Method and apparatus for performing sensing in a wireless LAN system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for performing sensing in a wireless LAN system are proposed. In detail, a first STA broadcasts a sensing request frame. The first STA receives a first sensing response frame from a second STA and a second sensing response frame from a third STA. The sensing request frame includes STA identifier information and RU allocation information. The STA identifier information includes an identifier of the second STA and an identifier of the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about a first RU allocated to the second STA and information about a second RU allocated to the third STA. The first sensing response frame is received through the first RU. The second sensing response frame is received through the second RU.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a technique for performing sensing in a wireless LAN system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for performing a sensing process by negotiating parameters to be used for sensing, and to a STA participating in the sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have been improved in various ways. For example, IEEE 802.11bf Wireless LAN Sensing was the first standard to integrate communication and radar technologies. Despite the rapidly increasing demand for unlicensed spectrum in daily life and industry, the supply of new spectrum is limited. Therefore, developing converged technologies between communication and radar is a highly desirable direction for increasing frequency utilization efficiency. Sensing technologies using wireless LAN signals to detect motion behind walls or radar technologies using frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signals in the 70 GHz band to detect vehicle motion are under development. This is significant because it can elevate sensing performance to a new level by linking to the IEEE 802.11bf standard. In particular, with increasing emphasis on privacy in modern society, there is a greater expectation than for CCTV to develop wireless LAN sensing technologies that are legally unaffected by privacy violations.

[0003] Meanwhile, the entire radar market, spanning automotive, defense, industrial, and consumer sectors, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5% by 2025, with the CAGR for biosensors expected to accelerate to 70%. Wireless LAN sensing technology can be applied to a wide range of real-world applications such as motion detection, respiratory monitoring, location / tracking, fall detection, in-vehicle baby detection, appearance / proximity recognition, personal identification, body motion recognition, and behavior recognition, thereby fostering the growth of related new businesses and contributing to enhanced company competitiveness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This specification provides a method and apparatus for performing sensing in a wireless LAN system.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] The examples in this specification present a method for performing sensing.

[0008] This embodiment can be implemented in a network environment that supports the next-generation wireless LAN system (IEEE 802.11bf). The next-generation wireless LAN system is a wireless LAN system that is an improvement on the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems and can meet backward compatibility with the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems.

[0009] This embodiment is executed in the first STA, which may correspond to a sensor initiator. The second and third STAs in this embodiment may correspond to sensor responders.

[0010] This embodiment proposes a method for determining the STAs participating in sensing in a WLAN system, negotiating parameters to be used for sensing, and performing a sensing process based on the negotiated parameters. Specifically, this embodiment proposes methods for role negotiation, parameter negotiation, and parameter variation in the negotiation step.

[0011] The first station (STA) broadcasts a sensing request frame.

[0012] The first STA receives a first sensing response frame from the second STA and a second sensing response frame from the third STA.

[0013] The sensing request frame includes STA identifier information and resource unit (RU) allocation information. The STA identifier information includes the identifiers of the second STA and the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about the first RU assigned to the second STA and information about the second RU assigned to the third STA.

[0014] The first STA receives the first sensing response frame via the first RU and the second sensing response frame via the second RU. That is, based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), the second and third STAs can (simultaneously) receive responses to sensing request frames. This sensing request frame can be a (newly defined) trigger frame. When the STA identifier information does not include the identifier of the fourth STA, the first STA does not receive the third sensing response frame from the fourth STA.

[0015] That is, in this embodiment, the sensing request frame indicates the identifier (ID) of the STA that receives the sensing response frame and the RU allocation information. The STA corresponding to the identifier of the STA receives the sensing request frame and sends the sensing response frame after SIFS through the allocated RU.

[0016] Technical effect

[0017] According to the embodiments presented in this specification, various sensing measurement and sensing reporting scenarios can be defined through the establishment and negotiation process of STAs for WLAN sensing support. Accordingly, there is an effect that can detect the movement and changes of users or objects by performing sensing operations effectively and flexibly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices shown in this specification are illustrated.

[0019] Figure 2 This illustrates an example of a wireless LAN sensing scenario using multiple sensor transmitters.

[0020] Figure 3 This illustrates an example of a wireless LAN sensing scenario using multiple sensing receivers.

[0021] Figure 4 An example of a wireless LAN sensing process is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an example of the classification of wireless LAN sensing.

[0023] Figure 6 This demonstrates indoor positioning using CSI-based WLAN sensing.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an example of an implementation of a wireless LAN sensing device.

[0025] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example of a modified transmitting and / or receiving device according to this specification.

[0026] Figure 9 An example of WLAN sensing is shown.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the WLAN sensing process.

[0028] Figure 11 An example of a sensing motion frame is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 This shows an example of the exchange of basic SENS request / response frames.

[0030] Figure 13 Example 1 shows an example of sending a SENS request independently to a SENS STA within a BSS.

[0031] Figure 14 Examples 1-2 are shown, in which a SENS request is sent until the timer expires due to operation.

[0032] Figure 15(Examples 1-3 illustrate the notification to other STAs to stop sending SENS request frames).

[0033] Figure 16 (See illustrations 1-3), where a SENS completion frame is sent to notify that the negotiation is complete.

[0034] Figure 17 An example of applying timeouts considering expected SENS RPSTA failure scenarios is shown.

[0035] Figure 18 This shows an example of including timer information and negotiation completion information in a broadcast SENS request frame.

[0036] Figure 19 This example shows a SENS request being broadcast to multiple SENS STAs.

[0037] Figure 20 The illustration (Example 2-2) indicates the STA ID expected in the response when a SENS request is sent.

[0038] Figure 21 An example of responding sequentially at SIFS intervals is shown in Example 2-2).

[0039] Figure 22 An example of considering fault conditions is shown in the method of using SIFS in Example 2-2).

[0040] Figure 23 An example of OFDMA response for the SIFS interval is shown in Example 2-2).

[0041] Figure 24 This shows an example of setting a timer to receive responses to SENS STA.

[0042] Figure 25 Examples 2-4 are shown, which include explicit indicators that indicate that a new SENS completion frame is sent or that negotiation is completed in a SENS request frame.

[0043] Figure 26 An example of role negotiation based on the 1-1 method is shown.

[0044] Figure 27 An example of role negotiation based on the 1-1 method is shown.

[0045] Figure 28 The diagram illustrates the methods used to instruct the role according to methods A, B, and C.

[0046] Figure 29 An example of role negotiation based on methods 1-3 is shown.

[0047] Figure 30An example of role negotiation based on the 2-1) method is shown.

[0048] Figure 31 The methods for instructing roles according to methods A, B, and C are shown.

[0049] Figure 32 The illustration shows an embodiment 2-1 where negotiation is terminated when no sensing-related frame exchange is performed during T_sens.

[0050] Figure 33 Example 2-2 is shown, where sensing is performed during T_sens and terminates thereafter during the sensing phase.

[0051] Figure 34 Example 6 is shown, where STA1, 2 and 3 form a sensing group and STA2 and STA3 participate in sensing together when STA1 sends the group ID.

[0052] Figure 35 An example is shown in which a sensing signal is transmitted and received by allocating a primary 40MHz to STA 2 and a secondary 40MHz to STA 3 within an 80MHz band.

[0053] Figure 36 An example of a sensing process that uses a session ID is shown.

[0054] Figure 37 This shows an example of multiple SENS initiation frames being sent.

[0055] Figure 38 The illustration shows an example of sending a SENS initiation frame for each sensing session.

[0056] Figure 39 Examples of negotiation phases and reduced negotiation phases are shown.

[0057] Figure 40 This shows another example of the negotiation phase and the reduced negotiation phase.

[0058] Figure 41 An example is shown for the dynamic changes used to negotiate roles and parameters.

[0059] Figure 42 This is an example of a control field used for dynamic parameters.

[0060] Figure 43 This example illustrates the dynamic changes in the negotiation roles and parameters of a frame initiated using a reduced SENS.

[0061] Figure 44 This illustrates an example of the dynamic changes in roles and parameters negotiated using reduced SENS request / response frames during the renegotiation phase.

[0062] Figure 45 Example 2 shows an example of changing roles.

[0063] Figure 46 An example of changing the bandwidth to be measured is shown in Example 2.

[0064] Figure 47 This is an example of changing STA information in Example 2.

[0065] Figure 48 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a sensing initiator performing sensing according to this embodiment.

[0066] Figure 49 This is a flowchart illustrating the sensing process performed by the sensor responder according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0067] In this specification, "A or B" may mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, in this specification, "A or B" may be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this specification, "A, B or C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B, and C".

[0068] The forward slash ( / ) or comma used in this specification can mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".

[0069] In this specification, "at least one of A and B" may mean "A only", "B only" or "both A and B". Additionally, in this specification, the expression "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may be interpreted as "at least one of A and B".

[0070] Additionally, in this specification, "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only" or "any combination of A, B, and C". Furthermore, "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B, and C".

[0071] The technical features described individually in one of the accompanying drawings of this specification may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0072] The examples in this specification can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the examples in this specification can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. For example, this specification can be applied to the IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac standard or the IEEE 802.11ax standard. In addition, this specification can be applied to newly proposed wireless LAN sensing standards or the IEEE 802.11bf standard.

[0073] The technical features applicable to this specification will be described below in order to facilitate the description of the technical features of this specification.

[0074] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices shown in this specification are illustrated.

[0075] exist Figure 1 In the example, the various technical features described below can be implemented. Figure 1 This involves at least one station (STA). For example, STA 110 and 120 in this specification may also be referred to as various terms such as mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, or simply user. STA 110 and 120 in this specification may also be referred to as various terms such as network, base station, Node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, etc. STA 110 and 120 in this specification may also be referred to as various names such as receiving device, transmitting device, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving equipment, transmitting equipment, etc.

[0076] For example, STA 110 and 120 can be used as an AP or a non-AP. That is, STA 110 and 120 of this specification can be used as an AP and / or a non-AP.

[0077] In addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard, STA 110 and 120 of this specification can also support various communication standards. For example, they can support communication standards based on 3GPP standards (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR standards). Furthermore, the STA of this specification can be implemented in various devices such as mobile phones, vehicles, and personal computers. Additionally, the STA of this specification can support various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communications, and self-driving.

[0078] The STA 110 and 120 of this specification may include media access control (MAC) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard and a physical layer interface for radio media.

[0079] The following will refer to Figure 1 The subgraph (a) is used to describe STA 110 and 120.

[0080] The first STA 110 may include a processor 111, a memory 112, and a transceiver 113. The illustrated process, memory, and transceiver may be implemented as separate chips, or at least two blocks / functions may be implemented as a single chip.

