Access Point Update Delivery via WUR and PCR Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication methods in wireless networks with Wake-Up Radio (WUR) modules face latency issues when updating non-AP stations, as they require waiting for all stations to wake up or enter doze mode before applying update information, regardless of their PCR or WUR module states.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using WUR frames and PCR frames to broadcast and unicast update information directly to all non-AP stations, regardless of their wake or doze modes, ensuring immediate application without waiting for station wake-ups or sleep cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the system waits for all non-AP stations to wake up or enter doze mode before applying update information, then power consumption can be managed, but latency increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the update delivery process into two independent paths: one for awake stations (immediate PCR frame delivery) and one for dozing stations (scheduled WUR frame delivery during wake intervals). This segmentation allows updates to be pushed immediately to awake stations without waiting for dozing stations, thereby reducing latency while still providing updates to all stations through their respective appropriate channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system sends update information to all non-AP stations, then all stations receive updates, but latency increases due to waiting for sleeping stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate delivery coverageVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adapts the update delivery mechanism based on the real-time state of each station. For awake stations, updates are delivered immediately via PCR frames. For dozing stations, updates are scheduled for delivery during their wake intervals using WUR frames. This dynamic state-based delivery ensures all stations receive updates (completeness) while minimizing waiting time for each station individually (latency reduction).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3788821B1Communication methods and devices
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 CANON KK
  • EP3788821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3788821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a communication method in a wireless communication network comprising at least one network cell (BSS), each cell comprising at least one station (non-AP) managed by an access point (AP), the method comprising, at the access point: transmitting a Wake-Up radio (WUR) frame to at least one station of the network cell of the access point; transmitting a primary channel radio (PCR) frame including update information, the PCR frame being transmitted to said at least one station of the network cell of the access point.