Fine Time Measurement Responder Multi-Channel Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless protocols lack efficient methods for determining the location of Access Points (APs) and Time of Flight (ToF) responders in indoor environments, which hinders accurate indoor navigation and location-based services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) protocol that allows responder stations to perform multi-channel and high-bandwidth range measurements, enabling accurate location determination through extended wireless protocols and standards, such as the IEEE 802.11REVmc Specification, to improve location estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) protocol is implemented with multi-channel and high-bandwidth range measurements, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and protocol implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FTM procedure into distinct phases including capability exchange, parameter negotiation, and actual measurement execution. The multi-channel FTM process is divided into separate measurement rounds on different channels, with each phase handling specific tasks to manage overall system complexity while achieving high accuracy location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary capability exchange and parameter negotiation between initiator and responder stations before actual FTM measurements begin. Stations exchange supported channel lists, bandwidth capabilities, and measurement parameters in advance, allowing the system to configure optimal measurement parameters before execution and reducing runtime complexity
2Reliability
If FTM availability windows are defined for each channel to manage multi-channel measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time due to sequential channel switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic FTM availability windows on each channel, where measurements are performed in structured time intervals rather than continuously. Each channel has defined measurement opportunities at regular intervals, ensuring reliable measurement conditions while optimizing the use of available time resources across multiple channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters including channel selection, bandwidth, and availability window timing based on negotiated capabilities and environmental conditions. The system can adaptively allocate more measurement opportunities to channels with better signal conditions, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of performing a Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) procedure with a responder station. For example, an apparatus may include logic and circuitry configured to cause a responder station to transmit an information element including FTM availability information, the FTM availability information including an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and to be available to perform an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.