Method and module for wide-area and local-area network sensing with multi-band devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices for sensing applications, in particular to methods and modules in which a first frequency band is used for transmitting sensing measurements and a second frequency band is used for performing sensing functions, the second frequency band being higher than the first frequency band. The second frequency band is higher in frequency, providing improved sensing functions, while the first frequency band is lower in frequency, providing improved communication characteristics. The methods and modules can relate to communication links of a station (STA) of a multi-link device (MLD).

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 395,829, filed December 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to multi-link devices in wireless networks, and more particularly to sensing communication links using multi-link devices. Background Technology

[0003] Components of a wireless local area network (WLAN) can be used for sensing, which typically includes detecting and interpreting the movement and presence of targets. WLAN systems used for sensing can target functions related to object characteristics, targets, and the environment. More specifically, characteristics can include the object's distance, velocity, angular orientation, movement, presence, proximity, and / or pose. Targets can include people, animals, and / or objects. The environment can include rooms, houses, buildings, vehicles, and / or businesses.

[0004] WLAN systems used for sensing typically perform sensing functions using frequencies or frequency ranges. Lower frequencies allow for longer communication distances but lower sensing resolution, while higher frequencies allow for higher sensing resolution but shorter communication distances and may require directional communication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to devices for sensing applications, and more specifically, to methods and modules, wherein a first frequency band is used for transmitting sensing measurements, and a second frequency band is used for performing sensing functions, the second frequency band being higher than the first frequency band. The higher frequency of the second frequency band provides improved sensing capabilities, while the lower frequency of the first frequency band provides improved communication characteristics. The method and modules can relate to communication links of auxiliary stations (STAs) of a multi-link device (MLD).

[0006] In a broad aspect of the invention, a method includes: transmitting control messages on a first frequency band; performing sensing measurements on a second frequency band; and sending a sensing measurement report on the first frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band do not overlap, and the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method includes performing the sensing measurement on the second frequency band by using one or more sensing devices.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes: establishing a first communication link with an initiating device for transmitting the control message on the first frequency band; and establishing a second communication link with the initiating device for performing the sensing measurement on the second frequency band.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes performing the sensing measurement on the first communication link.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method includes: transmitting the sensing measurement report over the second communication link.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first communication link is further used for protocol exchange of one or more of the following: protected directional multi-gigabit (DMG) sensing measurement requests, responses, reports, and terminations; proxy sensing DMG requests, responses, reports, and terminations; and establishing and terminating millimeter wave (mmWave) links.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second communication link is also used for protocol exchange of one or more of the following: messages during probing; empty data packets and long training fields.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method includes: announcing DMG sensing capabilities.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first communication link is also used to transmit DMG management frames.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first frequency band is below 7 gigahertz (GHz), and the second frequency band is between 42 GHz and 71 GHz.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control messages and the sensing measurements are used in a network using the IEEE 802.11bf protocol.

[0017] In another broad aspect of the invention, a module includes: a first frequency band transceiver for transmitting control messages and sending sensing measurement reports on a first frequency band; and a second frequency band transceiver for performing sensing measurements on a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band do not overlap, and the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second band transceiver is used to perform sensing measurements with one or more sensing devices.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first band transceiver is a first auxiliary site of the MLD, and the second band transceiver is a second auxiliary site of the MLD.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary site is used to send the perception measurement report.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary site is also used for protocol exchange of one or more of the following: protected DMG-aware measurement requests, responses, reports, and terminations; proxy-aware DMG requests, responses, reports, and terminations; and establishing and terminating mmWave links.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary site is also used for protocol exchange of one or more of the following: messages during probing; empty data packets and long training fields.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first frequency band is below 8 GHz, and the second frequency band is between 42 GHz and 71 GHz.

[0024] In some embodiments, the MLD is used for networks using the IEEE 802.11bf protocol.

[0025] In another broader aspect of the invention, a module includes a third-band transceiver for transmitting control messages and receiving sensing measurement reports.

[0026] In some embodiments, the module includes a fourth band transceiver, wherein the third band transceiver is a third auxiliary site of the MLD, and the fourth radio frequency transceiver is a fourth auxiliary site of the MLD.

[0027] In another, broader sense, a module includes circuitry for performing one or more methods described herein.

[0028] In another broader sense, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to implement one or more methods described herein.

[0029] In another broader aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for performing one or more methods described herein. The apparatus may include one or more processors functionally connected to one or more memories for performing the one or more methods described herein.

