公开(公告)号：US10003642B2

公开(公告)日：2018-06-19

申请号：US14293407

申请日：2014-06-02

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Christiaan A. Hartman ,  Yong Liu

IPC: H04L29/08 ,  H04W48/10 ,  H04W48/18

CPC classification number: H04L67/1051 ,  H04L67/1059 ,  H04L67/1068 ,  H04W48/10 ,  H04W48/18 ,  H04W56/0015 ,  H04W56/002

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for operating a peer-to-peer communication environment. The environment includes one or more clusters of peer devices, wherein devices in a single cluster are organized into a logical hierarchy under an anchor master (at the root of the hierarchy) and any number of synchronization masters; other devices are non-master devices. Synchronization parameters established by the anchor master and disseminated throughout the hierarchy enable the clusters' devices to rendezvous, discover peers and services, and communicate among themselves. The anchor master may adjust the synchronization parameters to avoid conflict with another hierarchy. Each device issues beacons (e.g., heartbeats, discovery beacons) that identify the number of devices synchronized with the reporting device, which allows the anchor master to calculate the total number of cluster members. Devices may also report details of a neighboring cluster (e.g., its synchronization parameters) via a beacon or some other communication.

公开(公告)号：US20140362726A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-11

申请号：US13913278

申请日：2013-06-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Tashbeeb Haque ,  Andreas Wolf ,  Saravanan Balasubramaniyan

IPC: H04W84/18 ,  H04W48/16 ,  H04W4/06 ,  H04W56/00

CPC classification number: H04W4/06 ,  H04L43/12 ,  H04L67/104 ,  H04W8/005 ,  H04W56/001 ,  H04W84/18 ,  H04W92/18

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for opportunistically conducting data communications on multiple wireless channels. In these methods, a device is engaged in data communications with a second device and receives a conflicting communication demand requiring action on one or more channels other than the data-communication channel (e.g., to conduct a channel scan, to issue or receive a beacon). The device arranges a schedule of channel switches to satisfy the communication demand and advises the second device of the schedule, and may explicitly invite the second device to implement the schedule. To the extent the second device does so, the data communications continue on the other channels. The devices may be participating in a synchronized peer-to-peer communication environment that requires their attendance on the data-communication channel and that is not associated with the other channels.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于机会地在多个无线信道上进行数据通信的装置和方法。 在这些方法中，设备与第二设备进行数据通信，并接收需要对数据通信信道以外的一个或多个信道（例如进行信道扫描，发送或接收信标）的冲突通信需求 ）。 设备安排频道交换机的时间表以满足通信需求并向该第二设备通知该时间表，并且可以明确地邀请该第二设备来实施该时间表。 在第二个设备这样做的程度上，数据通信在其他通道上继续。 这些设备可以参与同步的对等通信环境，其需要他们参与数据通信信道并且不与其他信道相关联。

公开(公告)号：US20140233467A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-21

申请号：US13773573

申请日：2013-02-21

Applicant: APPLE INC.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Robert J. Stacey

IPC: H04W72/12

CPC classification number: H04W72/12 ,  H04W28/06 ,  H04W84/12

Abstract: A method for scheduling absence periods on a WLAN is provided. The method can include a WLAN station joining a WLAN served by a WLAN access point using an operating channel; formatting a message defining an absence schedule of absence periods during which the WLAN station will be off of the operating channel and unavailable to receive traffic on the operating channel; sending the message to the WLAN access point to register the absence schedule with the WLAN access point; and leaving and returning to the operating channel in accordance with the absence schedule after the absence schedule has been registered with the WLAN access point.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种在WLAN上调度不存在时段的方法。 该方法可以包括使用操作信道加入由WLAN接入点服务的WLAN的WLAN站; 格式化消息，定义无线时段的不在时间表，在该时间段期间，WLAN站将离开操作信道，并且不能在操作信道上接收业务; 将消息发送到WLAN接入点，以向WLAN接入点注册不存在的时间表; 并且在无线接入点已经注册了缺席日程表之后，根据不在时间表离开并返回到操作信道。

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。

公开(公告)号：US09955505B2

公开(公告)日：2018-04-24

申请号：US14099762

申请日：2013-12-06

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Christiaan A. Hartman ,  Peter M. Agboh

IPC: H04W4/00 ,  H04W74/08 ,  H04W28/04 ,  H04W52/38 ,  H04W76/02 ,  H04W52/02

CPC classification number: H04W74/0833 ,  H04W28/04 ,  H04W52/0216 ,  H04W52/0229 ,  H04W52/383 ,  H04W74/0808 ,  H04W74/0816 ,  H04W74/085 ,  H04W76/14 ,  Y02D70/00 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/22

