Communication apparatus and communication method for peer-to-peer sensing

Abstract

Communication devices and methods for peer-to-peer sensing are provided. One exemplary embodiment provides a first communication device comprising: circuitry to generate a request frame for sensing measurements for a second communication device, where both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs; and a transmitter that transmits the request frame to the second communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to communication methods and apparatus, and in particular to methods and apparatus for peer-to-peer (P2P) sensing. Background Art

[0002] The wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing mechanism discussed in the IEEE 802.11 bf Task Group (TGbf) is considering the scenario where the access point (AP) has WLAN sensing capability (IEEE 802.11 bf capability, hereinafter referred to as "11bf capability"). However, in actual scenarios, it may be that the AP is not usually replaced or upgraded as early as the station (STA). For example, people may replace their laptops, mobile phones much earlier than they replace their home AP. Considering the above, non-AP STAs with 11bf capability may be seen in the deployment much earlier than APs with 11bf capability. Therefore, it is important to consider the scenario of performing peer sensing between two non-AP STAs.

[0003] However, discussions regarding communication devices and methods for peer sensing remain limited.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a communication device and method that can solve the above problems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings and background of the disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Non-limiting and exemplary embodiments facilitate providing a communication apparatus and a communication method for peer sensing.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit, which generates a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device in operation, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-APSTAs; and a transmitter, which is used in operation to send the request frame to the second communication device.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second communication device is provided, including: a receiver, which receives a request frame from a first communication device in operation, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs; and a transmitter, which sends a response frame for performing P2P sensing measurement to the first communication device in operation.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication method, including: generating, at a first communication device, a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-APSTAs; and sending the request frame to the second communication device.

[0009] It should be noted that the general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, storage medium, or any selective combination thereof. Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Benefits and / or advantages may be obtained individually by various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, and these embodiments and features do not need to be provided in full to obtain one or more such benefits and / or advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages according to the present embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, the same figure marks refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and the accompanying drawings together with the following detailed description are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification.

[0011] Figure 1 Depicted are example illustrations of peer-to-peer sensing scenarios.

[0012] Figure 2A Depicted is an example illustration of a peer sensing scenario when 2 non-AP STAs are in the same Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0013] Figure 2B Depicted is an example illustration of a peer sensing scenario when 2 non-AP STAs are in different BSSs.

[0014] Figure 2C Depicted are example diagrams of a peer sensing scenario when the responder is an unassociated STA.

[0015] Figure 3 Depicted is an example illustration of a peer-to-peer sensing scenario in which a tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) link is established between two non-AP responders within the same BSS.

[0016] Figure 4 Depicted Figure 3 An example illustration of signaling details for a peer sensing scenario is shown in .

[0017] Figure 5A Depicted are example illustrations of peer-to-peer sensing scenarios not involving an AP in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5B Depicted are example illustrations of peer sensing scenarios utilizing peer STAs that are overlapping BSS (OBSS) or unassociated STAs in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5C Depicted are example illustrations of peer sensing scenarios with peer STAs within the same BSS in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 Depicted is a diagram of a peer-to-peer sensing measurement process between two non-AP STAs via a Wi-Fi Direct link in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7 Depicted is a flow chart showing STA behavior during group owner (GO) assignment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 Depicted is a flow chart showing STA behavior as a GO in a Wi-Fi Direct group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating the behavior of a GO as a sensing initiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0024] Fig.10 A diagram depicting an example of a non-trigger based (non-TB) sensing measurement using a GO as a sensing initiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.11 Depicted is a diagram of a trigger-based (TB) sensing measurement process utilizing a GO as a sensing initiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.12 Depicted are diagrams of exemplary sensing measurement setup request and response frames in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.13A Depicted is a diagram of a P2P sensing parameter element in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 13B Depicted are diagrams of variations of indicating P2P sensing parameters using sensing elements in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.14 A flow chart illustrating steps for reporting age calculation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig.15 A diagram depicting a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame format is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.16 A one-to-many sensing measurement process between a GO and two other STAs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0032] Fig.17 Depicted is a diagram of an NDPA frame format to be used for a one-to-many sensing measurement scenario in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.18 A sensing measurement process between a GO and an unassociated STA according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0034] Fig.19 Depicted are example illustrations of peer-to-peer sensing between a non-AP STA and an unassociated STA in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 20 An unassociated STA discovery and unassociated STA identifier (UID) allocation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0036] Fig.21 A diagram of an action field format for a sensing measurement setup query frame is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 22 Variations of the unassociated STA discovery and UID allocation process according to embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted.

[0038] Fig.23 Depicted are example illustrations of a peer sensing process between STAs in an OBSS according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.24 A peer sensing measurement process with an OBSS STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0040] Fig.25 Depicted are example configurations of STAs suitable for sensing and communication according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.26 A flow chart illustrating a method for peer sensing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Fig. 27 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a STA that may be implemented for peer sensing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments or the application and use of the embodiments. It is not intended to be bound by any theory presented in the foregoing background technology or this detailed description. In addition, in conjunction with the drawings and background technology of the present disclosure, other desired features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims.

[0045] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals and characters in the drawings represent like elements or equivalents.

[0046] In the following paragraphs, certain exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to an access point (AP) and a station (STA) for peer sensing.

[0047] In the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology, a station, interchangeably referred to as a STA, is a communication device capable of using the 802.11 protocol. Based on the IEEE 802.11-2016 definition, a STA can be any device that includes an IEEE 802.11-compliant medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to the wireless medium (WM).