[0030] In another broader aspect of the invention, a communication system includes a communication node for performing one or more methods described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0031] For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1AThese are simplified schematic diagrams of communication systems provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A simplified diagram of the access point (AP) of the communication network of the communication system shown. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A simplified diagram of a station (STA) in a communication system is shown. Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multi-band device; Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multi-link device (MLD); Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the sensing initiating device and the sensing receiving device on a plan view; Figure 4 This is an illustration of an embodiment of sensing session message sequences; Figure 5 This is an illustration of one embodiment of a flowchart for perceiving session message sequences; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a multi-band sensing device; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensing initiator and a sensing responder in a monobase configuration. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the configuration-aware session message sequence flow; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensing initiator and a sensing responder in a dual-base configuration; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the configuration-aware session message sequence flow; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensing topology employing multi-link devices; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the configuration-aware session message sequence flow; Figure 13 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the perceptual element format; Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the perceptual subfield format of the perceptual element format; Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a method provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Exemplary terms are defined below to facilitate understanding of the subject matter of this invention.

[0033] In the embodiments disclosed herein, an access point (AP) or wireless AP is a device that acts as an entry point for other devices to connect to one or more other networks. In some embodiments, an AP provides interconnection between a wireless device and other wireless / wired networks on which that device is included. APs are typically used to extend the wireless coverage of an existing network and to increase the number of users or devices that can connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0034] In the embodiments disclosed herein, a station (STA) is a device used to connect to other STAs and / or one or more APs. STAs can be fixed, mobile, or portable. Based on transmission characteristics, STAs can also be referred to as wireless clients, nodes, and / or transmitters or receivers. A station management entity (SME) can be used to coordinate or control one or more STAs.

[0035] A multi-link device (MLD) is a network element that communicates with peer MLDs via multiple communication links. An MLD providing access point (AP) functionality is typically called an AP MLD. Non-AP MLDs use an attached STA (Station) to communicate with other non-AP MLDs or AP MLDs via wireless media. An MLD can support multiple radio frequencies operating simultaneously, each operating in one or more frequency bands. An MLD can establish connections with other MLDs across multiple radio frequencies; each connection is called a communication link.

[0036] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association for electrical and electronic engineering, responsible for developing communication standards. The IEEE 802.11 standard, part of the IEEE 802 Local Area Network (LAN) technology standard, specifies the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing WLANs. IEEE 802.11-2020 defines a STA (Standard Operating System) as any device that includes IEEE 802.11-compliant MAC and PHY interfaces for connecting to wireless media.

[0037] WLAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11, can be configured for modules including MLDs to enable use in various operating modes, including: Modules or MLDs can operate in multi-link operation (MLO) mode, where devices communicate through multiple independent wireless connections or communication links. STAs associated with a module or MLD can communicate on a single communication link.

[0038] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the network includes two or more devices interconnected via communication links (via cables, wireless connections, and / or other means) for sharing resources and / or information, etc. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a module or MLD is a device connected to one or more devices via two or more communication links. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a multi-link network is a network including one or more MLDs.

[0039] As used herein, "affiliated" refers to a device, component, or element that is physically connected to and / or integrated into or logically connected to another device, component, and / or element. An affiliated AP, as used herein, may be physically, logically, or otherwise connected to or used by another MLD; when referring to an affiliated AP, it is equivalent to referring to an AP affiliated to another MLD. Similarly, an affiliated STA, as used herein, may be physically, logically, or otherwise connected to or used by an MLD; when referring to an affiliated STA, it is equivalent to referring to an STA affiliated to an MLD. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the MLD may also be referred to as a multi-link device.

[0040] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the module or MLD supports multiple radio frequencies operating simultaneously in multiple frequency bands. The module or MLD can establish connections across multiple radio frequencies; these connections are referred to as communication links. STAs attached to the MLD can communicate over a single communication link.

[0041] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to modules, systems, methods, and MLD modules, including circuitry and software for performing processes. As detailed later, "module" is an explanatory term referring to a hardware structure, such as a circuit, implemented using technologies such as electrical and / or optical technologies (and more specific examples of semiconductors) for performing a defined operation or process.

[0042] "Module" can also refer to a combination of hardware and software structures, where the hardware structure can be implemented in a general manner using technologies such as electrical and / or optical technologies (and more specifically, semiconductors) to perform defined operations or processes, and the software structure can be stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media in the form of an instruction set.

[0043] When initiating a sensing configuration, operation, process, and / or sequence, the device, system, module, or MLD can be referred to as the initiator. When receiving messages, signals, and / or instructions for sensing from the initiating device, system, module, or MLD, the device, system, module, or MLD can be referred to as the responder.

[0044] As detailed below, a module or MLD module can be part of a device, apparatus, and / or system, wherein the module or MLD module can be coupled to or integrated into other parts of the device, apparatus, or system, and their combination constitutes the device, apparatus, or system. Alternatively, the module or MLD module can be implemented as a standalone encryption / decryption device or apparatus.

[0045] The module or MLD module executes processes, including WLAN sensing processes. In this document, "process" has the general meaning of "method" and does not necessarily correspond to the concept of a computational process (i.e., an instance of a computer program being executed). More specifically, a process here is a defined method implemented using hardware components for processing data (e.g., sending and receiving management frames, etc.). A process may include one or more functions or use one or more functions to process designed data. In this document, a function is a defined sub-process or sub-method for computing / calculating or otherwise processing input data in a defined manner and generating or otherwise producing output data.

