公开(公告)号：US09002414B2

公开(公告)日：2015-04-07

申请号：US13730651

申请日：2012-12-28

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Tito Thomas ,  Pierre Vandwalle ,  Charles Francis Dominguez ,  Tashbeeb Haque

IPC: H04W88/02 ,  H04W52/02

CPC classification number: H04W52/0209 ,  H04W52/02 ,  H04W52/0216 ,  H04W76/38 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/146

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a wireless mobile station configured to communicate with a wireless access point are described. A first awake timer may be started in response to receiving a beacon signal from the wireless access point. The beacon signal may indicate that data is available or pending for the wireless mobile station. A second awake timer may be started in response to data received from the wireless access point. When the second awake timer expires, the wireless mobile station may return to the sleep state. In one embodiment, the first awake timer counts for a first period of time and the second awake timer counts for a second period of time which is shorter than the first period of time. The RF radio may be in a higher power state when the first and/or the second awake timers are counting. In one embodiment, the wireless mobile station and the wireless access points may be synchronized using target beacon transmission times of the beacon signal.

Abstract translation: 描述用于操作被配置为与无线接入点进行通信的无线移动站的方法和装置。 响应于从无线接入点接收信标信号，可以启动第一唤醒定时器。 信标信号可以指示无线移动站的数据可用或待定。 响应于从无线接入点接收的数据，可以启动第二唤醒定时器。 当第二唤醒定时器期满时，无线移动台可以返回睡眠状态。 在一个实施例中，第一唤醒定时器对第一时间段进行计数，并且第二唤醒定时器计数比第一时间段短的第二时间段。 当第一和/或第二唤醒定时器正在计数时，RF无线电可以处于较高功率状态。 在一个实施例中，无线移动站和无线接入点可以使用信标信号的目标信标传输时间同步。

公开(公告)号：US08989096B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-24

申请号：US13711473

申请日：2012-12-11

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Kapil Chhabra ,  Tito Thomas ,  Amit K. Vyas

IPC: H04W4/00 ,  H04B7/212 ,  H04W52/02 ,  H04W76/04

CPC classification number: H04W52/0209 ,  H04W52/0251 ,  H04W52/0254 ,  H04W52/0258 ,  H04W76/27 ,  Y02D70/1242 ,  Y02D70/1262 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144

Abstract: In order to facilitate reduced power consumption of an electronic device (such as a smartphone) when communicating with another electronic device (such as an access point) in a wireless network, the electronic device may change a wake policy based on the applications executing on the electronic device. In particular, the electronic device may monitor a subset of the applications currently executed by a processor in the electronic device, where the subset can include zero or more of the applications. Based on the subset, the wake policy of an interface circuit in the electronic device may be changed. This wake policy may specify a frequency of wake ups to receive information from the other electronic device and/or monitoring of unicast or multicast bits in a Traffic Indication Map element. In this way, the time that the electronic device is in the active mode can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

Abstract translation: 为了在与无线网络中的其他电子设备（例如接入点）通信时促进电子设备（例如智能电话）的功率消耗降低，电子设备可以基于在无线网络中执行的应用来改变唤醒策略 电子设备。 特别地，电子设备可以监视当前由电子设备中的处理器执行的应用的子集，其中子集可以包括零个或多个应用。 基于该子集，可以改变电子设备中的接口电路的唤醒策略。 该唤醒策略可以指定从另一电子设备接收信息的唤醒频率和/或监视交通指示图元素中的单播或多播位。 以这种方式，可以减少电子设备处于活动模式的时间，从而降低功耗。

公开(公告)号：US20130227647A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-29

申请号：US13773091

申请日：2013-02-21

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Tito Thomas ,  Charles F. Dominguez ,  Andreas Wolf

IPC: H04L29/06

CPC classification number: H04L63/08 ,  H04L63/0823 ,  H04W48/08 ,  H04W84/18

Abstract: An electronic device receives a request for access to the infrastructure network (and, more generally, a ‘resource’) from the other electronic device via a peer-to-peer link. In response to the request, the electronic device determines that it has access to the infrastructure network, and provides a response to the other electronic device via the peer-to-peer link indicating that the electronic device has access to the infrastructure network. Then, the electronic device establishes secure communication with the other electronic device, and provides access information to the other electronic device via the peer-to-peer link using the secure communication. This access information facilitates access to the infrastructure network.