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting peer-to-peer communications while channel hopping among two or more wireless channels, at least one of which is a restricted channel. One type of restricted channel requires the use of DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) or a similar scheme for avoiding use of the channel during certain circumstances (e.g., for radar avoidance). Communicating peers may synchronize a channel-hopping sequence with TBTTs (Target Beacon Transmission Times) of the restricted channel(s), so that they switch to such a channel in time to capture a beacon and determine whether the channel is free. If the channel is free, or if no beacon is received, they may immediately begin or resume their communications. They may also quiesce just before another TBTT so as to capture that beacon. Thus, the peer-to-peer communications do not diminish a peer device's ability to receive and comply with channel switch announcements.

公开(公告)号：US09516615B2

公开(公告)日：2016-12-06

申请号：US13657707

申请日：2012-10-22

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Robert J. Stacey ,  Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Christiaan A. Hartman

IPC: H04W56/00 ,  H04L29/08 ,  H04W84/20

CPC classification number: H04W56/0015 ,  H04L67/1089 ,  H04L67/1095 ,  H04W4/80 ,  H04W72/1215 ,  H04W84/20 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/164 ,  Y02D70/20

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for selecting one or more synchronization stations, or masters, in a peer-to-peer communication environment. Synchronization (or sync) stations broadcast periodic synchronization frames to advertise future availability windows, during which devices rendezvous for discovery and communication. Devices that can act as sync stations advertise preference values, which indicate their preference or suitability for the role. All devices execute the same algorithm to sort the preference values and identify a root sync station and any number of branch sync stations; leaf devices synchronize with the root or a branch sync station. This passive synchronization scheme allows individual devices to conserve power, because they need not actively discover other devices and services, and can power off their radios for periods of time without sacrificing discoverability. Synchronization and peer-to-peer communication as provided herein coexist with other device demands, such as Bluetooth® operations and infrastructure-based communications.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在对等通信环境中选择一个或多个同步站或主站的系统，装置和方法。 同步（或同步）站广播周期性同步帧以通告未来可用性窗口，在此期间，设备会合用于发现和通信。 可以充当同步站的设备会发布偏好值，这表明它们对该角色的偏好或适用性。 所有设备执行相同的算法对优先级值进行排序，并识别根同步站和任意数量的分支同步站; 叶设备与根或分支同步站同步。 这种无源同步方案允许单个设备节省电力，因为它们不需要主动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一段时间。 本文提供的同步和对等通信与其他设备需求（如蓝牙®操作和基于基础设施的通信）共存。

公开(公告)号：US09125236B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-01

申请号：US13913278

申请日：2013-06-07

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Tashbeeb Haque ,  Andreas Wolf ,  Saravanan Balasubramaniyan

IPC: H04L12/28 ,  H04W84/18 ,  H04W4/06 ,  H04W56/00 ,  H04W4/00 ,  H04B7/00 ,  H04W8/00

CPC classification number: H04W4/06 ,  H04L43/12 ,  H04L67/104 ,  H04W8/005 ,  H04W56/001 ,  H04W84/18 ,  H04W92/18

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for opportunistically conducting data communications on multiple wireless channels. In these methods, a device is engaged in data communications with a second device and receives a conflicting communication demand requiring action on one or more channels other than the data-communication channel (e.g., to conduct a channel scan, to issue or receive a beacon). The device arranges a schedule of channel switches to satisfy the communication demand and advises the second device of the schedule, and may explicitly invite the second device to implement the schedule. To the extent the second device does so, the data communications continue on the other channels. The devices may be participating in a synchronized peer-to-peer communication environment that requires their attendance on the data-communication channel and that is not associated with the other channels.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于机会地在多个无线信道上进行数据通信的装置和方法。 在这些方法中，设备与第二设备进行数据通信，并接收需要对数据通信信道以外的一个或多个信道（例如进行信道扫描，发送或接收信标）的冲突通信需求 ）。 设备安排频道交换机的时间表以满足通信需求并向该第二设备通知该时间表，并且可以明确地邀请该第二设备来实施该时间表。 在第二个设备这样做的程度上，数据通信在其他通道上继续。 这些设备可以参与同步的对等通信环境，其需要他们参与数据通信信道并且不与其他信道相关联。

公开(公告)号：US20150163828A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-11

申请号：US14099762

申请日：2013-12-06

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Christiaan A. Hartman ,  Peter M. Agboh