[0081] The transceiver 113 of the first STA performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0082] For example, the first STA 110 can perform the operations expected by the AP. For example, the AP's processor 111 can receive signals via transceiver 113, process receive (RX) signals, generate transmit (TX) signals, and provide control over signal transmission. The AP's memory 112 can store signals received via transceiver 113 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 113 (e.g., TX signals).

[0083] For example, the second STA 120 can perform operations not expected of an AP STA. For example, a non-AP transceiver 123 performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be packets, etc.).

[0084] For example, a non-AP STA processor 121 can receive signals via transceiver 123, process RX signals, generate TX signals, and provide control over signal transmission. A non-AP STA memory 122 can store signals received via transceiver 123 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 123 (e.g., TX signals).

[0085] For example, the operation of a device designated as an AP in the description below can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the first STA 110 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110. Similarly, if the second STA 120 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Furthermore, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120.

[0086] For example, in the description below, the operation of a device designated as a non-AP (or user STA) can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the second STA 120 is a non-AP, the operation of the device designated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120. Similarly, if the first STA 110 is a non-AP, the operation of the device designated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110.

[0087] In the following description, the devices referred to as (transmit / receive) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmit / receive) terminal, (transmit / receive) device, (transmit / receive apparatus), network, etc., may refer to... Figure 1STAs 110 and 120. For example, devices indicated without specific reference numerals as (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving apparatus), network, etc., may refer to... Figure 1 STAs 110 and 120. For example, in the following example, the operation of various STA transmit / receive signals (e.g., PPDU) can be... Figure 1 This is performed in transceivers 113 and 123. Additionally, in the following examples, various STA operations for generating TX / RX signals or performing data processing and calculations on TX / RX signals in advance can be performed within these transceivers. Figure 1 The operations are executed in processors 111 and 121. Examples of operations for generating TX / RX signals or performing prior data processing and calculations may include: 1) operations to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / encode bit information of subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 2) operations to determine / configure / obtain time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 3) operations to determine / configure / obtain specific sequences (e.g., pilot sequences, STF / LTF sequences, additional sequences applied to SIG) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 4) power control operations and / or power-saving operations applied to the STA; and 5) operations related to the determination / obtaining / configuration / decoding / encoding of the ACK signal. Additionally, in the following examples, various information (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) used by various STAs to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / decode the TX / RX signal may be stored in the STA. Figure 1 In memory 112 and 122.

[0088] Figure 1 The aforementioned device / STA in subgraph (a) can be as follows Figure 1 The subgraph (b) is modified as shown below. In the following text, the modifications will be based on... Figure 1 The sub-diagram (b) is used to describe STA 110 and STA 120 of this specification.

[0089] For example, Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 illustrated in subgraph (b) can perform operations with... Figure 1 The transceiver described in sub-diagram (a) has the same function as the aforementioned transceiver. For example, Figure 1The processing chips 114 and 124 illustrated in sub-figure (b) may include processors 111 and 121 and memories 112 and 122. Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 illustrated in subgraph (b) can perform operations related to... Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 illustrated in sub-figure (a) have the same functions as those described above.

[0090] The terms mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, user, subscriber STA, network, base station, node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, receiving unit, transmitting unit, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving device, transmitting device, receiving apparatus and / or transmitting apparatus described below may refer to Figure 1 The STA 110 and 120 shown in subgraphs (a) / (b) may refer to... Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are illustrated in sub-figure (b). That is to say, the technical features of this specification can be found in... Figure 1 It can be performed in STA 110 and 120 as illustrated in subgraphs (a) / (b), or it can be performed only in... Figure 1 The processing is performed in the processing chips 114 and 124 illustrated in sub-figure (b). For example, the technical feature of transmitting control signals via STA can be understood as wherein... Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 illustrated in sub-figures (a) / (b) transmit in Figure 1 The technical features of the control signals generated in processors 111 and 121 are illustrated in sub-figures (a) / (b). Alternatively, the technical features of the STA transmitting the control signals can be understood as follows: Figure 1 The technical features of generating control signals to be transferred to transceivers 113 and 123 in processing chips 114 and 124, as illustrated in sub-figure (b).

[0091] For example, the technical characteristics of receiving STA control signals can be understood as through... Figure 1 The technical features of transceivers 113 and 123 receiving control signals are illustrated in sub-figure (a). Alternatively, the technical features of receiving STA control signals can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 illustrated in subgraph (a) obtain Figure 1 The technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 illustrated in sub-figure (a) are shown. Alternatively, the technical features of receiving control signals by the STA can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1The processing chips 114 and 124 illustrated in sub-figure (b) obtain Figure 1 The technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 are illustrated in sub-figure (b).

[0092] refer to Figure 1 Subgraph (b), software codes 115 and 125 can be included in memories 112 and 122. Software codes 115 and 126 can include instructions for controlling the operation of processors 111 and 121. Software codes 115 and 125 can be included in various programming languages.

[0093] Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or processing chips 114 and 124 may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing devices. The processor may be an application processor (AP). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or the processing chips 114 and 124 may include at least one of the following: a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modulator and demodulator (modem). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or the processing chips 114 and 124 can be made by The SNAPDRAGON™ series processors manufactured by The EXYNOS™ series processors manufactured by The A-series processors manufactured by The HELIO™ series processors manufactured by Processors manufactured from the ATOM™ series or processors enhanced from these processors.

[0094] In this specification, uplink can refer to a link used for communication from a non-AP STA to an SP STA, and uplink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the uplink. Similarly, in this specification, downlink can refer to a link used for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and downlink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the downlink.

[0095] Wireless LAN sensing technology is a type of radar technology that can be implemented without a standard, but its performance can be significantly improved through standardization. The IEEE 802.11bf standard defines participating devices for WLAN sensing by function, as shown in the table below. Based on their function, they can be categorized into devices that initiate wireless WLAN sensing, participating devices, and devices that send and receive sensing PPDUs (Physical Layer Protocol Data Units).

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] the term Function Sensor Initiator Devices that initiate sensing Sensor Responder Devices involved in sensing Sensor transmitter Devices that transmit sensing PPDUs Sensor receiver Devices that receive sensor PPDU

[0098] Figure 2 This illustrates an example of a wireless LAN sensing scenario using multiple sensor transmitters.

[0099] Figure 3 This illustrates an example of a wireless LAN sensing scenario using multiple sensing receivers.

[0100] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This illustrates a sensing scenario based on the functionality and arrangement of wireless LAN sensing devices. The scenario assumes one sensing initiating device and multiple sensing participating devices. Figure 2 This refers to scenarios using multiple sensing PPDU transmitting devices, and Figure 3 This is a scenario using multiple sensing PPDU receiving devices. It is assumed that the sensing PPDU receiving devices include sensing measurement signal processing equipment. Figure 3 In this case, an additional process is required for sending (feedback) the sensing measurement results to the sensing initiating device (STA 5).

[0101] Figure 4 An example of a wireless LAN sensing process is shown.

[0102] The process of wireless LAN sensing involves discovery, negotiation, measurement exchange, and termination between the initiating and participating devices. Discovery is the process of identifying the sensing capabilities of WLAN devices; negotiation is the process of determining sensing parameters between the initiating and participating devices; measurement exchange is the process of sending sensing PPDUs and sensing measurement results; and connection termination is the process of terminating the sensing process.

[0103] Figure 5 This is an example of the classification of wireless LAN sensing.

[0104] Wireless LAN sensing can be categorized into "CSI-based sensing, which uses channel state information of the signal from the transmitter to the receiver via the channel" and "radar-based sensing, which uses the signal received after the transmitted signal is reflected by an object." Furthermore, each sensing technology includes methods where the sensing transmitter directly participates in the sensing process (cooperative CSI, active radar) and methods where the sensing transmitter does not participate in the sensing process, i.e., there is no dedicated transmitter involved in the sensing process (non-cooperative CSI, passive radar).

[0105] Figure 6 This demonstrates indoor positioning using CSI-based WLAN sensing.

[0106] Figure 6This illustrates the use of CSI-based wireless LAN sensing for indoor positioning. The sensing device can obtain indoor positioning information by using CSI to acquire the angle of arrival and time of arrival, and then converting them into orthogonal coordinates.

[0107] Figure 7 This is an example of an implementation of a wireless LAN sensing device.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a wireless LAN sensing device implemented using the MATLAB toolbox, Zynq, and USRP. IEEE 802.11ax wireless LAN signals are generated in the MATLAB toolbox, and RF signals are generated using a Zynq software-defined radio (SDR). Signals passing through the channel are received by the USRP SDR, and sensing signal processing is performed within the MATLAB toolbox. Here, a reference channel (a channel that can be received directly from the sensing transmitter) and a monitoring channel (a channel that can be received through reflections from objects) are assumed. As a result of analysis using the wireless LAN sensing device, unique features capable of distinguishing motion or body movement are obtained.

[0109] Currently, the IEEE 802.11bf wireless LAN sensing standard is in its initial development stage, and cooperative sensing technology to improve sensing accuracy will receive significant attention in the future. It is anticipated that synchronization techniques for sensing signals used in cooperative sensing, CSI management and usage techniques, sensing parameter negotiation and sharing techniques, and scheduling techniques for CSI generation will be key topics in the standardization process. Furthermore, long-range sensing technology, low-power sensing technology, and sensing security and privacy protection technologies will also be considered major agenda items.

[0110] IEEE 802.11bf wireless LAN sensing is a radar technology that utilizes ubiquitous wireless LAN signals. The following diagram illustrates typical IEEE 802.11bf use cases, applicable to a wide range of real-world scenarios such as indoor sensing, motion recognition, healthcare, 3D vision, and automotive sensing. Because it is primarily used indoors, its operating range is typically within 10 to 20 meters, with a maximum accuracy of no more than 2 meters.

[0111] [Table 2]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example of a modified transmitting and / or receiving device according to this specification.

[0115] Figure 1Each device / STA in subgraphs (a) / (b) can be as follows Figure 8 The modifications shown are as follows. Figure 8 The transceiver 830 can be used with Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 are the same. Figure 8 The transceiver 830 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0116] Figure 8 The processor 810 can be with Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 are the same. Alternatively, Figure 8 The processor 810 can be with Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are the same.

[0117] Figure 8 The memory 820 can be used with Figure 1 The memories 112 and 122 are the same. Alternatively, Figure 8 The memory 820 can be different Figure 1 Separate external memories for memories 112 and 122.

[0118] refer to Figure 8 The power management module 811 manages the power supply for the processor 810 and / or transceiver 830. The battery 812 supplies power to the power management module 811. The display 813 outputs the results processed by the processor 810. The keypad 814 receives input to be used by the processor 810. The keypad 814 can be displayed on the display 813. The SIM card 815 can be an integrated circuit for securely storing the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and its associated keys, used for identifying and authenticating subscribers in mobile phone devices such as mobile phones and computers.

[0119] refer to Figure 8 The speaker 840 can output results related to the sound processed by the processor 810. The microphone 841 can receive input related to the sound to be used by the processor 810.