[0046] As those skilled in the art will understand, the processes disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more software and / or firmware programs having the necessary computer-executable code or instructions, and stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media. These non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media can be any volatile and / or non-volatile, non-removable or removable storage device, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), solid-state storage devices, hard disks, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and / or flash memory devices. Modules or MLD modules can read computer-executable code from the storage device and execute the computer-executable code to perform encryption and / or decryption processes.

[0047] Alternatively, the modules or processes disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more hardware structures having the necessary electrical and / or optical components, circuits, logic gates, and / or integrated circuit (IC) chips, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, the module or MLD module may include multiple radio frequencies that will support operation over a wide frequency range, including but not limited to frequencies suitable for IEEE 802.11 applications and frequencies in the sub-7 GHz or sub-8 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, wherein the mmWave band is between approximately 42.5 GHz and 71 GHz. The module or MLD module may be suitable for 802.11be systems that support MLO at the MAC layer. While specific frequencies, such as sub-7 GHz or sub-8 GHz or mmWave, are mentioned herein, the module or MLD module described herein is also applicable to other frequencies.

[0049] See below. Figure 1A The figure illustrates a communication system provided in some embodiments, which is generally identified by reference numeral 10. For example, communication system 10 may be a Wi-Fi® system built according to relevant standards such as IEEE 802.11. As shown, communication system 10 includes multiple interconnected network devices 12, such as multiple interconnected access points (APs; also called "base stations") forming a distribution system (DS) 14, which is connected to other networks such as the Internet 16. The Internet 16 may include computer networks and subnets (intranets) or both, and may employ protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and / or User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0050] Each AP 12 wirelessly communicates with one or more mobile or fixed stations (STAs) 22 via a corresponding wireless channel 24 to provide wireless network connectivity. In this document, AP 12 and STA 22 can be considered as different types of network nodes (or simply "nodes") of the communication system 10. Each AP 12 and the STA 22 connected to it form a cell or basic service set (BSS) 28.

[0051] Figure 1BThis is a simplified schematic diagram of AP 12. As shown, AP 12 includes at least one processing unit 42 (also referred to as at least one "processor"), at least one transmitter (TX; also used as an abbreviation for "transmission") 44, at least one receiver (RX; also used as an abbreviation for "reception") 46 (collectively referred to as a transceiver), one or more antennas 48, at least one memory 50, and one or more input / output components or interfaces 52. A scheduler 54 may be coupled to the processing unit 42. The scheduler 54 may be included within AP 12 or may operate separately from AP 12. Each of these components 42 to 54 may be implemented as one or more circuits (e.g., one or more electronic circuits and / or one or more optical circuits). Alternatively, the collection of these components 42 to 54 may be implemented as one or more circuits. A "transceiver" may be a combination of at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. However, in some embodiments, the transceiver may be implemented as a physically separate transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, in embodiments where signal receiving functionality is not required, the transmitter can be implemented as a transmitter; or, in embodiments where signal transmitting functionality is not required, the transmitter can be implemented as a receiver.

[0052] Processing unit 42 is used to perform various processing operations, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other suitable function. Processing unit 42 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, FPGA, and / or ASIC, etc. In some embodiments, processing unit 42 may execute computer-executable instructions or code stored in memory 50 to perform the various processes (or methods) described below.

[0053] Each transmitter 44 may include any suitable structure for generating signals (e.g., control signals described in detail below) for wireless transmission to one or more STAs 22. Each receiver 46 may include any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly from one or more STAs 22. Although shown as separate components, at least one transmitter 44 and at least one receiver 46 may be integrated and implemented as a transceiver. Each antenna 48 may include any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. Although Figure 1B A common antenna 48 is shown coupled to transmitter 44 and receiver 46, but one or more antennas 48 may be coupled to transmitter 44 and one or more other antennas 48 may be coupled to receiver 46.

[0054] In some embodiments, AP 12 may include a plurality of transmitters 44 and receivers 46 (or a plurality of transceivers) and a plurality of antennas 48 for communication in its cell 28.

[0055] Each memory 50 may include any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, optical disk, SIM card, solid-state memory, Memory Stick, and / or SD memory card. Memory 50 may be used to store instructions executable by processing unit 42, as well as data used, generated, or collected by processing unit 42. For example, memory 50 may store instructions for software, software systems, or software modules executable by processing unit 42, for implementing embodiments of some or all of the functions and / or processes performed by AP 12 as described herein.

[0056] Each input / output component 52 can interact with a user or other device in the communication system 10. Each input / output device 52 may include any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from the user, and may be, for example, a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, touch screen, and / or network communication interface, etc.

