Dynamic NAN Discovery Window Pre-Association for FTM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless device proximity determination methods are not responsive enough to meet the performance requirements of various applications, as they rely on fixed periodic relationships between Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) discovery windows and Fine-Timing-Measurements (FTM) procedures, limiting the rate and accuracy of range determinations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic pre-association between FTM procedures and NAN discovery windows, where wireless stations can send an indication of an expected discovery window for subsequent FTM communications, allowing for optimized responsiveness and power consumption by coordinating the rate of FTM range measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If fixed periodic relationships between NAN discovery windows and FTM procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but responsiveness and measurement rate are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness of proximity determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of dynamic pre-association coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic pre-association between NAN discovery windows and FTM procedures, allowing the association to be adjusted based on application requirements. The system transitions from fixed periodic relationships to dynamic relationships where discovery windows can be triggered at different rates depending on proximity determination needs, thereby improving responsiveness without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of discovery window triggering rate from fixed to variable. By allowing the triggering rate to be adjusted based on application requirements and proximity conditions, the system achieves higher responsiveness when needed while maintaining lower complexity during stable conditions, effectively resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If higher rate of FTM range measurements is implemented, then measurement precision and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of range determinationVSAvoidpower consumption of wireless device

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the FTM measurement rate based on application requirements and proximity conditions. When high precision is needed, the measurement rate increases; when stability is sufficient, the rate decreases to conserve power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement rate parameter from static to variable, allowing it to be adjusted based on proximity determination needs. By varying the FTM triggering rate, the system achieves high measurement precision when required while reducing power consumption during periods when lower precision is acceptable, effectively balancing these two opposing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed periodic NAN discovery windows are used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to changing proximity needs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to application requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of dynamic discovery window association

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic association between discovery windows and FTM procedures, enabling the system to adapt to changing proximity needs. The discovery windows can be triggered at variable rates based on application requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through structured coordination mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the discovery window parameter from fixed periodic to variable triggering rate. This allows the system to adapt to different application requirements by adjusting the discovery window frequency, achieving high adaptability while controlling complexity through the pre-association framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10757560B2Dynamically associated neighbor awareness networking (NAN) discovery windows for fine timing measurement

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 TAHOE RES LTD

AI summary

Certain embodiments herein relate to a dynamic pre-association between Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) discovery windows and fine timing measurement (FTM) communications. A wireless station may trigger an FTM procedure during a NAN discovery window by the transmission of a NAN Service Discovery Frame (SDF). In addition to the FTM communications, an indication of a discovery window for which a subsequent FTM communication is expected to occur is also transmitted. In some embodiments, an FTM range report may also be transmitted with the indication.