving an initial precision timing measurement (FTM) request from an initiating station (ISTA); determining the priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs; and determining whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification.

[0013] Example Implementation

[0014] To perform FTM, ISTA and RSTA exchange bursts of frames to calculate relative distance (ranging). RSTA is typically a static computing device such as an AP, and ISTA is typically not an AP (e.g., a mobile computing device). Each ISTA initiates the FTM process by sending an initial FTM request to the RSTA. The RSTA has the right to reject an initial FTM request received from the ISTA, either by sending a rejection response to the ISTA or by ignoring the initial FTM request (i.e., allowing a period of time without responding to the ISTA). When accepting an initial FTM request, the RSTA may accept the FTM exchange parameters included in the initial FTM request, or may negotiate different FTM exchange parameters with the ISTA.

[0015] The FTM process is primarily driven by the request ISTA, rather than by the RSTA. Therefore, the cumulative effect of multiple individual FTM exchanges with a single RSTA reduces cell efficiency.

[0016] According to embodiments described herein, an AP (or other RSTA) includes one or more computer processors configured to receive an initial FTM request from an ISTA, determine the priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs, and determine whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification. In some embodiments, the AP includes a cell activity estimator that estimates channel activity, a client traffic analyzer that determines the priority classification of one or more ISTAs using multiple factors, and an ISTA FTM monitor that monitors FTM exchanges of the ISTAs during a predefined time period. The AP also includes a decision engine that receives outputs from the cell activity estimator, the client traffic analyzer, and the ISTA FTM monitor and generates an FTM response preference score for the ISTA. In some embodiments, the decision to accept the initial FTM request is based on the FTM response preference score. In some cases, the AP may limit the number of exchanges with the ISTA in response to the initial FTM request based on the FTM response preference score.

[0017] In this way, the AP can improve the management of FTM requests received from each ISTA. For example, the AP can limit the total amount of call time allocated to FTM traffic, and / or can dynamically prioritize FTM switching based on different factors of the ISTA.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram 100 illustrating an exemplary FTM exchange according to one or more embodiments. Although the discussion primarily uses the terminology of the IEEE 802.11 standard, the techniques described herein are applicable to addressing ranging requests using other suitable protocols.

[0019] When ISTA 110 seeks to determine its own location, it may discover one or more RSTAs to provide ranging support using, for example, a standard 802.11 scanning process. Each of the one or more RSTAs may have a known location. In some embodiments, the one or more RSTAs are access points (APs) and ISTA 110 is a mobile computing device, but other types of computing devices are also anticipated. In some embodiments, the one or more RSTAs may announce support for RSTA functionality using extended capability information elements in beacon frames and / or probe response frames.

[0020] In Figure 100, ISTA 110 selects RSTA 105 and initiates FTM switching by sending a frame including an initial FTM request 115 to RSTA 105. The initial FTM request 115 may indicate the FTM switching parameters proposed by ISTA 110.

[0021] RSTA 105 uses the standard 802.11 Acknowledgment (ACK) process to acknowledge the initial FTM request 115. When RSTA 105 accepts the initial FTM request 115, for example, according to the techniques described herein, RSTA 105 responds with an initial FTM frame FTM_1 within 10 milliseconds (ms) of receiving the initial FTM request 115. The initial FTM frame FTM_1 includes the FTM exchange parameters approved by RSTA 105. In some cases, the FTM exchange parameters proposed by ISTA 110 may be accepted by RSTA 105 without modification. In some embodiments, RSTA 105 may modify one or more FTM exchange parameters to limit the number of exchanges with ISTA 110 in response to the initial FTM request 115. ISTA 110 acknowledges the initial FTM frame FTM_1.

[0022] The FTM exchange parameters approved by RSTA 105 define the timing of subsequent FTM exchanges between RSTA 105 and ISTA 110, and more specifically define one or more burst periods 130-1, 130-2 during which RSTA 105 and ISTA 110 exchange one or more FTM frames. At the beginning of each burst period 130-1, 130-2, ISTA 110 sends a corresponding FTM request (trigger) frame, which indicates the availability of ranging for ISTA 110 at that time.

[0023] During burst duration 125-1 of burst period 130-1, RSTA 105 transmits FTM frame FTM_2 and records the time t1_2 of transmitting FTM frame FTM_2 (e.g., departure time or ToD). ISTA 110 receives FTM frame FTM_2 and records arrival time (ToA) t2_2. ISTA 110 acknowledges FTM frame FTM_2 and records the ToD t3_2 of the ACK frame. RSTA 105 records the ToAt4_2 of the ACK frame.

