Wireless Range Measurement Protocol Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in negotiating range measurement protocols between unassociated wireless peers, particularly in unassociated modes, where there is a lack of information about peer capabilities, making it difficult to execute complex protocols like Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) for indoor navigation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A generalized protocol negotiation mechanism that allows wireless devices to discover and negotiate capabilities, select appropriate range measurement protocols, and set protocol-specific parameters, enabling efficient execution of time-sensitive protocols like FTM, VHT-NDP sounding, and HEW-NDP sounding between unassociated initiator and responder stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex range measurement protocol like FTM is executed between unassociated wireless peers, then range measurement accuracy is improved, but the lack of capability information makes protocol negotiation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a capability negotiation phase before the actual range measurement protocol execution. Initiator stations transmit capability information elements (including supported protocols, message sizes, and timing capabilities) to responder stations before initiating FTM measurements. This allows both parties to agree on compatible parameters and protocols in advance, resolving the negotiation difficulty while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where responder stations respond to capability inquiries with their supported protocols and capabilities. The initiator station uses this feedback information to select appropriate protocols and adjust measurement parameters accordingly. This iterative exchange of capability information enables successful negotiation even between unassociated peers without pre-established relationships.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple range measurement protocols are supported by wireless devices, then protocol flexibility and adaptability are improved, but it becomes difficult to select the most suitable protocol without capability information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capability information elements as intermediary data structures that carry detailed information about supported protocols, message sizes, and timing capabilities. These elements act as mediators in the negotiation process, allowing initiator and responder stations to exchange comprehensive capability data without direct complexity in the selection logic. The standardized intermediary format enables flexible protocol selection while preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal capability negotiation framework that works across multiple different range measurement protocols (FTM, VHT-NDP sounding, HEW-NDP sounding). The same negotiation mechanism and capability information elements can accommodate various protocols, making the system universally adaptable. This multi-functional approach allows devices to select the most suitable protocol based on their specific capabilities without requiring separate negotiation procedures for each protocol type.
3Speed
If unassociated wireless peers perform range measurements without capability exchange, then measurement speed is improved, but protocol compatibility and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting capability negotiation before the actual measurement execution. The initiator station transmits capability information elements and receives responses from responder stations prior to initiating the range measurement protocol. This preliminary exchange ensures protocol compatibility and parameter alignment, which prevents execution errors and retransmissions during the actual measurement, thereby maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through structured response messages from responder stations that confirm their capability support and preferred parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the initiator station to verify compatibility before execution, ensuring reliable protocol operation. The feedback loop includes acknowledgment messages and capability confirmation that prevent incompatible protocol execution, maintaining measurement reliability without significantly impacting speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of negotiating a range measurement protocol. For example, an initiator station may be configured to transmit a negotiation request message to a responder station and receive a negotiation response message from the responder station to negotiate a range measurement protocol to perform a range measurement procedure with the responder station, the negotiation request message including an initiator protocol element including an indication of one or more initiator range measurement protocols supported by the initiator station, the negotiation response message including a compatibility indication to indicate whether or not at least one of the initiator range measurement protocols is compatible with at least one responder range measurement protocol supported by the responder station; and based on the compatibility indication, select to perform the range measurement procedure with the responder station or to abort communication with the responder station.