[0048] For example, a station can be a laptop computer, a desktop personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an access point or a non-access point (e.g., an AP STA or a non-AP STA), or a Wi-Fi phone in a wireless local area network (WLAN) environment. A station can be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms "STA", "non-AP STA", "wireless client", "user", "user equipment" and "node" are often used interchangeably.

[0049] Likewise, an AP, which may be interchangeably referred to as a wireless access point (WAP) in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology, is a communication device that allows STAs in a WLAN to connect to a wired network. An AP is typically connected to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it may also be integrated with or used in a router.

[0050] As described above, a STA in a WLAN can be used as an AP at different times, and vice versa. This is because a communication device in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology can include both STA hardware components and AP hardware components. In this way, the communication device can switch between STA mode and AP mode based on actual WLAN conditions and / or requirements.

[0051] Wi-Fi Certified Wi-Fi Direct ®Enables Wi-Fi devices to connect directly to each other, making it simple and convenient to print, share, synchronize, play games, and display content to another device. Wi-Fi Direct devices connect to each other without joining a traditional home, office, or public network. The group owner (GO) in the Wi-Fi Direct protocol behaves like an AP. Once a STA becomes a group owner, it can assign IDs to STAs and can coordinate with other STAs in the group like an AP. Once a STA becomes a group owner, it can assign IDs to STAs and can coordinate with other STAs in the group like an AP.

[0052] Current sensing protocols do not support sensing between two non-AP STAs. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a solution for sensing between two non-AP STAs. In some scenarios, the AP may not have WLAN sensing (11bf) capability.

[0053] To support sensing between two non-AP STAs in 802.11 bf, the following can be considered: Figure 1 100. In the diagram 100, the sensing responder 104 may belong to the same BSS as the sensing initiator 102 (i.e., the sensing initiator 102 and the sensing responder 104 are associated with the same AP) or to an OBSS (i.e., each of the sensing initiator 102 and the sensing responder 104 is associated with a different AP), or may not be associated with an AP. Based on this scenario, there are two possible situations to consider: the situation where both non-AP STAs are in the same BSS, such as Figure 2A As shown in the diagram 200 of FIG. 200 , and another case where one of the non-AP STAs is an OBSS STA, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown in the diagram 202. In addition, another case in which the STA with P2P sensing capability is an unassociated STA, such as Figure 2C As shown in diagram 204 .

[0054] Figure 3 An example diagram of a peer sensing scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 3 In the diagram 300 of FIG. 1 , a tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) link is established between two non-AP STAs (i.e., STA1 302 and STA2 304) within the same BSS. In the diagram 300, there is an AP 306, which may or may not be 11bf capable. TDLS is characterized by encapsulating setup frames in data frames, which allows them to be sent transparently through the AP. In the example, STA1 302 initiates the TDLS setup for other applications, but if the peer STA (e.g., STA2 304) is 11bf capable, sensing can also be performed over the TDLS link. Figure 3As shown, during the TDLS establishment phase 308, sensing capabilities are exchanged. For example, the TDLS discovery frame or the TDLS setup request / response frame carries a P2P sensing capability field, which can be used to inform STA1 302 that STA2 304 has peer sensing capabilities. In the TDLS establishment phase 308, a TDLS establishment request is sent from STA 302 to STA2 304 via AP 306; and a TDLS establishment response is sent from STA2 304 to STA1 302 via AP 306 to complete the TDLS establishment. After the TDLS establishment is completed, a sensing measurement establishment phase 310 is performed on a direct link between STA1 302 and STA2 304 to perform peer sensing measurements. In particular, STA1 302 can send a sensing measurement establishment request to STA2 304, and then STA2 304 can send a sensing measurement establishment response to STA1 302 to complete the sensing measurement establishment. After the sensing measurement setup is complete, a non-trigger-based (non-TB) sensing measurement instance may be used to perform channel measurements during the sensing measurement phase 312. The non-trigger-based (non-TB) sensing measurement instance may include, for example, the transmission of an NDPA frame and a null data PPDU (NDP) and the reception of a measurement report frame, where PPDU stands for a physical layer protocol data unit. Next, in the termination phase 314, a sensing setup termination may be performed by STA1302 to terminate the sensing measurement between STAs 302 and 304. If there are more than 3 STAs, each STA pair requires a TDLS setup.

[0055] Figure 4 Depicted Figure 3400 of signaling details of the peer sensing scenario of diagram 300 in FIG. For example, in the TDLS setup phase 408, association identifiers (AIDs) are exchanged during a TDLS setup request / response frame exchange between STA1 402 and STA2 404. STA1 402 learns the STA2 404 AID by receiving a TDLS setup response including the AID of STA2 404. During the sensing measurement setup phase 410, for example, in a measurement setup request frame sent from STA1 402 to STA2 404, a receiver address (RA) is set to the medium access control (MAC) address of STA2 404, MS_ID is set to 1, and MI_ID is set to 1; where MS_ID and MI_ID are the measurement setup ID and the measurement instance ID. During the sensing measurement phase 412, in the NDPA frame sent from STA1 402 to STA2 404, the receiver address (RA) is set to the MAC address of STA2 404, the MS_ID is set to 1, the MI_ID is set to 1, and AID11 is set to the AID of STA2 404. In the measurement report frame sent from STA2 404 to STA1 402, the MS_ID is set to 1. In the termination phase 414, the MS_ID is set to 1 in the sensing measurement termination frame sent from STA1 402 to STA2 404 to indicate that the sensing measurement report belongs to the measurement establishment ID set to 1.