[0024] RSTA 105 transmits an FTM frame FTM_3 including times t1_2 and t4_2. In some embodiments, RSTA 105 controls the ToD t1_3 of FTM_3 according to the minimum increment FTM 135 specified by the FTM switching parameters. ISTA 110 can calculate the distance d (in meters) between ISTA 110 and RSTA 105 according to the following formula:

[0025]

[0026] In this context, times t1_2, t2_2, t3_2, and t4_2 are expressed in milliseconds, (t4_2-t1_2)–(t3_2-t2_2) represents the round-trip time (RTT), and c represents the speed of light.

[0027] During burst duration 125-2 of burst period 130-2, RSTA 105 transmits FTM frame FTM_4 and records the ToD t1-4 of transmitting FTM frame FTM_4. FTM frame FTM_4 includes times t1_3 and t4_3. ISTA 110 receives FTM frame FTM_4 and records ToA t2_4. ISTA 100 acknowledges FTM frame FTM_4 and records the ToD t3_4 of the ACK frame. RSTA 105 records the ToAt4_4 of the ACK frame. RSTA 105 transmits FTM frame FTM_5, which includes times t1_4 ​​and t4_4. ISTA 110 can then use times t1_4, t2_4, t3_4, and t4_4 to calculate the distance d (in meters).

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary system 200 is illustrated, comprising an access point (AP) 205 having an FTM decision module 220, according to one or more embodiments. Features of system 200 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments. For example, AP 205 can be used to perform… Figure 1 FTM switching.

[0029] AP 205 includes one or more processors 210 and memory 215. The one or more processors 210 may be implemented in any suitable form, such as a general-purpose microprocessor, a controller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Memory 215 may include a variety of computer-readable media selected according to its size, relative performance, or other capabilities: volatile and / or non-volatile media, removable and / or non-removable media, etc.

[0030] Mobile computing device 225 is communicatively coupled to AP 205 via a wireless network (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or public network (e.g., the Internet)). Mobile computing device 225 can be implemented in any suitable form, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, wearable computer, etc. Mobile computing device 225 includes one or more processors 230 and memory 235. The one or more processors 230 can be configured similarly to one or more processors 210, and the memory 235 can be configured similarly to memory 215.

[0031] Memory 215 may include one or more modules for performing the various functions described herein. In one embodiment, each module includes program code executable by one or more processors 210. However, other embodiments of system 200 may include modules that are partially or wholly implemented in other hardware (i.e., circuitry) or firmware of AP 205.

[0032] As shown in the figure, memory 215 includes an FTM decision module 220 that determines whether to accept the initial FTM request included in an FTM request 240 received from mobile computing device 225. In some embodiments, FTM decision module 220 receives the initial FTM request from an ISTA (here, mobile computing device 225), determines the priority classification of the ISTA relative to other ISTAs, and determines whether to accept the initial FTM request based at least in part on the priority classification. FTM decision module 220 may set one or more FTM exchange parameters, for example, limiting the number of exchanges with ISTAs in response to the initial FTM request.

[0033] Figure 3 An exemplary arrangement 300 of an FTM decision module 220 according to one or more embodiments is shown. In arrangement 300, the FTM decision module 220 includes a cell activity estimator 305, a client traffic analyzer 310, and an ISTA FTM monitor 315.

[0034] Cell activity estimator 305 uses any suitable technique to estimate channel activity. Cell activity estimator 305 can calculate channel utilization. In some embodiments, cell activity estimator 305 directly outputs a value of the estimated channel activity (e.g., a channel utilization value). In other embodiments, cell activity estimator 305 generates a score based on the estimated channel activity (e.g., a traffic density value). In some embodiments, FTM decision module 220 is more likely to reject an initial FTM request for a larger value of channel activity. For example, a larger traffic density value tends to leave less room for approving an initial FTM request. Therefore, for a larger traffic density value, an initial FTM request is less likely to be accepted unless the initial FTM request is otherwise prioritized, for example, from an emergency response team, as discussed further below.

[0035] In some embodiments, the client traffic analyzer 310 monitors traffic from an individual ITA, such as traffic type and / or total traffic volume. The client traffic analyzer 310 may also receive location information from the ITA (e.g., location-based services and / or RSSI monitors) and FTM option support. In some embodiments, traffic type includes classifying traffic as FTM or non-FTM, and / or classifying non-FTM traffic as voice, data, etc.