[0057] In this document, STA 22 can be any suitable wireless device that can join the communication system 10 via AP 12 for wireless operation. In various embodiments, STA 22 can be a wireless electronic device used by a person or user (e.g., a smartphone, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop, desktop computer, tablet, smartwatch, and / or consumer electronics device, etc.). Alternatively, STA 22 can be a wireless sensor, Internet of Things (IoT) device, robot, shopping cart, vehicle, smart TV, smart home appliance, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), or mobile station, etc. Depending on the implementation, STA 22 can move autonomously or under direct or remote human control, or it can be positioned in a fixed location.

[0058] In some embodiments, STA 22 may be a multimode wireless electronic device capable of operating according to a variety of wireless access technologies and includes a plurality of transceivers required to support these wireless access technologies.

[0059] Additionally, some or all of the STA 22s can communicate with different wireless devices and / or wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Alternatively, STA 22s can communicate with other devices or switches (not shown) via wired communication channels, and with the Internet 16. For example, multiple STA 22s (e.g., STA 22s located close to each other) can communicate directly with each other via suitable wired or wireless sidelinks.

[0060] Figure 1C This is a simplified schematic diagram of STA 22. As shown, STA 22 includes at least one processing unit 72, at least one transceiver 74, at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 76, at least one positioning module 78, one or more input / output components 80, at least one memory 82, and at least one other communication component 84. Each of these components 72 to 84 can be implemented as one or more circuits (e.g., one or more electronic circuits and / or one or more optical circuits). Alternatively, the collection of these components 72 to 84 can be implemented as one or more circuits.

[0061] Processing unit 72 is used to perform various processing operations, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions, to enable STA 22 to access and join communication system 10 and operate therein. Processing unit 72 can also be used to implement some or all of the functions of STA 22 described in this invention. Processing unit 72 may include a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, accelerator, graphics processing unit (GPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), FPGA, or ASIC. Examples of processing unit 72 may be ARM® microprocessors (ARM is a registered trademark of Arm Ltd. of Cambridge, UK), INTEL® microprocessors (INTEL is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California, USA), and AMD® microprocessors (AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. of Sunnyvale, California, USA), manufactured by various manufacturers such as Qualcomm Inc. of San Diego, California, USA, under the ARM® architecture. In some embodiments, processing unit 72 may execute computer-executable instructions or code stored in memory 82 to perform the various processes described below.

[0062] At least one transceiver 74 can be used to modulate data or other content transmitted by at least one antenna 76 for communication with AP12. The transceiver 74 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 76. Each transceiver 74 may include any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission and / or for processing signals received wirelessly. Each antenna 76 may include any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. Although the transceiver 74 is shown as a single functional unit, it can also be implemented separately as at least one transmitter and at least one receiver.

[0063] Positioning module 78 is used to communicate with multiple global or regional positioning devices (e.g., navigation satellites) to determine the location of STA22. The navigation satellites may be satellites of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia's GLONASS, the European Union's Galileo positioning system, and / or China's BeiDou system. The navigation satellites may also be satellites of regional navigation satellite systems (RNSS), such as India's Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) or Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). In other embodiments, positioning module 78 may be used to communicate with multiple indoor positioning devices to determine the location of STA22.

[0064] One or more input / output components 80 are used to interact with a user or other device in the communication system 10. Each input / output component 80 may include any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from the user, and may be, for example, a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display and / or touchscreen, etc.

[0065] At least one memory 82 is used to store instructions executable by the processing unit 72, as well as data used, generated, or collected by the processing unit 72. For example, the memory 82 may store instructions for software, software systems, or software modules executable by the processing unit 72 for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments of the STA 22 described herein. Each memory 82 may include any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval components, such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, optical disk, SIM card, solid-state memory module, memory stick, and / or SD memory card, etc.

[0066] At least one other communication component 84 is used to communicate with other devices such as the STA 22 via other communication means such as a wireless link, a BLUETOOTH® link (BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc., Kirkland, Washington, USA), and / or a wired side link. Examples of wired side links may be USB cables, network cables, parallel cables, and / or serial cables.

[0067] In some embodiments, STA 22 may include a plurality of transceivers 74 and a plurality of antennas 76 for communicating with AP 12.

[0068] In communication between AP 12 and STA 22, transmissions from STA 22 to AP 12 are typically referred to as uplink (UL), and the radio channel used for this transmission is referred to as the uplink channel. Transmissions from AP 12 to STA 22 are typically referred to as downlink (DL), and the radio channel used for this transmission is referred to as the downlink channel.

[0069] In the physical layer, the frequency-time resources of channel 24 are divided into physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs; also known as “packets”), and AP 12 or STA 22 transmits data in the form of PPDUs or packets. Appropriate modulation techniques can be used for communication between AP 12 and STA 22. For example, in some embodiments, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) can be used, where channel 24 is divided into multiple orthogonal sub-channels for communication between AP 12 and STA 22. Furthermore, since multiple STAs 22 typically communicate with the same AP 12, suitable multiple access techniques can be used. For example, in some embodiments, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) can be used for communication between AP 12 and STA 22.

