ApplePatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 4/10

Apple patents compressed data format for ultra-wideband distance checks

Patent drawing from the official filing.

Apple describes a method for wireless devices to send smaller, compressed data packets during distance-measuring sessions. These packets include specific identifiers and error-checking codes to help devices accurately calculate how far apart they are using ultra-wideband technology.

Why it mattersThis improves the efficiency of short-range communication protocols used for precise location tracking, which is relevant for features like digital keys or accessory tracking.

In the filing’s own words

A wireless device may transmit ranging transmissions using a compressed PSDU. The compressed PSDU may be configured to support poll packets, response packets, and report packets. The compressed PSDU may comprise an identifier (ID) field, an address field, ID specific data, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field. Further, the wireless device may use an optimized header IE for broadcast.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method for a wireless device, the method comprising: receiving a compressed frame from a second wireless device, the compressed frame for use in estimating a distance between the wireless device and the second wireless device in conjunction with a ranging session; and decoding at least a portion of the compressed frame, wherein the compressed frame comprises: an identifier (ID) field set to a value that identifies the compressed frame and indicates what is included in a content field; and the content field comprising message content.

Facts

Company: Apple (APPLE INC.)
Official title: COMPRESSED PSDU FORMAT FOR NBA-MMS-UWB CONTROL SIGNALS
Publication number: US20260332294A1
Application number: 19725468
Filed: Jun 30, 2026
Published: Oct 22, 2026
Inventors: 7
Claims: 20

Classified under

H04L 1/0007 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.