[0036] Conventional FTM technology allows any ITA to trigger any number of FTM exchanges with any RSTA within its range, regardless of whether the ITA is associated with an RSTA. Without adjustment, this approach can significantly degrade the cell efficiency of the RSTA. In some embodiments, the client traffic analyzer 310 determines the priority classification of an ITA relative to other ITAs, allowing the definition of different ITA groups with which FTM exchanges are of lower or higher importance.

[0037] ISTA priority classification can be represented in any form. In some embodiments, determining ISTA priority classification includes generating an FTM response sensitivity score for the ISTA using multiple factors. Priority classification is based on this FTM response sensitivity score relative to the FTM response sensitivity scores of other ISTAs.

[0038] In some embodiments, multiple factors include whether the ISTA is associated with the RSTA. Typically, unassociated ISTAs tend to score lower than associated ISTAs.

[0039] In some embodiments, multiple factors include the ranging measurement mode of the ISTA. Generally, ISTA in HEz (High Efficiency Ranging) mode tends to score higher than ISTA in VHTz (Very High Throughput Ranging) mode because the AP triggers every ranging measurement in HEz mode. In this way, HEz mode may be preferred because it allows the AP to manage spectrum usage.

[0040] In some embodiments, multiple factors include the ranging priority parameter of the ISTA. Generally, ISTAs with a larger self-claimed location priority level (e.g., defined as part of the 802.11az standard) tend to score higher than ISTAs with a lower location priority level.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple factors include whether the ISTA shares its location (location measurement results or LMR, shared when the FTM burst is complete). Generally, ISTAs that share their location tend to score higher than ISTAs that do not.

[0042] In some embodiments, multiple factors include those related to the ISTA's certification group type. For example, guests tend to score lower, while emergency response teams tend to score higher. Furthermore, the classification of certification group types can be provided by external tools, such as a hierarchy based on user identity and / or type.

[0043] In some embodiments, multiple factors include the ISTA's traffic level. Typically, ISTAs that are associated but idle (or have low traffic) tend to score higher than ISTAs with high traffic.

[0044] In some embodiments, multiple factors include the type of traffic the ISTA carries. Generally, ISTAs running real-time traffic (such as voice) tend to score higher than those running non-real-time traffic because real-time ISTAs are more in need of location determination to decide whether to transition from Wi-Fi to LTE or another type of Wi-Fi. Furthermore, estimators can be used to update the score. For example, a real-time ISTA (e.g., running voice calls) whose Mean Opinion Score (MoS) decreases over a period of time may have an increased score because the ISTA's location needs to be quickly determined to facilitate roaming to a more suitable AP.

[0045] In some embodiments, multiple factors include a factor for the movement rate of the ISTA. Generally, faster-moving ISTAs (e.g., identified by larger changes in RSSI over a period of time) tend to score higher than idle or slower-moving ISTAs.

[0046] The FTM response sensitivity score can be generated using any combination of the factors described above, and can be generated using any suitable mathematical and / or logical function. In one embodiment, the different factors can be weighted, and the FTM response sensitivity score can be generated as the sum of the different weighted terms. In another embodiment, the FTM response sensitivity score is determined to be greater than a threshold used to approve an initial FTM request when ISTA shares its location.

[0047] The ISTA FTM monitor 315 monitors ISTA FTM exchanges within a predefined time period. In some embodiments, the length of the predefined time period can be manually and / or dynamically configurable.

[0048] In some embodiments, the ISTA FTM monitor 315 determines the number of initial FTM requests, the number of FTM exchanges in each FTM burst, and the length of each FTM exchange in each FTM burst. For example, an ISTA operating in VHT2 mode initiates an FTM exchange by sending an initial FTM request that indicates an availability window (i.e., a target time window during which an FTM exchange will take place in the next FTM burst). An ISTA can initiate such an FTM exchange with more than one RSTA.

[0049] The ISTA can propose the number and / or length of FTM burst periods, which the RSTA can refute by providing different burst counts and durations. Then, during each FTM burst window, the ISTA will send multiple FTM frames, and each frame (with a response from the RSTA) provides a ranging sample. Generally, longer FTM burst windows tend to be more disruptive to AP activity because the AP cannot scan another channel using RRM, even when there is no traffic in the cell. Similarly, longer FTM burst window counts tend to be more disruptive.

