High-Frequency WLAN Uplink Sensing via UL MU-MIMO Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 802.11 standard does not support uplink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (UL MU MIMO) functions in high frequency wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, leading to inefficiencies in wireless local area network sensing.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for high frequency multi-user MIMO channel access by using predefined bits in control frames, such as RTS and DMG CTS-to-self frames, to carry indication information for uplink sensing signals, allowing multiple users to perform simultaneous sensing without adding new bits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the existing 802.11 standard is used for high frequency WLAN, then device compatibility is maintained, but uplink multi-user MIMO sensing function is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink multi-user MIMO sensing functionVSAvoidstandard compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses existing control frame structures (RTS, CTS-to-self) and their reserved bits to carry sensing indication information, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve both traditional WLAN communication and sensing functions simultaneously, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring new dedicated protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the usage of existing control frame parameters by repurposing reserved bits within the control trailer to indicate sensing signal transmission requirements, changing the functional state of these bits from unused to carrying sensing control information, thereby enabling UL MU MIMO sensing without altering the fundamental frame structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If new bits are added to control frames to carry sensing indication information, then sensing control capability is improved, but indication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing control capabilityVSAvoidindication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing reserved bits in control frames serve dual purposes: maintaining their original frame structure function while simultaneously carrying sensing indication information, thereby improving sensing control capability without increasing the overall frame size or indication overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes already-allocated reserved resources (unused bits in control frames) to carry sensing information, allowing the existing communication protocol to self-serve sensing functions without requiring additional signaling resources or increasing overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12477579B2Wireless local area network sensing method, network device, and chip

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless local area network sensing method. The method includes: in a process in which a second network device performs high frequency MIMO channel access, a first network device sends indication information to a plurality of second network devices, where the indication information indicates the plurality of second network devices to send uplink sensing signals; and the first network device receives the uplink sensing signals from the second network devices and performs uplink sensing based on the uplink sensing signals.