Scheduling access point and electronic shelf tag communication

Abstract

Various embodiments include a method performed by an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communications. In some embodiments, an AP may broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for an advertisement message (ADV) from the one or more ESLs; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information. In some embodiments, an ESL may receive a periodic advertisement from an AP that includes scheduling information for an ADV from the ESL; and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) have been introduced in supermarkets, supplier stores, warehouses, etc. to generally improve inventory tracking, product mapping, price change rollouts, and the customer experience. The ESLs and a management entity server or other computing device can communicate wirelessly via an access point (AP) to manage the ESLs and the data associated with the ESLs. At the same time, such facilities typically provide wireless local area network (WLAN) capabilities, such as Wi-Fi, for colleagues, customers, and / or other support systems. However, when the AP is configured to support two communication protocols, the ESL and WLAN communications can compete for wireless resources. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, systems, and devices for scheduling communications of an electronic shelf label (ESL) network and an access point (AP). Aspects performed by a processor of the AP can include: broadcasting a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for advertisement messages (ADVs) from the one or more ESLs; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

[0003] In some aspects, broadcasting the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for the ADV from the one or more ESLs to the one or more ESLs can include broadcasting the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots to the one or more ESLs, and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information can include receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an unoccupied sub-slot. In some aspects, broadcasting the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for the ADV from the one or more ESLs to the one or more ESLs can include: configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and broadcasting the periodic advertisement to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some aspects, configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit can include configuring the ESL group according to a static ratio of the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to the time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

[0004] In some aspects, broadcasting the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for the ADV from the one or more ESLs to the one or more ESLs can include sending an indication of a sub-slot to an ESL associated with an ESL ID. In such aspects, receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information can include receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub-slot.

[0005] In some aspects, using the associated ESL ID to send the indication of the sub - slot to the ESL may include sending an indication of a position in the sub - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, and receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - slot may include receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position in the indicated sub - slot.

[0006] In some aspects, sending the indication of the sub - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID may include sending an advertisement interval, a number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be sent to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, and receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - slot may include receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent. In some aspects, receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information may include determining an AP scan window based on the scheduling information, and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs during the determined AP scan window.

[0007] Further aspects may include an AP configured with a processor for performing one or more operations of any of the methods outlined above. Further aspects include a non - transitory processor - readable storage medium having processor - executable instructions stored thereon, the processor - executable instructions being configured to cause a processor of the AP to perform the operations of any of the methods outlined above. Further aspects include an AP having components for performing the functions of any of the methods outlined above.

[0008] Aspects performed by a processor of an ESL may include: receiving, from an access point (AP), a periodic advertisement including scheduling information for an advertisement message (ADV) from the ESL; and sending the ADV from the ESL to the AP according to the scheduling information.

[0009] In some aspects, receiving the periodic advertisement that includes scheduling information for the ADV from the ESL from the AP may include receiving the periodic advertisement from the AP, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots, and transmitting the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information may include transmitting the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information in an unoccupied sub-slot. In some aspects, receiving the periodic advertisement that includes scheduling information for the ADV from the ESL from the AP may include: receiving information of an ESL group configured to be associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and receiving the periodic advertisement that is broadcast to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some aspects, receiving the information of the ESL group configured to be associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit may include receiving information of the ESL group that configures the ESL according to a static ratio of a time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

[0010] In some aspects, receiving the periodic advertisement that includes scheduling information for the ADV from the ESL from the AP may include receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL from the AP and including an indication of a sub-slot, and transmitting the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information may include transmitting the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot. In some aspects, receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL from the AP and including the indication of the sub-slot may include receiving an indication of a position in the sub-slot from the AP, and transmitting the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot may include transmitting the ADV to the AP at the indicated position in the indicated sub-slot. In some aspects, receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL from the AP and including the indication of the sub-slot may include receiving an advertisement interval, a number of ADVs to be transmitted, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be transmitted from the AP, and transmitting the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot may include transmitting the ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADVs to be transmitted, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be transmitted.

[0011] Further aspects may include an ESL configured with a processor for performing one or more operations of any of the methods outlined above. Further aspects include a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor of the ESL to perform operations of any of the methods outlined above. Further aspects include an ESL having components for performing the functionality of any of the methods outlined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings incorporated herein and constituting a part of this specification illustrate exemplary embodiments of the claims and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the claims.

[0013] Figure 1 is a system block diagram illustrating an ESL network and a WLAN network supported by a single AP suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 is a component block diagram of an example computing and wireless modem system on a chip suitable for use in a computing device implementing any of the various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication in accordance with various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 4B illustrates an example bitmap that may be used as part of a method for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication in accordance with various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication in accordance with various embodiments.

[0019] Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating example scheduling information in accordance with various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5C is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication in accordance with various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 6Ais a process flow diagram illustrating a method for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments.

[0022] Figures 6B to 6E is a process flow diagram illustrating operations that may be performed as part of a method for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments.

[0023] Figure 7A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figures 7B to 7D is a process flow diagram illustrating operations that may be performed as part of a method for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 8 is a component block diagram of an ESL applicable to various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 9 is a component block diagram of an access point applicable to various embodiments.

[0027] Figure 10 is a component block diagram of a store management entity server applicable to various embodiments.

[0028] Figure 11 is a component block diagram of a user mobile device applicable to various embodiments. Detailed Description

[0029] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like components. References to specific examples and specific implementations are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0030] Broadly speaking, various embodiments include a method for scheduling communication between an ESL and an AP and a system for implementing the method. In various embodiments, the AP may provide information to the ESL that enables the ESL to send a message to the AP at a certain time and / or in a manner that, for example, avoids conflicting with another message or signal sent by or to the AP. In some embodiments, the AP may provide information about a message or signal with a potential conflict to the ESL. In some embodiments, the AP may provide scheduling information to the ESL about when the ESL should send a message to the AP. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive a message including scheduling information from the AP and may send a message to the AP according to the scheduling information.

[0031] The term "electronic shelf label" or "ESL" is used herein to refer to a computing device having an electronic display that can be placed or fixed on, within, above, or near a store shelf. The ESL can include a processor, a memory, a display, and one or more wireless transceivers, where the processor can be programmed or provided with data to render an image (e.g., text, barcode, trademark, etc.) that conveys (e.g., to a person) information about products near the device. In some aspects, the ESL can be battery-powered to enable placement on or near products without the need for a power infrastructure. Alternatively, the ESL can also be powered by the shelf to which the ESL is fixed.

[0032] The ESL can be programmed, reprogrammed, or updated via messages sent by the AP at any time, where product information is presented on the display. Thus, the ESL, which serves the function of a paper shelf label, can be changed without physically replacing the shelf label, where the efficiency of implementing product information (e.g., price) is increased. Although various embodiments are described with reference to the ESL being placed on store shelves, the ESL can also be positioned on large goods (e.g., furniture, appliances, etc.), on or near shelves or product stacks, on the pallets on which products are located, and at other locations where products are available for sale or selection. Further, the ESL can be used for other purposes, such as being placed on a door to indicate an idle or occupied state. Thus, the "S" in ESL is not intended to limit the claims to labels located only on shelves.

[0033] As used herein, the term "user" refers to a network operator or an external intelligent agent / module / application having the ability to detect and / or trigger a change in the user scenario.

