WLAN Sensing NDP Identifier Exchange for Collaborative Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN sensing technologies face challenges in efficiently performing collaborative sensing measurements due to limitations in the format and content of null data packet frames, which affect the accuracy and effectiveness of wireless local area network (WLAN) sensing in environments like homes and enterprises.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that utilize null data packet announcement (NDPA) and null data packet (NDP) frames to include specific identifiers, such as those of transmitters and receivers, enabling a collaborative WLAN sensing measurement by establishing a sensing initiator and responder relationship, and allowing for the exchange of identifiers within these frames to facilitate accurate sensing measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional NDP frames are used for WLAN sensing measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and sensing accuracy deteriorate due to insufficient identifier information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identifier information into separate fields within the NDP frame structure. Specifically, it introduces a transmitter identifier field and a receiver identifier field as distinct elements, allowing each identifier to be independently encoded and processed. This segmentation enables the frame to carry multiple identification pieces of information without creating a complex intertwined structure, thus improving measurement precision while keeping the frame format manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identifier information from the traditional NDP frame format and places it into dedicated identifier fields. By taking out the transmitter and receiver identification data and positioning them in specific fields within the NDP frame, the patent ensures that this critical information is explicitly carried without disrupting the overall simplicity of the frame structure. This extraction approach maintains device complexity at an acceptable level while significantly improving sensing measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If collaborative sensing measurement is implemented with multiple devices, then the sensing effectiveness is improved, but the loss of information increases due to incomplete identifier exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter identifier and receiver identifier into a single NDP frame structure. By combining both identification pieces of information within the same frame that is exchanged between devices, the patent ensures that all necessary identifier information is transmitted together. This merging approach prevents information loss during collaborative sensing measurements, as both devices can obtain complete identifier information from the exchanged frames, thereby improving sensing measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NDP frame is designed with multi-functionality to serve both traditional wireless communication purposes and collaborative sensing measurement purposes. The frame structure universally carries identifier information that can be used for device identification in general communication as well as for specific sensing measurement operations. This universal design ensures that identifier information is not lost but rather reused across different functional contexts, enhancing both reliability and information completeness.
3Measurement precision
If identifier information is included in NDP frames, then the sensing measurement accuracy is improved, but the use of energy increases due to additional data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by including only the essential identifier information (transmitter and receiver identifiers) in the NDP frame, rather than transmitting complete device profiles or excessive data. This selective inclusion of necessary identification data improves sensing measurement accuracy while minimizing the additional energy consumption associated with transmitting extra information. The frame carries precisely what is needed for accurate sensing without unnecessary overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A WLAN sensing measurement method includes: sending a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, the NDPA frame including at least one of: a first identifier of a transmitter or a second identifier of a receiver; and sending a first null data packet (NDP) frame, the first NDP frame indicating the transmitter to comprise at least one of the second identifier of the receiver or a third identifier of the sensing initiator in a second NDP frame and send the second NDP frame.