Modified Response Frame for Vendor-Specific Trigger Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IEEE 802.11 standards require hardware support for vendor-specific trigger frames, which is expensive and time-consuming to implement, leading to long adoption delays and limited compatibility.

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 complexity, enabling faster adoption and improved communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware support is implemented for vendor-specific trigger frames, then reliability of vendor-specific functionality is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of vendor-specific trigger frame supportVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses software to replicate the functionality of hardware-specific trigger frame processing. Instead of implementing dedicated hardware circuits for vendor-specific trigger frames, the system creates a software-based copy of the trigger frame processing logic that can interpret and respond to vendor-specific trigger frames using standard IEEE 802.11 hardware, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware system with a software-based system. Vendor-specific trigger frame processing that would traditionally require specialized hardware components is instead implemented through software interpretation and response mechanisms, substituting electronic software processing for hardware-based processing to reduce device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware support is implemented for vendor-specific trigger frames, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevendor-specific functionalityVSAvoidease of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability through software configuration rather than fixed hardware design. The system can dynamically interpret different vendor-specific trigger frame formats and respond appropriately through software updates, allowing the device to adapt to various vendor-specific protocols without requiring different hardware configurations, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal software-based processing layer that handles multiple vendor-specific trigger frame types through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional software module can interpret various vendor-specific trigger frame formats using standard IEEE 802.11 hardware, providing broad vendor-specific functionality without requiring separate hardware implementations for each protocol variant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hardware support is implemented for vendor-specific trigger frames, then communication capability is improved, but loss of time in adoption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidadoption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary software configuration that enables devices to immediately support vendor-specific trigger frames upon association with an access point. The software-based approach allows pre-programmed interpretation rules to be activated without hardware configuration delays, enabling rapid adoption and immediate communication capability enhancement when the feature is deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240080660A1Reconfigured Trigger-Frame Response

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 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 trigger frame addressed to a second electronic device, where the trigger frame includes a trigger-frame variant that is compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard (such as IEEE 802.11ax or a subsequent IEEE 802.11 standard). Then, 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. When the second electronic device indicates support for the modified response frame during association with the electronic device, the interface circuit may define parameters associated with the modified response frame in an association response.