[0056] The current draft 11bf protocol utilizes AP 406 as a sensing responder (e.g., for non-TB sensing situations) or a sensing initiator (e.g., for TB sensing situations) to perform sensing. As an effect of the sensing measurement process in diagrams 300 and 400, a 11bf non-AP STA can perform sensing with another non-AP STA without involving AP 406. However, as shown in diagrams 300 and 400, AP 406 is still required to initiate the establishment of a TDLS link.

[0057] Therefore, in addition to the embodiments shown in Figures 300 and 400, the present disclosure provides a method for implementing peer sensing between two non-AP STAs outside the BSS, OBSS or BSS scenario. A mechanism for independently enabling P2P sensing between two peer STAs (e.g., Figure 5A 500, Figure 5B 506, Figure 5C512), where STA1 502, 508, 514 with 11bf capability can act as a group owner (GO) and form a Wi-Fi Direct group with STAs with 11bf capability (e.g., STA2 504, 510, 516) inside or outside the BSS to perform sensing. In an example scenario (e.g., Figure 5A ), one of the unassociated STAs becomes the group owner (STA1 502) and performs sensing with a peer STA (STA2 504) through a peer communication link (e.g., a Wi-Fi direct link). Figure 5B ), a non-AP STA (STA1 508) belonging to a BSS may become a group owner and perform sensing with a peer STA (STA2 510) that is an OBSS or unassociated STA through a peer communication link (e.g., a Wi-Fi direct link). Figure 5C ), a non-AP STA (STA1 514) belonging to the BSS may become a group owner and perform sensing with a peer non-AP STA (STA2 516) belonging to the BSS through a peer communication link (eg, a Wi-Fi direct link).

[0058] Figure 6A diagram 600 of a peer-to-peer sensing measurement process between two STAs (e.g., STA1 602 and STA2 604) via a Wi-Fi direct link is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a Wi-Fi direct link establishment phase 606, STA1 602 and STA2 604 perform establishment of a Wi-Fi direct link. During the establishment, STA1 602 may be assigned as a GO. STA1 602, as a GO of the Wi-Fi direct link, acts as an AP during and after the establishment, for example, by sending beacons, performing authentication, association, and other similar procedures. After the Wi-Fi direct link is established, STAs 602 and 604 perform a peer-to-peer sensing measurement establishment process 608, which may include a sensing session establishment or a sensing measurement establishment. In the sensing measurement process 608, STA1 602 may send a measurement setup request frame whose format is a frame reused for AP-STA sensing setup, wherein a receiver address (RA) field is set to the P2P interface address of STA2 (e.g., MAC address of STA2), and STA2 608 may send a measurement setup response frame whose format is a frame reused for AP-STA sensing setup, wherein a receiver address (RA) field is set to the P2P interface address of STA1 (e.g., MAC address of STA1). STA1 602, which is the GO of the Wi-Fi direct link, behaves as the initiator of the setup. After the setup is completed, non-TB sensing measurements may be performed between STA 602 and 604 (e.g., sensing measurement phase 610). After the sensing measurement is completed, the STA may perform sensing termination in termination phase 612.

[0059] Figure 7A flowchart 700 illustrating STA behavior during GO allocation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The process occurs during the establishment of a Wi-Fi Direct connection and illustrates how a STA becomes a GO. The process starts at step 702. In the next step 704, the STA performs device discovery to obtain P2P device information. In step 704, the STA may send and / or receive a probe request frame including an information element (IE) including capability information and parameters for performing peer-to-peer (P2P) communication and capability information for indicating support for a sensing function. For example, the information element for P2P communication may include capability information for a sensing function as an attribute. Alternatively or additionally, the probe request frame may include capability information for a sensing function in addition to the information element for P2P communication. In step 706, it is determined whether a device is discovered during device discovery. If no device is discovered, the process returns to step 704. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 708, where the STA initiates a GO negotiation request. In step 710, it is determined whether a GO negotiation request is received. If it is determined that no GO negotiation request has been received, the process proceeds to step 714, so that the GO negotiation is considered to have failed, and the process ends. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 712, where the STA becomes a GO, and the process ends.

[0060] Figure 8 A flowchart 800 is depicted showing STA behavior as a GO in a Wi-Fi Direct group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process starts at step 802. In step 804, the STA becomes the GO of the Wi-Fi Direct group. In step 806, the GO assigns an AID to other STAs in the Wi-Fi Direct group. During the establishment of the Wi-Fi Direct group, the AID is assigned by the GO to the STA that is part of the Wi-Fi Direct group, and the AID can be completed using an association request / response frame. For example, a GO owner can assign an AID to a peer STA that is part of Wi-Fi Direct during the association process. The association request frame may include an information element that includes information related to P2P communication to specify that the exchange of association request / response frames is part of the establishment process of P2P communication (e.g., a Wi-Fi Direct link). In step 808, the GO can send beacons, perform authentication, association, 4-way handshakes, and other similar processes, and the process ends.

[0061] Fig. 9A flowchart 900 is depicted showing the behavior of a GO as a sensing initiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process starts at step 902. In step 904, the GO may act as a sensing initiator. In step 906, the GO sends a sensing setup request to other peer STAs with which it wants to perform sensing. In step 908, the peer STAs that wish to participate in P2P sensing respond to the sensing measurement request with a sensing measurement response. In step 910, the sensing measurement setup is completed between the GO and the peer STA. In step 912, the GO may perform TB or non-TB sensing measurements with the peer STA, and the process ends.

