Wireless Time Measurement Frame for Multi-Domain Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization protocols, such as IEEE 802.1AS and IEEE 1588, face inefficiencies when supporting multiple time domains, leading to increased burst periods and inefficient utilization of wireless media, particularly in Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) applications that require precise timing across various domains.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a time measurement mechanism that maintains a constant number of Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) frames per burst independent of the number of supported time domains, allowing for simultaneous communication of time information across multiple time domains within a single time measurement frame, using a compressed follow-up information element format to reduce frame size and optimize wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current time synchronization protocols (IEEE 802.1AS and IEEE 1588) are used to support multiple time domains, then time synchronization capability is provided, but burst periods increase and wireless media utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time information for multiple time domains into separate time domain identifier fields and time information fields within a single FTM frame. This allows multiple time domains to be communicated efficiently without requiring separate bursts for each domain, thereby maintaining high wireless media utilization while supporting versatile time domain synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The FTM frame structure is designed to be universal by incorporating multiple time domain identifiers and corresponding time information fields. This single frame structure can accommodate any number of time domains, making the protocol versatile and adaptable without requiring separate specialized frames for each time domain, thus avoiding increased burst periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of FTM frames per burst is increased to support more time domains, then time domain coverage is improved, but frame transmission overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple time domain identifiers and their corresponding time information into a single FTM frame structure. Instead of transmitting separate FTM frames or bursts for each time domain, the solution combines all time domain data into one unified frame, reducing transmission overhead and simplifying the overall frame structure while supporting multiple time domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional organization to the FTM frame by introducing time domain identifier fields that categorize and organize time information from different time domains. This dimensional structure allows the frame to efficiently handle multiple time domains without increasing complexity, as the identifiers provide a clear organizational framework for the embedded time information.
3Volume of moving object
If compressed follow-up information element format is used, then frame size is reduced and wireless communication is optimized, but information encoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using compressed follow-up information element formats within the FTM frames. This compression reduces the size of the time information fields while maintaining the ability to convey all necessary synchronization data. The compression is achieved through efficient parameter encoding that represents multiple time domain values in a compact manner, optimizing wireless communication without requiring excessive processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, an Access Point (AP) may be configured to set a plurality of follow-up-information fields corresponding to a plurality of time domains. For example, the plurality of follow-up-information fields may include a first follow-up-information field and a second follow-up-information field. For example, the first follow-up-information field may include first time information corresponding to a first time domain, and the second follow-up-information field may include second time information corresponding to a second time domain. For example, the AP may be configured to transmit a time-measurement frame to a non-AP station (STA). For example, the time-measurement frame may be configured to include the plurality of follow-up-information fields.