Abstract translation: 电子设备经由对等链路从另一电子设备接收对基础设施网络（以及更一般地，“资源”）的访问请求。 响应于该请求，电子设备确定其具有对基础设施网络的访问，并且经由指示电子设备具有对基础设施网络的访问的对等链路向另一电子设备提供响应。 然后，电子设备与其他电子设备建立安全通信，并且通过使用安全通信的对等链路向另一电子设备提供访问信息。 该访问信息有助于访问基础架构网络。

公开(公告)号：US20140269404A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US13893131

申请日：2013-05-13

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Saravanan Balasubramaniyan ,  Kapil Chhabra ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: H04W24/08

CPC classification number: H04W74/08 ,  H04W28/22

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining the reliability of the communications between a portable electronic device and an access point (AP) before associating with the AP. In the described embodiments, a first probe request frame is transmitted to the AP at a first data rate, and a first probe response frame is received from the AP, wherein the first probe response frame is responsive to the first probe request frame. Then, a second probe request frame is transmitted to the AP at a second data rate, wherein the first data rate is lower than the second data rate. Then, the portable electronic device determines if a second probe response frame is received from the AP, wherein the second probe response frame is responsive to the second probe request frame. The portable electronic device then determines the reliability of the communications between the portable electronic device and the AP.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种用于在与AP关联之前确定便携式电子设备和接入点（AP）之间的通信的可靠性的方法和系统。 在所描述的实施例中，以第一数据速率向AP发送第一探测请求帧，并且从AP接收第一探测响应帧，其中第一探测响应帧响应于第一探测请求帧。 然后，以第二数据速率向AP发送第二探测请求帧，其中第一数据速率低于第二数据速率。 然后，便携式电子设备确定是否从AP接收到第二探测响应帧，其中第二探测响应帧响应于第二探测请求帧。 便携式电子设备然后确定便携式电子设备和AP之间的通信的可靠性。

公开(公告)号：US20140105195A1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-17

申请号：US13768669

申请日：2013-02-15

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Saravanan Balasubarmaniyan ,  Kapil Chhabra ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: H04W48/20

CPC classification number: H04W48/20

Abstract: An electronic device, e.g., a mobile device, having access to a wireless network roams from one access point (AP) to another using access point detection based on location and learning. A learning scheme may modify a list of nearby access points determined based on location to identify neighboring access points where roaming is possible. The identified neighboring access points where roaming is possible may be ordered based on roaming history, such as the frequency of the roams to a particular AP. The roaming history may be maintained on a per client basis or aggregated across all clients using an AP.

Abstract translation: 具有访问无线网络的电子设备（例如，移动设备）使用基于位置和学习的接入点检测从一个接入点（AP）漫游到另一接入点。 学习方案可以修改基于位置确定的附近接入点的列表，以识别漫游是可能的相邻接入点。 可以基于漫游历史（例如漫游到特定AP的频率）来排序可能漫游的所识别的相邻接入点。 漫游历史可以在每个客户端上维护，也可以使用AP在所有客户端上进行聚合。

公开(公告)号：US20140068727A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-06

申请号：US13628327

申请日：2012-09-27

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Artiom Shamis ,  Kapil Chhabra ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: H04W12/08

CPC classification number: H04W12/003 ,  H04L63/068 ,  H04W12/00522 ,  H04W12/06 ,  H04W84/12 ,  H04W84/18

Abstract: In order to facilitate access to a wireless network, access information (and, more generally, credentials) may be provided to an electronic device via an image. In particular, the electronic device may capture an image that includes a representation of the access information. For example, the electronic device may scan a two-dimensional representation of the access information, such as a Quick Response (QR) code. Then, the electronic device may analyze the image to extract the access information. Next, the access information may be used to access the wireless network. This communication technique allows a user of the electronic device to access the wireless network with less effort, thereby improving the user's experience.

Abstract translation: 为了便于访问无线网络，可以经由图像向电子设备提供访问信息（以及更一般地，凭证）。 特别地，电子设备可以捕获包括访问信息的表示的图像。 例如，电子设备可以扫描诸如快速响应（QR）代码的访问信息的二维表示。 然后，电子设备可以分析图像以提取访问信息。 接下来，访问信息可以用于访问无线网络。 该通信技术允许电子设备的用户以更少的努力访问无线网络，从而改善用户的体验。

公开(公告)号：US20130331098A1

公开(公告)日：2013-12-12

申请号：US13912616

申请日：2013-06-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Saravanan Balasubramaniyan ,  Kapil Chhabra ,  Andreas Wolf ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: H04W48/20

CPC classification number: H04W48/16 ,  H04M1/72572 ,  H04M2250/06 ,  H04W4/029 ,  H04W8/183 ,  H04W64/00 ,  H04W84/12

Abstract: Automatically determining and alerting a user to available wireless networks. Initially, the method may automatically determine that one or more wireless networks are available to a wireless device at a location. The method may determine if the wireless device has been present at the first location for more than a threshold amount of time, e.g., based on periodic determination of the available wireless networks to the wireless device. Based on the wireless device being present at the first location for more than the threshold amount of time, an alert may be automatically displayed to the user on a display of the wireless device. The alert may indicate at least one wireless network of the one or more wireless networks at the first location. The wireless device may connect to wireless network indicated by the alert in response to user input.

