Wi-Fi Location Service Negotiation with Coordinated APs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location protocols in wireless devices require separate negotiation and resource allocation for each access point (AP) during fine timing measurement (FTM) procedures, leading to delays and increased medium overhead, as they are designed for single-input single-output protocols rather than supporting multiple APs for location determination.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced location service negotiation system that employs a group of coordinated APs to transmit an extended neighbor report with location capability support information, allowing a Wi-Fi device to perform FTM measurements with multiple APs using a unique R-AID, reducing the need for separate negotiations and improving resource allocation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate negotiation and resource allocation is performed for each access point during FTM procedures, then location measurement can be performed with multiple APs, but delays and increased medium overhead occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate FTM negotiations with individual access points into a single unified negotiation phase. The wireless device performs one FTM negotiation that includes multiple APs, rather than conducting separate negotiations with each AP. This merging of negotiation processes eliminates redundant signaling and reduces the time required to establish location measurements with multiple APs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal FTM negotiation framework that can handle multiple access points simultaneously. The single negotiation phase establishes a common resource allocation that applies to all participating APs, making the negotiation process multi-functional rather than limited to single-AP scenarios. This universal approach allows the same negotiation outcome to serve multiple APs for location determination.
2Measurement precision
If separate negotiation and resource allocation is performed for each access point during FTM procedures, then location measurement can be performed with multiple APs, but medium overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate negotiation transactions into a single combined negotiation phase. Instead of exchanging separate negotiation frames with each access point, the wireless device conducts one unified negotiation that encompasses all APs. This consolidation significantly reduces the number of protocol exchanges and signaling overhead on the wireless medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all necessary negotiation and resource allocation actions in advance during a single preliminary phase before actual location measurements begin. By completing all negotiation tasks upfront in one unified process, the system avoids repeated signaling during the measurement phase, thereby reducing overall medium overhead.
3Device complexity
If single-input single-output protocols are used for FTM procedures, then protocol design is simpler, but support for multiple APs location determination is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the FTM protocol to provide multi-functionality while maintaining design simplicity. The enhanced protocol allows a single negotiation instance to serve multiple access points, making the protocol adaptable to both single-AP and multi-AP scenarios. This universal design maintains backward compatibility while adding versatility for location determination with multiple APs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capabilities to the FTM protocol where the negotiation phase can adapt to include varying numbers of access points based on network conditions and requirements. The protocol dynamically adjusts resource allocation to accommodate multiple APs while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, allowing flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to enhanced location service negotiation. A device may identify a neighbor report frame received from one or more coordinated access points (APs), wherein the neighbor report frame comprises location capability support information. The device may determine a first ranging associated ID (R-AID) associated with the location capability support information. The device may determine a first location measurement with a first coordinated AP of the one or more coordinated APs and a second location measurement with a second coordinated AP of the one or more coordinated APs using the first R-AID.