Infinite FTM Session for Continuous Wireless Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ranging techniques in mobile wireless devices are limited by the need for periodic renegotiation of Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) sessions, which restricts continuous ranging information availability and hinders seamless location-based services.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an 'infinite' FTM session that allows continuous ranging information exchange without predetermined duration, enabling devices to request termination as needed, thereby eliminating the need for periodic renegotiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic renegotiation of FTM sessions is implemented, then session management is maintained, but ranging information availability is restricted and location-based services are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession managementVSAvoidranging information availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an infinite FTM session that allows continuous ranging information exchange without predetermined duration limits. The session continues indefinitely until explicitly terminated by a termination message, eliminating the periodic renegotiation requirement while maintaining reliable session management throughout the continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If finite duration FTM sessions are used, then session parameters are clearly defined, but continuous ranging information exchange is interrupted requiring periodic renegotiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession parameter definitionVSAvoidsession continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static finite duration session parameter into a dynamic infinite duration model. The session duration is no longer fixed but adapts to continue indefinitely based on operational needs, allowing the session to remain active until a termination message is received, thus providing both clear parameter definition and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If FTM session has predetermined duration, then session termination is automatic, but renegotiation is required for continuous ranging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic terminationVSAvoidrenegotiation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes the session with infinite duration from the outset, eliminating the need for subsequent renegotiation actions. The session is configured once to continue indefinitely, and only terminates when explicitly instructed via a termination message, thereby preventing time loss associated with periodic renegotiation while maintaining ease of operation through initial configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3417638B1Techniques for infinite ranging session
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3417638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417638B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3417638B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for establishing a fine timing measurement (FTM) session of infinite duration between wireless devices is provided. A method according to these techniques includes generating, at a first wireless device, a first request to establish an FTM session with a second wireless device using an FTM protocol, the first request comprising one or more session parameters having a value indicative that the first wireless device is requesting the FTM session have an infinite session duration, receiving one or more FTM measurement messages from the second wireless device, and sending a second request to the second wireless device requesting that the FTM session be terminated.