Electronic shelf label (ESL) wireless device selection for target device positioning in an ESL network environment

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems that support target device positioning with a reduced number of wireless devices. In a first aspect, a method of communicating in an ESL system includes receiving multiple first and second measurements associated with first and second target device to determine first and second locations of the first and second target devices during a first time duration, respectively. Multiple first measurements correspond to a first set of multiple wireless devices used to provide ESL information of products to customers. The method further includes determining a common set of the multiple wireless devices based on the first and second sets and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the common set. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.

Description

ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL (ESL) WIRELESS DEVICE SELECTION FOR TARGET DEVICE POSITIONING IN AN ESL NETWORK ENVIRONMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. 20240100502, entitled, “ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL (ESL) WIRELESS DEVICE SELECTION FOR TARGET DEVICE POSITIONING IN AN ESL NETWORK ENVIRONMENT,” filed on July 17, 2024 which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to electronic shelf label (ESL) systems, and more particularly, to methods and systems for ESL wireless device selection for target device positioning in an ESL network environment.INTRODUCTION

[0003] In general, retail stores use paper labels to display information about products displayed on shelves, such as prices, discount rates, unit costs, origins, or the like. Using such paper labels for the price display has limitations. For example, when there are changes in product information or locations on shelves, the retailer must generate new paper labels and discard old ones. This raises costs for maintenance in both supplies and employee labor. Further, in environmental terms, replacing the labels wastes raw materials such as paper, which adversely affects the protection of the environment. Still further, humans are prone to make mistakes, such as mislabeling a shelf or product or forgetting to take down temporary price changes on certain shelving, which results in shopper frustration.

[0004] Electronic shelf label (ESL) devices are electronic devices for displaying price information for items on retail store shelves, which may be used in place of paper labels. ESL devices may be attached to a front edge of retail shelving and display a variety of pricing information using display devices, such as Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) or electronic paper displays. Whenever the information about a product or the location of a product is changed, the ESL device may be programmed with new product information. Thus, the electronic shelf label can be repeatedly used.

[0005] ESL infrastructure often presents a highly dense network of nodes. For example, a plurality of ESL devices and / or rail controllers may be disposed in relatively closeproximity throughout a particular environment, such as upon shelving, storage bins, etc. within a retail store or warehouse facility. The capabilities of the ESL devices and / or rail controllers of the ESL network are, however, constrained by the power resources available to the ESL devices and / or rail controllers.BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0006] The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] An Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system may include wireless devices to communicate with a target device and / or an infrastructure node (e.g., a server, an access point (AP), or any other suitable network device). For example, the wireless devices may include ESL devices used in a wireless network to provide information and services to shoppers and retailers (as users of the ESL system). In further examples, the wireless device may include rail controllers. In such examples, a rail controller may provide power to ESL devices and carry and transmit data (e.g., via a rail) to the ESL devices to provide information to shoppers and retailers. The rail controller may control the ESL devices and be used in a wireless network to communicate with the infrastructure node. In some examples, the wireless device (e.g., ESL devices, rail controllers, and / or wireless radios) operating on a wireless network as part of the ESL system may support location identification services to identify the location of at least one electronic tracking tag within an environment (e.g., a retail store, warehouse). As another example, the ESL system may support position location services to identify a position of users within the environment by interacting with the user’s mobile device. The various devices, such electronic tracking tags, mobile devices, ESL devices, wireless radios, or any other suitable devices, which are capable of wireless communications may be referred to generally as target devices herein. The ESL system may, for example, identify positions of target devices within the environment by selecting a subset of wireless devices without substantially degrading the positioning accuracy.

[0008] For the wireless device selection, an infrastructure node may receive multiple measurements associated with a target device from multiple wireless devices or the target device in a first time duration. A measurement may indicate wireless signal strength of a signal (e.g., a beacon) transmitted from a wireless device to the target device or from the target device to the wireless device. Then, the infrastructure node may determine a subset of the multiple wireless devices based on the multiple measurements. For example, the subset may be the devices meeting one or more criterion (e.g., highest average received signal strength indicator (RS SI) values of the multiple measurements for each device) or have a more accurate position estimate of the target device than another subset of the multiple wireless devices. Additionally, or alternatively, the infrastructure node may further perform geometry -based pruning to reduce the number of wireless devices for the target device positioning. In a subsequent (e.g., next) time duration, the infrastructure node configures the subset of wireless devices and receives measurements from the subset of wireless devices or the target device to redetermine the location of the target device.

[0009] In further examples, the infrastructure node may receive multiple sets of measurements associated with multiple corresponding target devices. In such examples, the infrastructure node may determine a common set of the wireless devices based on the multiple sets of measurements to determine the locations of target devices. For example, the infrastructure node may determine the common set based on a convex hull or at least one centroid of the multiple sets of the wireless devices. Thus, in the subsequent time duration, the infrastructure node can configure fewer wireless devices than the multiple sets of the wireless devices to redetermine the location of the target devices.

[0010] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages or benefits. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides techniques for wireless communication systems that may be particularly beneficial in ESL applications. For example, subset wireless device selection according to concepts of the present disclosure facilitates position determinations with respect to one or more target devices operating within an ESL network environment. Implementations enable high accuracy (e.g., sub-meter accuracy) position determinations using a dense network of wireless devices in an ESL network while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by those devices. The subset of wireless devices may, for example, be determined to optimize or otherwise improve a trade-off between positioning accuracy available in associationwith a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations.

[0011] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

[0012] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a memory storing processor-readable code and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised firstlocation of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

[0013] In an additional aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

[0014] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

[0015] Devices, networks, and systems may be configured to communicate via one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The present disclosure describes certain aspects with reference to certain communications technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.However, the description is not intended to be limited to a specific technology or application, and one or more aspects described with reference to one technology may be understood to be applicable to another technology. Moreover, it should be understood that, in operation, wireless communication networks adapted according to the concepts herein may operate with any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum depending on loading and availability. Accordingly, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein may be applied to other communications systems and applications than the particular examples provided.

[0016] For example, the described implementations may be implemented in any device, system, or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to any of the wireless communication standards, including any of the IEEE 802.11 standards, the IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth® standards, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1 *EV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, 5GNew Radio (5GNR), 6G, or other known signals that are used to communicate within a wireless, cellular, or internet of things (IOT) network, such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G 5G, or 6G technology, or further implementations thereof.

[0017] In various implementations, the techniques and apparatus may be used in wireless communication networks such as code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, time division multiple access (TDMA) networks, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) networks, orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, 5thGeneration (5G) or new radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as “5G NR” networks, systems, or devices), as well as other communications networks. As described herein, the terms “networks” and “systems” may be used interchangeably and may refer to a collection of devices capable of communicating with each other through one or more communications techniques.

[0018] While aspects and implementations are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovations described herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, or packaging arrangements. For example, implementations or uses may come about via integrated chip implementations or other non-module-component based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail devices or purchasing devices, medical devices, AI- enabled devices, etc.).

[0019] Implementations may range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregated, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more described aspects. In some settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also include additional components and features for implementation and practice of claimed and described aspects. It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of implementations, including both large devices or small devices, chiplevel components, multi-component systems (e.g., radio frequency (RF)-chain, communication interface, processor), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc. of varying sizes, shapes, or constitutions.

[0020] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, circuits, and processes to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” as used herein means connected directly to or connected through one or more intervening components or circuits. Also, in the following description and for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the teachings disclosed herein. In other instances, well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring teachings of the present disclosure.

[0021] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. In the present disclosure, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form ofelectrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system.

[0022] In the figures, a single block may be described as performing a function or functions. The function or functions performed by that block may be performed in a single component or across multiple components, and / or may be performed using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described below 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 present disclosure. Also, the example devices may include components other than those shown, including well-known components such as a processor, memory, and the like.