[0062] Fig.10 A diagram 1000 of a non-trigger-based (non-TB) sensing measurement process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted, wherein a non-AP STA GO acts as a sensing initiator. STA1 1002, which is a Wi-Fi Direct GO, may be a sensing initiator. The Wi-Fi Direct GO is a non-AP STA and performs a non-TB sensing measurement instance, which is in contrast to the prior art, in which non-TB sensing measurements can only be performed between an AP and a non-AP STA. As a sensing initiator, the GO may perform a sensing-related frame exchange to perform P2P sensing. In a sensing measurement establishment phase 1006, the GO (e.g., sensing initiator STA1 1002) performs a sensing measurement establishment with a peer STA STA2 1004. For example, the RA is set to the P2P interface address in a sensing measurement establishment request frame sent from STA1 1002 to STA2 1004. The establishment request frame may also include a P2P sensing parameter element. In addition, the P2P sensing parameter element may also be present in a sensing measurement response frame sent from STA2 1004 to STA1 1002. During the sensing measurement phase 1008, RA is set to the P2P interface address, MS_ID is set to 1, and AID11 is set to the AID that GO assigns to STA2 1004 in the NDPA frame sent from STA1 1002 to STA2 1004. The P2P interface address is the MAC address of the peer STA participating in the Wi-Fi Direct group, such as the MAC address of STA2 1004. In addition, in the termination phase 1010, MS_ID is set to 1 to indicate a measurement establishment with the termination measurement establishment ID set to 1. A termination frame is sent from STA1 1002 to STA2 1004 to terminate the P2P sensing measurement.

[0063] Fig.11A diagram of a TB sensing measurement process using a non-AP STA GO as a sensing initiator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. STA1 1102 is a GO and a sensing initiator. Based on the capability of being a responder to STA2 1104 and STA3 1106, STA1 1102 as a GO may initiate TB sensing when STA2 1104 and STA3 1106 are high efficiency / ultra-high throughput / ultra-high throughput+ (HE / EHT / EHT+) STAs (e.g., EHT+ is any modification after EHT). Compared to a non-TB sensing measurement instance, the GO may allocate resources to a peer STA, schedule sensing measurements, etc. during the TB sensing measurement process. In a sensing measurement setup phase 1108, the GO (e.g., sensing initiator STA1 1102) performs measurement setup with the peer STAs STA2 1104 and STA3 1106. For example, RA is set to the MAC address of STA2 1104 in the sensing measurement setup request frame sent from STA1 1102 to STA2 1104, and is set to the MAC address of STA3 1106 in the sensing measurement setup request frame sent from STA1 1102 to STA3 1106. The setup request frame may also include a P2P sensing parameter element. In addition, the P2P sensing parameter element may also be present in the sensing measurement response frame sent from STA2 1104 and STA3 1106 to STA1 1102. During the sensing measurement phase 1110, RA is set to the P2P interface address (e.g., the MAC address of STA2 1104), MS_ID is set to 1, and AID11 is set to the AID that GO assigned to STA2 1104 in the trigger frame sent from STA1 1102 to STA2 1104. Similarly, RA is set to the P2P interface address (e.g., the MAC address of STA3 1106), MS_ID is set to 1, and AID11 is set to the AID assigned to STA21104 by the GO in the NDPA frame sent from STA1 1102 to STA3 1106. During the sensing measurement phase, a STA that is a sensing responder and acts as a sensing transmitter may optionally send a sensing measurement report frame to the STA that sent the trigger frame to request an NDP. For example, STA2 1104, a sensing responder that is a sensing transmitter, may optionally send a sensing measurement report frame to STA1 1102. A STA that is a sensing responder and acts as a sensing receiver should send a sensing measurement report frame to a STA that sends an NDPA and an NDP to the sensing responder. For example, STA3 1106, a sensing responder that is a sensing receiver, should send a sensing measurement report frame upon receiving an NDPA and an NDP from STA1 1102.

[0064] Fig.12Depicted are diagrams of exemplary sensing measurement setup request and response frames with a P2P sensing parameters element in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 The sensing measurement setup request and response frames in 11bf are defined for AP-STA sensing. These frames can be reused for P2P sensing (e.g., STA1 and STA2 shown in diagram 1100 can send these frames during setup). For example, the sensing measurement setup request frame 1200, the sensing measurement setup response frame 1202, the protected sensing measurement setup request frame 1204, and the protected sensing measurement setup request frame 1206 may include a new P2P sensing parameter element 1300, which, if the STA is a STA with P2P sensing capability, replaces the element for AP-STA sensing (e.g., the sensing measurement parameter element) or exists in addition to the element for AP-STA sensing (e.g., the sensing measurement parameter element). The P2P sensing parameter element 1300 is configured for peer sensing as shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the sensing measurement process shown in diagram 1100 and other examples discussed herein), because it carries capabilities and information related to the peer STA performing P2P sensing.

[0065] Fig.13A A diagram of a P2P sensing parameter element 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The P2P sensing parameter element 1300 may include: an AID / USID field 1302, which carries the AID or USID of the peer STA; a peer MAC address field 1304, which carries the MAC address of the peer STA; a mode field, which is a 1-bit field, set to 1 by the sensing responder if the responder is able to receive the sensing trigger frame, otherwise it is reserved; and a report expiration field, which indicates the time unit after which the measurement report is not available. The purpose of the report expiration is to make the responder understand whether it should send the measurement report, because in the case of delayed reporting, the measurement report may be delayed for more than a certain period of time, after which it may not be available to the application. This mechanism can advantageously help save airtime. The report expiration may be allocated in time units (TUs). For example, if the report expiration field indicates a value of 2, it means that the measurement report received at the initiator will be outdated and therefore unavailable after 2 TUs.

