Multi-User Timing Measurement Protocol for Wireless Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently determining location information, especially in dense network deployments, due to inefficiencies in timing measurement protocols and the need for multiple sequential measurements, which lead to increased air-link traffic congestion and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-user timing measurement (MU-TM) protocol, which allows a wireless communication apparatus to transmit timing requests to multiple network devices, receive timing measurements with collision-free transmission, and calculate location information based on round trip delays computed from time of arrival and time of departure timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sequential timing measurements are performed to determine location information, then measurement accuracy is improved, but air-link traffic congestion increases and measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential timing measurements into a single multi-user timing measurement operation. The access point coordinates timing measurements with multiple wireless stations simultaneously by allocating specific time resources to each station, merging what would otherwise be separate sequential operations into one coordinated event. This resolves the contradiction by achieving both high measurement accuracy (through multiple measurements) and high efficiency (through simultaneous execution).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential timing measurements in the time domain to parallel measurements by introducing resource allocation dimensions. Each wireless station is assigned specific time resources and identifiers, allowing measurements to occur in parallel across multiple users. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve both high accuracy through multiple measurements and high productivity through simultaneous execution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sequential timing measurements are performed to determine location information, then measurement accuracy is improved, but air-link traffic congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timing measurement transactions into a single coordinated operation. Instead of generating separate message exchanges for each timing measurement, the system uses one multi-user timing measurement request that triggers coordinated responses from the access point and multiple wireless stations. This significantly reduces the total quantity of control messages and air-link traffic while maintaining the ability to perform multiple measurements for accuracy.
3Productivity
If timing requests are transmitted to multiple network devices simultaneously, then measurement efficiency is improved, but transmission collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the access point allocate specific time resources and identifiers to each wireless station before the timing measurement occurs. The access point sends a multi-user timing measurement request that includes resource allocation information, allowing wireless stations to prepare their responses in advance. This preliminary resource allocation prevents transmission collisions while maintaining high measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the access point receives timing measurement responses from multiple wireless stations and processes them according to the pre-allocated resource scheme. The feedback loop includes the access point coordinating the measurements, receiving responses with unique identifiers, and determining location information. This structured feedback process ensures reliable transmission by preventing collisions through advance resource coordination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional timing measurement protocols are used in dense network deployments, then device compatibility is maintained, but location determination accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-user timing measurement protocol that serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with existing wireless network operations while enabling enhanced location determination capabilities. The protocol works in dense network deployments by coordinating measurements across multiple users, providing both backward compatibility and improved accuracy functionality within the same system.
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AI summary
Method, systems and devices for location information determination based on timing measurements are described. One example method includes transmitting, by a communication apparatus, a timing request to a plurality of network devices, where the timing request comprises a respective expected response time for each of the plurality of network devices, receiving, at a plurality of times, a plurality of timing measurements from each of the plurality of network devices, wherein each of the plurality of times is based on the corresponding expected response time, and the plurality of timing measurements comprises a respective time of arrival (ToA) timestamp and a respective time of departure (ToD) timestamp, and determining a location information of the communication apparatus based on an estimate of a round trip delay that is computed using a difference of the respective ToA and ToD timestamps from the plurality of timing measurements.