[0120] 11SENS uses 60GHz Wi-Fi signals to sense the movement or gestures of STAs or people, and therefore is considering 802.11ad and 802.11ay as 60GHz Wi-Fi technologies. In this specification, for efficient Wi-Fi sensing, methods for configuring a sensing start frame, a transmission start frame, and a sensing signal for channel estimation between the AP and STA or between STAs are proposed, as well as sensing sequences for transmitting and receiving the sensing start frame, the transmission start frame, and the sensing signal.

[0121] The STA described below can be Figure 1 and / or Figure 8The device can be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0122] The introduction of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) was to enable short-range data transmission using unlicensed frequency bands. WLANs based on IEEE 802.11 MAC / PHY (e.g., Wi-Fi) have become a representative technology deployed almost everywhere today.

[0123] WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) was designed for transmitting data signals, but its use has recently expanded to purposes other than data transmission.

[0124] WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) signals transmitted from one transmitter to the other can include information about the transmission channel environment between the two transmitters and receivers. WLAN sensing refers to the technology of obtaining cognitive information about various surrounding environments by processing information about the transmission channel environment obtained through WLAN signals.

[0125] For example, cognitive information includes information obtained through technologies such as gesture recognition, fall detection for the elderly, intrusion detection, human motion detection, health monitoring, and pet movement detection.

[0126] Additional services can be provided through cognitive information, and WLAN sensing can be applied and used in various forms in real life. As a method to increase the accuracy of WLAN sensing, WLAN sensing can be performed using devices with one or more WLAN sensing capabilities. Compared to using a single device (i.e., the transmitter / receiver), WLAN sensing using multiple devices can utilize multiple pieces of information about the channel environment, thus obtaining more accurate sensing information.

[0127] Channel aggregation, channel bonding, and other techniques are used to perform WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) transmissions over broadband. Furthermore, WLAN transmissions over even more extensive broadband networks are being discussed.

[0128] Recently, there has been increasing interest in WLAN devices that use WLAN signals for sensing, and IEEE 802.11 is discussing this by forming a research group. WLAN sensing can encompass a wide range of scenarios.

[0129] Figure 9 An example of WLAN sensing is shown.

[0130] refer to Figure 9There may be a target to be sensed, and there may be a STA (Sensing Target) that senses that target. For example, the AP and the STA can perform sensing. There may be a target between the AP and the STA. For example, the AP can send a sensing signal to the STA, and the STA can send a feedback signal to the AP in response to the sensing signal. That is, the AP sends a signal to identify the sensed target, and the STA can receive and measure the signal affected by the target. The STA sends the measurement result back to the AP, and the AP can identify the target based on the measurement result.

[0131] basically, Figure 10 The steps shown can be performed for WLAN sensing.

[0132] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the WLAN sensing process.

[0133] 1) Setup Phase (Capability Advertising and Negotiation): This phase involves exchanging sensing-related capabilities and forming associations. Through this process, STAs are able to perform associations by determining whether sensing is possible and whether they possess the appropriate sensing capabilities. The setup phase can also be named the discovery and association phase.

[0134] 2) Negotiation Phase (majorly grouping may be included if necessary): Negotiate the sensing-related roles and parameters to be used during sensing for each STA. These negotiated roles and parameters can be used for multiple sensing sessions before being deactivated. The negotiation phase may also be called the setup phase.

[0135] 3) Sensing Phase (Measurement and Feedback / Reporting Performed During a Sensing Session): This refers to the phase in which sensing signals are sent to identify the target and signals passing through the target are received and measured. A cycle of this step can be defined as a sensing session.

[0136] 4) Cancel: STA resets the negotiated roles and parameters, and can restart the sensing session through the negotiation process.

[0137] In this specification, the role of the sensing STA is defined as follows.

[0138] - Sensor Initiator: The STA that initiates a WLAN sensing session

[0139] - Sensor Responder: A STA that participates in a WLAN sensing session initiated by a sensor initiator.

[0140] - Sensor Transmitter: STA that transmits PPDUs for sensing measurements during the sensing session.

[0141] - Sensor Receiver: STA that receives PPDUs sent by the sensor transmitter and performs sensor measurements.

[0142] In this specification, the focus is on the negotiation phase and the sensing phase, and the operation of the sensing phase can vary depending on the negotiation phase.

[0143] The designations (or naming) in this specification may be changed, and STAs may include AP STAs or non-AP STAs. Additionally, STAs capable of sensing are referred to as SENS STAs.

[0144] The negotiation phase can be completed by exchanging new negotiation frames, such as ADDBA request / response frames, for the existing BA (Block Response) protocol.

[0145] In this specification, the frame sent by the STA that initiates negotiation is called a SENS request frame, and the frame sent by the STA that responds to it is called a SENS response frame. Furthermore, the SENS STA that sends the SENS request frame is called a SENS RQSTA, and the SENS STA that sends the SENS response frame is called a SENS RPSTA.

[0146] SENS request frames can be defined as control frames such as RTS / CTS or action frames such as ADDBA request / response. Figure 11 An example defined as an action frame is shown. Details regarding controlling the character / parameters and timeout will be discussed later.

[0147] Figure 11 An example of a sensing motion frame is shown.

[0148] refer to Figure 11 If the category is 1 and the code is 32, the action frame is used for WLAN sensing. If the sensing action value is 0, it becomes a sensing request frame. If the sensing action value is 1, it becomes a sensing response frame.

[0149] <Negotiation Process>

[0150] Figure 12 This shows an example of the exchange of basic SENS request / response frames.

[0151] like Figure 12 As shown, basically, when SENS STA 1 sends a SENS request, SENS STA 2 responds with a SENS response and performs sensing negotiation. Furthermore, it can respond with an ACK for each frame. Additionally, if SENS RPSTA performs processing in SIFS and is able to respond to negotiation, it can respond with a SENS response after receiving a SENS request frame in SIFS.

[0152] The method described below is interpreted in addition to the parts that respond with ACK by default and the SENS response transmission after SIFS, and may include responses using ACK and the SENS response transmission after SIFS.

[0153] based on Figure 12 Regarding which STAs perform negotiation based on the environment in which SENS STAs exist and how they perform negotiation, there may be, but are not limited to, the following SENS request / response frame exchange methods.

[0154] Basically, there can be methods for sending SENS requests independently to each SENS STA, and methods for sending SENS requests to multiple SENS STAs via broadcast / multicast. This transmission method can be indicated in the SENS request as a mode, but whether it is a individually addressed frame or a broadcast can be determined implicitly by looking at the RA (Receiver Address). Furthermore, if only one of these transmission methods is fixed, the mode may not be indicated. For example, if the mode is indicated with 1 bit, if mode = 1, it can be indicated via broadcast, and if mode = 0, it can be indicated via unicast. In the embodiments described below, the mode is not indicated individually, but each SENS request may include this mode indicator.

[0155] Furthermore, although methods 1) and 2) are explained separately below, they can be applied together during the negotiation process. For example, depending on the channel conditions, they can be sent independently to the SENS STA at the initial stage of negotiation and then sent to multiple SENS STAs by switching transmission modes.

[0156] Figure 13 Example 1 shows an example of sending a SENS request independently to a SENS STA within a BSS.

[0157] 1) SENS requests are sent independently (unicast) to the SENS STAs they know (e.g., SENSSTAs in a BSS).

[0158] refer to Figure 13 SENS RQSTA (STA 1) sends SENS requests to STA 2 and STA 3 respectively, and receives SENS response frames.

[0159] => This method can reliably perform negotiation for each STA, but as the number of SENS STAs increases, latency and signaling overhead increase. Methods to address this are as follows, and are also described in method 2), but are not limited to.

[0160] 1-1) SENS RQSTA does not automatically send a SENS request after a certain time.

[0161] - SENS RQSTA can reduce requests, but other SENS STAs cannot recognize whether SENS request frames are no longer arriving.

[0162] Figure 14 Example 1-2 is shown, in which a SENS request is sent until the timer expires.

[0163] 1-2) Using a timer

[0164] - A timer is set up during or after the first SENS request transmission to indicate that a SENS request will be sent until the timer expires. Therefore, this timer information needs to be included in the SENS request frame.

[0165] refer to Figure 14 The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) instructs the timer information in the SENS request frame sent to SENS STA 2 and operates the timer. The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) also instructs the timer information retained in the SENS request frame sent to STA 3. Thus, other SENS STAs can know when the SENS RQSTA will send a SENS request.

[0166] Figure 15 (Examples 1-3 illustrate the notification to other STAs to stop sending SENS request frames).

[0167] 1-3) Announce the completion of the negotiation.

[0168] - Announces that no more SENS request frames will be sent to other STAs. It can provide an explicit indication to the last SENS request frame, or it can send a new SENS completion frame.

[0169] refer to Figure 15 SENS STA 1 includes an explicit indication that the negotiation is complete in the last SENS request frame sent to STA 3.

[0170] Figure 16 (See illustrations 1-3), where a SENS completion frame is sent to notify that the negotiation is complete.

[0171] refer to Figure 16 SENS STA 1 sends all SENS request frames to the intended SENS STA, and then sends a SENS completion frame to notify that the negotiation is complete.

[0172] => In the timer method, the number of STAs that can participate in the sensing session may vary depending on the channel conditions, but in this method, SENS RQSTAs can terminate the negotiation by announcement when necessary.

[0173] Each of the methods described above can be used individually, but more than one method can be used together. For example, while the timer is running, the SENS STA can declare the negotiation complete before the timer expires.

[0174] ◇Considerations for anticipated SENS RPSTA failure scenarios

[0175] Figure 17 This example illustrates the application of timeouts considering anticipated SENS RPSTA failure scenarios.

[0176] In the above method, SENS RPSTAs (e.g., STA 2, STA 3) may not receive SENS requests, or SENS RQSTAs (e.g., STA 1) may not receive sent SENS responses. Consequently, SENS RQSTAs may continuously send SENS requests, which could be due to repeated transmissions to the same STA causing a lengthy negotiation process or insufficient participating STAs. Therefore, SENS RQSTAs can apply appropriate timeout values ​​to each SENS RPSTA.

[0177] refer to Figure 17 STA 1 sets a timeout and sends a SENS request to STA 2. The SENS response is not sent correctly in the first transmission, and the SENS request is not sent correctly in the second transmission. Subsequently, due to the timeout, STA 1 determines that the channel with STA 2 is poor and stops sending SENS request frames to STA 2.

[0178] ◇Consideration of third-party STA failure scenarios

[0179] Basically, STAs other than the intended receiver need to listen for and negotiate information via timer messages or explicit indicators. However, due to issues such as coverage caused by channel conditions, we cannot guarantee that this information will always be decoded. Therefore, several methods may exist:

[0180] A. Always send SENS requests and / or SENS responses at the basic rate (e.g., MCS 0).