[0066] The P2P sensing parameter element may be a variation of an information element for P2P communication. Alternatively, the sensing measurement setup request and / or response frame may include a sensing measurement parameter element with an extension for P2P sensing (e.g., an additional field for P2P sensing). The extended sensing measurement setup request and / or response frame may include a P2P indication field indicating that sensing is performed on a P2P link, a mode field 1306, and / or a report timeliness field 1308.

[0067] Fig. 13B

[0063] An illustration of a sensing element 1310 that may be reused for the purpose of indicating P2P sensing parameters is depicted. A Report Segment Size field 1312 is introduced to indicate the measurement report size. The Report Segment Size field 1312 is 2 bits and is configured with 4 values; where 0 corresponds to a short report size that may be equal to 3750 octets, 1 corresponds to a medium report size that may be equal to 7900 octets, and 2 corresponds to a long report size that may be equal to 11350 octets. The value 3 is reserved. Fig. 13B Table 1314 in shows the configuration and meaning of the report fragment size field 1312. Alternatively, the fragment size can be implicitly derived from the proxy sensing (SBP) capability of the AP. For example, if the AP supports SBP, the fragment size = minimum size (e.g., 3750 octets); otherwise, the fragment size = maximum possible size (e.g., 11350 octets).

[0068] Fig.14 A flowchart 1400 illustrating a process for report timeliness calculation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The process starts at step 1402. In step 1404, the sensing responder is notified of a timeliness requirement (e.g., a TU requirement) during measurement sensing establishment (e.g., via the value indicated in the report timeliness field of the P2P sensing parameter element in the sensing measurement establishment request frame received by the sensing responder from the sensing initiator). In step 1406, the sensing responder obtains a channel measurement report with a timestamp. In step 1408, the sensing responder compares the timestamp with the TU requirement. In step 1410, it is determined whether the current time is later than the time calculated by adding the TU requirement to the timestamp. If it is determined to be the latter, the process proceeds to step 1412, where the measurement report is discarded. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 1414, where the measurement report is sent to the sensing initiator.

[0069] Fig.15 A diagram of a Null Data Packet Advertisement (NDPA) frame 1500 configured for sensing measurements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The NDPA frame 1500 may include an AID11 field 1502, which is set to the AID assigned to the sensing responder by the GO. The NDPA frame 1500 may also include a RA field 1504, which is set to the P2P interface address of the sensing responder that receives the NDPA frame 1500 from the GO, for example, the MAC address of the sensing responder.

[0070] Fig.16A diagram 1600 of a one-to-many sensing measurement process between a GO (e.g., STA1 1602) and two sensing responders (STA2 1604 and STA3 1606) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. During the sensing measurement setup, the sensing measurement setup request frame sent from STA1 1602 to STA2 1604 and STA3 1606 indicates the corresponding P2P interface address in the RA field (e.g., the MAC address of STA2 1604 and STA3 1606, respectively), and the sensing measurement setup response frame sent from each of STA2 1604 and STA3 1606 to STA1 1602 indicates the corresponding MS_ID (e.g., MS_ID=1 in the response frame from STA2 1604, and MS_ID=1 in the response frame from STA3 1606). The MS_ID corresponds to the measurement setup ID, and it is bound to the corresponding sensing responder. GO STA1 1602 assigns AID=1 to STA1 1604 and AID=2 to STA2 1606. During the sensing measurement, the NDPA frame may be sent via broadcast to both STA2 1604 and STA3 1606. The NDPA frame may indicate in the RA field that the NDPA frame transmission is a broadcast, and also indicate the MS_ID and AID11 values ​​associated with both STA2 1604 and STA3 1606 (e.g., both MS_ID=1 and MS_ID=2, and both AID11=1 and AID11=2).

[0071] Fig.17 Describes an embodiment of the present disclosure for a one-to-many sensing measurement situation (e.g., Fig.16 1600 of FIG. 1600). The NDPA frame 1700 may include an AID11 field 1702, wherein each AID11 field indicates an AID assigned by the GO to each respective sensing responder. It should be understood that if there are more than two sensing responders (e.g., an AID11 field is used for each respective sensing responder), there may be more than two AID11 fields. The NDPA frame 1700 may also include an RA field 1704 to indicate that the NDPA frame is sent to the sensing responders via a broadcast.

[0072] Fig.18A diagram 1800 of a sensing measurement process between a GO 1802 and an unassociated STA 1804 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. In a discovery phase 1806, the GO 1802 transmits a beacon while the unassociated STA 1804 maintains an active state to enable detection by the beacon. The beacon transmitted by the GO 1802 may carry a P2P sensing parameter element, which indicates that the STA transmitting the beacon is a STA with P2P sensing capabilities. The peer STA (STA 1804) receiving the beacon waits for a PASN exchange. After discovering the unassociated STA 1804, an optional pre-association security negotiation (PASN) may be performed between the GO 1802 and the unassociated STA 1804 for authentication purposes. After the discovery is completed, measurement setup request and response frames may be exchanged between the GO 1802 and the unassociated STA 1804 in a measurement setup phase 1808, wherein the measurement setup response frame transmitted from the GO 1802 and the unassociated STA 1804 indicates USID=1. The USID is assigned to the unassociated STA 1804 by the sensing initiator (e.g., GO 1802) to identify the unassociated STA, and has the same length as the AID. After the establishment is completed, the NDPA and NDP frames may be sent from the GO 1802 to the unassociated STA 1804 in the sensing measurement phase 1810. The NDPA frame may include a STA information field, which includes an AID11 field indicating the USID of the unassociated STA 1804. In response, the unassociated STA 1804 may send a sensing measurement report to the GO 1802.