[0023] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present application, discussions utilizing the terms such as “accessing,” “receiving,” “sending,” “using,” “selecting,” “determining,” “normalizing,” “multiplying,” “averaging,” “monitoring,” “comparing,” “applying,” “updating,” “measuring,” “deriving,” “settling,” “generating” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system’s registers, memories, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0024] The terms “device” and “apparatus” are not limited to one or a specific number of physical objects (such as one smartphone, one camera controller, one processing system, and so on). As used herein, a device may be any electronic device with one or more parts that may implement at least some portions of the disclosure. While the below description and examples use the term “device” to describe various aspects of the disclosure, the term “device” is not limited to a specific configuration, type, or number of objects. As used herein, an apparatus may include a device or a portion of the device for performing the described operations.

[0025] As used herein, including in the claims, the term “or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a device is described as containing components A, B, or C, the device may contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0026] Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of’ indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (that is A and B and C) or any of these in any combination thereof.

[0027] Also, as used herein, the term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; for example, substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed implementations, the term “substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage includes .1, 1, 5, or 10 percent.

[0028] Also, as used herein, relative terms, unless otherwise specified, may be understood to be relative to a reference by a certain amount. For example, terms such as “higher” or “lower” or “more” or “less” may be understood as higher, lower, more, or less than a reference value by a threshold amount.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0030] Figure 1 A is a block diagram illustrating an example Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0031] Figure IB is a diagram illustrating an example ESL device display according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a gondola with ESL devices and rail controllers according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2B is a top-down view of a retail environment with rail controllers and ESL devices accessible to a user according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating time division multiplexing for communicating with multiple wireless devices according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example ESL device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example target device according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example infrastructure node according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example communication session for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example convex hull of multiple sets of wireless devices according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating at least one example centroid of multiple sets of wireless devices according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example communication session for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0043] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0044] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the inventive subject matter. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in every case and that,in some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form for clarity of presentation.

[0046] Some Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems use battery-powered ESL devices not only to provide product and price information for items on retail store shelves but also to identify positions of devices via wireless communications. However, frequent signal transmission and reception of battery-powered ESL devices for position identification increases power consumption and reduces operating times of the battery-powered ESL devices.

[0047] Shortcomings mentioned here are only representative and are included to highlight problems that the inventors have identified with respect to existing devices and sought to improve upon. Aspects of devices described below may address some or all of the shortcomings as well as others known in the art. Aspects of the improved devices described herein may present other benefits than, and be used in other applications than, those described above.

[0048] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media that support subset wireless device selection for target device positioning in an ESL network environment. According to example embodiments, wireless device selection reduces the number of wireless devices (e.g., ESL devices, rail controllers, and / or wireless radios) operating within a wireless communication coverage area of an ESL network (also referred to herein as “an ESL network environment”) for target device positioning, while still providing accurate position location information regarding the devices.

[0049] For the wireless device selection, an infrastructure node (e.g., a server, an access point (AP), or any other suitable network device) may receive multiple measurements associated from multiple wireless devices in a first time duration. A measurement may indicate wireless signal strength of a signal (e.g., a beacon) transmitted from a wireless device to the target device or from the target device to the wireless device. Then, the infrastructure node may determine a subset of the multiple wireless devices based on the multiple measurements. For example, the subset may include nodes having the top combined measurements (e.g., highest average received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values of the multiple measurements) or have a more accurate position estimate of the target device than another subset of the multiple wireless devices. Additionally or alternatively, the infrastructure node may further perform geometry-based pruning to reduce the number of wireless devices for subsequent time durations for the target devicepositioning. Thus, in the next time duration, the infrastructure node can configure the subset of wireless devices and receive measurements from the subset of wireless devices or the target device to redetermine the location of the target device.

[0050] In further examples, the infrastructure node may receive multiple sets of measurements associated with multiple corresponding target devices. In such examples, the infrastructure node may determine a common set of the wireless devices based on the multiple sets of measurements to determine the locations of target devices. For example, the infrastructure node may determine the common set based on a convex hull or at least one centroid of the multiple sets of the wireless devices. Thus, in the subsequent time duration, the infrastructure node can configure fewer wireless devices than the multiple sets of the wireless devices to redetermine the location of the target devices.

[0051] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages or benefits. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides techniques for wireless communication systems that may be particularly beneficial in ESL applications. For example, subset wireless device selection according to concepts of the present disclosure facilitates position determinations with respect to one or more target devices operating within an ESL network environment. Implementations enable high accuracy (e.g., sub-meter accuracy) position determinations using a dense network of wireless devices in an ESL network while mitigating, minimizing, or otherwise optimizing power consumption by those devices. The subset of wireless devices may, for example, be determined to optimize or otherwise improve a trade-off between positioning accuracy available in association with a dense network of nodes in the ESL network and power consumption associated with operation to facilitate position determinations.

[0052] Figure 1 A is a block diagram illustrating an example Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system according to some embodiments of the disclosure. An electronic shelf label (ESL) system 100 may include a management server 122 that is integrated with or coupled to a gateway node 120. The management server 122 may include at least one processor coupled to a memory, in which the at least one processor is configured to execute computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium to cause the management server 122 to perform operations related to managing operation of the ESL devices 108A-D, the APs 106A-106B, the gateway node 120, and / or other components within the ESL system 100. For example, the management server 122 may perform operations relating to determining a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to concepts of thepresent disclosure. For example, the management server 122 may perform operations described with reference to Figure 7, Figure 11, and / or Figure 12.

[0053] The gateway node 120 may communicate with access point (AP) 106 A and access point (AP) 106B. Although only two APs are shown in the example system, fewer or more APs may be included in the ESL system 100. The APs 106A and 106B may communicate through a first communication network, either wired or wireless, with the gateway node 120. The APs 106A and 106B also communicate through a second communication network with Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) tag devices and / or rail controllers. For example, the APs 106 A and 106B may communicate with paired ESL devices in an assigned geographic area. In a first geographic assignment 110A, the AP 106 A may communicate with ESL device 108 A and ESL device 108B; in a second geographic assignment HOB, the AP 106B may communicate with ESL device 108C and ESL device 108D. In other examples, the APs 106A and 106B may communicate with paired rail controllers in an assigned geographic area. In a first geographic assignment 110A, the AP 106 A may communicate with rail controller 109 A and rail controller 109B; in a second geographic assignment HOB, the AP 106B may communicate with rail controller 109C and rail controller 109D. In such examples, each rail controller 109A-109D may communicate (e.g., via a rail) with one or more ESL devices (e.g., electrically coupled to the rail). The first and second communication networks may be different networks. In some embodiments, the first communication network for communication between the AP 106A and the gateway node 120 is a Wi-Fi network, and the second communication network for communication between the AP 106A and the ESL device 108 A and / or communication between the AP 106A and the rail controller 109A is a Bluetooth network.

[0054] Bluetooth technology provides a secure way to connect and exchange information between electronic devices, such as smartphones, other cellular phones, headphones, earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, wearables, and / or shelf labels. Bluetooth communications may include establishing wireless personal area networks (PANs) (also referred to as “ad hoc” or “peer-to-peer” networks). These ad hoc networks are commonly called “piconets.” Each device may belong to multiple piconets. Multiple interconnected piconets may be called scatternets. A scatternet may be formed when a member of a first piconet elects to participate in a second piconet. In the example of Figure 1, the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A may be in a piconet with the AP 106A.

[0055] Because many of the services offered over Bluetooth can expose private data or allow the connecting party to control the connected device, Bluetooth networks may have devicesfirst establish a “trust relationship” before they are allowed to communicate private data to one another. This trust relationship may be established using a process referred to as “pairing,” in which a bond is formed between two devices. This bond enables the devices to communicate with each other in the future without further authentication. The ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A may be bonded in such a manner to the AP 106A. The pairing process may be triggered automatically each time the device is powered on or moved within a certain distance of another Bluetooth device. Pairing information relating to current and previously established pairings may be stored in a paired device list (PDL) in the memory of the Bluetooth device, such as the ESL device 108 A, the rail controller 109A, and / or the AP 106A. This pairing information may include a name field, an address field, a link key field, and other similar fields (such as “profile” type) useful for authenticating the device or establishing a Bluetooth communication link. The pairing information may allow the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A to reconnect to the AP 106 A automatically when, for example, power loss causes the ESL system 100 to reset.

