Wireless Location Tracking Using Packet Type Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking methods in wireless networks, such as ToA and RSSI systems, face inefficiencies due to the need for all tracking devices to receive and process the same packet for accurate time measurements, leading to computational intensity and potential for unnecessary processing of non-location tracking packets.
Innovation Solution
A method where a provoking message is transmitted with a tracked device identifier, allowing the tracked device to respond with a message indicating it is a location tracking packet, enabling tracking devices to process only relevant packets and reducing unnecessary computations by using modified frame formats and identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all tracking devices receive and process the same packet for time measurements, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments location tracking packets from regular data packets by using a specific packet type indicator field. Tracking devices only process packets marked as location tracking packets, separating the useful tracking function from unnecessary processing of regular traffic, thereby reducing computational load while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific fields within the packet structure (packet type indicator, duration field) to identify location tracking packets. This allows tracking devices to quickly identify and process only relevant packets with enhanced local characteristics rather than analyzing all packets uniformly.
2Reliability
If tracking devices process all received packets, then no location tracking packets are missed, but unnecessary processing of non-location tracking packets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by setting the packet type indicator field and duration field in advance during packet construction. This pre-marking allows tracking devices to immediately identify location tracking packets before full processing, ensuring none are missed while avoiding unnecessary processing of non-tracking packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary fields (packet type indicator, modified duration field) that act as mediators between the location tracking function and the packet processing system. These intermediary markers enable efficient filtering and identification without compromising the reliability of packet detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard IEEE 802.11 frame formats are used, then compatibility is maintained, but location tracking packet identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding location tracking identification mechanisms within the existing IEEE 802.11 frame structure. The packet type indicator and duration field modifications are nested within standard frame formats, maintaining outward compatibility while containing the specialized identification functionality inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying specific fields (packet type indicator, duration field values) within the standard frame structure. These parameter modifications enable easy identification of location tracking packets without changing the overall frame format, thus maintaining protocol compatibility while improving detectability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a receiver configured for receiving a response message from a tracked device in a wireless network, the response message transmitted in response to a provoking message having an identifier of the tracked device in a transmitter address field, and a processor for measuring at least one location related parameter, extracting the identifier of the tracked device from the response message and identifying the response message as a location tracking message based on information in the response message. A field of the response message includes the identifier of the tracked device copied from the provoking message and the transmitter address is not provided in another field of the response message. An apparatus for location tracking is also disclosed.