[0070] See below. Figure 2A In some embodiments of the multi-band device of the present invention, the first module 100 includes a first STA SME 102 for coordinating or controlling two radio frequencies, a first STA 104 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and a second STA 106 for communication in a frequency range in another frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz). The second module 110 includes a second STA SME 112 for coordinating or controlling two radio frequencies, a third STA 114 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and a fourth STA 116 for communication in a frequency range in another frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz). For example, STA 104, STA 106, STA 114 and / or STA 116 may be similar to... Figure 1A and Figure 1CSTA 22 is shown.

[0071] See below. Figure 2B In some embodiments of the MLD of the present invention, the first MLD module 200 includes two radio frequencies: a first STA 202 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and a second STA 204 for communication in a frequency range in another frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz). The second MLD module 210 includes two radio frequencies: a third STA 212 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 2.4 GHz), and a fourth STA 114 for communication in a frequency range in another frequency band (e.g., 5 GHz). The first MLD module 200 and the second MLD module 210 are connected, the first STA 202 and the third STA 212 are connected to form a first link 220, and the second STA 204 and the fourth STA 214 are connected to form a second link 222. In multi-band operation, the first MLD module 200 and the second MLD module 210 can communicate using either or both of the first link 220 and the second link 222. In MLO, communication between the first MLD module 200 and the second MLD module 210 can be aggregated on multiple links 220 and 222 via auxiliary STAs (first STA 202 and third STA 212 at 2.4 GHz, second STA 204 and fourth STA 214 at 5 GHz).

[0072] IEEE 802.11bf includes an extension to IEEE 802.11 that enables 802.11 devices to support WLAN sensing. WLAN sensing involves devices such as modules or MLD modules that include one or more STAs for sensing. These STAs receive signals to detect one or more features or one or more anticipated targets in various environments for different applications, such as intruder detection in security applications, fall detection in human safety applications, and gesture recognition in voice and video communication applications. Sensing can involve different features, targets, and environments. Features of potential targets can include distance, speed, angular position or movement, motion, presence or proximity, and / or gestures. Targets can be objects, people, and / or animals. Environments can include rooms, houses, buildings, vehicles, and / or businesses. In some embodiments, channel state information (CSI) can be used in 802.11 to support beamforming, and CSI can be used as input for sensing applications.

[0073] See Figure 3The exemplary housing environment 300 includes a first room 302, a second room 304, a third room 306, a fourth room 308, and a fifth room or living room 310. An initiating STA (ISTA) is located in the fifth room 310, while a receiving STA (RSTA) is located in each of the first room 302, second room 304, third room 306, fourth room 308, and fifth room 310. An ISTA can be used to transmit protocol packet data units (PPDUs) for sensing measurements, while an RSTA can be used to receive PPDUs originating from an ISTA. An RSTA can also be used to perform sensing measurements. The combination of ISTA and RSTA can be used to sense features and targets in the exemplary housing environment 300. Different applications may have different CSI characteristics. For example, for intruder detection, sensing may require periodic CSI feedback. CSI feedback within a specific time period may be highly correlated.

[0074] This invention can be applied to sensing applications operating at any suitable frequency. For example, IEEE 802.11bf includes protocols for sensing using frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and millimeter-scale bands (e.g., 45 GHz to 60 GHz), also known as directional multi-gigabit (DMG) and mmWave. Separate frame types can be used for CSI measurements below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz and DMG. Due to the shorter wavelengths used, WLAN sensing using frequencies in the mmWave band can provide better sensing resolution compared to frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz. However, communication in the mmWave band is typically directional and has a more limited range.

[0075] See Figure 4In some embodiments, the sensing protocol 400 (e.g., the sensing protocol in IEEE 802.11bf) may include up to five phases. First, the sensing protocol 400 may include a discovery phase 404, in which the capabilities of the exchanged devices or modules are established and an association is formed. The sensing protocol may also include an establishment phase 406, a measurement phase 408, a reporting phase 410, and a termination phase 412. The sensing session 402 may include one or more of the establishment phase 406, measurement phase 408, reporting phase 410, and termination phase 412. The establishment phase 406 includes establishing the sensing session 402 and may include sending a threshold parameter from the initiating module to the responding module, for example, in a sensing request frame. The threshold parameter may assist the receiver in determining when a CSI change indicates motion of an object. The measurement phase 408 may include performing measurements and calculations. The reporting phase 410 may include transmitting or providing feedback on the measurement results. The termination phase 412 may be explicit or implicit and may be used to terminate the sensing session 402.

