R2R Wi-Fi Sensing Trigger Frames for Non-AP Station Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

The IEEE 802.11 standards do not support responder-to-responder (R2R) Wi-Fi sensing, which involves communication between non-AP stations, lacking a defined protocol for enabling this type of sensing.

Innovation Solution

Modify the existing 802.11bf sensing measurement setup protocol and Sensing Trigger frame to enable R2R sensing by adding a subfield in the Sensing Measurement Parameters element to indicate R2R roles and reuse the Passive Sounding Ranging Trigger frame as the Sensing R2R Sounding Trigger frame, using the HE Ranging NDP format for R2R null data packet transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate protocol is designed for R2R sensing, then R2R sensing functionality is achieved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveR2R sensing capabilityVSAvoidprotocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing 802.11bf sensing protocols and frame structures serve dual purposes: traditional sensing operations and R2R sensing operations. By adding role assignment fields and bandwidth parameters to existing frame types, the same protocol infrastructure supports both conventional AP-centered sensing and peer-to-peer R2R sensing, eliminating the need for a completely separate protocol suite.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines R2R sensing functionality with existing 802.11bf sensing measurement setup protocols and trigger frame structures. Rather than creating separate protocols, it merges R2R capabilities into the existing framework by extending field definitions and adding role assignment mechanisms to familiar frame types, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If existing 802.11bf protocol is reused for R2R sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but role assignment and bandwidth configuration become ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol structureVSAvoidrole assignment clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific role assignment fields and bandwidth parameters within the existing 802.11bf frame structures that are activated only when R2R sensing is detected. These localized modifications provide clear role definitions (first R2R responder, second R2R responder) and bandwidth configuration only where needed, without affecting traditional sensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs role assignment and bandwidth configuration in advance during the sensing measurement setup phase, before actual sensing operations begin. This preliminary configuration ensures that both R2R responders have clear understanding of their roles and operational parameters, eliminating ambiguity during the actual sensing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If R2R sensing is enabled without protocol modifications, then implementation is simpler, but sensing precision and measurement accuracy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation easeVSAvoidsensing measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies key parameters within existing protocols, including adding bandwidth configuration fields, role assignment indicators, and measurement setup parameters. These parameter changes enable precise control over R2R sensing operations, allowing for accurate measurements while maintaining compatibility with existing 802.11bf infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12464140B2Enhanced Wi-Fi sensing measurement setup and sensing trigger frame for responder-to-responder sensing

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to responder-to-responder Wi-Fi sensing between station devices. A device may cause to send, during a trigger frame sounding phase of a responder-to-responder Wi-Fi sensing, a sensing responder-to-responder sounding trigger frame to the first station device and the second station device, the sensing responder-to-responder sounding trigger frame associated with causing the first station device to send a responder-to-responder null data packet (NDP) to the second station device; cause to send, during a reporting phase of the responder-to-responder Wi-Fi sensing, a sensing report trigger frame to the second station device; and identify, during the reporting phase, a sensing measurement report from the second station device based on the sensing report trigger frame, wherein the sensing measurement report is indicative of measurements of the responder-to-responder NDP.