[0050] In some cases, an ISTA can open a window to an RSTA (e.g., an AP), complete an FTM burst, and repeat the operation using another AP or channel. In other cases, an ISTA can open multiple windows to multiple APs and perform FTM switching based on its own traffic patterns. In some embodiments, the ISTA FTM monitor 315 associates a disruptive score with each ISTA based on FTM activity recorded over a period of time. Here, ISTAs with shorter windows tend to receive higher scores because ISTA FTM traffic tends to be less disruptive to AP activity when the window is shorter. Furthermore, an ISTA with a single window tends to score higher than an ISTA that opens multiple windows to more than one AP simultaneously.

[0051] Each burst uses a certain number of FTM exchanges determined by the ISTA. ISTAs that complete a ranging assessment using fewer FTM exchanges tend to score higher than ISTAs that use more exchanges. Furthermore, each ISTA determines when to send the next FTM frame within an FTM burst. ISTAs that use FTM bursts sent at intervals matching priority values ​​tend to achieve higher scores. Generally, the interval should match the range expected for the associated traffic. Therefore, an ISTA that sends the next FTM frame after a short AIFS (e.g., estimated at 4 time slots) will score lower than an ISTA that sends the next FTM frame at an interval compatible with its traffic priority (e.g., estimated at 15 time slots). In other words, an ISTA that processes its FTM traffic with a different priority than its data traffic will achieve a different score (often a lower score) compared to an ISTA that processes its FTM traffic at the same level as other traffic.

[0052] The FTM decision module 220 also includes an FTM decision engine 320, which receives outputs from the cell activity estimator 305, the client traffic analyzer 310, and the ISTA FTM monitor 315. In some embodiments, the FTM decision engine 320 generates an FTM response preference score for the ISTA. The FTM response preference score can be generated using any combination of the outputs from the cell activity estimator 305, the client traffic analyzer 310, and the ISTA FTM monitor 315, and can be generated using any suitable mathematical and / or logical functions.

[0053] The FTM decision engine 320 determines whether to accept an initial FTM request from ISTA based on the ISTA's FTM response preference score. In some embodiments, the FTM decision engine 320 accepts the initial FTM request when the FTM response preference score meets a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold may be determined based on historical scores, for example, determined to make a certain percentage of initial FTM requests accepted. In one embodiment, different outputs may be weighted, and the FTM response preference score may be generated as a sum of different weights.

[0054] In some embodiments, as channel utilization increases, the FTM response preference score decreases more rapidly for ISTAs with a lower FTM response sensitivity score. In some embodiments, as described above, ISTAs that share their location tend to have larger FTM response sensitivity scores. However, in other embodiments, ISTAs that announce they will not share their location may have larger FTM response sensitivity scores in privacy-prioritized environments.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the location-based service system calculates the location of an ITA, and when the ITA shares its location result (LMR), a large difference between the calculated location (e.g., RSSI / AoA-based location calculation) and the LMR returned by the ITA may correspond to an increased FTM response preference score. This is because additional FTM frames increase the LMR count as well as the frame count from the ITA, which can be used to refine the RSSI / AoA-based location. The FTM decision engine 320 controls the AP's radio to selectively stop responding to VHTz mode requests from ITAs with lower FTM response preference scores faster than ITAs with higher FTM response preference scores. Furthermore, in HEz mode, ITAs with lower FTM response preference scores may receive fewer triggers.

[0056] Because the ISTA FTM monitor 315 operates at intervals, one effect is that when the ISTA is controlled by the FTM decision engine 320 to not exchange ranging frames with the AP, the ISTA's FTM response preference score tends to increase. In this way, ISTAs with lower FTM response preference scores are not completely prevented from performing FTM exchanges.

[0057] As described above, the FTM decision engine 320 determines whether to accept or reject the initial FTM request based on the FTM response preference score. In some embodiments, the FTM decision engine 320 limits the number of exchanges with ISTA in response to the initial FTM request based on the FTM response preference score. For example, the FTM decision engine 320 may specify the number of FTM exchanges per burst period, the minimum time between FTM exchanges (minimum increment FTM), and / or the number of FTM bursts.

