Fast R-TWT Scheduling Updates Using Trigger-Frame Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current R-TWT scheduling in CSMA/CA wireless networks fails to address low latency requirements of Real-Time Applications (RTA) due to outdated R-TWT announcements that do not reflect the latest status of member STAs, leading to unsatisfied QoS, latency, jitter, and packet loss.

Innovation Solution

Implement a fast R-TWT update process where the R-TWT scheduling AP transmits a trigger frame to collect and adjust R-TWT scheduling based on updates from STAs, ensuring timely and efficient resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If R-TWT scheduling AP uses traditional broadcast announcement method, then network throughput is maintained, but latency increases and QoS requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS requirement satisfactionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static broadcast announcement mechanism into a dynamic update system. The AP selectively announces R-TWT scheduling information based on actual changes detected through trigger frame interactions with STAs. This dynamic approach ensures QoS requirements are met by providing timely updates while avoiding unnecessary transmissions that would increase latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the AP sends trigger frames to STAs to solicit status information. Based on the feedback received from STAs about their current state and scheduling needs, the AP determines whether to announce updated R-TWT scheduling information. This feedback loop ensures that latency-sensitive traffic receives timely scheduling adjustments while reducing unnecessary broadcasts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If R-TWT scheduling AP announces updates frequently, then latency is reduced and QoS is improved, but network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by announcing R-TWT scheduling updates only when necessary, rather than continuously or excessively frequently. The AP uses trigger frames to check STA status and announces updates only when actual scheduling changes are detected. This partial update approach reduces network overhead and energy consumption while maintaining low latency by providing timely updates when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of energy

If R-TWT scheduling AP waits for STA updates, then network overhead is reduced, but latency increases and responsiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork overheadVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively sending trigger frames to STAs to solicit status information before scheduling decisions need to be made. This preliminary gathering of STA status information enables the AP to quickly determine whether scheduling updates are needed, reducing the overall response time while avoiding continuous monitoring overhead. The trigger frames are sent in advance to prepare for potential scheduling adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12457644B2Fast restricted target wait time update
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US12457644B2 patent drawing
  • US12457644B2 patent drawing
  • US12457644B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Enhanced R-TWT scheduling is performed in which the R-TWT scheduling AP can perform scheduling quickly to react quickly to changes in the network environment and optimize R-TWT scheduling for efficiency and stability. The R-TWT scheduling AP transmits R-TWT trigger frames and is able to collect information from R-TWT scheduled STAs which may affect R-TWT scheduling. The scheduling can take into account that some member STAs may be dozing (asleep) for several beacon intervals and do not wake up for the beacon, then the R-TWT scheduling AP initiates the update of parameters when needed to check on those STAs to determine if any updates are needed. The R-TWT trigger frame can allocate resource units (RU) for R-TWT scheduled STAs to communicate back to the R-TWT scheduling AP.