Abstract translation: 自动确定和告警用户到可用的无线网络。 最初，该方法可以自动确定一个或多个无线网络对于一个位置处的无线设备是可用的。 该方法可以例如基于对无线设备的可用无线网络的周期性确定来确定无线设备是否已经存在于第一位置超过阈值量的时间。 基于在第一位置处存在超过阈值时间量的无线设备，可以在无线设备的显示器上自动向用户显示警报。 警报可以指示在第一位置处的一个或多个无线网络的至少一个无线网络。 无线设备可以响应于用户输入连接到由警报指示的无线网络。

公开(公告)号：US20130303232A1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-14

申请号：US13857601

申请日：2013-04-05

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Tito Thomas ,  Kapil Chhabra ,  Vinesh Pallen

IPC: H04W52/28

CPC classification number: H04W52/283 ,  H04W52/146 ,  H04W64/003

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for location-based control of parameters such as radio frequency (RF) transmission characteristics of a wireless device. In one embodiment, a determination of a maximum allowable level for a given characteristic associated with the location of the wireless device is made, and the transmission characteristic of the wireless device is adjusted based at least in part on this maximum allowable level. The location may correspond to a regulatory domain with specific requirements for wireless transmitters. A database is referenced to retrieve these requirements. The maximum allowable levels are derived from the requirements. Thus, exemplary wireless devices are capable of universal regulatory compliance.

Abstract translation: 诸如无线设备的射频（RF）传输特性等参数的基于位置的控制的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，确定与无线设备的位置相关联的给定特性的最大允许电平，并且至少部分地基于该最大允许电平来调整无线设备的传输特性。 该位置可以对应于对无线发射机具有特定要求的调节域。 引用数据库来检索这些要求。 最大允许水平来源于要求。 因此，示例性无线设备能够具有通用的符合规定。

公开(公告)号：US20130225161A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-29

申请号：US13771424

申请日：2013-02-20

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Kapil Chhabra ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: H04W36/14

Abstract: An electronic device receives a list of available networks and associated access credentials via a cellular-telephone network. These available networks may be other than the cellular-telephone network and may use a communication technique other than a cellular-telephone communication technique, such as an IEEE 802.11 protocol. For example, a base station in the cellular-telephone network may track the location of the electronic device, and may provide the list to the electronic device when the cellular-telephone network performance is constrained or degraded. In response to receiving the list, the electronic device may select a network from the available networks based on a communication criterion, such as: proximity to the electronic device, a signal strength, security, and/or communication quality. Information specifying this selection may be provided via the cellular-telephone network, and then instructions that transition communication with the electronic device from the cellular-telephone network to the selected network may be received.

Abstract translation: 电子设备通过蜂窝电话网络接收可用网络列表和相关联的接入凭证。 这些可用网络可以不是蜂窝电话网络，并且可以使用诸如IEEE 802.11协议的蜂窝电话通信技术以外的通信技术。 例如，蜂窝电话网络中的基站可以跟踪电子设备的位置，并且当蜂窝电话网络性能受到限制或降级时，可以将该列表提供给电子设备。 响应于接收到列表，电子设备可以基于通信准则从可用网络中选择网络，例如：接近电子设备，信号强度，安全性和/或通信质量。 可以经由蜂窝电话网络提供指定该选择的信息，然后可以接收将从电话设备到蜂窝电话网络的与电子设备的通信转换到所选择的网络的指令。

公开(公告)号：US20130132500A1

公开(公告)日：2013-05-23

申请号：US13625752

申请日：2012-09-24

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Christiaan A. Hartman ,  Robert Stacey ,  Peter N. Heerboth ,  Tito Thomas

IPC: G06F15/16

CPC classification number: H04L67/104 ,  H04L67/1051 ,  H04W4/08 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/164 ,  Y02D70/20

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for selecting master devices in a peer-to-peer communication environment. Devices select a master to facilitate their synchronization, and rendezvous according to a schedule of availability windows broadcast by the master as part of periodic synchronization frames. Devices capable of serving as master advertise their selection metrics, which are converted into a master preference value by a selection algorithm applied uniformly by all devices in the environment. Individual devices may identify the best local master and synchronize to it, yielding a cluster of synchronized peers. Clusters may then be synchronized to masters at further range. Individual devices conserve power by being automatically synchronized instead of having to individually discover other devices and services, and can power off their radios without sacrificing discoverability. Synchronization and peer-to-peer communication as provided herein coexists with other device demands, such as Bluetooth® operations, infrastructure-based communications and so on.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在对等通信环境中选择主设备的系统，设备和方法。 设备选择主机以促进其同步，并且根据主机作为周期性同步帧的一部分广播的可用性窗口的时间表进行会合。 能够担当主机的设备通过由环境中的所有设备统一应用的选择算法来发布其选择度量，将其转换为主偏好值。 单个设备可以识别最佳本地主站并与其同步，从而产生一个同步对等体的群集。 然后，群集可以在更远的范围内与主人同步。 单个设备通过自动同步来节省电力，而不必单独发现其他设备和服务，并且可以在不牺牲可发现性的情况下关闭其无线电设备。 如本文提供的同步和对等通信与其他设备需求共存，如蓝牙®操作，基于基础设施的通信等。