[0181] The aforementioned SENS request / response frames can be sent at a high rate instead of a low rate such as MCS 0, depending on channel conditions. However, to increase the probability of eavesdropping on the Part 3 STA during the negotiation process, these frames can be requested to be transmitted at a fixed base rate (e.g., the lowest MCS (MCS 0)).

[0182] B. During negotiation, broadcast frame transmissions, including timer information and negotiation completion information, use the base rate (e.g., MCS 0) to increase reliability.

[0183] This broadcast frame can reuse the SENS request frame, but it can also be defined as a new frame. If the SENS request frame is reused, such as... Figure 18 As shown in the example, the frame is sent solely for reliability, i.e., in a mode that does not respond to it, as follows: Figure 18 As shown in the example, it is possible to switch to a mode that receives responses by sending them in a broadcast format, such as method 2) which will be described later. Details of method 2) will be described later.

[0184] Figure 18 This shows an example of including timer information and negotiation completion information in a broadcast SENS request frame.

[0185] 2) Send (e.g., broadcast) SENS requests to multiple SENS STAs and receive a SENS response for each. Alternatively, one or more SENS requests can be sent.

[0186] Figure 19 This example shows a SENS request being broadcast to multiple SENS STAs.

[0187] refer to Figure 19 The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) receives SENS response frames from STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4, respectively. As shown in the example below, the SENS RQSTA (STA 1) can send SENS requests multiple times to increase reliability. Similarly, to increase reliability, transmission can be requested by applying a base rate (e.g., MCS 0) to the SENS request and / or SENS response frames.

[0188] This method can be implemented in specific ways, but is not limited to these. In particular, methods 1-1), 1-2), and 1-3 described in 1) can be used.

[0189] 2-1) SENS RQSTA does not automatically send a SENS request after a certain time.

[0190] - SENS RQSTA can reduce requests, but other SENS STAs cannot recognize whether SENS request frames are no longer arriving.

[0191] 2-2) When sending a SENS request, the STA indicates the STA ID it wants to respond to.

[0192] -SENS RQSTA indicates the STA ID for which it wants a response in the SENS request frame and receives the response from the corresponding SENS STA.

[0193] Figure 20The illustration (Example 2-2) indicates the STA ID expected in the response when a SENS request is sent.

[0194] refer to Figure 20 The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates the IDs of STA 2 and STA 3 in the SENS request frame and receives SENS responses from STA 2 and 3. Since STA 4 is not indicated, no SENS response is sent.

[0195] => In particular, if processing within the SIFS interval using STA ID is possible, then the order can be determined and transmitted sequentially, or OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) of 11ax can be used.

[0196] Figure 21 An example of sequential responses at SIFS intervals is shown in Example 2-2).

[0197] refer to Figure 21 The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates the IDs and response order (STA 2->STA 3) of STA 2 and STA 3 in the SENS request frame and receives SENS responses from them at SIFS intervals. Here, there may be an ACK sent by STA 1 after each SENS response is received at SIFS intervals.

[0198] ◇Considerations regarding SENS RPSTA malfunctions

[0199] In the above method, SENS RPSTAs (e.g., STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4) may not receive the SENS request, or SENS RQSTAs (e.g., STA 1) may not receive the sent SENS response. Therefore, transmissions in the SIFS interval may not function correctly. To resolve this, PIFS recovery can be used, or a rollback can be performed again. That is, as... Figure 22 As shown in the example, if there is no response during the PIFS period after the STA 2 response, the SENS request is resent, or as in the example below, after the STA 2 response, when the timeout for the response is reached, the SENS request is resent via rollback.

[0200] Figure 22 An example of considering fault conditions in the SIFS approach is shown in Example 2-2).

[0201] Figure 23 An example of OFDMA response for the SIFS interval is shown in Example 2-2).

[0202] refer to Figure 23If STA 1, 2, and 3 are STAs with at least 11ax capability, then the SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates the IDs and RU allocation information of STA 2 and STA 3 in the SENS request frame and receives a SENS response from each of their allocated RUs. Here, the SENS request frame can be a new trigger frame or a trigger frame of a new trigger type.

[0203] 2-3) Set a timer to receive the SENS response when sending the SENS request.

[0204] As in 1), since the delay before receiving a response for all SENS STAs can be quite long, a timer can be set.

[0205] Figure 24 This shows an example of setting a timer to receive responses to SENS STA.

[0206] refer to Figure 24 The SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates the timer information in the SENS request frame and operates on the timer. In this way, other SENS STAs know when the SENS RQSTA will send a SENS request. Therefore, STA 4 does not send a SENS response after the timer completes.

[0207] 2-4) Announce the completion of SENS

[0208] - Announce that you will no longer send SENS request frames to other STAs. You can send a new SENS completion frame, or you can include an explicit indicator indicating that the negotiation is complete in the SENS request frame.

[0209] Figure 25 Examples 2-4 are shown, which include explicit indicators that indicate that a new SENS completion frame is sent or that negotiation is completed in a SENS request frame.

[0210] refer to Figure 25 If SENS STA 1 determines that the negotiation has been fully completed, it notifies STA 4 that the negotiation is complete via a SENS completion frame or an explicit indicator. STA 4 receives this frame but does not respond.

[0211] Each of the methods described above can be used individually, but more than one method can be used together. For example, STA can declare the negotiation complete before the timer expires, even if the timer is running.

[0212] <Role Negotiation>

[0213] During negotiation or other phases, it is necessary to define the four roles mentioned above in SENS STA.

[0214] -Sensing Initiator and Sensing Responder

[0215] In the simplest way, the sensing initiator can be the STA that sends the SENS request frame. That is, the SENS RQSTA becomes the sensing initiator. This eliminates the signaling overhead of specifying separate initiators and responders. Furthermore, since one SENSSTA essentially acts as the sensing initiator, the remaining SENS STAs become sensing responders once the initiator is determined.

[0216] This role negotiation method can vary depending on whether the SENS request frame is transmitted via unicast or broadcast.

[0217] 1) In the case of broadcast method

[0218] 1-1) Mode Settings

[0219] – Depending on which role the SENS initiator and responder perform between the sender and receiver roles, this role can be categorized into patterns. For example, patterns can be classified as follows, but are not limited to these.

[0220] Mode 1: SENS RQSTA becomes the transmitter and SENS RPSTA becomes the receiver.

[0221] Mode 2: SENS RQSTA becomes the receiver and SENS RPSTA becomes the transmitter.

[0222] The corresponding mode can be indicated in the SENS request frame and / or SENS response frame. If two modes exist, they can be operated on using 1 bit, for example, 1 for mode 1 and 0 for mode 2. If more modes exist, the number of bits used to indicate them can be increased.

[0223] This approach of specifying two modes can reduce signaling overhead, but it is not easy to identify several sensor transmitters or sensor receivers, including SENS RQSTA.

[0224] Figure 26 An example of role negotiation based on the 1-1 method is shown.

[0225] refer to Figure 26 If SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates mode 1 in the SENS request frame, and STA 2 and STA 3 respond to it, then STA 1 becomes both the SENS initiator and transmitter. On the other hand, STA 2 and STA 3 are both the responders and receivers.

[0226] Furthermore, if the SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates mode 2 in the SENS request frame, and STA 2 and STA 3 respond to it, then STA 1 simultaneously becomes both the SENS initiator and receiver. On the other hand, STA 2 and STA 3 simultaneously become both the responder and the transmitter.

[0227] Although the example above shows an example indicated by SENS RQSTA (STA 1), SENS RPSTA (STA 2, 3) can also indicate mode 1 or mode 2 as a response in the SENS response frame.

[0228] The example above illustrates how the sender and receiver can be set to mode 1 / 2 by the SENS initiator. However, there may be methods for more dynamic role negotiation.

[0229] 1-2) Using pattern indicators, the role is determined by additional STA identifier instructions.

[0230] If the SENS RQSTA indicator mode is specified and an additional STA ID is specified, the STA corresponding to the STA ID performs the same role as the SENS RQSTA. For example, as Figure 20 As shown, if the ID of STA 2 is additionally indicated in Mode 1, then STA 2 also becomes a sensor transmitter because STA 1 is a sensor transmitter in Mode 1. In the case of Mode 2, if the ID of STA 3 is additionally indicated, then STA 3 becomes a receiver because STA 1 is a sensor receiver in Mode 2.

[0231] Figure 27 An example of role negotiation based on the 1-1 method is shown.

[0232] refer to Figure 27 If the SENS RQSTA indicator mode is specified and an STA ID is also specified, the STA corresponding to the corresponding STA ID performs the same task as the initiator. For example, as Figure 26 As shown, if the ID of STA 2 is additionally indicated in the case of Mode 1, then STA 2 also becomes a transmitter because STA 1 is the transmitter in Mode 1. In the case of Mode 2, if the ID of STA 3 is additionally indicated, then STA 3 becomes a receiver because STA 1 is the receiver in Mode 2.

[0233] As a result, when considering both methods 1-1) and 1-2), the fields can be configured as follows, and Figure 26 and 27 The sensor response via backoff is shown, but as described above... Figure 21 and Figure 23The method of sensing response transmission can also be used.

[0234] A. STA ID list and role bitmap

[0235] Each STA ID is indicated, and then the bitmap corresponding to each STA indicates whether it is a transmitter (e.g., 1) or a receiver (e.g., 0). Here, the bitmap can be parsed by the explicit numbers indicated by the STA, but the number of STAs is not necessary because it can be inferred from the STA ID list.

[0236] The role bitmap can be configured in units of 8 bits for decoding, or can be configured as many as the number of STAs included in the STA ID list. However, basically, the bitmap consists of units of 8 bits as before, which is stable in terms of decoding. At the same time, in order to explicitly indicate the bitmap size, the bitmap size can be used instead of the number of STAs. For example, when the unit is 8 bits, a value of 2 is 16 bits, and a value of 1 is 8 bits.

[0237] B. Tuple <STA ID, role>

[0238] That is, in the case of not configuring the bitmap separately above, the role (transmitter or receiver) can be indicated by 1 bit following the STA ID. As in A, the number of STAs can be specified here, but it is not necessary because it can be inferred from the number of tuples.

[0239] C. STA ID list + overall role

[0240] In methods A and B, the role of each STA is flexibly indicated, but in sensing, if the roles of the initiator and the responder are always different, the role can be indicated by 1 bit. For example, if the initiator indicates a value of 1 to the transmitter, all responders that receive and respond become transmitters, and the initiator becomes a receiver.

[0241] Figure 28 The figure shows the method of indicating the role according to methods A, B, and C.