[0073] 11bf currently only has a mechanism to support sensing between an unassociated STA (e.g., a STA not connected to any AP) and an AP. In an embodiment, P2P sensing can also be performed between a non-AP STA and another unassociated non-AP STA without Wi-Fi Direct establishment, e.g. Fig.19 In the diagram 1900, a non-AP STA 1902 and an unassociated non-AP STA 1904 are shown. In order to implement P2P sensing with an unassociated STA, it is necessary to enable the non-AP sensing initiator to discover the unassociated STA, and there should be a UID allocation process and a method for performing P2P sensing with an unassociated STA.

[0074] Fig. 20A diagram 2000 of an unassociated STA discovery and UID assignment process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. A sensing setup is performed between an AP1 2006 and an unassociated STA 2004. For example, the unassociated STA 2004 maintains an active state and sends a sensing measurement setup query to the AP1 2006. Alternatively, the discovery or setup process may be referred to as a registration process of the unassociated STA, because the STA may register its information about sensing capabilities with the AP. The sensing measurement setup query is sent by the unassociated STA 2004 in the active state to the AP1 2006 to advertise its presence and capabilities, and may include, for example, Fig.21 The action field format of the sensing measurement setup query frame action field 2100 is shown in FIG. Alternatively or additionally, the sensing capability element may be included in the probe request frame, and the frame may include information in the sensing capability element or another element to indicate that the STA sending the frame is capable of P2P sensing outside the BSS (e.g., in a pre-association state or sensing with an OBSS STA).

[0075] The AP 2006 may optionally perform a PASN negotiation to authenticate the unassociated STA 2004 upon receiving the sensing measurement setup query frame. After the negotiation is completed, the unassociated STA 2004 may send a sensing measurement setup request to the AP1 2006 to allocate a USID (e.g., USID=1) to the unassociated STA 2004, and then the unassociated STA 2004 responds with a sensing measurement setup response indicating USID=1. After the setup is completed, the sensing initiator STA1 2002 may send a sensing measurement request with a P2P sensing parameter element (e.g., the P2P sensing parameter element 1300 of FIG. 13) to the AP1 2006. The STA1 2002 may send a sensing measurement request frame to obtain information about the unassociated STA from the AP before and / or after the unassociated STA (e.g., STA 2004) completes the setup with the AP. In other words, the STA1 2002 may poll the AP1 2006 to obtain information about the unassociated STA that is capable of peer sensing. Alternatively or additionally, AP1 2006 may notify the non-AP STAs within the BSS of a newly registered STA (e.g., unassociated STA 2004) that is capable of peer sensing. The non-AP STA (e.g., STA1 2002) may send a sensing measurement request frame to obtain detailed information about the registered unassociated STA, such as a MAC address and / or capabilities regarding sensing functions, and if the unassociated STA 2004 is also a STA with P2P sensing capabilities, then AP1 2006 may notify the sensing initiator STA1 2002 of the capabilities and parameters of the unassociated STA 2004 by sending a P2P sensing parameter element to indicate its capability to perform P2P sensing. AP1 2006 may respond by sending a sensing measurement response frame that also includes a P2P sensing parameter element. Based on the parameters received in the P2P sensing measurement parameter element, the sensing initiator STA1 2002 will perform a sensing measurement setup with the unassociated STA 2004.

[0076] Thereafter, upon receiving the P2P sensing parameters in the P2P sensing parameter element, STA1 2002 knows the USID, MAC address, and other sensing-related parameters specified in the P2P sensing parameter element of the unassociated STA 2004. The sensing initiator STA1 2002 can initiate a sensing measurement establishment process between itself and the unassociated STA using the details of the unassociated STA 2004. In addition, during the sensing measurement establishment phase, the sensing initiator can allocate a separate special AID (e.g., AID=2008) to the unassociated STA, which overrides the USID allocated by the AP 2006, and the initiator uses the allocated AID to set the AID11 of the NDPA.

[0077] Fig. 22A variation of the unassociated STA discovery and UID assignment process is depicted in diagram 2200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. While generally the same as the process shown in diagram 2000, the unassociated STA discovery process differs in that AP1 2206 sends a beacon to do so, the unassociated STA 2204 upon receiving the beacon may wait for a PASN exchange, and the unassociated STA 2204 receives the beacon during an active state so that an optional PASN negotiation and / or sensing measurement setup may be performed thereafter between AP1 2206 and the unassociated STA 2204.

[0078] In an embodiment, it is also possible to establish a connection between STAs that are close to each other in the OBSS (for example, Fig.23 2300) performs peer sensing with STA1 2302 and STA2 2304. In the example, STA1 2302 is associated with AP1 2306, and STA2 2304 is within the range of AP1 2306. To achieve peer sensing with STAs in an OBSS, the key enabling factors are to discover OBSS STAs capable of P2P sensing and a mechanism by which two STAs can perform P2P sensing. For example, to perform P2P sensing between STA1 2302 and STA2 2304, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown in , STA1 2302 should know whether STA2 2304 (eg, an OBSS STA in this example) has P2P sensing capability, and how to perform P2P sensing with STA2 2304 when STA2 2304 has such P2P sensing capability.

