Modified Response Frame for Vendor-Specific Trigger Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IEEE 802.11 standards require hardware support for vendor-specific trigger frames, leading to high implementation costs and adoption delays due to the need for expensive and time-consuming hardware modifications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of modified response frames that are compatible with IEEE 802.11 standards, allowing for software-based vendor-specific trigger frames that reduce costs and accelerate adoption by providing additional degrees of freedom for access points to request specific information from stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vendor-specific trigger frames are implemented using hardware support, then the trigger frames can be processed efficiently, but the implementation cost increases and adoption time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger frame processing efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation cost and adoption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-based trigger frame processing with a software-based approach using modified response frames. Instead of requiring hardware support for vendor-specific trigger frames, the system uses standard IEEE 802.11 response frames that have been modified through software to achieve the same functionality. This substitution of hardware mechanism with software logic directly addresses the contradiction by eliminating the need for expensive hardware modifications while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of standard response frames by modifying their content and structure to encode vendor-specific trigger frame information. By altering the payload and control fields of existing response frames, the system achieves vendor-specific functionality without introducing new hardware. This parameter modification approach allows the same hardware to process both standard and vendor-specific frames through software interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If hardware support is added for vendor-specific trigger frames, then processing capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger frame processing capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes hardware processing mechanisms with software-based frame modification and interpretation. By implementing vendor-specific trigger frame functionality through software that modifies standard response frames, the system avoids adding complex hardware components. The existing hardware processes frames using standard interfaces, and the vendor-specific functionality is achieved through software logic that modifies frame parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vendor-specific trigger frames are used, then communication flexibility is improved, but compatibility with existing standards is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidstandard compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes standard response frames multi-functional by modifying them to serve both as standard IEEE 802.11 frames and as carrier for vendor-specific trigger frame information. The modified response frames maintain compatibility with existing standards while simultaneously providing vendor-specific functionality. This universality allows a single frame type to perform multiple functions, ensuring both standard compatibility and communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses modified response frames as an intermediary mechanism to convey vendor-specific trigger frame information. Instead of directly using vendor-specific trigger frames that would reduce compatibility, the system uses standard response frames as an intermediary carrier that can be interpreted differently by different devices. This intermediary approach maintains standard compatibility while enabling vendor-specific communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240073794A1Repurposed Trigger-Frame Response

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device (such as an access point) that receives a modified response frame is described. During operation, an interface circuit in the electronic device may provide a management frame addressed to a second electronic device. Then, the interface circuit may provide a trigger frame addressed to the second electronic device, where the trigger frame includes a trigger-frame variant that is compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard. Next, the interface circuit may receive a modified response frame associated with the second electronic device, where the modified response frame is different from a response frame associated with the trigger frame specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard, and modifications to the modified response frame are specified in the management frame.