Adaptive Multistatic Tag Backscatter Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices require significant power and cost, making them unsuitable for large-scale, batteryless applications, especially with the increasing demand for reduced size, cost, and power consumption in IoT communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive configuration for multistatic tag backscatter, which involves a network device, an illuminator, and a reader, to optimize the selection of harmonic frequency, illumination power, and reader selection for efficient harmonic backscatter communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional active IoT devices are used, then communication functionality is achieved, but power consumption and cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active transceivers with passive backscatter communication. Instead of generating radio signals actively, the tag modulates reflected signals from illuminators, eliminating the need for power-hungry RF transmitters while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables illuminators to serve dual purposes: providing illumination for visibility and serving as signal sources for backscatter communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate communication infrastructure, lowering overall system cost and power requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If active IoT devices are used, then communication capability is provided, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal generation function from the tag device itself and relocates it to external illuminators. This allows the tag to be manufactured as a simple passive reflector with modulation capability, dramatically reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs extremely simple passive tags that can be manufactured at very low cost, suitable for disposable or single-use applications. The tags require no battery, processor, or complex electronics, enabling mass deployment for temporary or low-value applications.
3Power
If high transmission power is used by illuminator, then backscatter signal strength increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device receives information about harmonic signal quality and tag position, then adjusts illuminator transmission power and reader configuration accordingly. This ensures sufficient signal strength is achieved while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes harmonic frequencies generated by the passive tag as a natural amplification mechanism. By configuring readers to detect harmonic frequencies (2x, 3x, etc. of the illuminator frequency), the system achieves signal enhancement without increasing illuminator power, as the tag's nonlinear response naturally generates stronger harmonic signals.
4Measurement precision
If multiple readers are deployed for position estimation, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function by having different readers detect different harmonic frequencies from the same tag. This allows position estimation to be distributed across multiple readers without requiring complex coordination, as each reader independently measures harmonic signals that naturally encode position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses harmonic frequency signals as an intermediary carrier for position information. The passive tag's nonlinear response generates harmonic frequencies that propagate differently in space, enabling readers to estimate position by detecting these harmonic signals without requiring direct communication between readers and the tag.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables optimized selection of harmonic frequency, illumination power, and reader configuration, achieving efficient and cost-effective IoT communication, particularly in batteryless and low-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
monitor, from the passive tag, a response to the activation signal at frequencies of harmonics of the activation signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices and computer readable media for adaptive configuration of multistatic harmonic tag backscatter. A network device transmits, to an illuminator for a passive tag, a request for transmitting an activation signal to a passive tag at a primary frequency and a first transmission power. The network device receives, from the illuminator, information about a harmonic frequency of a harmonic of the activation signal back-scattered from the passive tag, a received level of the harmonic and a distance between the illuminator and the passive tag. The network device selects at least one reader for the passive tag. The network device configures the illuminator to transmit the activation signal to the passive tag at the primary frequency. The network device configures the at least one reader to receive the harmonic of the activation signal at the harmonic frequency.