[0034] As used herein, the term "computing device" refers to an electronic device equipped with at least a processor, a memory, and a device for presenting an output (such as the location of one or more objects of interest). In some embodiments, the computing device may include a wireless communication device (such as a transceiver and an antenna) configured to communicate with a wireless communication network. The computing device may include any or all of an external smart device, a baseband, a smartwatch, a smart ring, a smart necklace, smart glasses, smart contact lenses, a non-contact sleep tracking device, smart furniture such as a smart bed or a smart sofa, smart exercise equipment, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an augmented / virtual reality device, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a portable computing device, a personal or mobile multimedia player, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a 2-in-1 laptop / desktop computer, a smartbook, an ultrabook, an Internet-enabled multimedia cellular phone, an entertainment device (e.g., a wireless game controller, a music and video player, a satellite radio, etc.), and similar electronic devices including a memory, a wireless communication component, and a programmable processor. In some embodiments, the computing device may be a personal wearable device. As used herein, the term "smart" in connection with a device refers to a device including a processor for automatic operation, for collecting and / or processing data, and / or that can be programmed to perform all or part of the operations described with respect to the various embodiments.

[0035] The term "mobile wireless device" is used herein to refer to a computing device including any one or all of the following: a customer smartphone, a mobile wireless device of a store picker, a cellular phone, a portable computing device, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a handheld computer, an Internet-enabled multimedia cellular phone, a wearable device (including a smartwatch, smart clothing, smart glasses, earbuds, headphones, a smart wristband), and similar electronic devices including a memory, a wireless communication component, and a programmable processor.

[0036] The term "user mobile device" is used to refer to a mobile wireless device specifically configured to support a user within a store, such as a store picker operation running within a store picker system according to various embodiments. The store picker wireless device may include a processor, a memory, an electronic display, a wireless transceiver including a Bluetooth transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver, a barcode scanner, and other components for store picking.

[0037] As used herein, the term "store" when referring to a physical location refers to a wholesale, retail, or other building where products are stored for sale and / or distribution. The store may include (but is not limited to) a warehouse, a fulfillment center, a department store, a specialty store, a market, a supermarket, a hypermarket, a convenience store, a discount store, a superstore, and / or other storage facilities.

[0038] As used herein, the term "product" refers to one or more items, goods, commodities, or substances that are collected, refined, manufactured, and / or assembled and maintained in a store or the like, such as products that can be identified on a shopping list and picked by a store picker.

[0039] The term "system-on-chip" (SOC) is used herein to refer to a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that contains multiple resources and / or processors integrated on a single substrate. A single SOC can contain circuitry for digital, analog, mixed-signal, and radio frequency functions. A single SOC can also include any number of general-purpose and / or specialized processors (such as digital signal processors, modem processors, video processors, etc.), memory blocks (such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and resources (such as timers, voltage regulators, oscillators, etc.). The SOC can also include software for controlling the integrated resources and processors and for controlling peripheral devices.

[0040] The term "system-in-package" (SIP) can be used herein to refer to a single module or package that contains multiple resources, computing units, cores and / or processors on two or more IC chips, a substrate, or an SOC. For example, a SIP can include a single substrate with multiple IC chips or semiconductor dies stacked on it in a vertical configuration. Similarly, a SIP can include one or more multi-chip modules (MCMs) on which multiple ICs or semiconductor dies are encapsulated into a unified substrate. A SIP can also include multiple independent SOCs that are coupled together via high-speed communication circuitry and are encapsulated adjacent to each other (such as on a single motherboard or in a single computing device). The proximity of the SOCs enables high-speed communication as well as sharing of memory and resources.

[0041] The AP can use the Bluetooth ESL profile to manage thousands of ESLs. According to such a profile, the AP can scan for signals from one or more ESLs in time slots where there are no scheduling-conflicting communication activities (such as the broadcast of periodic advertisements, ESL responses (such as ESL response messages (ERP)), or communication link connection or maintenance activities). The period during which the AP scans for signals from one or more ESLs is referred to herein as the "AP scan window". The period during which the ESL scans for signals from the AP is referred to herein as the "ESL scan window". The ESL can send or broadcast an advertisement message ("ADV") to initiate the process of establishing or re-establishing a communication link with the AP. The AP can receive the ADV during one or more AP scan windows. In some embodiments, the AP can initiate the process of establishing or re-establishing a communication link with the ESL based on the received ADV.

[0042] The scheduling configuration of the current ESL system results in severe message conflicts between messages or signals transmitted by various ESLs. The ESL system can include up to hundreds or even thousands of ESLs. Each ESL can transmit an ADV in one of three broadcast channels in an asynchronous manner, which can cause packet reception conflicts at the AP and significantly increase the time required for the AP to receive information from each ESL and prepare to communicate with each ESL (i.e., "discover").

[0043] Additionally, the scheduling configuration of the current ESL system results in high power consumption of the ESL batteries. Currently, each ESL can send information (e.g., ADV) to the AP at a randomly selected time, at which time or during which time the AP may or may not receive the information of the ESL. For example, a conventional ESL can be configured to send an ADV for up to 20 seconds and then time out if the AP has not initiated a connection with the ESL. Since the AP is typically configured to scan for ESL signals only within the AP scan window, when a signal is broadcast at a time when the AP cannot receive the signal (e.g., outside the AP scan window), the ESL wastes power and unnecessarily consumes network communication resources. Coexistence of signals with other radio access technologies such as Wi-Fi, which can use the same signal frequency as the ESL system, exacerbates packet conflicts and signal reception failures.

[0044] Various embodiments include methods for scheduling communication between an ESL and an AP in a more efficient manner and an AP and an ESL configured to implement the method. Various embodiments improve the efficiency and resource consumption of the ESL system, the AP, and the ESL by enabling the AP and the ESL to schedule communication such as advertisement messages (ADV). In various embodiments, the AP can broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for ADV from one or more ESLs. The AP can receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

[0045] In some embodiments, the AP can broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots. The AP can receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information, including receiving an ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an unoccupied sub-slot. In some embodiments, the periodic advertisement broadcast by the AP to one or more ESLs can include a bitmap indicating occupied sub-slots. As an example, the periodic advertisement broadcast by the AP to one or more ESLs can include a three-bit indication of occupied sub-slots.

[0046] In some embodiments, the AP may configure one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit. The AP may broadcast periodic advertisements to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the AP may receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an AP scan window at a time when another RF transmitter is not broadcasting. In some embodiments, the AP may configure the ESL group according to a static ratio of a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when another RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

[0047] In some embodiments, the AP may send an indication of a sub-slot in which to receive a message to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. Specifically, the AP may receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to scheduling information, including receiving an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the periodic advertisement broadcast by the AP may include an indication of the static ratio. In some embodiments, the AP may send an indication of a position in the sub-slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. The AP may receive an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the AP may send an advertisement interval, a number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which to send the ADV to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. The AP may receive an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which to send the ADV.

[0048] In various embodiments, the ESL may receive a periodic advertisement including scheduling information for an ADV from the ESL, and the ESL may send the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive a periodic advertisement that includes an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots. The ESL may send the ADV to the AP in an unoccupied sub-slot according to the scheduling information. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive information that configures the ESL into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit, and may receive a periodic advertisement broadcast to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the ESL may send an ADV to the AP in an AP scan window when another RF transmitter is not broadcasting. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive information that configures the ESL or ESL group according to a static ratio of a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when another RF transmitter is expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the periodic advertisement received by the ESL may include an indication of the static ratio.