[0056] A Bluetooth “profile” describes general behaviors through which Bluetooth-enabled devices communicate with other Bluetooth devices. For example, the hands free profile (HFP) describes how a Bluetooth device (such as a smartphone) may place and receive calls for another Bluetooth device, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) describes how stereo-quality audio may be streamed from a first Bluetooth device (such as a smartphone) to another Bluetooth device (such as an earbud). The ESL devices 108A- 108D and / or the rail controllers 109A-109D may be configured with an Electronic Shelf Label Profile compliant with the Electronic Shelf Label Profile vl.O dated March 28, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein. The ESL Profile may specify how the AP 106A may use one or more ESL Services exposed by the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109 A.

[0057] The management server 122 may be implemented as a database (DB) server that stores and manages product information regarding products displayed in a distribution store. The management server 122 may store a variety of information used during the operation of a store, as well as product information. Furthermore, the management server 122 may write and manage command messages that are used to carry out various functions such as the synchronization, updating, and alteration of product information displayed on the ESL devices 108A-108D. The management server 122 may be provided with a database for the ESL devices 108A-108D, product information displayed on the ESL devices 108A-108D, and / or the rail controllers 109A-109D. That is, the management server 122 may be provided with a database that stores identification information relating to ESL devices 108A-108D and / or the rail controllers 109A-109D in connection with product information displayed on a corresponding one of the ESL devices 108A-108D and / or the rail controllers 109A-109D.

[0058] A command message, created by the management server 122 (e.g., a product-information change message or a management-information acquisition message) can be transferred to the gateway node using a message packaged into a packet suitable for a communication scheme used with the gateway node 120, and transfer the configured packet. Furthermore, the management server 122 may receive a reception acknowledgement message, sent from the gateway node 120, through the communication scheme, convert the received message into a message receivable by the management server 122, and transfer the converted message. Examples of messages communicated through the gateway node 120 may include various messages relating to selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning, such as configurations, measurement requests, transmission requests, and / or measurements.

[0059] Although only one gateway node 120 is shown in the ESL system 100, there may be several such gateway nodes communicating with the management server 122. Each gateway node 120 analyzes data received from the management server 122 confirming the presence or absence of a message or data, which is to be sent to the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A, and then sends the confirmed message or data to the corresponding ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109 A. The gateway node 120 may configure a message, which is to be sent to the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109 A, into a packet according to a communication scheme and send the configured packet to the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A through commanding the AP 106 A to transmit the packet. Furthermore, the gateway node 120 may transfer a reception acknowledgement message received from the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109A through the AP 106A to the management server 122.

[0060] The ESL devices 108A-108D may include a plurality of ESL devices 108A-108D displaying data concerning product information received from the gateway node 120. The ESL devices 108A-108D displaying product information associated with products may be attached to the shelving. One example layout of an ESL system 100 is shown across multiple gondolas 112A-112H. Each of the gondolas 112A-112H may include one or more shelves, to which the ESL devices 108A-108D are attached. The ESL devise 108 A-108D may be configured as shown as a wireless device 400, for example, in Figure 4, with the microcontroller configured to perform operations as a wireless device described with reference to Figure 7 and / or Figure 11.

[0061] The rail controllers 109A-109D may control ESL devices 108A-108D. For example, a rail controller 109 A may be connected to a rail on which one or more ESL devices 108 A may be placed and provide power and data to the one or more ESL devices 108 A via the rail. In such examples, the one or more ESL devices 108 A may not necessarily contain a battery but be powered by the rail controller 109A via the rail. Also, the one or more ESL devices 108 A may not necessarily contain wireless radios to wirelessly transmit or receive data but transmit or receive data to or from the rail controller 109 A via the rail. The rail controller 109A-109D may be configured as shown as a wireless device 400, for example, in Figure 4, with the microcontroller configured to perform operations as a wireless device described with reference to Figure 7 and / or Figure 11.

[0062] In some embodiments, a video monitoring system may be included as part of ESL system 100 or used to augment the capabilities of the ESL system 100. For example, shelf cameras 104A-104D may be positioned with a field of view that captures one or more shelves of one or more of the gondolas 112A-112H. The shelf cameras 104A-104D may be used to assist in tracking stock levels and / or identifying items picked by users while in the environment. As another example, over-the-top (OTT) cameras 102A-102D may be positioned with a field of view capturing large regions of an environment of the ESL system 100. Object recognition systems may be applied to received image frames from the cameras 102A-102D or 104A-104D to determine a presence of, or count of, objects and humans in the field of view of a respective camera.

[0063] The OTT cameras 102A-102D may be used to support determination of a position of an ESL device 108A-108D, user mobile device, or other devices within the environment. A target device 130, such as a mobile device or an electronic tag supporting Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), may traverse the environment and communicate with the ESL devices 108A-108D and / or the rail controllers 109A-109D.

[0064] The target device 130 may perform operations relating to subset wireless device selection for target device positioning according to concepts of the present disclosure. In some examples, the target device 130 may receive identification information from the ESL devices 108A-108D, with the location of the ESL devices 108A-D determined by identifying a location of the target device 130 from the camera image frames at the time the target device 130 receives signals, and / or the strength of the signals, received fromthe ESL devices 108A-108D. Additionally or alternatively, the target device 130 may receive identification information from the rail controllers 109A-109D, with the location of the rail controllers 109A-D determined by identifying a location of the target device 130 from the camera image frames at the time the target device 130 receives signals, and / or the strength of the signals, received from the rail controllers 109A-109D. The target device 130 may be configured as shown, for example, in Figure 5, with the microcontroller configured to perform operations described with reference to Figure 7 and / or Figure 11.

[0065] The ESL devices 108A-108D may change price information or be activated or inactivated while communicating with the gateway node 120. A store manager may send the management server 122 a command concerning the synchronization between a product and the ESL device 108 A and / or a command for the correction of information regarding a product assigned to the ESL device 108 A. An example ESL device display is shown in Figure IB, with such a device displaying information including a product description, a product image, a product price, a product barcode, a product rating, a product Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), and / or a product link (e.g., a URL or QR code).

[0066] As described earlier, the environment may include ESL devices organized on gondolas and shelves. One example illustration of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2A is a perspective view of a gondola with Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) devices and rail controllers according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The gondola 112A may include multiple shelves 202A-202C at different vertical levels from a floor. ESL devices and / or rail controllers may be attached to the shelves 202A-202C. For example, one or more ESL devices 108 A may be attached to a shelf 202A to display information regarding products stocked on shelf 202 A in the vicinity of the ESL Device 108 A. In further examples, one or more ESL devices 108 A may be attached to a rail of a shelf 202 A, and the rail of the shelf 202 A may be connected to a rail controller 109 A.

[0067] The ESL devices may provide information to a shopper or store employee operating in the environment, such as to provide information regarding products and / or assist with location determination of products or the user. Figure 2B is a top-down view of a retail environment with rail controllers and ESL devices accessible to a user according to some embodiments of the disclosure. A user pushing a shopping cart 212 through an aisle may use ESL devices and / or rail controllers to determine the location of a particular product. For example, a mobile device associated with the shopping cart 212 may guide a user to the location 210 where a desired product is located.

[0068] Communication within the ESL system 100 between an AP and wireless devices (e.g., ESL devices and / or rail controllers) may be performed according to a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme, such as one illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a timing diagram illustrating time division multiplexing for communicating with multiple wireless devices (e.g., ESL1-ESL22) according to some embodiments of the disclosure. An AP, such as AP 106A, may broadcast information that is received by all or some group of wireless devices, including the ESL device 108 A and / or the rail controller 109 A, during a first time period, such as time period 302, 306, etc. The wireless devices may communicate with the AP during subsequent time periods. For example, a first wireless device, such as the ESL device 108 A or the rail controller 109 A, may transmit in time period 304 A, with other wireless devices transmitting in time periods 304B-304K. In ESL systems with significant numbers of wireless devices, the wireless devices may be configured to communicate in different groups. For example, wireless devices 1-11 (e.g., ESL1-ESL11) may be configured to transmit to the AP during a first time cycle (e.g., time periods 302 and 304A-304K) and wireless devices 12-22 (e.g., ESL12-ESL22) may be configured to transmit to the AP during a second time cycle (e.g., time periods 306 and 308A-308K). The first and second time cycles may alternate during operation of the wireless network.

