Wi-Fi Sensing Time Synchronization Across Unassociated BSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi sensing systems face challenges in time synchronization of sensing measurements across basic service sets (OBSS) due to unsynchronized timing between access points and stations, which affects the accuracy of motion detection and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for time synchronization in Wi-Fi sensing systems involves obtaining timing information from an unassociated access point, generating local timing information, and associating sensing measurements with timestamps based on this information, allowing for accurate time synchronization even when access points and stations are not associated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensing measurements are made out of basic service set (OBSS) without association, then the sensing system can operate in unassociated scenarios, but time synchronization between access points and stations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces timing information as an intermediary element that mediates between unassociated access points and stations. The sensing receiver obtains timing information from the unassociated access point and uses it to generate local timing information, which then serves as a reference for synchronizing sensing measurements. This intermediary timing mechanism enables synchronization without requiring traditional association relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time synchronization function into obtainable timing information from access points and locally generated timing information at receivers. By dividing the synchronization task into these separable components, the system allows receivers to independently construct their timing reference from available access point timing data, enabling operation outside traditional BSS boundaries while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional association-based timing synchronization is used, then time synchronization accuracy is maintained within BSS, but the system cannot perform sensing measurements on unassociated access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the timing synchronization mechanism universal by enabling it to work with both associated and unassociated access points. The sensing receiver's ability to obtain and process timing information is not limited to its own BSS but extends to any accessible access point. This multi-functionality allows the same synchronization mechanism to serve both traditional intra-BSS sensing and new cross-BSS/out-of-BSS sensing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing information obtained from unassociated access points acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between traditional association-based synchronization and new unassociated sensing capabilities. This intermediary timing data enables the system to extend sensing measurements beyond BSS boundaries while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the same fundamental mechanism used in associated scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If timing information is obtained from unassociated access points, then sensing measurements can be synchronized across OBSS, but additional complexity is introduced in timing management
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing receiver performs self-service by autonomously obtaining timing information from accessible access points and independently generating its own local timing information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized timing management or coordination protocols, as each receiver independently manages its own synchronization using available timing data from unassociated access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing receiver creates a local copy of the access point's timing information and uses it to generate local timing information. This copying mechanism simplifies timing management by allowing receivers to replicate and utilize timing data from unassociated access points without requiring direct interaction or complex coordination, thereby reducing timing management complexity while achieving cross-BSS synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for Wi-Fi sensing is provided. A networking device configured to operate as a sensing receiver and including at least one processor may operate as a system to carry out the Wi-Fi sensing method. The sensing receiver may obtain timing information from an unassociated access point not associated with the sensing receiver and operating as a sensing transmitter. The sensing receiver may generate local timing information according to the timing information. The sensing receiver may receive a sensing transmission from the unassociated access point. The sensing receiver may perform a sensing measurement on the sensing transmission and may associated the sensing measurement with a timestamp based on the local timing information. The sensing receiver may transmit the sensing measurement and the timestamp to the unassociated access point.