[0049] In some embodiments, the ESL may receive from the AP a periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including an indication of a sub-slot. The ESL may send an ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive from the AP an indication of a position in the sub-slot. The ESL may send an ADV to the AP at the indicated position in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the ESL may receive from the AP an advertisement interval, a number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be sent. The ESL may send an ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent.

[0050] Various embodiments improve the reception (or the likelihood of reception) of ADV from the ESL by the AP by scheduling the transmission of ADV by the ESL during one or more AP scan windows. Various embodiments improve the operation of the ESL by reducing the unnecessary power consumption of the ESL caused by sending ADV when the AP may not receive or be unable to receive the ADV. Various embodiments improve the operation of the ESL by reducing message reception failures (which may lead to unnecessary message retransmissions) caused by sending ADV when the AP may not receive or be unable to receive the ADV. Various embodiments improve the operation of the AP by increasing the reception of ADV from the ESL.

[0051] Figure 1 is a component block diagram of a shared ESL and WLAN communication system 100 supported by a shared ESL / WLAN AP suitable for implementing various embodiments. The shared ESL and WLAN system 100 may be deployed within a given store 10 that includes one or more ESL / WLAN APs 130 that support a WLAN (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) and communicate with a plurality of ESLs 110 deployed on shelves 50 via a Bluetooth communication protocol. The AP 130 may be configured to convey information to the ESL 110 and relay information from the ESL 110 to a store management entity server 150, and receive control commands from the store management entity server 150.

[0052] The ESLs 110 may be positioned on shelves 50 associated with products (labeled a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, and m). Each ESL 110 may include a display 115 on which product name, product code, price, inventory information, barcodes, etc. are presented. In some embodiments, not every ESL will be configured and / or equipped with the same capabilities or have the same capabilities. The ESL 110 may be configured to receive communications from the store management entity server 150 via a wireless link 112 that may be relayed via the AP 130.

[0053] The store management entity server 150 configures each ESL 110 with product information available for display and a duty cycle regarding when the ESL should be activated to receive signals and transmit wireless beacons. The store management entity server 150 can control the periodicity of the ESL duty cycle to minimize battery consumption / usage, thus extending the operating life while ensuring that the ESL responds to customers and store pickers, such as by increasing the duty cycle when a person is near the ESL (e.g., close enough to see and / or read the ESL display).

[0054] Further, the store management entity server 150 can configure the ESL 110 to generate appropriate indications (e.g., visual, auditory, and / or tactile indications) at appropriate times (such as when the ESL is associated with a product on a user's shopping list that appears nearby (e.g., within a predetermined distance)). In various embodiments, the store management entity server 150 can be located inside or near the store, or remotely (such as in the cloud), and accessed via a network (such as the Internet).

[0055] The ESLs 110 can be configured to exchange wireless communications (such as wireless beacons or frequency tones) with each other via the wireless link 112 for various purposes, particularly including determining the relative and actual positions of the ESLs on the shelf 50 and relative to each other, as described herein.

[0056] In many embodiments of the ESL network, such as in stores, warehouses, etc., WLAN capabilities (such as Wi-Fi networks) can also be deployed to support communications with user mobile devices 120 (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, etc.). In some embodiments, the WLAN will be supported by one or more APs that also transmit wireless signals (e.g., Wi-Fi signals carrying Wi-Fi packets) to and receive wireless signals from various wireless devices, and provide access to internal and external networks 154 (such as the Internet). For example, in addition to being a personal mobile device of user 5, the mobile device 120 that can be used in the shared ESL / WLAN system 100 can also include smart watches, body cameras, augmented reality glasses (e.g., smart glasses), and facility- or enterprise-specific handheld devices configured specifically for store pickers or other customers / users.

[0057] The ESL 110 can be configured to communicate with the AP 130 via a wireless link 112, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol communication. For example, the ESL 110 can send certain BLE signals 112, such as ESL advertisements, which are configured to be received by nearby AP 130s and used to direct the ESL 110. The BLE signals 112 can be broadcast at a set or selected power level such that the separation distance can be estimated based on the measured Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the signals received by other ESL 110s. The AP 130 can be coupled to the store management entity server 150 via a wired connection.

[0058] The WLAN access point 130 can provide access to an external network 154 (such as the Internet) to the user mobile device 120 so that customers can access remote servers 156, such as to compare stores, research products, and otherwise provide Internet access support.

[0059] Figure 2 is a component block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a computing and wireless modem system 200 in a computing device suitable for implementing any of the various embodiments. The various embodiments can be implemented on several single-processor and multi-processor computer systems, including System-on-Chip (SOC) or System-in-Package (SIP).

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 2 Referring, the illustrated example computing system 200 (which can be a SIP in some embodiments) includes an SOC 202 coupled to a clock 206, a voltage regulator 208, a WLAN radio module 266 configured to transmit and receive wireless communications (such as Wi-Fi packets) via an antenna (not shown), a Bluetooth radio module 268 configured to transmit and receive wireless communications (including BLE messages) via an antenna (not shown), and a wired network interface 268 configured to communicate with a wired network (e.g., Ethernet). When the computing system 200 is used in an ESL / WLAN AP, the Bluetooth radio module 268 can be configured to broadcast BLE beacons as described herein. In some embodiments, the SOC 202 can operate as the central processing unit (CPU) of the user mobile device, which executes instructions by performing arithmetic, logical, control, and input / output (I / O) operations specified by the instructions of software applications.

[0061] The SOC 202 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 210, a modem processor 212, a graphics processor 214, an application processor 216, one or more coprocessors 218 (such as vector coprocessors) connected to one or more of these processors, a memory 220, custom circuitry 222, system components and resources 224, an interconnect / bus module 226, one or more temperature sensors 230, a thermal management unit 232, and a thermal power envelope (TPE) component 234.

[0062] Each of the processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 may include one or more cores, and each processor / core may perform operations independently of other processors / cores. For example, the SOC 202 may include a processor that executes a first type of operating system (such as FreeBSD, LINUX, OS X, etc.) and a processor that executes a second type of operating system (such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10). Additionally, any one or all of the processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 may be included as part of a processor cluster architecture (such as a synchronous processor cluster architecture, an asynchronous or heterogeneous processor cluster architecture, etc.).

[0063] The SOC 202 may include various system components, resources, and custom circuitry for managing sensor data, analog-to-digital conversion, wireless data transmission, and for performing other specialized operations, such as decoding data packets and processing encoded audio and video signals for rendering in a web browser. For example, the system components and resources 224 of the SOC 202 may include power amplifiers, voltage regulators, oscillators, phase-locked loops, peripheral bridges, data controllers, memory controllers, system controllers, access ports, timers, and other similar components used to support the processors and software clients running on a user mobile device. The system components and resources 224 or the custom circuitry 222 may also include circuitry for interfacing with peripheral devices (such as cameras, electronic displays, wireless communication devices, external memory chips, etc.).