[0069] wireless devices operable within the environment may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in the disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless device 400 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. A wireless device 400 may include the ESL device 108A-D, the rail controller 109A-109D, a wireless radio, or any other suitable wireless device. The wireless device 400 may include a low-power microcontroller 410. Although functionality for the wireless device may be configured by the microcontroller 410 in embodiments of the disclosure, any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) may be used to perform the functions described according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0070] The microcontroller 410 may include a memory 416. The memory 416 may store computer program code that causes a microprocessor 414 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of the disclosure. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 410, the memory 416 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 410. The microcontroller 410 may also include one or more wireless radio(s) 412. The wireless radios 412 may include, for example, aBluetooth wireless radio including a front end that couples to antenna 408 for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals at one or more frequencies in one or more frequency bands. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 410 is a System on Chip (SoC) in which two or more components of the wireless radio(s) 412, the microprocessor 414, and / or the memory 416 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0071] The wireless device 400 may include I / O devices, such as a notification LED 402 and / or an electronic display 404. The notification LED 402 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), or other light sources configured to flashlight of one or more colors. The notification LED may be triggered to blink at a specific time and / or with a specific color based on a command received from the gateway node 120. For example, a notification LED 402 may blink to attract a user’s attention to a particular location on a shelf. The electronic display 404 may be, for example, an electronic-ink (e-Ink) display configured to output the product information.

[0072] The wireless device 400 may couple to a battery 406 or other power source to power operations performed by the wireless device 400, such as to operate the wireless radio(s) 412, the notification LED 402, the electronic display 404, the memory 416, and / or the microprocessor 414. The battery 406 may allow placement of the wireless device 400 in a place where constant power supply is difficult. Thus, in order that a single battery charge provides a long period of use (e.g., lasting longer than several years), the wireless device 400 may be configured to reduce power consumption during times when frequent commands are not expected. For example, the wireless device 400 may operate using a wakeup communication scheme. That is, the wireless device 400 wakes up according to predetermined time intervals to determine whether data is waiting to be received. When no data is waiting, power to the wireless device 400 is turned off until the next wakeup period to reduce power consumption. When there is data to be received, the wireless device 400 wakes up to perform communication operations.

[0073] Target devices operable within the environment may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in the disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example target device 130 operable within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. A target device may be a device on a certain asset (e.g., RF identification (RFID), loT tag, electronic tracking tag (collectively referred toherein as “eTags”)) or an electronic device (e.g., an ESL device, wireless radio, smartphone, other cellular phone, headphone, earbud, smartwatch, laptop, tablet, wearable, shopping cart information device, inventory management unit).

[0074] The target device 130 may include a microcontroller 510. Although functionality for the target device 130 may be configured by the microcontroller 510 in embodiments of the disclosure, any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) may be used to perform the functions described according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0075] The microcontroller 510 may include a memory 516. The memory 516 may store computer program code that causes a microprocessor 514 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of the disclosure. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 510, the memory 516 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 510.

[0076] The microcontroller 510 may also include one or more wireless radios 512. The wireless radio 512 may include, for example, a cellular wireless radio, Wi-Fi wireless radio, and / or a Bluetooth wireless radio including one or more front ends that couple to antenna 508 for transmitting and receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies in one or more frequency bands. Although shown as part of the microcontroller 510, the wireless radio 512 may be located internal to or external to the microcontroller 510. For example, the wireless radio 512 and / or the antenna 508 utilized in operation of examples of the target device 130 may be provided separate from the mobile device and coupled thereto for supporting wireless communication by the mobile device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 510 is a SoC in which two or more components of the wireless radio 512, the microprocessor 514, and / or the memory 516 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0078] The target device 130 may include VO devices 502, such as input components, display, and / or audio components. The input components may be, for example, one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a digitizing tablet, a sensor, or other input device configured to accept various inputs, such as from a user and / or an environment in which the target device 130 is operating. The display may be, for example, one or more of a LCD display, a touchscreen display, an image projector, a heads-up display, augmented reality (AR) glasses, or other display configured to output information. In some examples, an input component of input components and a display of display may be integrated, such as in a touchscreen implementation, a user view controlled AR glasses implementation, etc. Theaudio components may be, for example, one or more of a speaker, a microphone, a piezoelectric transducer, or other device configured output sound energy, such as instructions, directions, alerts, etc. and / or provide inputs from sound energy, such as verbal commands, sounds within the environment, etc. In some examples, an audio component of audio components may operate as an input component of input components.

[0079] The target device 130 may couple to a battery 506 or other power source to power operations performed by the target device 130, such as to operate the wireless radio 512, the I / O devices 502, the memory 516, and / or the microprocessor 514. The battery 506 may allow operation of the target device 130 without constant power supply, such as to support mobile operation within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100.

[0080] In some examples, the target device 130 may have limited electrical components without the VO devices 502 or a component of the microcontroller 510 to decode beacons. In such examples, the target device 130 may transmit beacons and may not decode beacons. In other examples, the target device 130 may include the VO devices 502 and a component of the microcontroller 510 to decode beacons.

[0081] At least one infrastructure node operable within the ESL network environment may include components configured together to provide some or all of the functionality described in the disclosure and / or provide additional functionality. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example infrastructure node 600 operable within the ESL network environment of ESL system 100 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. An infrastructure node 600 may include an ESL AP 106, a management server 122, an edge server, and / or any other suitable network device to communicate with the wireless devices 400 and / or the target device 130.

[0082] The infrastructure node 600 may include a controller 610 using any single or combination of processors (e.g., at least one processor) to perform the functions described according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0083] The controller 610 may include a memory 616. The memory 616 may store computer program code that causes a processor 614 to execute operations that carry out some or all of the functionality described in embodiments of the disclosure. Although shown as part of the controller 610, the memory 616 may be located internal to or external to the controller 610.

[0084] The controller 610 may also include one or more wireless radios 612. The wireless radio 612 may include, for example, a cellular wireless radio, Wi-Fi wireless radio, and / or aBluetooth wireless radio including one or more front ends that couple to antenna 608 for transmitting and receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies in one or more frequency bands. Although shown as part of the controller 610, the wireless radio 612 may be located internal to or external to the controller 610. For example, the wireless radio 612 and / or the antenna 608 utilized in operation of examples of the infrastructure node 600 may be provided separate from the infrastructure node and coupled thereto for supporting wireless communication by the infrastructure node.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller 610 is a SoC in which two or more components of the wireless radio 612, the processor 614, and / or the memory 616 are included in a single semiconductor package. In some embodiments, the two or more components may be included on a single semiconductor die.

[0086] The infrastructure node 600 may include I / O devices, such as one or more network interfaces 606. A network interface 606 may, for example, be one or more of a local area network (LAN) interface, a wide area network (WAN) interface, a backhaul interface, an intranet interface, an internet interface, or other communication interface for communication of data and / or control information.

[0087] The infrastructure node 600 may couple to a power source (e.g., a battery or mains supplied power) to power operations performed by the infrastructure node 600, such as to operate the wireless radio 612, the network interface 606, the memory 616, and / or the processor 614.

