{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854468","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854468","title":"Method and apparatus for estimating distance between network devices in a wireless network","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-03-05T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","G01S","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":12,"abstract":"A first wireless communication device including a timing module and a fine timing measurement module. The timing module is configured to provide a first timer value. The fine timing measurement module is configured to receive, from a second wireless communication device, a first request to perform a fine timing measurement to determine a distance between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, and transmit a first response including a first time to start a burst period for performing the fine timing measurement. The first time is one of included in the request received from the second wireless communication device and based on the first timer value. The fine timing measurement module is further configured to perform the fine timing measurement in the burst period starting at the first time."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network patent addresses the problem of inaccurate distance estimation in wireless networks. The core innovation lies in using fine timing measurements to determine the distance between devices with greater precision than traditional methods. This is achieved through a timing module and a fine timing measurement module within a wireless communication device. The timing module provides a first timer value, while the fine timing measurement module interacts with a second device to perform timing measurements. The process involves a request from the second device to perform a fine timing measurement, followed by a response from the first device that includes a time to start a burst period. The fine timing measurement is then performed within this burst period. This approach offers significant business value by enabling more accurate location-based services, improved network management, and enhanced security protocols. The market opportunity is substantial, as accurate distance estimation is critical for various applications, including indoor navigation, asset tracking, and proximity-based marketing. The innovation has the potential to transform industries by providing more precise and reliable location information. The accurate distance estimation can also improve the efficiency of wireless networks by enabling more effective resource allocation and interference mitigation. This technology provides a foundation for new wireless applications and services, paving the way for future innovations in the field of wireless communication. The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network represents a significant advancement in wireless technology, offering a compelling solution to the challenges of accurate distance estimation.","layman_explanation":"The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network patent focuses on improving how accurately wireless devices can determine their distance from each other. This is a crucial problem because many applications, like indoor navigation, asset tracking, and targeted advertising, rely on knowing the precise location of devices. Current methods for estimating distance, such as using signal strength, are often unreliable due to interference and other environmental factors. This patent offers a more precise approach using fine timing measurements. \n\nInstead of relying on signal strength, this technology measures the time it takes for signals to travel between devices. By accurately measuring this time, the system can calculate the distance with much greater precision. Think of it like using a stopwatch to measure how long it takes for a sound to travel – the more accurate the stopwatch, the more accurate your distance measurement. This patent essentially provides a highly accurate “stopwatch” for wireless signals. \n\nThis enhanced accuracy has significant implications for various industries. For retailers, it means they can offer more precise in-store navigation and targeted promotions to customers based on their exact location within the store. For hospitals, it means they can track valuable equipment and personnel with greater efficiency, improving patient care. For logistics companies, it means they can optimize their supply chain by tracking assets with greater accuracy. \n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to be integrated into a wide range of wireless devices and applications. As the demand for more accurate location-based services continues to grow, this innovation is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of wireless communication and location technology.","technical_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network patent provides a technical solution for improving distance estimation in wireless networks. The system architecture includes a timing module and a fine timing measurement module within a wireless communication device. The timing module provides a high-resolution timer value, which is used as a reference for the fine timing measurements. The fine timing measurement module is responsible for exchanging timing information with another device and calculating the distance based on the measured time differences. The implementation details involve the use of specific wireless communication protocols and signal processing techniques. The algorithm for distance calculation typically involves compensating for various factors, such as signal propagation delays and clock synchronization errors. The integration patterns for this technology depend on the specific application and wireless network infrastructure. The performance characteristics of the system are influenced by factors such as the accuracy of the timing module, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the presence of interference. Code-level implications involve the development of efficient algorithms for timing measurement and distance calculation. The system architecture of the Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network can be described as follows: The system comprises a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device. The first device includes a timing module that provides a first timer value and a fine timing measurement module that communicates with the second device. The second device sends a request to the first device to perform a fine timing measurement. The first device responds with a time to start a burst period for the measurement. The fine timing measurement is then performed within this burst period, and the distance between the devices is calculated based on the measured time differences. The accuracy of the distance estimation can be improved by employing advanced signal processing techniques to mitigate the effects of noise and interference.","business_analysis":"The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network patent presents a significant business opportunity in the wireless communication market. The market opportunity size is substantial, as accurate distance estimation is critical for various applications across multiple industries. These include location-based services, indoor navigation, asset tracking, and proximity-based marketing. The competitive advantages of this technology stem from its ability to provide more accurate and reliable distance estimates compared to traditional methods. This translates into improved performance for applications that rely on precise location information. The revenue potential for this technology is significant, as it can be monetized through various business models, such as licensing, subscription services, and value-added applications. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a fundamental need in the wireless communication market. The ROI projections for this technology are attractive, as it can generate significant cost savings and revenue growth for businesses that adopt it. The Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network offers a compelling value proposition to businesses across various industries. By providing more accurate and reliable distance estimates, this technology enables new applications and services that were previously not feasible. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced revenue streams. The market for location-based services is growing rapidly, and this technology is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The demand for more accurate and reliable location information is increasing across various industries, and this technology offers a solution that meets this need. The ability to provide precise distance estimates in challenging environments, such as indoor settings, is a key differentiator for this technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["wireless distance estimation","fine timing measurement","network devices","wireless network","location-based services","method","apparatus","estimating"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network - Patent US-9854468","description":"Discover the Method and Apparatus for Estimating Distance Between Network Devices in a Wireless Network patent. Accurate wireless distance estimation using fine timing measurements. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":["wireless distance estimation","fine timing measurement","network devices","wireless network","location-based services","patent","patent US-9854468"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854468","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854468","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for estimating distance between network devices in a wireless network\" (US-9854468). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854468","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854468","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854468","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:47:31.990Z"}