Fine Timing Measurement Path Selection via Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
As communication networks become increasingly populated with wireless nodes, there is a need for more efficient approaches to determine or estimate the location or position of wireless apparatuses, as existing methods lack the precision provided by fine timing measurement (FTM) protocols, which offer timing resolution in the order of picoseconds or nanoseconds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) protocol that enables precise location or position determination through the exchange of timestamped frames between wireless apparatuses, utilizing angular information and beamforming techniques to enhance positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing timing-based location determination methods are used, then the system can determine position, but the precision is insufficient compared to FTM protocol requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing measurement parameter from conventional millisecond or microsecond resolution to picosecond or nanosecond resolution through the FTM protocol. This parameter change enables precise location determination by measuring the time of flight of wireless signals with much finer granularity, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are available for signal transmission, then signal coverage is improved, but path selection complexity increases and measurement accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary path identification and selection before conducting the actual FTM measurement. The system identifies the direct path (line-of-sight) among multiple available paths and selects it for timing measurement. This preliminary action simplifies the measurement process by pre-determining the optimal path, avoiding complexity during the actual positioning operation while maintaining reliable signal coverage through alternative paths.
3Measurement precision
If the direct line of sight path is selected for FTM measurement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal quality may be poorer compared to reflected paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission process into two distinct phases: the direct path is used exclusively for timing measurement (FTM frames) to ensure positioning accuracy, while separate reflected or alternative paths are used for general data communication to ensure signal quality. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and signal quality.
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
The FTM protocol provides significantly more precise location or position determination compared to existing methods, allowing for accurate positioning even on less favorable paths by selecting the most direct line of sight path for measurement, thereby improving the accuracy of wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first time of flight associated with the first set of antenna settings and a second time of flight associated with the second set of antenna settings
Data Source
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AI summary
A first apparatus may identify a first set of antenna settings and a second set of antenna settings based on beamforming training with a second apparatus, and the first set of antenna settings may correspond to a first path that is different from a second path with the second apparatus corresponding to the second set of antenna settings. The first apparatus may generate a first request frame including an indication to use the first path for at least one first field of a first measurement frame, and may output the first request frame for transmission to the second apparatus. The first apparatus may obtain, from the second apparatus, a first measurement frame via the first set of antenna settings for reception of at least one first field and via the second set of antenna settings for reception of one or more second fields of the first measurement frame.