[0088] Figure 7 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example communication session for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The communication session shows communications among the infrastructure node 600, the wireless devices 400, and the target devices 130 for selecting a subset of wireless devices 400 for target device positioning. In some examples, the communication session may include an initial time duration 702, a first time duration 704, and a second time duration 706. In each time duration, the infrastructure node 600 may configure a set of wireless devices and determine the location of one or more target devices 130. Each time duration may be a suitable time duration (e.g., milliseconds, seconds, or minutes) and may be the same or different. For example, the initial time duration 702 may be shorter than the first time duration 704, which is shorter than the second time duration 706. In some examples, the first time duration 704 may be several times longer than the initial time duration. For example, the initial time duration 702 may be 1.6 seconds while the first time duration 704 may be 8 seconds andthe second time duration 706 may be 8 seconds or 16 seconds. Also, the time durations can be periodic. For example, a periodic time duration may include all three time durations 702, 704, 706. In some examples, a periodic time duration may include the initial time duration 702 and the first time duration 704. In further examples, a periodic time duration may include the first time duration 704 and the second time duration 706. In other examples, any combination of the initial, first, and second time durations 702, 704, 706 may be repeated. Although three time durations are shown, the position location operation of Figure 7 may terminate after any one of the three time durations or include further selection of wireless device subsets for measurements.

[0089] In some examples, the communication session may additionally or alternatively include communications of ESL information of products to be displayed to customers using ESL devices. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit ESL information to the wireless devices 400 to provide ESL information of products to customers. When the wireless device 400 is an ESL device 108 A, the ESL device 108 A may receive the ESL information of a product and display the ESL information to customers. When the wireless device 400 is a rail controller 109 A, the rail controller 109 A may receive the ESL information from the infrastructure node 600 and transmit to an ESL device 108 A to provide the ESL information of a product to customers. Thus, the wireless devices 400 may be used in ESL information provision to customers and / or target device positioning as described below.

[0090] During the initial time duration 702, the infrastructure node 600 may configure wireless devices 400 and determine a location of a first target device based on initial measurements measured by the wireless devices 400 for a beacon signal transmitted from the first target device.

[0091] At step 708, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit at least one initial configuration to the wireless devices 400 to configure the wireless devices 400. For example, Figure 8 is a diagram to show wireless devices 400 for target device positioning. In Figure 8, the infrastructure node 600 may wirelessly communicate with the wireless devices 400 to determine a location of the first target device 130A. In some examples, the wireless devices 400 may all be wireless devices, which are able to communicate with the infrastructure node 600. For example, each wireless device may be a wireless device paired with the infrastructure node 600. In other examples, the wireless devices 400 may be included in a superset of wireless devices. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the wireless devices 400 among the superset of wireless devices 400 invarious techniques (e.g., using statistics of first target device locations, empirical data, pairing information among the first target device 130A, infrastructure node, and / or wireless devices 400, and / or any other suitable technique or information). Because the infrastructure node 600 does not know the initial location of the first target device 130A, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a sufficient number of wireless devices 400 to be used for target device positioning. In some scenarios, when the total number of wireless devices is 500 wireless devices as the superset, the infrastructure node 600 may determine 100 wireless devices. The total number of wireless devices in the superset and the number of the wireless devices are example numbers and may be different.

[0092] The at least one initial configuration may include information to configure at least one wireless device to measure signal(s) transmitted from the first target device 130A and / or communicate with the infrastructure node 600. For example, the initial configuration may indicate a time period by specifying a start and end time or a start time and duration for signal measurements. In some examples, the initial configuration may configure a wireless device to measure one or more signals for a time period (e.g., a start and end times or a start time with a duration) indicated by the initial configuration. In other examples, the initial configuration may include two separate initial configurations. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit a start measurement configuration to configure a wireless device to start measurements and a stop measurement configuration to configure a wireless device to stop measuring. In some examples, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit an initial configuration to each wireless device or one or more initial configurations to all wireless devices.

[0093] At step 710 of Figure 7, the wireless devices 400 may receive a beacon signal from the first target device 130A. In some examples, the first target device 130A may periodically transmit the beacon signal. The beacon signal may include a radio signal, ultrasonic signal, optical signal, laser signal or any other suitable signal to be used to determine the proximity or location of the first target device 130A. In some examples, the beacon signal may be an omnidirectional signal to be received by the wireless devices 400. In other examples, the beacon signal may be a directional signal to be received by the wireless devices 400. In further examples, the wireless devices 400 may receive the beacon signal, which is periodically transmitted by the first target device 130A, in the time period indicated by the at least one initial configuration. Other wireless devices in the superset different from the wireless devices 400 may not receive the beacon signal because theother wireless devices are not configured by the at least one initial configuration to receive the beacon signal.

[0094] At step 712, the wireless devices 400 may measure the beacon signal to determine initial measurements. For example, each wireless device 400 may measure the signal strength of the beacon signal to determine an initial measurement. The initial measurement may indicate a signal strength level using an RSSI, a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), a Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), a Signal to Noise plus Interference Ratio (SNIR), a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), an Arbitrary Strength Unit (ASU), or any other suitable signal strength indicator. In some examples, the initial measurement may be an average signal strength level of the initial beacon signal periodically received during the time period indicated by the at least one initial configuration. In other examples, the initial measurement may be a representative signal strength level, a mean signal strength level, a median signal strength level, or any other suitable signal strength level of the beacon signal during the time period indicated by the at least one initial configuration.

[0095] At step 714, the wireless devices 400 may transmits the initial measurements to the infrastructure node 600. Similarly, the infrastructure node 600 may receive the initial measurements from the wireless devices 400. Thus, for one of the wireless devices 400 that is close to the first target device 130A, the measurement of the beacon signal for that wireless device may indicate a strong signal strength. For example, a measurement of a wireless device, which is close to the first target device 130A, may indicate a high signal strength level while another measurement of another wireless device, which is not close to the first target device 130A, may indicate a low signal strength level. In some examples, the wireless devices 400 may transmit the initial measurements to the infrastructure node 600 based on the at least one initial configuration. For example, each wireless device may transmit an initial measurement in a different time slot indicated by the at least one initial configuration. In other examples, each wireless device may transmit an initial measurement to the infrastructure node 600 after the wireless device determines the initial measurement.

[0096] At step 716, the infrastructure node 600 may determine an initial location of the target device 130 based on the initial measurements 712. For example, RSSI measurements as the initial measurements may be used to determine the initial location of the first target device 130A. In some scenarios, RSSI measurements for target device positioning may be used when the wireless devices 400 are low-cost devices having limited or rudimentaryfunctionality (e.g., a device which cannot perform time of arrival (ToA) or angle of arrival (AoA) measurements that require advanced processing capability). In another example, RS SI measurement techniques may be used for position estimation in situations in which wireless devices performing operation facilitating position determinations do not support timing measurements (e.g., legacy versions of WiFi APs that do not support two-way ranging using ToA measurements). Although one RSSI measurement may not provide an accurate location of the target device 130, multiple RSSI measurements may increase the accuracy (e.g., sub-meter accuracy) of the target device position estimation. In other examples, RSSI measurements may be used when the wireless devices 400 are not low- cost devices or support timing measurements. Additionally or alternatively, other measurements may be used for target device positioning.

[0097] According to an example RSSI measurement technique, ri > n > . . . rv may denote the RSSI measurements or values, in descending order, for N wireless devices (e.g., the wireless devices 400) having fixed or known positions performing RSSI measurements or transmitting RSSI measurements with respect to the first target device 130A. A location (P) of the first target device 130A may be given, as shown in equation (1) below, by the weighted average of the wireless device positions, wherein the weights are a function of the RSSI values.In the example target device location determination of equation (1), N represents the number of the wireless devices (e.g., the wireless devices 400) whose RSSI measurements or values are used in the computation, and wk are the weighted average for the wireless device positions. In some examples, the weights for wk may be proportional to the RSSI. For example, the stronger RSSI may have a higher weight.

[0098] During the first time duration 704, the infrastructure node 600 may select and configure a first set of wireless devices 400 and determine a first location of the first target device 130A based on first measurements measured by the first set of wireless devices 400. During the first time duration 704, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the first location of the first target device 130A using a fewer number of wireless devices than the wireless devices 400 in the initial time duration 702 without substantially losing the accuracy of the target device positioning.

