WLAN Sensing NDP Frame Overhead Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WLAN sensing technologies incur overhead from NDP frames not used for measurement, which can be optimized to reduce unnecessary transmission and improve efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a communication method and apparatus that differentiate between measurement and non-measurement NDP frames in WLAN sensing, using distinct operation parameters and formats to minimize overhead. Specifically, the method includes sending a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, followed by an uplink or downlink NDP frame, where one frame is designated for measurement and the other is not, with optimized parameters to reduce unnecessary transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If NDP frames are transmitted for both uplink and downlink in WLAN sensing, then measurement capability is improved, but transmission overhead increases due to non-measurement frames

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWLAN sensing measurement capabilityVSAvoidTransmission overhead of NDP frames

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments NDP frames into two distinct types: measurement NDP frames and non-measurement NDP frames. By differentiating their purposes and formats, the system can selectively transmit only measurement frames when sensing is required, eliminating unnecessary overhead from non-measurement frames while preserving full measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operation parameters and formats of NDP frames based on their intended use. Measurement NDP frames use specific parameters optimized for sensing, while non-measurement frames use different parameters. This parameter differentiation allows the system to reduce overhead by transmitting only the appropriate frame type for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If measurement and non-measurement NDP frames use the same format, then system complexity is reduced, but overhead cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem complexity for frame handlingVSAvoidOverhead of non-measurement NDP frames

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different formats and operation parameters to different types of NDP frames based on their specific functions. Measurement NDP frames have a format optimized for sensing operations, while non-measurement frames have a different format suited for their purpose. This localized optimization reduces overall overhead while maintaining appropriate complexity only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250081009A1Communication method and communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

Provided in the present disclosure are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method may comprise: sending a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame; sending an uplink null data packet (NDP) frame; and receiving a downlink NDP frame, wherein one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network sensing measurement, the other one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame which is not used for wireless local area network sensing measurement, and the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different operation parameters or formats.