[0058] In this way, the FTM decision engine 320 can instruct the AP to respond more slowly to FTM frames for a specific ITA (while remaining within the maximum target of 10ms defined by FTM), thereby allowing fewer FTM exchanges per FTM burst. Additionally or alternatively, the FTM decision engine 320 can instruct the AP to respond to only a specific number (n) of FTM frames per FTM burst for a specific ITA. Additionally or alternatively, the FTM decision engine 320 can instruct the AP to respond to only a specific number (m) of initial FTM requests per interval for a specific ITA. Therefore, the FTM decision engine 320 can control the AP response for each ITA based on the number of FTM bursts allowed per interval, the number of FTM exchanges per FTM burst, and / or the rate of FTM exchanges within each FTM burst.

[0059] In some embodiments, when channel activity is high and / or the FTM response preference score is low, the FTM decision engine 320 may instruct the AP to respond only to (or trigger) those ISTAs that will share their location information. In this case, the AP may indicate in its unicast or broadcast message (e.g., a beacon) whether it will accept an initial FTM request from a non-sharing ISTA, or whether it will request the ISTA to share its location information. In some embodiments, even when an ISTA indicates that it is ready (or able) to share its location information, messaging from the AP may be selectively performed (e.g., forcing sharing only from some ISTAs, or allowing only some ISTAs not to share).

[0060] In some embodiments, the initial FTM request may indicate whether the ISTA corresponds to an emergency service (e.g., an e911 call) or another priority category. In this case, the initial FTM request for the priority category may take precedence over the routine operation of the FTM decision engine 320.

[0061] In some embodiments, the functional elements of the AP (e.g., included in the FTM decision module 220) can be configured manually or automatically. For example, the cell activity estimator 305 may include a linear regression engine that can learn the cell utilization level where client experience degradation occurs, and can dynamically learn and set optimal thresholds.

[0062] In addition, the FTM decision module 220 may include configurable parameters that define the priority between call time allocated to ranging and call time allocated to data frames. In some embodiments, deployment technicians may set the parameters. In some embodiments, the parameter controls the percentage of call time allocated to FTM ranging over the moving average window. Once an FTM request exceeds this percentage, other functions of the FTM decision module 220 operate to limit the acceptance of initial FTM requests, as described above.

[0063] In some embodiments, FTM ranging frames are associated with an 802.11 access class equivalent. This parameter represents a constraint that limits the amount of call time consumed by FTM traffic while providing different priorities for FTM switching based on ITA type, location, mobility, user, traffic classification, etc. Therefore, FTM switching can be included in a comprehensive call time allocation strategy, rather than being statically allowed or blocked globally.

[0064] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 for addressing an FTM request according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. Method 400 can be used in conjunction with other embodiments described herein. For example, Figure 2 When AP 205 is used as an RSTA operation, method 400 can be executed.

[0065] Method 400 begins at box 405, where the AP receives an initial FTM request from the ISTA.

[0066] In box 415, the AP estimates channel activity. In box 425, the AP (e.g.) uses multiple factors to generate an FTM response sensitivity score. In box 435, the AP (e.g.) determines the ISTA priority classification based on the FTM response sensitivity score. In box 445, the AP monitors FTM exchanges with the ISTA during a predefined time period. In some embodiments, boxes 415, 425, 435, and 445 are executed in response to receiving an initial FTM request. In other embodiments, one or more of boxes 415, 425, 435, and 445 are executed before receiving an initial FTM request.

[0067] In box 455, the AP generates an FTM response preference score. In some embodiments, the FTM response preference score is generated based on channel activity, ISTA priority classification, and monitored FTM exchanges. In box 465, the AP (e.g., based on the FTM response preference score) determines whether to accept an FTM request. In box 475, the AP (e.g., using the FTM response preference score) limits the number of exchanges with the ISTA. Method 400 ends after completing box 475.

[0068] In the foregoing, reference has been made to the embodiments set forth in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements, whether or not related to different embodiments, is contemplated in the implementation and practice of such embodiments. Furthermore, while the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a given embodiment achieves a particular advantage does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and should not be considered as elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly recited in (one or more) claims.

[0069] Various aspects of this disclosure are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments set forth in this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0070] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing comprising instructions that implement functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0071] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide a process for implementing the function / action specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0072] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing one or more specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the boxes may appear in a different order than shown in the figures. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of boxes in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified functions or actions.