[0099] At step 718, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a first set of wireless devices 400. Referring again to Figure 8, the first set 400A may be a subset of the wireless devices400. The first set 400A of wireless devices 400 may be determined using various techniques. In some examples, the first set 400A may be determined by selecting nodes with the top measurements of the initial measurements. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a number of highest measurements (e.g., highest RSSI values) among the initial measurements and determine the first set 400A based on the determined number of highest measurements. In such examples, the first set 400A of wireless devices 400 may have higher RSSI values than other RSSI values in the initial measurements measured by the wireless devices 400. Additionally or alternatively, the infrastructure node 600 may apply additional criterion such as to not include in the first set 400A certain wireless devices that have measurements below an RSSI threshold.

[0100] In further examples, the first set 400A of wireless devices 400 may be determined based on a distance between the location of the first target device 130A (i.e., determined by the initial measurements) and another location of the first target device 130A (i.e., determined by each subset of the initial measurements). For example, the infrastructure node 600 may determine an initial location (e.g., po) of the first target device 130A (e.g., determined at step 716). Then, the infrastructure node 600 may determine multiple subsets (e.g., C number of combinations of subsets of the wireless devices 400) of the wireless devices 400 and determine a distance (e.g., pcwhere c G C) between each location of the first target device 130A determined by measurements measured by each subset and the initial location of the first target device 130A. In such examples, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a subset (i.e., the first set 400A) when the distance between the initial location and the location determined by the first set 400A is shorter than distances of other subsets of wireless devices 400.

[0101] In some examples, the first set 400A may be determined based on equation (2) below. First set of wireless devices = arg min||pc— p0|| (2) c e cIn the example subset selection equation (2), C represents the number wireless devices 400, cthis a subset of the wireless devices, po is the initial location of the first target device 130A determined by the initial measurements measured by wireless devices, and pcis the location of the first target device 130A determined by the subset measurements measured by cthsubset of wireless devices. The subset of wireless devices having the shortest distance may be the first set 400A of wireless devices 400. Additionally or alternatively, the infrastructure node 600 may remove certain wireless devices in a subset of wireless devices 400. For example, when a wireless device of the subset is greater than a thresholddistance from the centroid of the locations of the wireless devices in the subset, the wireless device may be removed from the subset (e.g., the first set 400A of wireless device 400). In such examples, the infrastructure node 600 may remove an outlier wireless device that is not located in an area including the remaining wireless devices in the subset. In other examples, when a wireless device of a subset is greater than a threshold distance from the initial location of the target device 130, the wireless device may be removed from the subset. Additionally or alternatively, the infrastructure node 600 may remove certain wireless devices in the wireless devices 400 based on the distance from the initial location of the target device when the infrastructure node 600 determines the first set 400A.

[0102] In further examples, the infrastructure node 600 may determine other locations of other target devices and select other subsets of the wireless devices using steps 708-716. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may determine or select a second set of wireless devices 400 based on measurements measured by the wireless devices 400 for another beacon signal transmitted from a second target device. Referring again to Figure 8, the second set 400B may be a subset of the wireless devices 400. The infrastructure node 600 may determine a second location of the second target device 130B based on the measurements measured at the wireless devices 400 for another beacon signal.

[0103] Steps 720-728 are similar to steps 708-716, respectively, except that steps 720-728 are associated with the first set 400A of wireless devices 400 while steps 708-716 are associated with the wireless devices 400. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit at least one first configuration to the first set 400A of wireless devices 400 at step 720. The at least one first configuration may be determined similarly to the determination in step 708, but result in a smaller subset of wireless devices that are configured to perform measurements. Then, the first set 400A may receive the beacon signal at step 722, determine first measurements at step 724, and transmit the first measurements to the infrastructure node 600 at step 726. The infrastructure node 600 may receive a first measurement from each wireless device of the first set 400A. A first measurement at steps 724 and 726 may be similar to an initial measurement at step 712 and 714. In further examples, the infrastructure node 600 may receive second measurements from the second set 400B of wireless devices 400 for the second target device 130B. For example, the second set 400B may receive another beacon signal transmitted from the second target device 130B and determine the second measurements, which are transmitted to the infrastructure node 600.

[0104] In some examples, steps 708-728 of the initial time duration 702 and the first time duration 704 may be repeated. In the first time duration 704, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the first location of the first target device 130A using the first set 400 A, which is fewer than the wireless devices 400. Thus, the power for other wireless devices than the first set 400A in the wireless devices 400 can be conserved in the first time duration 704. Additionally or alternatively, the power for other wireless devices can be further saved such that the first time duration 704 may be longer than the initial time duration 702. In other examples, the power for the wireless devices 400 can be even further saved using the second time duration 706 as described below.

[0105] During the second time duration 706, the infrastructure node 600 may configure a common set of wireless devices 400 and determine a revised first location of the first target device 130A and a revised second location of the second target device 130B based on third measurements measured by the common set of wireless devices 400. During the second time duration 706, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the revised first and second locations of the first and second target devices 130A, 130B, respectively, using shared wireless devices than the first set 400A and / or second set of wireless devices 400 while maintaining a desired accuracy for positioning the target device.

[0106] At step 730, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a common set of wireless devices 400 based on the first set 400 A and the second set 400B. For example, the common set of wireless devices 400 may be at least one wireless device to measure beacon signals from both of the first target device 130A and the second target device 130B. The common set may be fewer wireless devices than the combination of the first set 400A and the second set 400B, the first set 400A, or the second set 400B of the wireless devices 400.

[0107] In some examples, the common set of wireless devices 400 may be determined based on a convex hull of the first set 400A and the second set 400B of the wireless devices 400. For example, the convex hull of the first set 400 A and the second set 400B may indicate a set of wireless devices, which encompass both of the first set 400A and the second set. In some scenarios, the convex hull of the first set 400A and the second set may be a minimum number of wireless devices to encompass all wireless devices of the first and second sets 400 A, 400B. For example, when the wireless devices of the convex hull are imaginarily connected to form a geometric shape, the geometric shape of the convex hull 400C may encompass all wireless devices of the first set 400 A and the second set 400B. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example convex hull 400C of first and second sets of wireless devices 400. For example, the first set 400A may be located at (2,0, 2), (2, 0, 3), (2, 0, 4), (2, 1, 2), (2, 1, 3), and (2, 1, 4), in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system while the second set 400B may be located at (4, 0, 2), (4, 0, 3), (4, 0, 4), (4, 1, 2), (4, 1, 3), and (4, 1, 4). In such examples, the convex hull 400C of the first and second sets 400 A, 400B may include a set of wireless devices (e.g., (2, 1, 4), (2, 1,2), (4, 1, 4), (4, 1, 2), (2, 0, 4), (2, 0, 2), (4, 0, 4), (4, 0, 2)) that forms a cube or cuboid. The cube or cuboid may encompass all wireless devices of the first and second sets 400A, 400B.

[0108] In other examples, the common set of wireless devices 400 may be determined based on at least one centroid of the first set 400A and the second set 400B of the wireless devices 400. For example, at least one centroid may include at least one wireless device, which is located between the first set 400 A and the second set 400B. In some scenarios, at least one centroid may include at least one wireless device, which is located at the center in x axis, y axis, and / or z axis between at least one wireless device of the first set 400A and at least one wireless device of the second set 400B. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating at least one example centroid 400D of first and second sets of wireless devices 400. For example, the first set 400A may be located at (2, 0, 2), (2, 0, 3), (2, 0, 4), (2, 1,2), (2, 1, 3), and (2, 1, 4) in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system while the second set 400B may be located at (4, 0, 2), (4, 0, 3), (4, 0, 4), (4, 1, 2), (4, 1, 3), and (4, 1, 4). In such examples, at least one centroid 400D of the first and second sets 400 A, 400B may include one or more wireless devices in the middle or at the center in the x axis between the first set 400 A and the second set 400B. In such examples, the at least one centroid 400D of the first and second sets 400 A, 400B may be located at (3, 1, 2), (3, 1,3), (3, 1, 4), (3, 0, 2), (3, 0, 3), and (3, 0, 4). The centroid located at (3, 1, 2) may be at the center between (2, 1, 2) and (4, 1, 2). Similarly, other centroids located at (3, 1, 3), (3, 1,4), (3, 0, 2), (3, 0, 3), and (3, 0, 4) may be at the centers between (2, 1, 3) and (4, 1, 3), between (2, 1, 4) and (4, 1, 4), between (2, 0, 2) and (4, 0, 2), between (2, 0, 3) and (4, 0, 3), and between (2, 0, 4) and (4, 0, 4), respectively.