[0242] Reference Figure 28STA 1, acting as the initiator, determines the roles of each of STAs 2, 3, and 4 through a sensing request. At this point, if STAs 2, 3, and 4 are simultaneously transmitting for OFDMA / MIMO, etc., it's possible to check whether each STA is currently capable of sensing (e.g., whether the channel is idle) by whether a transmission is performed. In this example, the sensing request frame announces that STAs 2, 3, and 4 are sensing transmitters and STA 1 is a receiver. In method A, because there are 3 STAs using each STA's ID and an 8-bit bitmap, the first 3 bits are indicated as 1, and the rest are reserved. Method B uses one STA ID and 1 bit (each value 1) for each STA, and method C first indicates the STA ID and then indicates that STAs 2, 3, and 4 are transmitters using 1 bit.

[0243] 1-3) In the absence of a mode indication, the role is determined by the STA identifier instruction.

[0244] Figure 29 An example of role negotiation based on methods 1-3 is shown.

[0245] refer to Figure 29 SENS RQSTA indicates the role used for each STA ID. For example, as Figure 26 As in the example, the transmitter indicates the IDs of STA 1 and 2, and the receiver indicates the ID of STA 3 to determine the role.

[0246] Although Figure 29 The sensing response via rollback is shown, but unlike the above... Figure 21 and Figure 23 The same method can also be used for transmitting sensing responses.

[0247] 2) In the case of unicast method

[0248] 2-1) Mode Settings

[0249] Similar to method 1-1), patterns can be set. For example, patterns can be categorized as follows, but are not limited to these.

[0250] Mode 1: SENS RQSTA becomes the transmitter and SENS RPSTA becomes the receiver.

[0251] Mode 2: SENS RQSTA becomes the receiver and SENS RPSTA becomes the transmitter.

[0252] Mode 3: SENS RQSTA becomes the transmitter, and SENS RPSTA becomes the transmitter.

[0253] Mode 4: SENS RQSTA becomes the receiver, and SENS RPSTA becomes the receiver.

[0254] The corresponding modes can be indicated in the SENS request frame and / or SENS response frame. If there are 4 modes, then 2 bits are used; for example, 00 can be used as mode 1 and 11 as mode 4. If there are more modes, the number of bits used to indicate them can be increased.

[0255] Figure 30 An example of role negotiation based on the 2-1) method is shown.

[0256] refer to Figure 30 In the SENS RQSTA (STA 1), the SENS request frame indicates mode 1 to STA 2 and mode 3 to STA 3. If both STA 2 and STA 3 respond, then STA 1 becomes the sensor initiator and also the transmitter. On the other hand, STA 2 becomes the sensor responder and receiver, and STA 3, like STA 1, simultaneously becomes both the responder and the sensor transmitter.

[0257] Furthermore, if the SENS RQSTA (STA 1) indicates modes 2 and 4 to STA 3 in the SENS request frame, and both STA 2 and STA 3 respond, then STA 1 simultaneously becomes both a sensing initiator and a receiver. On the other hand, STA 2 becomes both a sensing responder and a transmitter, and STA 3 simultaneously becomes both a responder and a sensing receiver like STA 1.

[0258] While the example above shows an example indicated by SENS RQSTA (STA 1), SENS RPSTA (STA 2, 3) can also indicate the mode as a response in the SENS response frame. Based on the indications of RQSTA and RPSTA, roles can be negotiated as follows.

[0259] 2-2) Negotiation based on the role instructions of RQSTA and RPSTA

[0260] Each RQSTA and RPSTA can use 1 bit to indicate whether it is performing the role of a transmitter or a receiver, or it can indicate the mode mentioned above.

[0261] The following shows an example of negotiation #1 based on the RQSTA and RPSTA role instructions.

[0262] [Table 3]

[0263]

[0264] The following shows a negotiation example #2 based on the RQSTA and RPSTA role instructions.

[0265] [Table 4]

[0266]

[0267] The above examples show that negotiation between RQSTA and RPSTA is possible when the roles do not overlap or when the same pattern is indicated. In other words, due to confusion, it may not be possible to correctly negotiate the empty determined roles in the above examples. However, the role of this empty part can be determined according to the pre-determined rules between the two STAs. For example, if RQSTA indicates both a transmitter and a receiver (11) and RPSTA only indicates a receiver (01), then RQSTA becomes the transmitter. These rules may vary depending on how they are pre-determined.

[0268] The above role negotiation can be dynamically indicated by the initiator after confirming the STA participation sensing and negotiation parameters in the negotiation phase and before each sensing execution. This is closely related to the method for determining what role each STA will play, as in the above method 1-2). That is, it is necessary to indicate what role the STA will play. The specific method is as follows, but not limited to this.

[0269] A. STA ID List and Role Bitmap

[0270] Indicate each STA ID, and then the corresponding bitmap for each STA indicates whether it is a transmitter (e.g., 1) or a receiver (e.g., 0). Here, the bitmap can be parsed by the explicit number indicated by the STA, but the number of STAs is not a mandatory requirement because it can be inferred from the STA ID list.

[0271] The role bitmap can be configured in 8-bit units for decoding, or can be configured as many as the number of STAs included in the STA ID list. However, basically, the bitmap consists of 8-bit units as before, which is stable in terms of decoding. At the same time, in order to explicitly indicate the bitmap size, the bitmap size can be used instead of the number of STAs. For example, when the unit is 8 bits, a value of 2 is 16 bits, and a value of 1 is 8 bits.

[0272] B. Tuple <STA ID, Role>

[0273] That is, in the case where no separate bitmap is configured above, the role (transmitter or receiver) can be indicated by 1 bit following the STA ID. As in A, the number of STAs can be specified here, but it is not necessary because it can be inferred from the number of tuples.

[0274] C. STA ID List + Overall Role

[0275] In methods A and B, the role of each STA is flexibly indicated, but in sensing, if the roles of initiators and responders are always different, it is possible to indicate the role with 1 bit. For example, if the initiator indicates a value of 1 to the transmitter, then all responders that perform receiving and responding become transmitters, and the initiator becomes a receiver.

[0276] Figure 31 The methods for instructing roles according to methods A, B, and C are shown.

[0277] refer to Figure 31 Initiator STA 1 determines the role of each STA 2, 3, and 4 through polling. At this point, if STAs 2, 3, and 4 are transmitting simultaneously for OFDMA / MIMO, it is possible to check whether each STA is currently capable of sensing (e.g., whether the channel is idle) by whether a transmission has been performed. In this example, the sensing polling frame announces that STAs 2, 3, and 4 are sensing transmitters and STA 1 is a receiver. In method A, because there are 3 STAs using each STA's ID and an 8-bit bitmap, the first 3 bits are indicated as 1, and the rest are reserved. Method B uses the STA ID and 1 bit (each value is 1) for each STA, and method C first indicates the STA ID and then indicates that STAs 2, 3, and 4 are transmitters with 1 bit.

[0278] <Parameter Negotiation>

[0279] During negotiation or other phases, it is necessary to set the following parameters between SENS STAs. SENS request frames and / or SENS response frames may indicate one or more parameters as described below. In the examples below, only SENS request frames are shown, but they can also be indicated in SENS response frames. Furthermore, in the examples below, method 2) (e.g., broadcast) for transmitting SENS request frames in the above negotiation process is assumed and described, but method 1) (e.g., unicast) can also be used.

[0280] 1) Timer for the negotiation phase: This embodiment can refer to the negotiation process described above (e.g., methods 1-2 and 2-3).

[0281] 2) Timeout for the sensing phase: Timeout values ​​associated with the sensing phase (including one or more sensing sessions) after negotiation. One or both of these timeout values ​​can be individually indicated as follows.

[0282] Figure 32 The illustration shows an embodiment 2-1 where negotiation is terminated when no sense-related frame exchange is performed during T_sens.

[0283] 2-1) Timeout for termination: After negotiation, if during the sensing phase (e.g., Figure 32 If no sensing-related frame exchange is performed during the T_sens period, the negotiation is terminated.

[0284] Figure 33 Example 2-2 is shown, where sensing is performed during T_sens and the sensing phase terminates thereafter.

[0285] 2-2) Timeout for sensing: The time during which the sensing phase occurs. That is, during this period, sensing is performed using negotiated roles / parameters. As mentioned above, this process can consist of one or more sensing sessions. Figure 28 As shown, the sensing phase ends after T_sens.

[0286] 3) Number of sensing sessions: The parameter defined above specifies how many times a sensing session should be completed.

[0287] 4) Transmitter / Receiver Mode: This mode can be referenced from the role negotiation described above (including...). Figure 24 ).

[0288] 5) SENS STA Information: As information about the STAs participating in sensing, this embodiment can refer to the negotiation process described above (e.g., method 2-2).

[0289] 6) Group ID (GID): After the negotiation process, the ID can be assigned to the STA that negotiated as a group. That is, during this sensing phase, the group ID is as follows: Figure 29 The identifier shown is sent to enable the identifier. Figure 29 In this approach, STA1, 2, and 3 form a sensing group, and when STA1 sends its group ID, STA2 and STA3 participate in sensing together. Using this method, only the GID (Group ID) is included instead of several STA IDs, which reduces overhead. However, it becomes difficult to use the GID to perform sensing sessions with several negotiated STAs.

[0290] Figure 34 Example 6 is shown, where STA1, 2 and 3 form a sensing group and STA2 and STA3 participate in sensing together when STA1 sends the group ID.

[0291] 7) Signal length: The transmission time of the sensing signal (detection) sent by the transmitter during the sensing phase.

[0292] 8) Bandwidth to be measured or used for feedback: This indicates the bandwidth of the sensed signal during the sensing phase or as feedback as a result of measuring this signal. This can be indicated for all STAs or for each STA. If the instruction is directed to all STAs, the overhead is reduced. However, if a particular STA can sense or feedback as effectively as in the method used to indicate each STA, it cannot be indicated for a specific frequency.

[0293] 8-1) Sensing Frequency Location: 7) The bandwidth of the same frequency can be indicated, but in this respect, a different measurement location can be indicated for each STA. For example, such as Figure 35 As shown, within the 80MHz range, STA 2 can be assigned a primary 40MHz frequency and STA 3 can be assigned a secondary 40MHz frequency. This example illustrates the case where the sensor transmitters are STA 2 and STA 3. Additionally, if the SENS STA supports 11ax OFDMA technology, a specific RU can be designated.

[0294] Figure 30 An example is shown in which a sensing signal is transmitted and received by allocating a primary 40MHz to STA 2 and a secondary 40MHz to STA 3 within an 80MHz band.

[0295] Figure 35 An example is shown in which a sensing signal is transmitted and received by allocating a primary 40MHz to STA 2 and a secondary 40MHz to STA 3 within an 80MHz band.

[0296] 9) Type of information: The type of information to be measured received via sensing signals during the sensing phase (e.g., CSI per subcarrier).

[0297] 10) Signal type: The type of signal sensed during the sensing phase (e.g., NDP, NDPA+NDP, new signal type).