[0073] In view of the foregoing, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The Response Station (RSTA) receives the Initial Precision Timing Measurement (FTM) request from the Initiating Station (ISTA) via the channel; Based on the initial FTM request, determine whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the RSTA; Calculate the utilization rate of the channel; The priority classification of an ITA relative to other ITAs is determined at least in part based on whether the ITA will share the location results of the initial FTM request with the RSTA and the utilization of the channel; as well as The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based at least in part on the priority classification.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the priority classification of the ISTA includes: The FTM response sensitivity score of the ISTA is generated using multiple factors. The priority classification is based on the FTM response sensitivity score relative to the FTM response sensitivity scores of the other ISTAs.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The factors include whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the RSTA, the channel utilization, and one or more factors selected from the following: Is the ISTA associated with the RSTA? The ranging measurement mode of the ISTA; The ranging priority parameters of the ISTA; The ISTA's authentication group type; The ISTA's traffic level; The traffic type of the ISTA; as well as The movement rate of the ISTA.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Monitor the FTM switching of the ISTA during a predefined time period. The determination of whether to accept the initial FTM request is also based on the monitored FTM exchanges.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The channel utilization, monitored FTM switching, and priority classification are used to generate an FTM response preference score for the ISTA. The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based on the FTM response preference score.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Confirm acceptance of the initial FTM request; as well as Based on the FTM response preference score, the number of exchanges between the initial FTM request and the ISTA is limited.

7. An access point (AP), comprising: One or more computer processors are configured to: Receive initial precision timing measurement (FTM) request from the initiating station (ISTA) via the channel; Based on the initial FTM request, determine whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the AP; Calculate the utilization rate of the channel; The priority classification of an ITA relative to other ITAs is determined at least in part based on whether the ITA will share the location results of the initial FTM request with the AP and the utilization of the channel; as well as The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based at least in part on the priority classification.

8. The AP according to claim 7, wherein, Determining the priority classification of the ISTA includes: The FTM response sensitivity score of the ISTA is generated using multiple factors. The priority classification is based on the FTM response sensitivity score relative to the FTM response sensitivity scores of the other ISTAs.

9. The AP according to claim 8, wherein, The AP operates as a Response Station (RSTA), wherein the multiple factors include whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the AP, the channel utilization, and one or more factors selected from the following: Is the ISTA associated with the RSTA? The ranging measurement mode of the ISTA; The ranging priority parameters of the ISTA; The ISTA's authentication group type; The ISTA's traffic level; The traffic types of the ISTA; and The movement rate of the ISTA.

10. The AP according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more computer processors are further configured to: Monitor the FTM switching of the ISTA during a predefined time period. The determination of whether to accept the initial FTM request is also based on the monitored FTM exchanges.

11. The AP according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more computer processors are further configured to: The channel utilization, monitored FTM switching, and priority classification are used to generate an FTM response preference score for the ISTA. The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based on the FTM response preference score.

12. The AP according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more computer processors are further configured to: Determine to accept the initial FTM request; and Based on the FTM response preference score, the number of exchanges between the initial FTM request and the ISTA is limited.

13. A computer program product comprising: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium embodying computer-readable program code that can be executed by one or more computer processors to perform operations including: The Response Station (RSTA) receives the Initial Precision Timing Measurement (FTM) request from the Initiating Station (ISTA) via the channel; Based on the initial FTM request, determine whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the RSTA; Calculate the utilization rate of the channel; The priority classification of an ISTA relative to other ISTAs is determined at least in part based on whether the ISTA will share the location results of the initial FTM request with the RSTA and the channel utilization; and The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based at least in part on the priority classification.

14. The computer program product according to claim 13, wherein, Determining the priority classification of the ISTA includes: The FTM response sensitivity score of the ISTA is generated using multiple factors. The priority classification is based on the FTM response sensitivity score relative to the FTM response sensitivity scores of the other ISTAs.

15. The computer program product according to claim 14, wherein, The factors include whether the ISTA will share the location result of the initial FTM request with the RSTA, the channel utilization, and one or more factors selected from the following: Is the ISTA associated with the RSTA? The ranging measurement mode of the ISTA; The ranging priority parameters of the ISTA; The ISTA's authentication group type; The ISTA's traffic level; The traffic type of the ISTA; as well as The movement rate of the ISTA.

16. The computer program product according to claim 13, wherein the operation further comprises: Monitor the FTM switching of the ISTA during a predefined time period. The determination of whether to accept the initial FTM request is also based on the monitored FTM exchanges.

17. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein the operation further comprises: The channel utilization, monitored FTM switching, and priority classification are used to generate an FTM response preference score for the ISTA. The decision to accept the initial FTM request is based on the FTM response preference score.

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