[0064] The various processors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 may be interconnected via the interconnect / bus module 226 to one or more memory elements 220, system components and resources 224, and custom circuitry 222, as well as the thermal management unit 232. The interconnect / bus module 226 may include an array of reconfigurable logic gates or implement a bus architecture (such as CoreConnect, AMBA, etc.). Communication may be provided by a high-performance interconnect, such as a high-performance on-chip network (NoC).

[0065] The SOC 202 may also include an input / output module (not shown) for communicating with resources external to the SOC, such as the clock 206 and the voltage regulator 208. Resources external to the SOC, such as the clock 206, the voltage regulator 208, may be shared by two or more of the internal SOC processors / cores.

[0066] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method 300 for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication according to various embodiments. Referring Figures 1 to 3 , in some embodiments, the connection interval (i.e., the interval during which BT communication occurs) may be configured every 12.5 milliseconds. In some embodiments, the connection interval may include six sub-slots (e.g., sub-slots 1-6).

[0067] In some embodiments, the AP (e.g., 130) may configure the periodic advertisement (PA) 302 to include information 310 indicating whether a connection (or other communication) is scheduled in a particular sub-slot. The AP may include this information 310 in the periodic advertisement 302 because the AP knows the number of ongoing connections (e.g., BLE connections) currently established (handled, maintained) by the AP. The AP may broadcast the PA 302 to one or more ESLs (e.g., 110) to provide an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots to the ESL.

[0068] In some embodiments, the AP may configure the PA 302 with a three-bit indication (connection bitmap 312) of the occupied sub-slots. For example, the first bit (bit 0) may indicate the first connection (connection #1), the second bit (bit 1) may indicate the second connection (connection #2), and the third bit (bit 2) may indicate the third connection (connection #3). In some embodiments, the value of each bit may indicate whether the connection is scheduled ("1") or not scheduled ("0") during the connection interval (e.g., the illustrated 12.5 millisecond connection interval). Using the indication of one or more occupied sub-slots in the PA, the ESL may calculate the scan window of the AP (AP scan window) in which the sub-slot is idle based on both the given ERP information and the 3-bit connection information from the PA using a correct table.

[0069] Constructed based on the current ESL AP scheduling logic Figure 3 in the table. Based on Figure 3 the sub-slot segmentation information shown in, the 11 ERP slots (1-11) are segmented into 3 sub-slots 4, 5, 6. Sub-slots 1-4 are for ERP information. Sub-slots 5 and 6 are shared by BLE connections #3 and #2. The value in sub-slot 4 indicates that this sub-slot is only for ERP information and there is no BLE connection using this period.

[0070] InFigure 3 In the table shown, the input includes BLE connection usage information, i.e., "1" means the relevant BLE connection is being used / ongoing; "0" means the relevant BLE connection is not being used. This information can be found in the PA of the newly added AP in various embodiments. Other table input information for ERP time slot usage information can be found in the PA of the AP. Then, the table provides idle sub - time slots as output by providing the above two inputs.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the BLE connection information bitmap "011" means that BLE connections #1 and #2 are being used while connection #3 is not. The information in each cell of the connection bitmap 312 can indicate one or more available sub - time slots, which can be expressed as a range (e.g., "3 - 5" sub - time slots) or discrete sub - time slots (e.g., "3,5" means sub - time slots 3 and 5). For example, the connection bitmap value 011 in sub - time slot 4 indicates that sub - time slots 3 and 5 are unoccupied ("3,5"). The connection bitmap 312 also indicates connection #1 (sub - time slot 2) and connection #2 (sub - time slot 6) as well as ERP 0, 1, 2, or 3. The illustrated example also shows the ERP time slot information indicating that sub - time slot 4 is used and scheduled by the AP. This also indicates by omission that sub - time slots 5 and 6 are not used for communicating ERP information. In some embodiments, the connection bitmap 312 can also be constructed under the assumption of using ERP time slots starting from ERP time slot #1, so if an ERP time slot "N" is not used (i.e., has no value), subsequent ERP time slots should not be used.

[0072] Figure 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method 400a for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication according to various embodiments. Figure 4B Illustrates an example bitmap 400b that can be part of method 400a according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 4B , in some embodiments, the ESL system can operate near another radio frequency (RF) system (such as a Wi - Fi system or another similar system (illustrated as WLAN station 420 and WLAN AP 422)) that uses a signal that may conflict with the signal of the ESL system. In some embodiments, the AP (e.g., 130) can configure the ESL (e.g., 110) group to avoid signal co - existence with other signals.

[0073] For example, a communication opportunity (e.g., using Bluetooth Asynchronous Connectionless (ACL) transmission) can be configured in time units defined by the protocol, such as time slots. In some embodiments, a time slot can be equal to the transmit / receive turnaround time, channel sensing time, propagation delay, and / or processing time. For example, a time slot can define an interval (e.g., a 12.5 millisecond interval) for transmitting (Tx) and / or receiving (Rx) data. The AP can establish and repeat the pattern of Tx and Rx. In some embodiments, the AP can assign an ESL to listen (monitor signals, attempt to receive) for Tx along with a selected group of other ESLs such that different groups can listen during different time slots (i.e., each group can be assigned a time slot). For example, if the ESL profile specification provides for 128 groups, each ESL can listen at least once every 1.6 seconds.

[0074] In some embodiments, the AP can assign or classify ESL groups into different types. In some embodiments, the AP can configure one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. The AP can broadcast a Periodic Advertisement (PA) to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. The ESL can receive information that configures the ESL into an ESL group associated with a time when other RF transmitters are not expected to transmit. The ESL can receive a periodic advertisement that is broadcast to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the ESL can transmit an ADV (e.g., 410, 412, 414, 416) at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

[0075] For example, the AP can identify or assign an ESL into an "active" group 402 that includes at least one ESL and a "passive" group 404 that does not include any ESLs. In some embodiments, the AP can assign the time associated with the passive group 404 to other systems, such as a WLAN station 420 and / or a WLAN AP 422. In some embodiments, the AP can assign or organize the passive group 404 during or within the transmission opportunity of another RF system.

[0076] In some embodiments, the AP can allocate time to each passive group 404 and active group 402 according to a ratio (such as 2:2, 1:3, 1:7). In some embodiments, such ratios can be configured according to the scale of the ESL network or system and / or different Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements of the ESL system. In some embodiments, the AP can statically allocate passive and active groups, for example, during a connection interval.

[0077] For example, groups N+2, N+3, N+4, and N+5 may be associated with a passive group, during which time the WLAN station (UE) and / or AP may transmit WLAN signals without coexisting with ESL system signals from the AP or ESL. The AP may configure periodic advertisements (or one or more periodic advertisements) with information indicating the configuration of the active and passive groups. In some embodiments, the AP may configure periodic advertisements with bitmap information (e.g., bitmap 400b) indicating the assignment or configuration of the active and passive groups. In some embodiments, the AP may assign or configure the active and passive groups into a regular, repeatable organization that reduces the number of bytes in the periodic advertisements required to address all possible ESL groups (e.g., all 128 groups).

[0078] Referring to example bitmap 400b, in some embodiments, the AP may use one byte (e.g., having 8 bits) to encode the bitmap information indicating the configuration of the active and passive groups. In some embodiments, the byte range 00000001 - 1111 1110 may provide a sufficient range of byte options to convey all the required active:passive ratios. For example, the byte 0000 0001 may indicate that group 0 is assigned for ESL and groups 1 - 7 are assigned for WLAN communication. As another example, the byte 0011 0011 may indicate that groups 0 - 1 and 4 - 5 are assigned for ESL and groups 2 - 3 and 6 - 7 are assigned for WLAN communication. As yet another example, the byte 0001 0001 may indicate that groups 0 and 4 are assigned for ESL and groups 1 - 3 and 5 - 7 are assigned for WLAN communication.

