AP-Assisted TDLS Sensing for Non-Line-of-Sight Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN sensing technologies face challenges in detecting motion, presence, and proximity in environments with non-line-of-sight conditions and limited coverage, especially in residential settings where electromagnetic waves are blocked by walls, leading to reduced sensing accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an AP-assisted TDLS-based sensing mechanism that enables direct link setup between stations (STA) for enhanced sensing coverage, allowing STAs to perform sensing procedures independently, thereby extending sensing range and improving accuracy and reliability by utilizing existing Wi-Fi signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional AP-based WLAN sensing is used, then sensing can be performed within AP coverage area, but sensing coverage is limited and accuracy is reduced in non-line-of-sight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function from the AP by enabling direct STA-STA sensing links. Instead of all sensing passing through the AP, stations can now perform sensing directly between themselves, dividing the sensing task into independent STA-level operations while the AP provides coordination. This segmentation allows sensing to occur outside traditional AP coverage zones while maintaining accuracy through direct measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-mode architecture where the AP acts as an optional intermediary for sensing coordination rather than a mandatory signal path. STAs can use the AP as a mediator for setup and management, but the actual sensing measurements occur directly between STAs through dedicated sensing signals, eliminating the AP as a bottleneck and extending coverage while preserving accuracy.
2Reliability
If direct link between stations is established for sensing, then sensing coverage and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling STAs to autonomously perform sensing measurements directly between themselves without requiring AP involvement in the actual measurement process. STAs independently transmit and receive sensing signals, process measurements, and generate reports, reducing the complexity burden on the AP while improving reliability through direct STA-STA links that are resilient to AP failures or coverage limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensing framework that can operate in multiple modes: AP-coordinated sensing for simplicity, direct STA-STA sensing for extended coverage, and hybrid modes for optimal performance. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios and complexity tolerances, making the direct link capability optional rather than mandatory, thereby managing overall system complexity while providing reliability benefits where needed.
3Ease of operation
If AP coordinates all sensing procedures, then system management is simplified, but sensing response time and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the AP perform upfront coordination tasks such as sensing capability discovery, parameter negotiation, and resource allocation before direct STA-STA sensing begins. Once these preliminary setup activities are complete, STAs can autonomously execute sensing procedures without continuous AP intervention, reducing response time for actual measurements while maintaining manageable system setup through the AP's initial coordination role.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible sensing architecture where the level of AP involvement can adapt based on operational needs. The system can dynamically switch between AP-coordinated modes (for simplified management) and autonomous STA-STA modes (for faster response). This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize the balance between management ease and response time depending on the specific sensing scenario and requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of the disclosure relate to communication methods and apparatuses, an access point, stations and a computer readable medium. An embodiment of the method comprises: determining, at an access point and based on determining that a direct link between stations based sensing procedure is triggered, a first station and a second station associated with the sensing procedure; and transmitting, to at least one of the first station and the second station, a sensing performing request for performing the sensing procedure. In this way, target sensing between non-access-point stations is achieved, such that sensing coverage is extended and a sensing effect is improved.