[0298] 11) Reporting / Sensing Sequence: To prevent conflicts during sensing signal transmission or feedback of information from signal measurements, a sequence can be explicitly included for the STA. Implicitly, for example, the order in which the STA information in 4) is indicated can be considered this sequence. If this information is indicated and it is assumed... Figure 30 Therefore, the order of the sensing transmitters STA 2 and STA 3 is STA 2->STA 3.

[0299] 12) Session ID: The ID of the session using the roles and parameters determined through this negotiation phase. As mentioned at the beginning, a single SENS STA can execute multiple sensing applications simultaneously, and several SENS STAs can also execute sensing applications simultaneously. That is, because several sessions may overlap if the sensing process for each application is executed simultaneously, it is necessary for the SENS STA to distinguish these sessions when performing sensing. Therefore, a session ID can be indicated.

[0300] Figure 36 An example of a sensing process that uses a session ID is shown.

[0301] refer to Figure 36 When STA 1 sends a session ID, STA 2 and STA 3 recognize this session ID. Therefore, when this session ID is received during the sensing phase, sensing can be performed based on the negotiated roles and parameters.

[0302] <Regarding the Sensing Phase of Negotiation>

[0303] If this embodiment has undergone the negotiation process described above, the sensing phase will be performed based on the negotiated roles and parameters. Essentially, the sensing phase can consist of one or more sensing sessions, as mentioned above, and there can be a frame that initiates a sensing session. In this specification, this frame is referred to as the SENS initiation frame. All or some of the parameters described in the parameter negotiation can be indicated in the SENS initiation frame.

[0304] Figure 37 This shows an example where the SENS initiation frame is sent multiple times.

[0305] For example, a sensing session can typically include information such as STA, group ID, and session ID. Figure 37 As shown, the SENS initiation frame can be sent once or multiple times. For example, when the STA participating in the sensing phase is changed, the frame may be sent multiple times.

[0306] Figure 38 The illustration shows an example of sending a SENS initiation frame for each sensing session.

[0307] In addition, such as Figure 38 As shown, the SENS initiation frame can be sent only once at the start of A. all sensing sessions, B. some sensing sessions, or C. during the sensing phase.

[0308] In method A, each SENS STA can identify the session through explicit signaling for the sensing session. Methods B and C may require separate indication of the sensing signal from the perspective of the sensing transmitter for some sensing sessions, and are methods for identifying the sensing signal from the perspective of the sensing receiver, but can reduce the overhead for initiating frames.

[0309] Despite Figure 38 Mid-channel access is performed between each session, but by acquiring a TXOP that can include several sessions, each session can be tracked via the SIFS interval.

[0310] All or some of the parameters described in the parameter negotiation can be indicated in the SENS initiation frame. For example, for a sensing session, this can typically include STA information or group ID.

[0311] Unless specifically illustrated in the examples below, various methods may exist during the sensing phase depending on the negotiation process (e.g., the role of the SENS RQSTA transmitter or receiver, whether the sensing signals or feedback are transmitted sequentially, or based on OFDMA). Therefore, detailed frame switching is not described. Furthermore, it is assumed that STA 1 is the SENS initiator.

[0312] <Reduction Negotiation Phase>

[0313] Figure 39 Examples of negotiation phases and reduced negotiation phases are shown.

[0314] As mentioned above, because there is a negotiation phase for WLAN sensing in each sensing session, the negotiation phase is performed again in the next sensing session after the end of one sensing session. Figure 39 As shown in the upper part. Here, if the roles and parameters in the previous session have hardly changed, re-executing the negotiation phase as is may waste resources. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the roles and parameters that need to be changed can be negotiated. In this embodiment, this phase is called the reduced negotiation phase, and as... Figure 39 As shown in the lower part, the reduced negotiation phase can be applied to the negotiation phase for the next sensing session.

[0315] Figure 40 This shows another example of the negotiation phase and the reduced negotiation phase.

[0316] During the reduction negotiation phase, it is possible to use a reduced SENS request / response frame that only includes the roles and parameters to be changed, which incurs reduction overhead. That is, unspecified roles and parameters inherit those used in previous sessions. Additionally, if inherited, such as Figure 40As shown, it is possible to directly enter the reduction negotiation phase, which negotiates only the changed roles and / or parameters after the previous session without a termination phase.

[0317] Fields that include immutable roles and parameters have no impact on reducing overhead. Therefore, it is possible to use reduced SENS request / response frames with reduced overhead, which only include the roles and parameters to be changed.

[0318] Control fields can be applied to roles and parameters that need to be changed. That is, in addition to the fields that must be typed in the SENS request / response frame, there are fields indicating whether a parameter has been changed. In the example below, this parameter is referred to as a dynamic parameter.

[0319] Based on the above basic process, depending on whether the above negotiation process exists, the roles / parameters of the negotiation, and whether it is static or dynamic, it can be classified into the following situations.

[0320] 1) Static negotiation roles and parameters

[0321] In this scenario, because the roles and parameters negotiated during the sensing phase remain largely unchanged, the changed roles and parameters cannot be individually indicated in the SENS initiation frame. However, all or some of the parameters described in the parameter negotiation above can be repeatedly indicated in the SENS initiation frame.

[0322] 2) Roles and parameters in dynamic negotiation

[0323] In this scenario, it becomes possible to change the roles and parameters that were essentially determined during the negotiation phase within the sensing phase. Therefore, as... Figure 41 As shown, the changed parameters can be indicated in the SENS initiation frame. These parameters can correspond to the parameters mentioned in the parameter negotiation above.

[0324] Figure 41 This shows an example of dynamic changes to the negotiation role and parameters.

[0325] On the other hand, since including the corresponding fields in the SENS initiation frame that prepares for these dynamic parameters may incur overhead, control fields can be applied. That is, in addition to the fields that must be included in the SENS initiation frame, a field indicating whether dynamic parameters exist is also included.

[0326] Figure 42 This is an example of a control field used for dynamic parameters.

[0327] refer to Figure 42As in Example 1, the presence of dynamic parameters is first indicated (e.g., using 1 bit), and if present, the parameter set is indicated later. In Example 2, the presence or absence of each dynamic parameter can be indicated. Depending on the situation, it can be determined that Example 2 can further reduce overhead when the number of dynamic parameters is large.

[0328] On the other hand, the above indicates the case where the negotiation parameters in a SENS initiation frame that initiates a sensing session are changed, but the parameters can be dynamically changed as follows.

[0329] 1) Case where a SENS initiation frame or a reduced SENS initiation frame is sent within a sensing session.

[0330] In other words, several SENS initiation frames are sent within a single sensing session, or frames that only include dynamic roles / parameters are sent (e.g., reduced SENS initiation frames), such as... Figure 43 As shown.

[0331] Figure 43 This illustrates an example of the dynamic changes in roles and parameters used to initiate frame negotiation using reduced SENS.

[0332] 2) In the case of renegotiating between sensing sessions

[0333] In other words, a negotiation phase is performed again between sensing sessions. During this process, the aforementioned SENS request / response frames can be reused, but including fields for roles and parameters that do not change may result in higher overhead. Therefore, as... Figure 43 As shown, a reduced SENS request / response frame with reduced overhead can be used, which only includes the roles and parameters to be changed. In addition to this frame exchange, SENS initiation frames and reduced SENS initiation frames can also be used, as in 1).

[0334] Figure 44 This illustrates an example of the dynamic changes in roles and parameters used for negotiation during the renegotiation phase, utilizing reduced SENS request / response frames.

[0335] Example #1: Change character

[0336] Figure 45 Example 2 shows an example of changing roles.

[0337] refer to Figure 45During the negotiation phase, the sensing transmitter is set to STA 1, and the sensing receiver is set to STA 2 and STA 3. In the second sensing session, STA 1 initiates a SENS frame to change the sensing transmitter to STA 2 and STA 3 and the sensing receiver to STA 1 to measure the channel in different directions, and STA 2 and STA 3 transmit sensing signals.

[0338] Example #2: Changing the bandwidth to be measured

[0339] Figure 46 An example is shown in Example 2) where the bandwidth to be measured is changed.

[0340] refer to Figure 46 In the example, the bandwidth to be measured during the negotiation phase is 40MHz. In the second sensing session, STA1 initiates a frame via SENS to change the bandwidth to 80MHz for better resolution. Therefore, STA 2 and STA 3, acting as sensing transmitters, transmit sensing signals using 80MHz.

[0341] Example #3: Change STA information

[0342] Figure 47 This is an example of changing STA information in Example 2.

[0343] refer to Figure 47 During the negotiation phase, the STAs negotiated are STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3. In the first session, only STA 2 is instructed and only STA 2 sends a sensing signal, while in the second session, only STA 3 is instructed and sends a sensing signal. By continuously changing the STA information in this way, sensing sessions with other STAs can be performed for each session.

[0344] The dynamic approach described above can be applied in several different ways. That is, roles / parameters changed in one sensing session can continue to be applied in subsequent sensing sessions, or they can be applied only to the corresponding sensing session, and the initially negotiated parameters can be applied in subsequent sensing sessions.

[0345] 3) No negotiation phase

[0346] Because there is essentially no negotiation phase in this case, the aforementioned roles and parameters must be indicated via SENS-initiated frames during the sensing phase. Like cases 1) and 2), this situation can be categorized as static / dynamic based on the transmission of SENS-initiated frames.

[0347] For example, if a SENS initiation frame is sent in the first sensing session and not sent thereafter, it can be considered static, and if it is subsequently sent with changed parameters, it can be considered dynamic.

[0348] In the following text, the above embodiments will be referred to Figures 1 to 47 Describe it.

[0349] Figure 48 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a sensing initiator performing sensing according to this embodiment.

[0350] Figure 48 The example can be executed in a network environment that supports the next-generation wireless LAN system (IEEE 802.11bf). The next-generation wireless LAN system is a wireless LAN system that is an improvement on the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems and meets backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems.

[0351] Figure 48 The example is executed in the first STA, and the first STA can correspond to the sensor initiator. Figure 48 The second and third STAs can correspond to the sensing responders.

[0352] This embodiment proposes a method for determining the parameters to be used for sensing by STAs participating in sensing within a WLAN system, and for performing the sensing process based on the negotiated parameters. Specifically, this embodiment proposes methods for role negotiation, parameter negotiation, and parameter changes in the sensing step.

[0353] In step S4810, the first station (STA) broadcasts a sensing request frame.

[0354] In step S4820, the first STA receives a first sensing response frame from the second STA and a second sensing response frame from the third STA.

[0355] The sensing request frame includes STA identifier information and resource unit (RU) allocation information. The STA identifier information includes the identifiers of the second STA and the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about the first RU assigned to the second STA and information about the second RU assigned to the third STA.

[0356] The first STA receives the first sensing response frame via the first RU and the second sensing response frame via the second RU. That is, based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), the second and third STAs can (simultaneously) receive responses to sensing request frames. This sensing request frame can be a (newly defined) trigger frame. When the STA identifier information does not include the identifier of the fourth STA, the first STA does not receive the third sensing response frame from the fourth STA.