[0079] Each ESL may use an 8-bit bitmap to perform operations to generate a 128-bit overall active:passive group bitmap. In some embodiments, the ESL may repeat the 8-bit bitmap 16 times (128 / 8 = 16) to determine the 128-bit overall active:passive group bitmap. In some embodiments, the ESL that receives the periodic advertisement for group N may divide N by 8 to obtain the bit position in the bitmap. For example, in bitmap 400b, the value is 0011 0011. The relevant information for group 45 is located in bit 45 / 8 = 5. The bit value "1" indicates that group 45 is an active group. The ESL may also use the information in bitmap 400b to identify whether other groups are active or passive groups. In some embodiments, the ESL may combine the operations of method 400b with the operations of method 300 ( Figure 3 ) to identify one or more AP scan windows (e.g., at the sub-slot level). Each ESL may transmit an ADV in such identified AP scan windows, which may increase the probability that the AP can successfully receive the ADV from the ESL.

[0080] Figure 5AFIG. 0 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method 500a for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication according to various embodiments. Figure 5B FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example scheduling information 500b according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 5B , in some embodiments, the AP may send a periodic advertisement 502 to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, the periodic advertisement including scheduling information from the ADV of the ESL. The scheduling information 500b may include an indication of a sub-slot (e.g., sub-slot 3) in which no other communication from the AP or the ESL is scheduled. Such other communication may include periodic advertisements, as well as ESL responses, or other signaling or communication.

[0081] The receiving ESL may send the ADV 504, 506 to the AP in the indicated sub-slot. The AP may receive the ADV 504, 506 from the ESL in the sub-slot indicated in the periodic advertisement. In some embodiments, the indicated sub-slot may include two or more positions or times at which the ESL may send the ADV to the AP. In some embodiments, the length of each position may be 625 microseconds (µs). For example, the ADV 504 may be sent in a first position, and the ADV 506 may be sent in a second position. At least two ADV from synchronized ESLs of the same group may be scheduled in sequence within sub-slot 3 (e.g., in the first and second positions).

[0082] In some embodiments, the scheduling information may indicate an AP scan window. In some embodiments, the scheduling information may indicate the time within the AP scan window. In some embodiments, the ADV scheduled by the AP may be referred to as a "controlled ADV". If no other communication activity (or no other higher priority communication activity) is scheduled, or if the scheduled communication activity is not executed or is cancelled, the AP may also schedule an ADV in other sub-slots. For example, if the additionally scheduled communication activity (e.g., ERP) for connection #3 is not executed or is cancelled, the AP may schedule an ADV in sub-slot 5. In some embodiments, the AP may configure the scheduling information 500b in various ways, Figure 5B an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the scheduling information 500b may include an opcode (Opcode) 510 for starting / stopping a connectable advertisement packet (CAP), such as Opcode = 0x12. The opcode may include the ESL ID (EID) addressed by the opcode and start and stop information.

[0083] The scheduling information 500b may also include information indicating information that enables scheduling of the ESL to send an ADV to the AP (e.g., controlled ADV scheduling information). In some embodiments, the scheduling information 500b may include a start time offset 512 that indicates the time at which the ESL should start sending the ADV. In some embodiments, the start time offset 512 may indicate the amount of time after the start of a sub-slot, which may correspond to a position within the sub-slot. For example, for the first position where the ADV 504 is sent, the start time offset 512 may be 3.75 milliseconds, and for the second position where the ADV 506 is sent, the start time offset may be 4.375 milliseconds.

[0084] The scheduling information 500b may also include interval information 514. The interval information 514 may indicate the repetition rate at which the ESL should send the ADV. For example, interval 1 indicates that the ESL should send the ADV in consecutive frames or connection intervals; interval 2 indicates that the ESL should send the ADV in every other consecutive frame or connection interval; interval 3 indicates that the ESL should send the ADV in every three consecutive frames or connection intervals; and so on. The scheduling information 500b may also include count or counter information 516 indicating the number of times the ESL should send the ADV. The scheduling information 500b may also include channel mapping information 518 that indicates one or more advertising channels on which the ESL should send the ADV.

[0085] Figure 5C is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method 500c for scheduling access point and electronic shelf label communication according to various embodiments. Referring Figures 1 to 5C , the AP may transmit scheduling information 560, 562, 564 to ESL-A, ESL-B, and ESL-C. Each ESL may receive its corresponding scheduling information and use its corresponding scheduling information to determine when to send an ADV to the AP.

[0086] In this example, the scheduling information 560 transmitted by the AP to ESL-A indicates that ESL-A should start in group N, sub-slot 3; at position 1; send the ADV at interval 1 (i.e., in consecutive intervals); ESL-A should send three ADV; at one or more frequencies indicated in the channel mapping. According to the scheduling information 560, ESL-A may send ADV 542 during the AP scan window 530 of group N, send ADV 544 during the AP scan window 532 of group N+1, and send ADV 546 during the AP scan window 534 of group N+2.

[0087] The scheduling information 562 transmitted from the AP to the ESL-B indicates that the ESL-B should start in group N, sub-slot 3; at position 2; send ADV at an interval of 2 (i.e., every other interval); the ESL-B should send three ADV; at one or more frequencies indicated in the channel map. According to the scheduling information 562, the ESL-B can send ADV 548 during the AP scan window 536 of group N+3, send ADV 550 during the AP scan window 538 of group N+4, and send ADV 552 during the AP scan window 540 of group N+5.

[0088] The scheduling information 560 transmitted from the AP to the ESL-C indicates that the ESL-C should start in group N+3, sub-slot 3; at position 1; send ADV at an interval of 1 (i.e., at consecutive intervals); the ESL-C should send three ADV; at one or more frequencies indicated in the channel map. According to the scheduling information 560, the ESL-C can send ADV 554 during the AP scan window 530 of group N, send ADV 556 during the AP scan window 534 of group N+2, and send ADV 558 during the AP scan window 538 of group N+4.

[0089] Figure 6A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method 600a for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 6A , components for performing the operations of method 600a may include processors (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702 and / or 704) and / or transceivers (e.g., 266, 268, 817, 818) of the AP (e.g., 130, 200), etc.

[0090] In block 602, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more electronic shelf labels (ESLs), the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for advertisement messages (ADV) from one or more ESLs.

[0091] In block 604, the processor may receive ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

[0092] Figure 6B is a process flow diagram illustrating operations 600b that can be performed as part of a method 600a for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 6B, components for performing operation 600b may include processors (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or transceivers (e.g., 266, 268, 817, 818) of an AP (e.g., 130, 200), etc.

[0093] In block 610, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub - time - slots. For example, the processor may send a periodic advertisement 302 configured to include information 310 indicating whether a connection or other communication is scheduled in a particular sub - time - slot. In some embodiments, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs including a three - bit indication of the occupied sub - time - slots.

[0094] In block 612, the processor may receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an unoccupied sub - time - slot.