[0076] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, a message flow 500 between a sensing initiating device 502 (which may be an AP) and a sensing responding device 508 (which may be a non-AP STA) is illustrated. The sensing initiating device 502 may include an SME 504 and a MAC layer management entity (MLME) 506, while the sensing responding device 508 may include an SME 512 and an MLME 510. The initial steps of the message flow 500 may include sending a sensing measurement establishment request frame 514 from the MLME 506 of the sensing initiating device 502 to the MLME 510 of the sensing responding device 508, followed by sending a sensing measurement establishment response frame 516 from the MLME 510 of the sensing responding device 508 to the MLME 506 of the sensing initiating device 502. The message flow 500 may also include sending null data packet frames (NDPA frames) during NDPA detection phases 518, 520, 522 (trigger frame detection), and 524 and 526 (sensing measurement and establishment termination phases). The sensing mechanism in IEEE 802.11bf can be used to transmit control and sensing data, including sensing measurement information, within the band.

[0077] As mentioned earlier, due to the shorter wavelength, communication using higher frequencies (e.g., frequencies within the mmWave band) may have a more limited range and require directional operation compared to communication using lower frequencies (e.g., frequencies within the mmWave frequency range). However, sensing using higher frequencies (e.g., frequencies within the mmWave frequency range) offers better resolution.

[0078] Multi-band or multi-link devices with multiple STAs can operate simultaneously on multiple frequency bands using different STAs. In some embodiments, sensing can be performed using frequencies in the mmWave band, while control and reporting can be performed using frequencies in bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz. Sensing report frames are transmitted to the sensing initiating device on bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz. Furthermore, if a failure occurs in the mmWave band or a band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, control and DMG report frames can be transmitted on the remaining links to ensure that sensing measurements are not lost.

[0079] See Figure 6 The first module 100 includes a STA SME 602 for coordinating or controlling two radio frequencies, a first STA 604 for communicating in frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, and a second STA 606 for operating in the mmWave frequency band.

[0080] In this embodiment of the invention, the module can operate in a monopolar sensing configuration. See also Figure 7 The first module 600 operates as a sensing initiator and includes a first STA 604. The second module 610 operates as a sensing response device and includes a second STA 614 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz and a third STA 616 for operation in the mmWave frequency band. The first STA 604 and the second STA 614 are used to transmit sensing control and measurement reports in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (which may be 5 GHz). The second module 610 uses the third STA 616 operating in the mmWave frequency band to perform sensing measurements. Figure 8 An exemplary message flow is illustrated, namely: establishing an 802.11 association between the sensing initiating device 600 and the sensing responding device 610; sending a DMG sensing measurement establishment request from the sensing initiating device 600 to the sensing responding device 610; responding to the DMG measurement establishment request by sending a DMG sensing measurement establishment response from the sensing responding device 610 to the sensing initiating device 600; the sensing responding device performing sensing; and sending a DMG sensing measurement report from the sensing responding device 610 to the sensing initiating device 600.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, the module can operate in a bistatic sensing configuration. See also Figure 9The first module 600 operates as a sensing initiator and includes a first STA 604. The second module 610 operates as a sensing response device and includes a second STA 614 for communication in frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz and a third STA 616 for operation in the mmWave frequency band. In this embodiment, the system also includes a third module, a fourth module, and a fifth module. The third module includes a fourth STA 626, the fourth module includes a fifth STA 636, and the fifth module includes a sixth STA 646. The fourth STA 626, the fifth STA 636, and the sixth STA 646 are used to perform sensing measurements in the mmWave frequency band together with the third STA 616. Measurement reports from the second module 610 are transmitted to the first module 600 via the second STA 614 and the first STA 604. Figure 10 An exemplary message flow is illustrated, namely: establishing an 802.11 association between the sensing initiating device 600 and the sensing responding device 610; sending a DMG sensing measurement establishment request from the sensing initiating device 600 to the sensing responding device 610; responding to the DMG measurement establishment request by sending a DMG sensing measurement establishment response from the sensing responding device 610 to the sensing initiating device 600; performing sensing between the second module 610, the third module, the fourth module, and the fifth module; and sending a DMG sensing measurement report from the sensing responding device 610 to the sensing initiating device 600. Sensing between the second, third, fourth, and fifth modules includes: sending a DMG sensing measurement establishment request from the third STA 616 to one or more of the fourth STA 626, the fifth STA 636, and the sixth STA 646; responding to the DMG measurement establishment request with a DMG sensing measurement establishment response; the third STA 616 performing DMG probing to one or more of the fourth STA 626, the fifth STA 636, and the sixth STA 646; and sending a DMG sensing measurement report to the third STA 616.