IPC: H04W74/08 ,  H04W76/02 ,  H04W52/38

CPC classification number: H04W74/0833 ,  H04W28/04 ,  H04W52/0216 ,  H04W52/0229 ,  H04W52/383 ,  H04W74/0808 ,  H04W74/0816 ,  H04W74/085 ,  H04W76/14 ,  Y02D70/00 ,  Y02D70/142 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/22

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting peer-to-peer communications while channel hopping among two or more wireless channels, at least one of which is a restricted channel. One type of restricted channel requires the use of DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) or a similar scheme for avoiding use of the channel during certain circumstances (e.g., for radar avoidance). Communicating peers may synchronize a channel-hopping sequence with TBTTs (Target Beacon Transmission Times) of the restricted channel(s), so that they switch to such a channel in time to capture a beacon and determine whether the channel is free. If the channel is free, or if no beacon is received, they may immediately begin or resume their communications. They may also quiesce just before another TBTT so as to capture that beacon. Thus, the peer-to-peer communications do not diminish a peer device's ability to receive and comply with channel switch announcements.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种方法和装置，用于在两个或更多个无线信道中的信道跳跃期间进行对等通信，其中至少一个是受限信道。 一种类型的受限通道需要使用DFS（动态频率选择）或类似的方案来避免在某些情况下使用信道（例如用于雷达避免）。 通信对等体可以将信道跳跃序列与受限信道的TBTT（目标信标传输时间）同步，以便及时切换到这样的信道以捕获信标并确定信道是否空闲。 如果频道是空闲的，或者如果没有收到信标，他们可以立即开始或恢复通信。 他们也可能在另一个TBTT之前停顿，以便捕获该信标。 因此，对等通信不会削弱对等设备接收和遵守信道切换通告的能力。

公开(公告)号：US08917709B2

公开(公告)日：2014-12-23

申请号：US13773573

申请日：2013-02-21

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Pierre B. Vandwalle ,  Robert J. Stacey

IPC: H04W4/00 ,  H04W72/12

CPC classification number: H04W72/12 ,  H04W28/06 ,  H04W84/12

Abstract: A method for scheduling absence periods on a WLAN is provided. The method can include a WLAN station joining a WLAN served by a WLAN access point using an operating channel; formatting a message defining an absence schedule of absence periods during which the WLAN station will be off of the operating channel and unavailable to receive traffic on the operating channel; sending the message to the WLAN access point to register the absence schedule with the WLAN access point; and leaving and returning to the operating channel in accordance with the absence schedule after the absence schedule has been registered with the WLAN access point.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种在WLAN上调度不存在时段的方法。 该方法可以包括使用操作信道加入由WLAN接入点服务的WLAN的WLAN站; 格式化消息，定义无线时段的不在时间表，在该时间段期间，WLAN站将离开操作信道，并且不能在操作信道上接收业务; 将消息发送到WLAN接入点，以向WLAN接入点注册不存在的时间表; 并且在无线接入点已经注册了缺席日程表之后，根据缺席日程表离开并返回到操作信道。

公开(公告)号：US20140219193A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-07

申请号：US14167538

申请日：2014-01-29

Applicant: Apple Inc.

Inventor： Joakim Linde ,  Aarti Kumar ,  Christiaan A. Hartman ,  Pierre B. Vandwalle

IPC: H04W24/02 ,  H04W72/00

CPC classification number: H04W72/1215 ,  H04W8/005 ,  H04W88/06

Abstract: A system and method for peer-to-peer communications is disclosed. A first wireless device receives a message from a second wireless device identifying communication requirements of a point-to-point communication involving the second wireless device. The first wireless device determines whether the second wireless device's communication requirements can be satisfied based on communication resources already committed for other communications. When the communication requirements of the second wireless device can be satisfied, the first wireless device generates a time sharing schedule to be used by the first and second wireless devices based on the already-committed communication requirements and the second device's communication requirements. The time sharing schedule may include a first portion for broadcast communication among a group of devices to which the first and second wireless devices belong, and a second portion for the point-to-point communications of the second wireless devices.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于对等通信的系统和方法。 第一无线设备从第二无线设备接收标识涉及第二无线设备的点对点通信的通信要求的消息。 第一无线设备基于已经为其他通信提供的通信资源确定第二无线设备的通信要求是否可以被满足。 当满足第二无线设备的通信要求时，第一无线设备基于已经提出的通信要求和第二设备的通信要求，生成要由第一和第二无线设备使用的时间共享调度。 时间共享调度可以包括用于第一和第二无线设备所属的一组设备之间的广播通信的第一部分和用于第二无线设备的点对点通信的第二部分。