[0357] That is, in this embodiment, the sensing request frame indicates the identifier (ID) of the STA that receives the sensing response frame and the RU allocation information. The STA corresponding to the identifier of the STA receives the sensing request frame and sends the sensing response frame after SIFS through the allocated RU.

[0358] The sensing request frame may further include timer information for receiving a sensing response frame. Before the timer expires according to the timer information, a first sensing response frame and a second sensing response frame may be sent. After the timer expires according to the timer information, a third sensing response frame may not be sent. That is, because the STA receiving the timer information knows when to send the sensing request frame, it can send a sensing response frame until the timer expires.

[0359] The sensing request frame may further include parameter information.

[0360] The parameter information includes timer information for the negotiation step, STA role information, timeout information for the sensing step, information about the number of sensing sessions included in the sensing step and information about the first STA to the third STA, information about the length of the sensing signal, information about the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated, information about the type of information to be measured based on the sensing signal, information about the type of sensing signal, and information about the transmission order of the sensing signal.

[0361] The process for wireless sensing can primarily include a setup phase, a negotiation phase, a sensing phase, and a release phase. Each step can be performed in the described order and can be repeated several times within a cycle. The sensing step may include at least one sensing session.

[0362] During the negotiation phase, a sensing request frame and a first sensing response frame and a second sensing response frame can be exchanged. During the sensing phase, a sensing signal can be transmitted, and channel measurements can be performed based on the sensing signal. The sensing phase can be terminated if no frame exchange occurs within the time period indicated by the timeout information used for the sensing phase. In the termination phase, the negotiated parameter information is reset, and all sensing sessions in the sensing phase can be terminated. To initiate a sensing session again, the negotiation phase must be repeated.

[0363] After the timer expires according to the timer information used for the negotiation step, the first STA may not send an additional sensing request frame.

[0364] STA's role information can be set to either the first mode or the second mode.

[0365] The first mode may include information that the first STA is a transmitter for sending sensing signals, and the second and third STAs are receivers for receiving sensing signals and performing channel measurements based on the sensing signals. The second mode may include information that the first STA is a receiver and the second and third STAs are transmitters. That is, the roles of the first to third STAs can be specified based on the first and second modes during the sensing step (or sensing session).

[0366] When the role information of the STA is set to the second mode, the first STA can receive a first sensing signal from the second STA and perform channel measurement based on the first sensing signal. The first STA can also receive a second sensing signal from the third STA and perform channel measurement based on the second sensing signal.

[0367] Furthermore, STA role information can be used together with STA identifier information. For example, when the STA role information is set to a first mode and the STA identifier information only includes the identifier of the second STA, the first and second STAs can be transmitters, and the third STA can be a receiver. As another example, when the STA role information is set to a second mode and the STA identifier information only includes the identifier of the third STA, the first and third STAs can be receivers, and the second STA can be a transmitter.

[0368] Information regarding the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated may include information about the primary 40MHz allocated to the second STA and information about the secondary 40MHz allocated to the third STA. In this case, the first sensing signal can be received via the primary 40MHz, and the second sensing signal can be received via the secondary 40MHz.

[0369] When the sensing process includes a first sensing session and a second sensing session, the first STA may send a first sensing initiation frame to the second STA and the third STA during the first sensing session. The first STA may send a second sensing initiation frame to the second STA and the third STA during the second sensing session.

[0370] When parameter information is changed during a second sensing session, the second sensing initiation frame may include control fields for the changed parameters. These control fields may include a first field and a second field. The first field may include information about whether the changed parameter exists. The second field may include the changed parameter value indicated by the first field.

[0371] The sensing process performed during the first sensing session can be executed by the first STA through the third STA based on the previously changed parameter values. The sensing process performed during the second sensing session can be executed by the first STA through the third STA based on the changed parameter values.

[0372] For example, the changed parameter could be the STA's role information. During the negotiation step, assuming the STA's role information is set to the second mode, the first STA can be set as a receiver, and the second and third STAs as transmitters. In this case, during the first sensing session, both the second and third STAs can send sensing signals to the first STA, and the first STA can provide feedback based on values ​​measured from the sensing signals.

[0373] However, when the STA's role information changes to the first mode in the second sensing session, the first STA can be set as a transmitter, and the second and third STAs can be set as receivers. Therefore, during the second sensing session, the first STA can send sensing signals to the second and third STAs, and the second and third STAs can provide feedback based on values ​​measured using the sensing signals. Role switching occurs between the first and third STAs.

[0374] As another example, the changed parameter could be information about the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated. When the information about the frequency band allocated to the sensing signal in the second sensing session becomes information about the primary 80MHz allocated to the second STA and information about the secondary 80MHz allocated to the third STA, the first sensing signal transmitted through the second STA can be transmitted through the primary 80MHz, and the second sensing signal transmitted through the third STA can be transmitted through the secondary 80MHz.

[0375] Figure 49 This is a flowchart illustrating the sensing process performed by the sensor responder according to this embodiment.

[0376] Figure 49 The example can be executed in a network environment that supports the next-generation wireless LAN system (IEEE 802.11bf). The next-generation wireless LAN system is a wireless LAN system that is an improvement on the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems and meets backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11ad and 802.11ay systems.

[0377] Figure 49 The example is performed in the second STA, and the second STA can correspond to a sensor responder. Figure 49 The first STA can correspond to the sensor initiator. Figure 49 The third STA 49 can also correspond to a sensing response.

[0378] This embodiment proposes a method for determining the STAs participating in sensing in a WLAN system, negotiating parameters to be used for sensing, and performing a sensing process based on the negotiated parameters. Specifically, this embodiment proposes methods for role negotiation, parameter negotiation in the negotiation step, and parameter transformation in the sensing step.

[0379] In step S4910, the second station (STA) receives a sensing request frame from the first STA.

[0380] In step S4920, the second STA sends a first sensing response frame to the first STA. In response to the sensing request frame, the third STA sends a second sensing response frame.

[0381] The sensing request frame includes STA identifier information and resource unit (RU) allocation information. The STA identifier information includes the identifiers of the second STA and the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about the first RU assigned to the second STA and information about the second RU assigned to the third STA.

[0382] The first STA receives the first sensing response frame via the first RU and the second sensing response frame via the second RU. That is, based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), the second and third STAs can (simultaneously) receive responses to sensing request frames. The sensing request frame can be a (newly defined) trigger frame. When the STA identifier information does not include the identifier of the fourth STA, the first STA does not receive the third sensing response frame from the fourth STA.

[0383] That is, in this embodiment, the sensing request frame indicates the identifier (ID) of the STA that receives the sensing response frame and the RU allocation information. The STA corresponding to the identifier of the STA receives the sensing request frame and sends the sensing response frame after SIFS through the allocated RU.

[0384] The sensing request frame may further include timer information for receiving a sensing response frame. A first sensing response frame and a second sensing response frame may be sent before the timer expires according to the timer information. A third sensing response frame may not be sent after the timer expires according to the timer information. That is, because the STA that receives the timer information knows when to send the sensing request frame, it can send a sensing response frame until the timer expires.

[0385] The sensing request frame may further include parameter information.

[0386] The parameter information includes timer information for the negotiation step, STA role information, timeout information for the sensing step, information about the number of sensing sessions included in the sensing step, information about the first STA to the third STA, information about the length of the sensing signal, information about the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated, information about the type of information to be measured based on the sensing signal, information about the type of sensing signal, and information about the transmission order of the sensing signal.

[0387] The process for wireless sensing can primarily include a setup phase, a negotiation phase, a sensing phase, and a release phase. Each step can be performed in the described order and can be repeated several times within a cycle. The sensing step may include at least one sensing session.

[0388] During the negotiation phase, a sensing request frame and a first sensing response frame and a second sensing response frame can be exchanged. During the sensing phase, a sensing signal can be transmitted, and channel measurements can be performed based on the sensing signal. The sensing phase can be terminated if no frame exchange occurs within the time period indicated by the timeout information used for the sensing phase. In the termination phase, the negotiated parameter information is reset, and all sensing sessions in the sensing phase can be terminated. The negotiation phase must be repeated to initiate a sensing session again.

[0389] After the timer expires according to the timer information used for the negotiation step, the first STA may not send an additional sensing request frame.

[0390] STA's role information can be set to either the first mode or the second mode.

[0391] The first mode may include information that the first STA is a transmitter for sending sensing signals, and the second and third STAs are receivers for receiving sensing signals and performing channel measurements based on the sensing signals. The second mode may include information that the first STA is a receiver and the second and third STAs are transmitters. That is, the roles of the first to third STAs can be specified based on the first and second modes during the sensing step (or sensing session).

[0392] When the role information of the STA is set to the second mode, the first STA can receive a first sensing signal from the second STA and perform channel measurement based on the first sensing signal. The first STA can also receive a second sensing signal from the third STA and perform channel measurement based on the second sensing signal.

[0393] Furthermore, STA role information can be used together with STA identifier information. For example, when the STA role information is set to a first mode and the STA identifier information only includes the identifier of the second STA, the first and second STAs can be transmitters, and the third STA can be a receiver. As another example, when the STA role information is set to a second mode and the STA identifier information only includes the identifier of the third STA, the first and third STAs can be receivers, and the second STA can be a transmitter.

[0394] Information regarding the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated may include information about the primary 40MHz allocated to the second STA and information about the secondary 40MHz allocated to the third STA. In this case, the first sensing signal can be received via the primary 40MHz, and the second sensing signal can be received via the secondary 40MHz.

[0395] When the sensing process includes a first sensing session and a second sensing session, the first STA may send a first sensing initiation frame to the second STA and the third STA during the first sensing session. The first STA may send a second sensing initiation frame to the second STA and the third STA during the second sensing session.

[0396] When parameter information is changed during a second sensing session, the second sensing initiation frame may include control fields for the changed parameters. These control fields may include a first field and a second field. The first field may include information about whether the changed parameter exists. The second field may include the changed parameter value indicated by the first field.

[0397] The sensing process performed during the first sensing session can be executed by the first STA through the third STA based on the previously changed parameter values. The sensing process performed during the second sensing session can be executed by the first STA through the third STA based on the changed parameter values.

[0398] For example, the changed parameter could be the STA's role information. During the negotiation step, assuming the STA's role information is set to the second mode, the first STA can be set as a receiver, and the second and third STAs as transmitters. In this case, during the first sensing session, both the second and third STAs can send sensing signals to the first STA, and the first STA can provide feedback based on values ​​measured from the sensing signals.

[0399] However, when the STA's role information changes to the first mode in the second sensing session, the first STA can be set as a transmitter, and the second and third STAs can be set as receivers. Therefore, during the second sensing session, the first STA can send sensing signals to the second and third STAs, and the second and third STAs can provide feedback based on values ​​measured using the sensing signals. Role switching occurs between the first and third STAs.