[0082] Although in the above-described embodiments of monobase and bibase configurations, the second module 610 includes a second STA 614 for communication in frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, the second module 610 may not include the second STA 614, and communication may be performed via a third STA 616.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the module may be a multi-band device or an MLD. See also Figure 11The first MLD 1100, operating as an initiating device, includes a first auxiliary STA 1104 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 5 GHz), and a second auxiliary STA 1106 for operation in the mmWave band. The second MLD 1110, operating as a responding device, includes a third auxiliary STA 1114 for communication in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz (e.g., 5 GHz) and a fourth auxiliary STA 1116 for operation in the mmWave band. The first MLD 1100 is used to send control messages to the second MLD 1110. The 5 GHz auxiliary STAs (i.e., the first STA 1104 and the third STA 1114) are used to transmit control messages between the first MLD 1100, acting as an initiating device, and the second MLD 1110, acting as a responding device. The mmWave auxiliary STAs (i.e., the second STA 1106 and the fourth STA 1116) are used to perform sensing measurements. The measurement report generated by the second MLD 1110 can be sent back to the first MLD 1100 via any available link, i.e., a 5 GHz or mmWave link. Figure 12 An exemplary message flow is illustrated, namely 802.11 association, DMG sensing measurement establishment request and response, DMG sensing measurement reporting between a first auxiliary STA 1104 and a third auxiliary STA 1114 located in a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, and DMG detection between a second auxiliary STA 1106 and a fourth auxiliary STA 1116 located in the mmWave frequency band. In some embodiments, beamforming training can be performed for the mmWave frequency band.

[0084] In some embodiments, the sensing initiator and sensing responder can exchange multilink information, which can be performed using frequency bands below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz. The multilink information may include mmWave sensing capabilities and operational information. The sensing initiator and sensing responder can also exchange information on DMG or enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) capabilities and control elements. This can be performed before performing sensing measurements. In addition to mmWave links, the exchange can also occur on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz.

[0085] Protocol exchanges that can be performed on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz include protected DMG sensing measurements, requests, responses, reports, and terminations; protected sensing by proxy (SBP) DMG requests, responses, reports, and terminations; and messages for enabling or terminating mmWave links that are only related to sensing.

[0086] Protocol exchanges that can be performed on the mmWave link include messages exchanged during probing, as well as empty data PPDUs and long training fields (LTFs).

[0087] In some embodiments, sensing capabilities can be advertised. For example, DMG sensing capabilities using links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz can be advertised. The sensing initiating device can advertise information about mmWave with sensing capabilities below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz in beacons, probe requests, access network query protocol (ANQP) requests, association requests, and / or reassociation requests. The sensing responding device can also advertise DMG sensing capabilities about mmWave with sensing capabilities below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz in probe requests, ANQP requests, association requests, and / or reassociation requests.

[0088] The sensing initiating device can send a DMG sensing measurement establishment request to the sensing responding device on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, which enables non-AP STAs or MLDs to initiate mmWave sensing sessions.

[0089] In another embodiment, the sensing initiating device can be a non-AP STA or MLD, and the sensing responding device can be an AP or MLD. Figure 13 The perceptual element format 1300 for IEEE 802.11bf is illustrated. The perceptual element format 1300 may include an element identifier field 1302, a length field 1304, an element identifier extension field 1306, and a perceptual field 1308. The perceptual subfield 1308 may include, for example... Figure 14 The subfield shown includes reserved bit 1310. In some embodiments, reserved bit 1310 can be used as a DMG sensing bit, wherein when this bit is set to 1, the MLD has links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz and mmWave links capable of multi-band sensing. Conversely, when this bit is set to 0, the MLD does not have multi-band sensing capability. This can also be applied to configurations of MLDs where all links are below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz and / or all links are mmWave.

[0090] DMG management frames include measurement request, response, and termination frames. DMG management frames can be transmitted on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz. New behaviors can be defined so that the receiver knows that a received DMG report frame (on a frequency band below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz) is for another link (e.g., an mmWave band link). The identifier of that other link (link ID) can be appended as an extension to the existing DMG management frame.

[0091] The appropriate link ID information field can be provided as a single octet in IEEE 802.11be to indicate control of mmWave sensing on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, sending mmWave sensing reports to the initiating device on links below 7 GHz or below 8 GHz, and / or the following requirements: at least one responding device has multi-band or multi-link capability, the responding device has multi-band capability, the initiating device does not require mmWave capability, the initiating device does not require line-of-sight environment, the initiating device does not require beamforming training, etc.

[0092] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the steps of method 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Method 1500 begins with optionally announcing DMG sensing capabilities (step 1502). In step 1504, optionally, a first communication link is established with the initiating device for transmitting control messages on a first frequency band. In step 1506, optionally, a second communication link is established with the initiating device for performing sensing measurements on a second frequency band. In step 1508, control messages are transmitted on the first frequency band. In step 1510, sensing measurements are performed on the second frequency band. In step 1512, a sensing measurement report is sent on the first frequency band. In step 1514, optionally, a sensing measurement report is sent on the first frequency band.

[0093] In this document, the use of language such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and / or Z,” or “at least one of X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to include both single items (e.g., only X, only Y, or only Z) and multiple items (e.g., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). The phrase “at least one of” and similar phrases are not intended to convey the requirement that every possible item must be present, but rather that every possible item may be present.