[0079] In case of P2P sensing with an OBSS STA, the AP associated with the sensing initiator may regard the OBSS STA as an unassociated STA. Fig.24 A diagram 2400 depicts a peer sensing measurement process between STA1 (sensing initiator) 2402 and STA2 (OBSSSTA) 2404 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although generally the same process as shown in diagram 2200, the difference is that unlike the unassociated STA 2204 which is not associated with any AP, the OBSS STA (STA2 2404) is associated with AP2 (not shown), but it is treated as if it is an unassociated STA in the same BSS as STA1 2402.

[0080] During the sensing measurement setup between AP1 2406 and OBSS STA (STA2 2404), the USID assigned by AP1 can coexist with the AID of OBBS STA (STA2 2404) assigned by AP2 (not shown). Therefore, for the BSS in which the sensing initiator exists, the USID is used to identify the OBSS STA. The OBSS STA in its own BSS is identified by the AID assigned by the AP associated with it.

[0081] Fig.25 Depicted are example configurations of STAs suitable for sensing and communication according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication device 2500 is implemented as an AP or non-AP STA for peer sensing. The communication device 2500 includes a MAC service access point (MAC SAP) 2502 and a MAC sublayer management entity SAP (MLME SAP) 2504, as well as a communication and sensing circuit 2506. The communication device also includes a transmitter 2508, a receiver 2510, and an antenna 2512 for sending / receiving signals to / from other communication devices (e.g., STA / AP) for peer sensing.

[0083] Fig.26 A flow chart 2600 illustrating a communication method according to various embodiments is shown. At step 2602, a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device may be generated at a first communication device, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs. At step 2604, the request frame may be sent to the second communication device. In addition, the communication method may include sending a measurement request frame to the second communication device, the measurement request frame having an allocation of an AID for P2P sensing.

[0084] Fig. 27 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 2700 that may be implemented for peer sensing according to various embodiments is shown. According to various embodiments, the communication device 2700 may be implemented as a STA or an AP.

[0085] The various functions and operations of the communication device 2700 are arranged into layers according to a hierarchical model. In this model, lower layers report to and receive instructions from higher layers according to IEEE specifications. For simplicity, the details of the hierarchical model are not discussed in this disclosure.

[0086] like Fig. 27 As shown, the communication device 2700 may include a circuit 2714, at least one radio transmitter 2702, at least one radio receiver 2704, and a plurality of antennas 2712 (for simplicity, for the purpose of illustration, Fig. 27Only one antenna is depicted in FIG. 2 ). The circuit may include at least one controller 2706 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling communications with one or more other devices in the wireless network. The at least one controller 2706 may control at least one transmission signal generator 2708 and at least one reception signal processor 2710, the at least one transmission signal generator 2708 being used to generate frames to be sent to one or more other STAs or APs via at least one radio transmitter 2702, and the at least one reception signal processor 2710 being used to process frames received from one or more other STAs or APs via at least one radio receiver 2704. The at least one transmission signal generator 2708 and the at least one reception signal processor 2710 may be independent modules of the communication device 2700, which communicate with the at least one controller 2706 for the above functions. Alternatively, the at least one transmission signal generator 2708 and the at least one reception signal processor 2710 may be included in the at least one controller 2706. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the arrangement of these functional modules is flexible and may vary according to actual needs and / or requirements. Data processing, storage and other related control devices may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets.

[0087] In various embodiments, in operation, at least one radio transmitter 2702, at least one radio receiver 2704, and at least one antenna 2712 may be controlled by at least one controller 2706. Furthermore, while only one radio transmitter 2702 is shown, it should be understood that more than one such transmitter may be present.

[0088] In various embodiments, in operation, at least one radio receiver 2704 together with at least one receive signal processor 2710 forms a receiver of the communication device 2700. The receiver of the communication device 2700 provides the functions required to process the information container in operation. Although only one radio receiver 2704 is shown, it should be understood that more than one such receiver may be present.

[0089] The communication device 2700 provides the functions required for peer sensing in operation. For example, the communication device 2700 may be a first communication device, and the circuit 2714 may generate a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device in operation, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs. In operation, the transmitter 2702 may send the request frame to the second communication device.

[0090] The first communication device may be configured to perform an establishment procedure of the P2P group and become a group owner for performing sensing measurements within the P2P group. The first communication device may be further configured to assign an association identifier (AID) to the second communication device during the establishment procedure of the P2P group, wherein the transmitter 2702 may be further configured to send an NDPA frame to the second communication device, the NDPA frame including an AID field, the AID field including at least a portion of the bits of the value of the assigned AID.

[0091] The first communication device may be associated with an AP, and the second communication device may not be associated with an AP. The first communication device may also be configured to assign an unassociated STA identifier (USID) to the second communication device, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device do not belong to the same BSS. The first communication device may be associated with an AP, and is further configured to request the AP to notify the USID assigned by the AP to the second communication device. The request frame may indicate the USID for sensing measurement with the second communication device. The transmitter 2702 may also be configured to send an NDPA frame including the USID to the second communication device.

[0092] The first communication device may also be configured to perform client discovery using an overlapping BSS (OBSS) AP prior to sending the request frame, wherein the client discovery is used to perform a tunnel direct link setup (TDLS) with a second communication device, wherein the second communication device is within the OBSS. The transmitter 2702 may also be configured to send one or more frames carrying a P2P sensing capability element, which initiates a sensing measurement setup procedure when received by the communication device. In operation, the receiver 2704 may receive a response frame for performing P2P sensing measurements from the second communication device.