[0095] Figure 6C is a process flow diagram illustrating operation 600c that may be performed as part of method 600a for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL). Refer to Figures 1 to 6C , components for performing operation 600c may include processors (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or transceivers (e.g., 266, 268, 817, 818) of an AP (e.g., 130, 200), etc.

[0096] In block 620, the processor may configure one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit. For example, the processor may configure one or more ESLs into one or more active groups 402 associated with a time when another RF transmitter (e.g., WLAN 420, 422) is not expected to transmit.

[0097] In block 622, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement including an indication of a static ratio. For example, the processor may broadcast a periodic advertisement to the ESL group at a time when WLAN 420, 422 are not expected to transmit, which time may be associated with a passive group 404.

[0098] In block 624, the processor may receive an ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an AP scan window at a time when another RF transmitter is not broadcasting.

[0099] Figure 6Dis a process flow diagram illustrating operations 600d that may be performed as part of method 600a for scheduling access point (AP) and electronic shelf label (ESL) communications. Refer to Figures 1 to 6D , components for performing operation 600d may include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or a transceiver (e.g., 266, 268, 817, 818) of an AP (e.g., 130, 200), etc.

[0100] In block 630, the processor may send an indication of a sub-slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. In some embodiments, the processor may send an indication of a position within the sub-slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. In some embodiments, the processor may send an indication of an advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent to the ESL associated with the ESL ID. For example, the processor may send scheduling information 500b including: an opcode 510 including the ESL ID and start and stop information, a start time offset 512, interval information 514, account information 516, and channel mapping information 518.

[0101] In block 632, the processor may receive an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may receive an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position within the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may receive an ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID based on the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent. For example, the processor may receive ADV 504 and / or ADV 506 according to scheduling information 500b.

[0102] Figure 6E is a process flow diagram illustrating operations 600e that may be performed as part of method 600e for scheduling access point (AP) and electronic shelf label (ESL) communications. Refer to Figures 1 to 6E , components for performing operation 600e may include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or a transceiver (e.g., 266, 268, 817, 818) of an AP (e.g., 130, 200), etc.

[0103] After performing the operation of block 602 of method 600a as described, at block 640, the processor may determine an AP scan window based on scheduling information. For example, the AP may determine the AP scan window based on information such as information regarding the connection to the ESL (such as BLE connection information) and / or time slot or sub - time slot occupancy information (e.g., whether a time slot or sub - time slot is being used or will be used for other communication operations).

[0104] At block 642, the processor may receive ADV from one or more of the ESLs during the determined AP scan window. In this way, the AP may determine one or more AP scan windows and receive ADV from the ESLs using information known to the AP during the determined AP scan windows.

[0105] Figure 7A is a process flow diagram illustrating method 700a for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 7A , components for performing the operations of method 700a may include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702 and / or 704) and / or a transceiver (e.g., 704) of the ESL (e.g., 110, 200) etc.

[0106] At block 702, the processor may receive a periodic advertisement including scheduling information for advertisement messages (ADV) from an access point (AP) that are from the ESL.

[0107] At block 704, the processor may send ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information.

[0108] Figure 7B is a process flow diagram illustrating operation 700b that may be performed as part of method 700a for scheduling communication between an access point (AP) and an electronic shelf label (ESL) according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 7B , components for performing operation 700b may include a processor (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702 and / or 704) and / or a transceiver (e.g., 704) of the ESL (e.g., 110, 200) etc.

[0109] At block 710, the processor may receive a periodic advertisement that includes an indication of one or more occupied sub - time slots. For example, the processor may receive periodic advertisement 302. In some embodiments, the periodic advertisement may include a three - bit indication of the occupied sub - time slots.

[0110] At block 712, the processor may send ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information in an unoccupied sub - time slot.

[0111] Figure 7C is a process flow diagram illustrating operations 700c that may be performed as part of method 700a for scheduling access point (AP) and electronic shelf label (ESL) communication. Refer to Figures 1 to 7C , components for performing operation 700c may include processors (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or transceivers (e.g., 704) of the ESL (e.g., 110, 200), etc.

[0112] In block 720, the processor may receive information of an ESL group that configures the ESL to be associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the processor may receive information that configures the ESL group according to a static ratio of a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when another RF transmitter is expected to transmit. For example, the processor may receive information of active group 402 that configures the ESL to be associated with a time when WLANs 420, 422 are not expected to transmit signals.

[0113] In block 722, the processor may receive a periodic advertisement that is broadcast to the ESL group at a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit. In some embodiments, the processor may receive a periodic advertisement that includes an indication of the static ratio. For example, the processor may receive a periodic advertisement that indicates the ratio of active group 402 to passive group 404.

[0114] In block 724, the processor may send an ADV to the AP in an AP scan window at a time when another RF transmitter is not broadcasting. For example, when WLANs 420, 422 are not expected to transmit signals, the processor may send one or more ADV (e.g., 410, 412, 414, 416).

[0115] Figure 7D is a process flow diagram illustrating operations 700d that may be performed as part of method 700a for scheduling access point (AP) and electronic shelf label (ESL) communication. Refer to Figures 1 to 7D , components for performing operation 700d may include processors (e.g., 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 252, 260, 702, and / or 704) and / or transceivers (e.g., 704) of the ESL (e.g., 110, 200), etc.

[0116] In block 730, the processor may receive from the AP a periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL with an ESL ID and including an indication of a sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may receive from the AP an indication of a position within the sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may receive from the AP an advertisement interval, a number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be sent. For example, the processor may receive scheduling information 500b.

[0117] In block 732, the processor may send an ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information, including sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may send the ADV to the AP at the indicated position within the indicated sub-slot. In some embodiments, the processor may send the ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent. For example, the processor may send one or more ADV 542 - 558 during an AP scan window. In some embodiments, the AP scan window may occur within the indicated sub-slot.

[0118] Figure 8 is a component block diagram of an example of an ESL 110 applicable to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 8 , the ESL 110 may include a display 115 and a light emitting diode (LED) 117 (or other type of visible indicator), which are coupled to a processor 802 configured with processor-executable instructions that are configured to cause the processor to perform the operations of various embodiments. The processor 802 may be coupled to a wireless transceiver 804 (such as a BLE transceiver or a combination of a BLE and a Wi-Fi transceiver), which is coupled to an antenna 806 for transmitting and receiving RF signals as described herein. In various embodiments, the processor 802 may include a SOC (e.g., 202). The ESL 110 may be powered by a battery 808, such that the display does not have to be connected to a wired power source. Alternatively, the ESL 110 may be powered by an external power source.

[0119] Figure 9 is a component block diagram of an AP 130 applicable to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 9, the AP 130 generally may include processors 902, 904 coupled to volatile and / or non-volatile memory 908. The AP 130 may include a first transceiver 916 coupled to antennas 926, 927 and may be configured to communicate with an ESL such as a Bluetooth subsystem and a radio via wireless signals. The AP 130 may also include a peripheral memory access device (such as a flash drive) coupled to processors 902, 904. The AP 130 may also include a network access port 914 (or interface) coupled to processors 902, 904 for establishing a data connection to a network such as the Internet and / or a local area network coupled to other system computers and servers. The AP 130 may include additional access ports for coupling to peripheral devices, external memory, or other devices, such as USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc.