[0094] This document describes various embodiments. In these embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, and can be implemented in any suitable form. Depending on the functionality of the various features of the methods disclosed herein, some features can be implemented on the network side (e.g., in one or more APs), another portion can be implemented on the STA side, and / or the remaining features can be implemented on both the AP and STA sides. Similarly, depending on the functionality of the various features of the methods disclosed herein, some features can be implemented on the transmitting side (e.g., in one or more APs and / or one or more STAs for transmitting), another portion can be implemented on the receiving side (e.g., in one or more APs and / or one or more STAs for receiving), and / or the remaining features can be implemented on both the transmitting and receiving sides.

[0095] For example, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be implemented as computer-executable instructions (in the form of software, firmware, or a combination thereof) stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such that when executed, these instructions cause one or more physical components (such as one or more circuits) to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0096] For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus including one or more processors can be used to perform the methods disclosed herein, wherein the one or more processors are functionally connected to one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media storing computer-executable instructions of the methods disclosed herein, and the one or more processors can read the computer-executable instructions from the one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media and execute the instructions to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0097] In some embodiments, an apparatus may not have any processor or computer-readable storage device or medium. Instead, the apparatus may include any other suitable physical or virtual (explained below) components for implementing the methods disclosed herein.

[0098] In some embodiments, computer-executable instructions for implementing the methods disclosed herein may be one or more computer programs, one or more program products, or a combination thereof.

[0099] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more circuits, one or more components, one or more units, one or more modules, one or more integrated-circuit (IC) chips, one or more chipsets, one or more devices, one or more apparatuses, and / or one or more systems, etc.

[0100] One or more circuits, components, units, modules, IC chips, chipsets, devices, apparatuses, or systems may be physical, virtual, or a combination thereof. In this document, the term "virtual" (e.g., "virtual device") refers to a circuit, component, unit, module, chipset, device, apparatus, or system, etc., that is simulated or otherwise formed by suitable software or firmware and appears to be "real" or physically present.

[0101] This invention includes various embodiments, not only method embodiments but also other embodiments, such as apparatus embodiments and embodiments related to non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Embodiments may individually or in combination include the features disclosed herein.

[0102] Although the present invention has referenced illustrative embodiments, it is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this specification.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, features disclosed herein in the context of any particular embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments. For example, alternatively or additionally, method embodiments may be implemented in apparatus, system, and / or computer program product embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments are described primarily in the context of methods and apparatus, other implementations are contemplated, for example, as instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. Such media may store programs or instructions to perform any of the various methods consistent with the present invention.

[0104] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method, characterized in that, include: Transmit control messages on the first frequency band; Perform sensing measurements in the second frequency band; Send sensing measurement reports on the first frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band do not overlap, and the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Performing the sensing measurement on the second frequency band includes performing the sensing measurement using one or more sensing devices.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Establish a first communication link with the initiating device for transmitting the control message on the first frequency band; A second communication link is established with the initiating device for performing the sensing measurement on the second frequency band.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The sensing measurement report is sent over the second communication link.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first communication link is also used for one or more of the following protocol exchanges: Protected directional multi-gigabit (DMG) sensing measurement requests, responses, reports, and termination; The agent is aware of DMG requests, responses, reports, and termination; Establish and terminate millimeter wave (mmWave) links.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The second communication link is also used for one or more of the following protocol exchanges: Messages during the exploration; Empty data packets and long training fields.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The first communication link is also used to transmit DMG management frames.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Announcement regarding DMG's perception capabilities.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first frequency band is below 8 gigahertz (GHz), and the second frequency band is between 42 GHz and 71 GHz.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The control messages and the sensing measurements are used in a network using the IEEE 802.11bf protocol.

11. A module, characterized in that, include: The first frequency band transceiver is used to transmit control messages and send sensing measurement reports on the first frequency band. A second-band transceiver is used to perform sensing measurements on the second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band do not overlap, and the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band.

12. The module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second frequency band transceiver is used to perform sensing measurements with one or more sensing devices.

13. The module according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first frequency band transceiver is the first auxiliary site of the MLD, and the second frequency band transceiver is the second auxiliary site of the MLD.

14. The module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second auxiliary station is used to send the perception measurement report.

15. The module according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first auxiliary site is also used for one or more of the following protocol exchanges: Protected DMG sensing measurement requests, responses, reports, and termination; The agent is aware of DMG requests, responses, reports, and termination; Establish and terminate mmWave links.

16. The module according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The second auxiliary site is also used for one or more of the following protocol exchanges: Messages during the exploration; Empty data packets and long training fields.

17. The module according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The MLD is used for networks using the IEEE 802.11bf protocol.

18. The module according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The first frequency band is below 7 GHz, and the second frequency band is between 42 GHz and 71 GHz.

19. A module, characterized in that, It includes a third-band transceiver for transmitting control messages and receiving sensing measurement reports.

20. The module according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes a fourth frequency band transceiver, wherein the third frequency band transceiver is the third auxiliary site of the MLD, and the fourth radio frequency transceiver is the fourth auxiliary site of the MLD.

21. A module, characterized in that, Includes circuitry for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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