[0093] For example, the communication device 2700 may be a second communication device, and the receiver 2704 may receive a request frame from a first communication device in operation, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs. In operation, the transmitter 2702 may send a response frame for performing P2P sensing measurements to the first communication device.

[0094] The second communication device may be in the BSS of the first communication device or in the OBSS of the first communication device. The second communication device may be an associated or unassociated STA. The receiver 2704 may also be configured to receive the allocation of an AID when the second communication device is an associated STA, or to receive the allocation of a USID when the second communication device is an unassociated STA.

[0095] The present disclosure can be implemented by software, hardware, or software in collaboration with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments can be partially or entirely implemented by an LSI such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be partially or entirely controlled by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI can be formed as a chip alone, or a chip can be formed to include a part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data input and output coupled thereto. According to the difference in integration, the LSI here may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, an ultra LSI, or a system on a chip (SoC). However, the technology for implementing an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and can be implemented by using a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. In addition, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of the circuit unit arranged inside the LSI can be used. The present disclosure can be implemented as digital processing or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, future integrated circuit technology can be used to integrate functional blocks. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0096] The present disclosure may be implemented by any kind of apparatus, device, or system having a communication function, which is referred to as a communication device.

[0097] Some non-limiting examples of such communication devices include phones (e.g., cellular (cell) phones, smart phones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, netbooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smart watches, tracking devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), smart glasses), game consoles, digital book readers, telemedicine / telemedicine (remote health and medicine) devices, and vehicles (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships) that provide communication capabilities, and various combinations thereof.

[0098] Communication devices are not limited to portable or transportable, and may also include any kind of apparatus, device, or system that is non-portable or fixed, such as smart home devices (e.g., appliances, lighting, smart meters, control panels), vending machines, and any other “things” in a network of the “Internet of Things (IoT)”.

[0099] Communications may include exchanging data via, for example, cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, satellite systems, etc., and various combinations thereof.

[0100] The communication device may include a device such as a controller or a sensor coupled to the communication device that performs the communication functions described in the present disclosure. For example, the communication device may include a controller or a sensor that generates a control signal or a data signal used by the communication device that performs the communication functions of the communication device.

[0101] Communications equipment may also include infrastructure equipment such as base stations, access points, and any other device, equipment, or system that communicates with or controls devices such as those in the above non-limiting examples.

[0102] Therefore, it can be seen that the present embodiment provides a communication device and method for peer sensing.

[0103] Although exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing specific embodiments of the present embodiment, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing specific embodiments will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the steps and operating methods described in the exemplary embodiments and the modules and structures of the devices described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the subject matter set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first communication device, comprising: a circuit that generates a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs; and A transmitter sends the request frame to the second communication device. 2 . The first communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication device performs an establishment procedure of a peer-to-peer (P2P) group and becomes a group owner for performing sensing measurements within the P2P group.

3. The first communication device according to claim 2 is further configured to assign an association identifier AID to the second communication device during the establishment process of the P2P group, wherein the transmitter is further configured to send an NDPA frame to the second communication device, the NDPA frame including an AID field, the AID field containing at least a portion of the bits of the value of the assigned AID. 4 . The first communication device of claim 1 , wherein the first communication device is associated with an AP and the second communication device is not associated with the AP. 5 . The first communication device according to claim 1 , further configured to allocate an unassociated STA identifier (USID) to the second communication device, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device do not belong to the same BSS. 6 . The first communication device according to claim 4 , the first communication device being associated with an AP, the first communication device being further configured to request the AP to notify a USID assigned by the AP to the second communication device. 7 . The first communication device according to claim 5 , wherein the request frame indicates the USID for sensing measurement with the second communication device. 8 . The first communication device according to claim 7 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit an NDPA frame including the USID to the second communication device.

9. The first communication device of claim 1, further configured to perform client discovery using an overlapping BSS (OBSS) AP before sending the request frame, wherein the client discovery is used to perform a tunnel direct link establishment (TDLS) with the second communication device, wherein the second communication device is within the OBSS. 10 . The first communication device according to claim 9 , wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit one or more frames carrying a P2P sensing capability element, the one or more frames initiating a sensing measurement setup procedure when received by the communication device. 11 . The first communication device of claim 1 , further comprising a receiver that receives a response frame for performing peer-to-peer (P2P) sensing measurements from the second communication device.

12. A second communication device, comprising: a receiver that receives a request frame from a first communication device, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs; as well as A transmitter that transmits a response frame for performing P2P sensing measurement to the first communication device. 13 . The second communication device according to claim 12 , wherein the second communication device is in a BSS of the first communication device or in an OBSS of the first communication device. The second communication device according to claim 12 , wherein the second communication device is an associated STA or an unassociated STA. 15 . The second communication device according to claim 12 , wherein the receiver is further configured to receive allocation of an AID when the second communication device is an associated STA, or to receive allocation of a USID when the second communication device is an unassociated STA.

16. A communication method, comprising: generating, at a first communication device, a request frame for sensing measurement for a second communication device, wherein both the first communication device and the second communication device are non-AP STAs; as well as The request frame is sent to the second communication device. 17 . The communication method according to claim 16 , further comprising transmitting a measurement request frame to the second communication device, the measurement request frame having an allocation of an AID for P2P sensing.

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