Fine Timing Measurement Location via AP Intermediaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack efficient and accurate methods for wireless communication devices to determine their location within a wireless communication system, particularly in dense deployments where many devices operate in close proximity, leading to performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A new protocol that enables wireless communication devices to determine their location by receiving and processing Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) related information exchanged between access points (APs), using timestamp information and time of arrival data to calculate differential distances and subsequently their own location, while optimizing power consumption by synchronizing with beacon intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless communication devices use GPS or prior art location methods, then location determination is possible, but accuracy and efficiency are insufficient particularly in dense deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access points (APs) as intermediary devices that facilitate location determination. Instead of direct GPS-based positioning, the client device uses APs as mediators to perform fine timing measurements and calculate location based on signal travel times between APs, improving both accuracy and efficiency in dense wireless deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces GPS satellite-based positioning with a wireless signal-based timing measurement system. By substituting the mechanical/satellite system with wireless communication timing measurements between APs, the system achieves better performance in dense indoor and urban environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable
2Measurement precision
If wireless devices continuously monitor communications for location determination, then location accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location determination based on beacon intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The client device performs fine timing measurements at scheduled intervals when beacons are transmitted, maintaining location accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption by allowing the device to sleep between measurement periods
Solution Approach 2:
The access points autonomously perform fine timing measurements and calculate location information without requiring continuous client device activation. The APs self-service the location determination function by measuring signal travel times and computing differential distances, reducing the energy burden on mobile devices
3Measurement precision
If fine timing measurement transmissions are performed between access points, then location determination accuracy improves in dense deployments, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes access points multi-functional by having them simultaneously perform wireless communication functions and location determination functions. The same AP infrastructure used for data transmission also performs fine timing measurements and provides location services, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location determination system with the existing wireless communication infrastructure. Instead of separate GPS receivers or dedicated positioning systems, the timing measurement and location calculation functions are combined with the standard Wi-Fi access point operations, simplifying the overall system architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves location determination accuracy and efficiency in dense wireless communication environments, reducing power consumption and enhancing performance in next-generation WiFi and WLAN systems by allowing devices to operate more effectively in high-density areas.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless communication device receives a first signal transmitted from a first access point to a second access point during a designated time interval within a beacon interval and captures a time of arrival of the first signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device (WDEV) receives, detects, snoops, etc. (generally, “receives”) signals that are transmitted between two other WDEVs and extracts information therefrom to determine the location of the WDEV. These signals can include fine timing measurement (FTM) and/or timestamps related information as part of a frame exchange procedure between those two other WDEVs. A new protocol specifies when such an FTM and/or timestamps frame exchange procedure is performed between the two other WDEVs, and the WDEV intelligently detects/receives such signals at such specified times. When the WDEV operates in a reduced power or sleep state, the WDEV awakens from the reduced power or sleep state at the appropriate times to detect FTM and/or timestamps related information of such a frame exchange procedure. The WDEV then can process such FTM and/or timestamps related information for use in determining the location of the WDEV relative to the two other WDEVs.