Ambient Power Device Location via TSF Timestamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating ambient power devices in wireless networks are inaccurate and can impact network efficiency, as conventional approaches like sweeping with radio beams do not provide precise location detection.
Innovation Solution
Utilizes timing synchronization function (TSF)-based timestamping and relay by other network devices to detect the location of ambient power devices, employing beacons for synchronization and processing delays to determine distances and locations accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radio beam sweeping methods are used for location detection, then the system is simple to implement, but the location detection precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical radio beam sweeping method with a timing-based measurement system. Instead of physically moving or scanning radio beams to locate devices, the system uses timestamped message exchanges and processing delay measurements to calculate device positions mathematically, achieving higher precision without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timing synchronization messages and timestamp values as intermediaries between the access point and target devices. These intermediary elements carry timing information that enables precise location calculation without requiring direct physical measurement or complex scanning mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If TSF-based timestamping with multiple network devices is used for location detection, then the location precision is improved, but the airtime and frame processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs timing synchronization as a preliminary action before actual location measurement. By pre-synchronizing the timing synchronization function (TSF) values between the access point and target devices, the system establishes a common time reference that simplifies subsequent location calculations and reduces the time required for actual positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple network devices for location detection, which provides redundant measurements and improved precision. While using more devices increases processing requirements, the system optimizes by selecting a sufficient number of devices rather than requiring all possible devices, achieving the needed precision with manageable overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, methods, and processes for locating ambient power (“AMP”) devices in a wireless network are described herein. In the wireless network, locations of various network devices are known. When an AMP device enters the wireless network, timing synchronization function (“TSF”)-based timestamping and relay by other known network devices of the wireless network are utilized to detect the location of an AMP device in the wireless network. The process includes an AMP device transmitting a message timestamped with AMP's TSF value to the network device, and the network device recording a time-of-arrival of the message using its TSF value. Both the network device and the AMP device are synchronized with a location detector (e.g., an access point) that utilizes these timestamps to detect the location of the AMP device. The TSF time-stamping process is simpler, consumes less airtime, and has lower frame processing complexity than conventional ranging protocols.