[0120] Figure 10 is a component block diagram of a store management entity server 150 applicable to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 10 , the store management entity server 150 may typically include a processor 1001 coupled to volatile memory 1002 and a mass non-volatile memory (such as a disk drive 1003). The store management entity server 150 may also include a peripheral memory access device coupled to processor 1001, such as a floppy disk drive, a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD) drive 1006. The store management entity server 150 may also include a network access port 1004 (or interface) coupled to processor 1001 for establishing a data connection to a network such as the Internet and / or a local area network coupled to other system computers and servers. The store management entity server 150 may include one or more antennas 1007 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radiation, and the one or more antennas may be connected to a wireless communication link. The store management entity server 150 may include additional access ports for coupling to peripheral devices, external memory, or other devices, such as USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc.

[0121] Figure 11 is a component block diagram of a user mobile device 120 suitable for use as a user mobile device or consumer user equipment (UE) when configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations of various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 11, the user mobile device 120 may include a first SOC 202 (e.g., SOC-CPU) coupled to a second SOC 1102 (e.g., a SOC with 5G capabilities). The first SOC 202 and the second SOC 1102 may be coupled to an internal memory 1106, a display 1115, and may be coupled to a speaker 1114. Additionally, the user mobile device 120 may include an antenna 1104 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radiation, which may be connected to a radio module 266 configured to support a wireless local area network data link (e.g., BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.) and / or a wireless wide area network (e.g., a cellular phone network) and coupled to one or more processors in the first SOC 202 and / or the second SOC 1102. The user mobile device 120 generally further includes menu selection buttons 1120 for receiving user input.

[0122] A typical user mobile device 120 may further include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 268, which includes a plurality of microelectromechanical sensor (MEMS) elements configured to sense movement associated with the acceleration and rotation of the device and provide this movement information to the first SOC 202. Additionally, one or more of the processors in the first SOC 202 and the second SOC 1102, and the radio module 266 may include digital signal processor (DSP) circuitry (not shown separately).

[0123] In some embodiments, the user mobile device 120 can be used as a mobile AP to diagnose an ESL that has problems establishing communication with an AP or other fixed infrastructure. For example, the user mobile device 120 can be repurposed by a store management entity server by configuring the user mobile device 120 using an AP protocol such that the user mobile device 120 can be recognized as an AP by the ESL.

[0124] The processors of the ESL 110, the user mobile device 120, and the store management entity server (e.g., 150) can be any programmable microprocessor, microcomputer, or one or more multiprocessor chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform various functions including the functions of the various embodiments described below. In some user mobile devices, multiple processors may be provided (such as one processor dedicated to wireless communication functions within the SOC 1102 and one processor dedicated to running other applications within the SOC 202). Typically, software applications may be stored in the memory 1006 and then accessed and loaded into the processor. The processor may include internal memory sufficient to store the software application instructions.

[0125] The various embodiments illustrated and described are provided only as examples to illustrate the various features of the claims. However, the features shown and described with respect to any given embodiment need not be limited to the associated embodiment and may be used or combined with other embodiments shown and described. Additionally, the claims are not intended to be limited to any one example embodiment. For example, one or more operations of methods and operations 300, 400a, 500a, 500c, 600a - 600e, and 700a - 700d may replace or combine with one or more operations of methods and operations 300, 400a, 500a, 500c, 600a - 600e, and 700a - 700d.

[0126] Specific implementation examples are described in the following paragraphs. Although some of the following specific implementation examples are described according to example methods, other example specific implementations may include: example methods implemented by an AP or ESL as discussed in the following paragraphs, the AP or ESL including a processor configured to perform the operations of these example methods; example methods implemented by an ESL as discussed in the following paragraphs, the ESL including components for performing the functions of these example methods; example methods implemented in a processor used in an ESL as discussed in the following paragraphs, the processor being configured to perform the operations of these example methods; and example methods implemented as a non - transient processor - readable storage medium storing processor - executable instructions as discussed in the following paragraphs, the processor - executable instructions being configured to cause the processor of the ESL to perform the operations of these example methods.

[0127] Example 1. A method executed by a processor of an access point (AP), the method comprising: broadcasting a periodic advertisement to one or more electronic shelf labels (ESLs), the periodic advertisement including scheduling information of advertisement messages (ADV) from the one or more ESLs; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

[0128] Example 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein broadcasting the periodic advertisement including scheduling information of ADV from the one or more ESLs to one or more ESLs includes broadcasting the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub - time slots to one or more ESLs, and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information includes receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs in unoccupied sub - time slots.

[0129] Example 3. The method according to Example 2, wherein the periodic advertisement that broadcasts to one or more ESLs including the indication of one or more occupied sub - time slots includes broadcasting to one or more ESLs the periodic advertisement including a three - bit indication of the occupied sub - time slots.

[0130] Example 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the periodic advertisement that broadcasts to one or more ESLs including scheduling information of ADV from the one or more ESLs includes: configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and broadcasting the periodic advertisement to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

[0131] Example 5. The method according to Example 3, wherein configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit includes configuring the ESL group according to a static ratio of the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to the time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

[0132] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the periodic advertisement that broadcasts to one or more ESLs including scheduling information of ADV from the one or more ESLs includes sending an indication of a sub - time slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - time slot.

[0133] Example 7. The method according to Example 6, wherein sending the indication of the sub - time slot to the ESL using the associated ESL ID includes sending an indication of a position in the sub - time slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, and receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - time slot includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position in the indicated sub - time slot.

[0134] Example 8. The method according to Example 6, wherein sending the indication of the sub-slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID includes sending an advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent to the ESL associated with the ESL ID, and receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub-slot includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID according to the advertisement interval, the number of the ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent.

[0135] Example 9. The method according to Examples 1 to 8, wherein receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information includes determining an AP scan window based on the scheduling information, and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs during the determined AP scan window.

[0136] Example 10. A method executed by a processor of an electronic shelf label (ESL), the method including: receiving a periodic advertisement including scheduling information of an advertisement message (ADV) from an access point (AP); and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information.

[0137] Example 11. The method according to Example 10, wherein receiving the periodic advertisement including the scheduling information of the ADV from the ESL from the AP includes receiving the periodic advertisement from the AP, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots, and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information includes sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information in an unoccupied sub-slot.

[0138] Example 12. The method according to any one of Examples 10 or 11, wherein receiving the periodic advertisement including the scheduling information of the ADV from the ESL from the AP includes: receiving information of an ESL group configured to be associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and receiving the periodic advertisement, the periodic advertisement being broadcast to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

[0139] Example 13. The method according to Example 12, wherein receiving the information of the ESL group configured to be associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit includes receiving information of the ESL group configured according to a static ratio of a time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

[0140] Example 14. The method according to any one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein the periodic advertisement that receives scheduling information including the ADV from the ESL from the AP includes receiving, from the AP, the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including an indication of a sub-slot, and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information includes sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot.

[0141] Example 15. The method according to Example 14, wherein receiving, from the AP, the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including the indication of the sub-slot includes receiving an indication of a position in the sub-slot from the AP, and sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot includes sending the ADV to the AP at the indicated position in the indicated sub-slot.

[0142] Example 16. The method according to Example 14, wherein receiving, from the AP, the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including the indication of the sub-slot includes receiving an advertisement interval, a number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be sent from the AP, and sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot includes sending the ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent.