[0400] As another example, the changed parameter could be information about the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated. When the information about the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated in the second sensing session becomes information about the primary 80MHz allocated to the second STA and information about the secondary 80MHz allocated to the third STA, the first sensing signal transmitted by the second STA can be transmitted via the primary 80MHz, and the second sensing signal transmitted by the third STA can be transmitted via the secondary 80MHz.

[0401] The technical features of this disclosure can be applied to various devices and methods. For example, the technical features of this disclosure can be used by... Figure 1 and / or Figure 8 The device is used to execute / support it. For example, the technical features of this disclosure can be applied only to... Figure 1 and / or Figure 8 As part of this disclosure, for example, the device broadcasts a sensing request frame; receives a first sensing response frame from a second station (STA); and receives a second sensing response frame from a third STA.

[0402] The technical features of this disclosure can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM). For example, the CRM according to this disclosure is at least one computer-readable medium that includes instructions designed to be executed by at least one processor.

[0403] The CRM can store instructions for performing operations, including broadcasting a sensing request frame; and receiving a first sensing response frame from a second station (STA) and a second sensing response frame from a third STA. The instructions stored in the CRM of this specification can be executed by at least one processor. The CRM of this specification can be a separate external memory / storage medium / disk.

[0404] The aforementioned technical features in this specification can be applied to various applications or business models. For example, the aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication in devices that support artificial intelligence (AI).

[0405] Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the field of research concerning artificial intelligence or the methods for creating AI, while machine learning refers to the field of research concerning methods for defining and solving various problems within the field of AI. Machine learning is also defined as algorithms that improve operational performance through stable operational experience.

[0406] Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are models used in machine learning, and can refer to an overall problem-solving model that includes artificial neurons (nodes) that form a network by combining synapses. An artificial neural network can be defined by the connection patterns between neurons in different layers, the learning processes that update model parameters, and the activation functions that generate output values.

[0407] An artificial neural network may include an input layer, an output layer, and optionally one or more hidden layers. Each layer includes one or more neurons, and the artificial neural network may include synapses connecting the neurons. In an artificial neural network, each neuron can output a function value of an activation function that takes the input signal, weights, and biases as input through the synapse.

[0408] Model parameters refer to the parameters determined through learning, and include the weights of synaptic connections and the biases of neurons. Hyperparameters refer to the parameters set in a machine learning algorithm before learning, and include the learning rate, number of iterations, mini-batch size, and initialization function.

[0409] Learning artificial neural networks can aim to determine the model parameters used to minimize the loss function. The loss function can be used as an index to determine the optimal model parameters during the learning process of artificial neural networks.

[0410] Machine learning can be classified into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0411] Supervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network with labeled training data, where the labels indicate the correct answer (or result value) the artificial neural network should infer when the training data is input. Unsupervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network without labeled training data. Reinforcement learning refers to the training method used to select actions or action sequences from an agent defined in the training environment to maximize the cumulative reward in each state.

[0412] Machine learning implemented using deep neural networks (DNNs) with multiple hidden layers in artificial neural networks is called deep learning, and deep learning is a part of machine learning. In the following text, machine learning will be interpreted as including deep learning.

[0413] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication for robots.

[0414] A robot can refer to a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task using its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot that has the ability to recognize its environment and autonomously make judgments to perform operations can be called an intelligent robot.

[0415] Robots can be classified according to their purpose or field, such as industrial, medical, household, and military robots. A robot may include actuators or drives, which include motors to perform various physical operations, such as moving the robot's joints. Additionally, mobile robots may include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., in their drives to move on the ground or fly in the air.

[0416] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0417] Extended Reality unification refers to Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). VR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides real-world objects and backgrounds only in CG images; AR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual CG images on top of real object images; and MR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual objects that are mixed and combined with the real world.

[0418] The similarity between MR and AR technologies lies in the fact that real and virtual objects are displayed together. However, in AR, virtual objects serve as a complement to real objects, while in MR, virtual and real objects are displayed as equal entities.

[0419] XR technology can be applied to head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs), mobile phones, tablet PCs, laptops, desktop computers, TVs, digital signage, and more. Devices that utilize XR technology can be referred to as XR devices.

[0420] The claims referenced in this specification can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims can be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the device claims can be combined and implemented by a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims and the device claims can be combined to implement a device, and the technical features of the method claims and the device claims can be combined to implement by a method.

Claims

1. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The first station (STA) sends a sensing request frame; as well as The first STA receives a first sensing response frame from the second STA and a second sensing response frame from the third STA. The sensing request frame includes parameter information. The parameter information includes the STA's role information, timeout information for the sensing step, and information about the frequency band. The timeout information includes a value representing the time after which the sensing step terminates if no frame exchange occurs, and... The sensing step terminates after the specified time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The sensing request frame further includes timer information for receiving the sensing response frame. Specifically, before the timer expires according to the timer information, the first sensing response frame and the second sensing response frame are sent. Specifically, after the timer expires according to the timer information, no third sensing response frame is sent.

3. The method according to claim 1, in, The sensing request frame further includes STA identifier information and resource unit (RU) allocation information. The STA identifier information includes the identifiers of the second STA and the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about the first RU allocated to the second STA and information about the second RU allocated to the third STA. The first sensing response frame is received by the first RU. The second sensing response frame is received via the second RU. The parameter information further includes timer information for the negotiation step, information about the number of sensing sessions included in the sensing step, information about the first STA to the third STA, information about the length of the sensing signal, information about the type of information to be measured based on the sensing signal, information about the type of the sensing signal, and information about the transmission order of the sensing signal. In the negotiation step, the sensing request frame is exchanged with the first sensing response frame and the second sensing response frame. In the sensing step, the sensing signal is sent, and channel measurement is performed based on the sensing signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, After the timer expires according to the timer information used for the negotiation step, the first STA does not send an additional sensing request frame.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The role information of the STA is set to either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode includes information that the first STA is a transmitter for sending the sensing signal, and the second STA and the third STA are receivers for receiving the sensing signal and performing channel measurements based on the sensing signal. The second mode includes information that the first STA is the receiver and the second STA and the third STA are the transmitters.

6. The method according to claim 5, further include: Specifically, when the role information of the STA is set to the second mode, The first STA receives the first sensing signal from the second STA; The first STA performs channel measurement based on the first sensing signal; The first STA receives the second sensing signal from the third STA; and The first STA performs channel measurement based on the second sensing signal.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Information regarding the frequency band to which the sensing signal is allocated includes information regarding the primary 40MHz allocated to the second STA and information regarding the secondary 40MHz allocated to the third STA. The first sensing signal is received via the main 40MHz signal. The second sensing signal is received via the auxiliary 40MHz.

8. The method according to claim 3, further include: in, When the sensing step includes a first sensing session and a second sensing session. During the first sensing session, the first STA sends a first sensing initiation frame to the second STA and the third STA. as well as During the second sensing session, the first STA sends a second sensing initiation frame to both the second STA and the third STA. Specifically, when the parameter information changes during the second sensing session, the second sensing initiation frame includes a control field for the changed parameter. The control field for the parameter being changed includes a first field and a second field. The first field includes information about whether the changed parameter exists. The second field includes the changed parameter value indicated by the first field.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The sensing process performed during the first sensing session is executed by the first STA to the third STA based on the parameter values ​​before they were changed; The sensing process performed during the second sensing session is executed by the first STA to the third STA based on the changed parameter values.

10. A first STA in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the first STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor, operatively connected to the memory and the transceiver, The processor is configured as follows: Send a sensing request frame; and Receive the first sensing response frame from the second STA and the second sensing response frame from the third STA. The sensing request frame includes parameter information. The parameter information includes the STA's role information, timeout information for the sensing step, and information about the frequency band. The timeout information includes a value representing the time after which the sensing step terminates if no frame exchange occurs, and... The sensing step terminates after the specified time.

11. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The second STA receives the sensing request frame from the first STA; as well as The second STA sends a first sensing response frame to the first STA. In response to the sensing request frame, the third STA sends a second sensing response frame. The sensing request frame includes parameter information. The parameter information includes the STA's role information, timeout information for the sensing step, and information about the frequency band. The timeout information includes a value representing the time after which the sensing step terminates if no frame exchange occurs, and... The sensing step terminates after the specified time.

12. The method according to claim 11, in, The sensing request frame further includes STA identifier information and resource unit (RU) allocation information. The STA identifier information includes the identifiers of the second STA and the third STA. The RU allocation information includes information about the first RU allocated to the second STA and information about the second RU allocated to the third STA. The first sensing response frame is received by the first RU. The second sensing response frame is received via the second RU. The parameter information further includes timer information for the negotiation step, information about the number of sensing sessions included in the sensing step, information about the first STA to the third STA, information about the length of the sensing signal, information about the type of information to be measured based on the sensing signal, information about the type of the sensing signal, and information about the transmission order of the sensing signal. In the negotiation step, the sensing request frame is exchanged with the first sensing response frame and the second sensing response frame. In the sensing step, the sensing signal is sent, and channel measurement is performed based on the sensing signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The role information of the STA is set to either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode includes information that the first STA is a transmitter for sending the sensing signal, and the second STA and the third STA are receivers for receiving the sensing signal and performing channel measurements based on the sensing signal. The second mode includes information that the first STA is the receiver and the second STA and the third STA are the transmitters.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: in, When the role information of the STA is set to the second mode, The second STA sends the first sensing signal to the first STA; and The second STA receives the value measured based on the first sensing signal from the first STA.

15. The method according to claim 12, further include: in, When the sensing step includes a first sensing session and a second sensing session. The second STA receives the first sensing initiation frame from the first STA during the first sensing session; and The second STA receives the second sensing initiation frame from the first STA during the second sensing session. Specifically, when the parameter information changes during the second sensing session, the second sensing initiation frame includes a control field for the changed parameter. The control field for the parameter being changed includes a first field and a second field. The first field includes information about whether the changed parameter exists. The second field includes the changed parameter value indicated by the first field.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The sensing process performed during the first sensing session is executed by the first STA and the second STA based on the parameter values ​​before they were changed; The sensing process performed during the second sensing session is executed by the first STA and the second STA based on the changed parameter values.

17. A second STA in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the second STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor, operatively connected to the memory and the transceiver, The processor is configured as follows: Receive a sensing request frame from the first STA; and Send the first sensing response frame to the first STA. In response to the sensing request frame, the third STA sends a second sensing response frame. The sensing request frame includes parameter information. The parameter information includes the STA's role information, timeout information for the sensing step, and information about the frequency band. The timeout information includes a value representing the time after which the sensing step terminates if no frame exchange occurs, and... The sensing step terminates after the specified time.

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