[0109] At step 732, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit at least one second configuration to the common set of wireless devices 400. The at least one second configuration may be determined in a manner similar to the at least one first configuration at step 720. In some examples, the at least one second configuration may include a configuration for the first target device 130A and another configuration for the second target device 130B. For example, the configuration for the first target device 130A may configure the common set to receive and measure a beacon signal from the first target device 130A, and anotherconfiguration may configure the common set to receive and measure another beacon signal from the second target device 13 OB. In other examples, the at least one configuration may configure the common set to receive and measure beacon signals from the first target device 130A and the second target device 13 OB.

[0110] At step 734, the common set of wireless devices 400 may receive a beacon signal from the first target device 130A and another beacon signal from the second target device 130B. Receiving a beacon signal at step 734 is similar to step 710 or 722 except that at step 734, the common set receives multiple beacon signals from multiple target devices.[OHl] At step 736, the common set may measure the beacon signals from the first target device 130A and the second target device 130B to determine the third measurements based on the at least second configuration. In some examples, the third measurements may include measurements of the beacon signal transmitted from the first target device 130A and measurements of another beacon signal transmitted from the second target device 130B. A third measurement of a wireless device in the common set may be similar to the initial measurement at step 712 or the first measurement at step 724.

[0112] At step 738, the infrastructure node 600 may receive the third measurements from the common set of wireless devices 400 based on the at least one second configuration. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may receive a third measurement for the first target device 130A and another third measurement for the second target device 130B from each wireless device in the common set.

[0113] At step 740, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a revised first location of the first target device 130A and a revised second location of the second target device 130B based on the third measurements. For example, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the revised first location of the first target device 130A based on a first subset of the third measurements for the beacon signal transmitted from the first target device 130A. Also, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the revised second location of the second target device 130B based on a second subset of third measurements for another beacon signal transmitted from the second target device 130B.

[0114] In some examples, steps 708-740 of the initial time duration 702, the first time duration 704, and the second time duration 706 may be repeated. In the first time duration 704, the infrastructure node 600 may determine the location of the first target device 130A using the first set 400A, which is fewer than the wireless devices 400. Then, in the second time duration 706, the infrastructure node 600 may estimate locations of multiple target devices using the common set, which is fewer than the combination of the first set andthe second set. Thus, the power for other wireless devices than the common set in the wireless devices 400 can be conserved in the second time duration 706. Additionally or alternatively, the power for other wireless devices can be further saved such that the second time duration 706 may be longer than the first time duration 704.

[0115] Figure 11 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example communication session for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Steps in Figure 11 are similar to steps in Figure 7 except that in Figure 11, the target device measures beacon signals transmitted from wireless devices and transmit the measurements to the infrastructure node 600. In such examples, the target device may have a processor, which is able to measure at least one beacon signal from at least one wireless device. Then, the target device may transmit measurements of the wireless devices to the infrastructure node 600 or determine its own location of the target device base on the measurements. In some examples, the infrastructure node 600 may perform operations in Figure 11 the same as operations in Figure 7.

[0116] In the initial time duration, the infrastructure node 600 may transmit at least one initial configuration to the wireless devices 400. The at least one initial configuration may be at least one transmission request configuration. The wireless devices 400 may be configured through the at least one initial configuration and transmit beacon signals to the first target device 130A. Then, the first target device 130A may receive the beacon signals from the wireless devices 400 and determine initial measurements of the beacon signals. The first target device 130A may transmit the initial measurements to the infrastructure node 600. The infrastructure node 600 may receive the initial measurements from the first target device 130A, wherein the initial measurements correspond to the wireless devices 400. The infrastructure node 600 may determine a first location of the first target device 130A based on the initial measurements.

[0117] In the first time duration, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a first set 400A of wireless devices based on the initial measurements and transmit at least one first configuration to the first set 400A. The at least one first configuration may be at least one transmission request configuration to configure the first set 400A to transmit beacon signals to the first target device 130A. The first set 400A may receive the at least one first configuration from the infrastructure node 600, which may be in the format of start / end or start / duration which fills in a time period to transmit the beacon signals. Then, the first target device 130A may measure the beacon signals from the first set 400A to determine first measurements and transmit the first measurements to the infrastructure node 600.

[0118] In the second time duration, the infrastructure node 600 may determine a common set of wireless devices 400 for multiple target devices and transmit at least one second configuration to the common set. The common set may transmit beacon signals based on the at least one second configuration. Then, the first and second target devices 130A, 130B may receive beacon signals from the common set to determine measurements and transmit the measurements to the infrastructure node 600. The infrastructure node 600 may determine revised locations of the first and second target devices 130A, 130B based on the measurements.

[0119] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for selecting a subset of wireless devices for target device positioning according to some embodiments of the disclosure, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Each of the operations described with reference to Figure 12 may be performed by a processor (e.g., the processor 614 of the infrastructure node 600 or any other suitable processor).

[0120] At block 1202, the processor receives multiple first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration. The multiple first measurements may correspond to a first set of multiple electronic shelf label (ESL) wireless devices, which are used to provide ESL information of products to customers. For example, the multiple first measurements may be based on at least one beacon signal transmitted from the first target device to the first set or transmitted from the first set to the target device. Each first measurement may be received from a wireless device of the first set as shown in Figure 7 or may be received from the first target device for a beacon signal transmitted from a wireless device of the first set as shown in Figure 11. In some examples, block 1202 may be similar to step 726 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. For example, the multiple first measurements at block 1202 may be similar to the first measurements at steps 724, 726 in Figure 7 and corresponding steps in Figure 11. The first target at block 1202 may be similar to the first target device 130A in Figures 7-11. The first set at block 1202 may be similar to the first set 400A in Figures 7-11. The multiple wireless devices and the first location at block 1202 may be similar to the wireless devices 400 and the first location of the first target device 130A in Figures 7-11, respectively. Also, the first time duration at block 1202 may be similar to the first time duration 704 in Figures 7 and 11.

[0121] In some examples, during an initial time duration before the first time duration, the processor may receive multiple initial measurements corresponding to the multiple wireless devices. In some scenarios, the receiving of the multiple initial measurements issimilar to step 714 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. In some examples, the first time duration may be longer than the initial time duration. The processor may also determine the first set of the multiple wireless devices based on the multiple initial measurements. The first set may be a proper subset of the multiple wireless devices. In some scenarios, the determining of the first set is similar to step 718 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. The processor may further transmit at least one second configuration to the first set during the first time duration. In some scenarios, the transmitting of the at least one second configuration is similar to step 720 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. The at least second configuration at block 1202 may be similar to the at least one first configuration in Figures 7 and 11. The initial time duration and multiple initial measurements at block 1202 may be similar to the initial time duration 702 and initial measurements in Figures 7 and 11, respectively.

[0122] In some examples, to determine the first set, the processor may determine a predetermined number of highest measurements among the multiple initial measurements and determine the first set of multiple wireless devices based on the predetermined number of highest measurements.

[0123] In other examples, to determine the first set, the processor may determine an initial location of the first target device based on the initial measurements and determine a third location of the first target device based on a measurement set of the multiple initial measurements, the measurement set corresponding to the first set. Then, the processor may determine the first set based on a first distance between the initial location and the third location. The first distance may be shorter than a second distance between the initial location and a fourth location of the target device wherein the fourth location may be determined based on another measurement set of the multiple initial measurements.

[0124] At block 1204, the processor receives multiple second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration. The multiple second measurements may correspond to a second set of the multiple wireless devices. Each second measurement may be received from a wireless device of the first set as shown in Figure 7 or may be received from the first target device for a beacon signal transmitted from a wireless device of the first set as shown in Figure 11. In some examples, block 1204 may be similar to step 726 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11 for the second target device 400B.