[0143] Many different cellular and mobile communication services and standards are available or expected in the future, and all of these services and standards can be implemented and benefit from various aspects. Such services and standards may include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 3rd Generation Wireless Mobile Communication Technology (3G), 4th Generation Wireless Mobile Communication Technology (4G), 5th Generation Wireless Mobile Communication Technology (5G), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GSM, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems (e.g., cdmaOne, CDMA1020TM), EDGE, Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Digital AMPS (IS-136 / TDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wi-Fi Protected Access I and II (WPA, WPA2), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), C-V2X, V2V, V2P, V2I, and V2N, etc. For example, each of these technologies involves the transmission and reception of voice, data, signaling, and / or content messages. It should be understood that any reference to terms and / or technical details related to individual telecommunication standards or technologies is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to a particular communication system or technology, unless specifically recited in the claim language.

[0144] The foregoing method descriptions and process flow diagrams are provided only as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the operations of various embodiments must be performed in the order given. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the order of operations in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of operations; these words are used to guide the reader through the description of the method. Additionally, any reference to an element of a claim in the singular form (e.g., a reference using the articles "a," "an," or "the") should not be construed as limiting that element to the singular.

[0145] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, components, circuits, and algorithm operations described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and operations have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the claims.

[0146] Hardware for implementing the various illustrative logical components, logical boxes, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. While a general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of receiver intelligent objects, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some operations or methods may be performed by circuitry specific to a given function.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. Operations of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor-executable software module or processor-executable instructions that may reside on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. A non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium may be any storage medium that can be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage intelligent objects, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, disk and optical disk include compact disk (CD), laser disk, optical disk, digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disk, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical disks reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media. Additionally, operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of code and / or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium and / or a computer-readable storage medium that may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0148] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method executed by a processor of an access point (AP), the method comprises: broadcasting periodic advertisements to one or more electronic shelf labels (ESLs), the periodic advertisements including scheduling information of advertisement messages (ADVs) from the one or more ESLs; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: broadcasting the periodic advertisements including scheduling information of the ADV from the one or more ESLs to one or more ESLs includes broadcasting the periodic advertisements including an indication of one or more occupied sub - time - slots to one or more ESLs; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information includes receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs in unoccupied sub - time - slots.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein broadcasting the periodic advertisements including scheduling information of the ADV from the one or more ESLs to one or more ESLs comprises: configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and broadcasting the periodic advertisements to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein configuring the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit includes configuring the ESL group according to a static ratio of a time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: broadcasting the periodic advertisements including the scheduling information of the ADV from the one or more ESLs to one or more ESLs includes sending an indication of a sub - time - slot to an ESL associated with an ESL ID; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - time - slot.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: sending the indication of the sub - time - slot to the ESL associated with the associated ESL ID includes sending an indication of a position in the sub - time - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID; and receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - time - slot includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position in the indicated sub - time - slot.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: sending the indication of the sub - time - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID includes sending an advertisement interval, a number of ADVs to be sent, and an indication of a channel in which the ADV is to be sent to the ESL associated with the ESL ID; and Receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub-slot includes receiving the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID according to the advertisement interval, the number of the ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information comprises: determining an AP scan window based on the scheduling information; and receiving the ADV from one or more of the ESLs during the determined AP scan window.

9. A method executed by a processor of an electronic shelf label (ESL), the method comprises: receiving a periodic advertisement including scheduling information of an advertisement message (ADV) from an access point (AP), the ADV being from the ESL; and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: receiving the periodic advertisement including the scheduling information of the ADV from the ESL from the AP includes receiving the periodic advertisement from the AP, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots; and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information includes sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information in an unoccupied sub-slot.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein receiving the periodic advertisement including the scheduling information of the ADV from the ESL from the AP comprises: receiving information of an ESL group that configures the ESL to be associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and receiving the periodic advertisement that is broadcast to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the information of the ESL group that configures the ESL to be associated with a time when another RF transmitter is not expected to transmit includes receiving the information that configures the ESL group of the ESL according to a static ratio of a time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein: receiving the periodic advertisement including the scheduling information of the ADV from the ESL from the AP includes receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including an indication of a sub-slot from the AP; and sending the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information includes sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including the indication of the sub-slot from the AP includes receiving an indication of a position in the sub-slot from the AP; Sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub - slot includes sending the ADV to the AP at the indicated position in the indicated sub - slot.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Receiving the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL from the AP, which includes the indication of the sub - slot, includes receiving from the AP an advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent; and Sending the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub - slot includes sending the ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel in which the ADV is to be sent.

16. An access point (AP), the access point (AP) comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Broadcast a periodic advertisement to one or more electronic shelf labels (ESLs), the periodic advertisement including scheduling information for advertisement messages (ADVs) from the one or more ESLs; and Receive the ADV from one or more of the ESLs according to the scheduling information.

17. The AP according to claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: Broadcast the periodic advertisement to one or more ESLs, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub - slots; and Receive the ADV from one or more of the ESLs in an unoccupied sub - slot.

18. The AP according to claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: Configure the one or more ESLs into an ESL group associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and Broadcast the periodic advertisement to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

19. The AP according to claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to configure the ESL group according to a static ratio of the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to the time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

20. The AP according to claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: Send an indication of a sub - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID; and Receive the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID in the indicated sub - slot.

21. The AP according to claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to: Send an indication of a position in the sub - slot to the ESL associated with the ESL ID; and Receive the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID at the indicated position in the indicated sub - slot.

22. The AP according to claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to: Send an advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent to the ESL associated with the ESL ID; and Receive the ADV from the ESL associated with the ESL ID according to the advertisement interval, the number of the ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent.

23. The AP according to claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine an AP scan window based on the scheduling information; and Receive the ADV from one or more of the ESLs during the determined AP scan window.

24. An electronic shelf label (ESL), the electronic shelf label (ESL) comprises: a transceiver; and a processor, the processor being coupled to the transceiver and configured to: Receive a periodic advertisement including scheduling information of an advertisement message (ADV) from an access point (AP); and Send the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information.

25. The ESL according to claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive the periodic advertisement from the AP, the periodic advertisement including an indication of one or more occupied sub-slots; and Send the ADV to the AP according to the scheduling information in an unoccupied sub-slot.

26. The ESL according to claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive information of an ESL group that configures the ESL to be associated with a time when another radio frequency (RF) transmitter is not expected to transmit; and Receive the periodic advertisement, the periodic advertisement being broadcast to the ESL group at the time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit.

27. The ESL according to claim 26, wherein the processor is further configured to receive information that configures the ESL group of the ESL according to a static ratio of a time when the other RF transmitter is not expected to transmit to a time when the other RF transmitter is expected to transmit.

28. The ESL according to claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive the periodic advertisement addressed to the ESL ID of the ESL and including an indication of a sub-slot from the AP; and Send the ADV to the AP in the indicated sub-slot.

29. The ESL according to claim 28, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive an indication of a position in the sub-slot from the AP; and Send the ADV to the AP at the indicated position in the indicated sub-slot.

30. The ESL according to claim 28, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive an advertisement interval, the number of ADV to be sent, and an indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent from the AP; and Send the ADV to the AP according to the advertisement interval, the number of the ADV to be sent, and the indication of the channel on which the ADV is to be sent.

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