[0125] At block 1206, the processor determines a common set of the multiple wireless devices based on the first set and the second set. In some examples, block 1206 may be similar tostep 730 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. In some examples, the common set may be determined based on a convex hull of the first set and the second set. In some examples, the convex hull at block 1206 may be similar to the convex hull 400C in Figure 9. In other examples, the common set may be determined based on at least one centroid of the first set and the second set. In some examples, the at least one centroid at block 1206 may be similar to the at least one centroid 400D in Figure 10.

[0126] At block 1208, the processor configures the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device, such as by transmitting at least one second configuration to the common set of the multiple wireless devices during a second time duration after the first time duration. In some examples, block 1208 may be similar to step 732 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11. In such examples, the at least one first configuration at block 1208 may be similar to the at least one second configuration at step 732 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11.

[0127] At block 1210, the processor receives multiple third measurements from the common set of the multiple wireless devices based on the at least one first configuration during the second time duration. In some examples, block 1210 may be similar to step 738 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11.

[0128] At block 1212, the processor determines a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the multiple third measurements during the second time duration. In some examples, block 1212 may be similar to step 740 in Figure 7 and the corresponding step in Figure 11.

[0129] It is noted that one or more blocks, steps, or operations described with reference to Figures 1-7, 11, and 12 may be combined with one or more blocks, steps, or operations described with reference to another of the figures. For example, one or more blocks, steps, or operations of Figure 12 may be combined with one or more blocks (or operations) of Figures 1-7 and 11.

[0130] In one or more aspects, techniques for supporting ESL systems may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in connection with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, an apparatus is configured to perform operations including: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the pluralityof wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration. In some implementations, the apparatus includes a wireless device, such as an ESL device, a rail controller, an AP, a gateway node, or a server. In some implementations, the apparatus may include at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured to perform operations described herein with respect to the apparatus. In some other implementations, the apparatus may include a non-transitory computer- readable medium having program code recorded thereon and the program code may be executable by a computer for causing the computer to perform operations described herein with reference to the apparatus. In some implementations, the apparatus may include one or more means configured to perform operations described herein. In some implementations, a method of wireless communication may include one or more operations described herein with reference to the apparatus.

[0131] In a second aspect, in combination with the first aspect, the apparatus is further configured to perform the operations further comprising: receiving a plurality of initial measurements corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices during an initial time duration before the first time duration; determining the first set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the plurality of initial measurements, the first set being a proper subset of the plurality of wireless devices; and transmitting at least one second configuration to the first set during the first time duration.

[0132] In a third aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect or the second aspect, the determining of the first set comprises: determining a predetermined number of highest measurements among the plurality of initial measurements; and determining the first setof plurality of wireless devices based on the predetermined number of highest measurements.

[0133] In a fourth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the third aspect, the determining of the first set comprises: determining an initial location of the first target device based on the initial measurements; determining a third location of the first target device based on a measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements, the measurement set corresponding to the first set; and determining the first set based on a first distance between the initial location and the third location, the first distance being shorter than a second distance between the initial location and a fourth location of the target device, the fourth location determined based on another measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements.

[0134] In a fifth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the fourth aspect, the first time duration is longer than the initial time duration.

[0135] In a sixth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the fifth aspect, the common set is determined based on a convex hull of the first set and the second set.

[0136] In a seventh aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the sixth aspect, the common set is determined based on at least one centroid of the first set and the second set.

[0137] In an eighth aspect, in combination with one or more of the first aspect through the seventh aspect, the plurality of first measurements is based on at least one beacon signal transmitted from the first target device to the first set or transmitted from the first set to the target device.

[0138] Components, the functional blocks, and the modules described herein with respect to the figures described above include processors, electronics devices, hardware devices, electronics components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, among other examples, or any combination thereof. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, application, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, among other examples, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or otherwise. In addition, features discussed herein may be implemented via specialized processor circuitry, via executable instructions, or combinations thereof.

[0139] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps 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 present disclosure. Skilled artisans will also readily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods, or interactions that are described herein are merely examples and that the components, methods, or interactions of the various aspects of the present disclosure may be combined or performed in ways other than those illustrated and described herein.

[0140] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, circuits and algorithm processes described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been described generally, in terms of functionality, and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0141] The hardware and data processing apparatus used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip 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. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. In some implementations, a processor may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations,particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.

[0142] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents thereof, or in any combination thereof. Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification also may be implemented as one or more computer programs, that is one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on a computer storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus.

[0143] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. The processes of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor-executable software module which may reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that may be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine readable medium and computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0144] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to some other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shownherein but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0145] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0146] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example processes in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations that are not depicted may be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, some other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0147] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method, comprising: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a plurality of initial measurements corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices during an initial time duration before the first time duration;determining the first set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the plurality of initial measurements, the first set being a proper subset of the plurality of wireless devices; and transmitting at least one second configuration to the first set during the first time duration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining of the first set comprises: determining a predetermined number of highest measurements among the plurality of initial measurements; and determining the first set of plurality of wireless devices based on the predetermined number of highest measurements.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining of the first set comprises: determining an initial location of the first target device based on the initial measurements; determining a third location of the first target device based on a measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements, the measurement set corresponding to the first set; and determining the first set based on a first distance between the initial location and the third location, the first distance being shorter than a second distance between the initial location and a fourth location of the first target device, the fourth location determined based on another measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the first time duration is longer than the initial time duration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the common set is determined based on a convex hull of the first set and the second set.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the common set is determined based on at least one centroid of the first set and the second set.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first measurements is based on at least one beacon signal transmitted from the first target device to the first set or transmitted from the first set to the first target device.

9. An apparatus, comprising: a memory storing processor-readable code; and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set; configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; anddetermining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor configured to execute the processor-readable code to cause the at least one processor to perform the operations further including: receiving a plurality of initial measurements corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices during an initial time duration before the first time duration; determining the first set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the plurality of initial measurements, the first set being a proper subset of the plurality of wireless devices; and transmitting at least one second configuration to the first set during the first time duration.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the determining of the first set comprises: determining a predetermined number of highest measurements among the plurality of initial measurements; and determining the first set of plurality of wireless devices based on the predetermined number of highest measurements.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the determining of the first set comprises: determining an initial location of the first target device based on the initial measurements; determining a third location of the first target device based on a measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements, the measurement set corresponding to the first set; anddetermining the first set based on a first distance between the initial location and the third location, the first distance being shorter than a second distance between the initial location and a fourth location of the first target device, the fourth location determined based on another measurement set of the plurality of initial measurements.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first time duration is longer than the initial time duration.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the common set is determined based on a convex hull of the first set and the second set.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the common set is determined based on at least one centroid of the first set and the second set.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of first measurements is based on at least one beacon signal transmitted from the first target device to the first set or transmitted from the first set to the first target device.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving a plurality of first measurements associated with a first target device to determine a first location of the first target device during a first time duration, the plurality of first measurements corresponding to a first set of a plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices configured to carry or display electronic shelf label (ESL) information; receiving a plurality of second measurements associated with a second target device to determine a second location of the second target device during the first time duration, the plurality of second measurements corresponding to a second set of the plurality of wireless devices; determining a common set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the first set and the second set;configuring the common set of the plurality of wireless devices for a third plurality of measurements associated with the first target device and associated with the second target device during a second time duration after the first time duration; receiving the plurality of third measurements from the common set of the plurality of wireless devices; and determining a revised first location of the first target device and a revised second location of the second target device based on the plurality of third measurements during the second time duration.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the operations further comprising: receiving a plurality of initial measurements corresponding to the plurality of wireless devices during an initial time duration before the first time duration; determining the first set of the plurality of wireless devices based on the plurality of initial measurements, the first set being a proper subset of the plurality of wireless devices; and transmitting at least one second configuration to the first set during the first time duration.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the common set is determined based on a convex hull of the first set and the second set.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the common set is determined based on at least one centroid of the first set and the second set.

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