Ambient Backscatter Location Selection for Reliable Signal Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ambient backscattering communication systems face challenges due to non-uniform power distribution caused by reflections and diffractions in complex environments, leading to insufficient power contrast for effective signal decoding between fixed-position devices.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining a location for a transmitting device to move within a defined zone to find a position where the electromagnetic power exceeds a threshold, ensuring sufficient power contrast for effective communication by backscattering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If transmitting and receiving devices occupy fixed positions in a complex propagation environment, then device stability is improved, but power contrast becomes insufficient for effective signal decoding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice position stabilityVSAvoidsignal decoding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed-position configuration into a dynamic system where the transmitting device can move to different locations. The device determines its position, evaluates power contrast conditions, and adjusts its location to find optimal positions for backscattering communication, thereby resolving the contradiction between position stability and signal decoding reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices are positioned in a complex propagation environment with reflections and diffractions, then environmental adaptability is improved, but power distribution becomes non-uniform leading to insufficient power contrast

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidpower contrast sufficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitting device continuously monitors the power contrast conditions in its environment, determines its current position relative to the receiving device, and uses this information to adjust its location. This feedback loop enables the device to adapt to complex propagation environments while maintaining sufficient power contrast for reliable signal decoding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the transmitting device moves to optimize power contrast, then signal decoding reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal decoding reliabilityVSAvoidposition determination and movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitting device performs self-position determination and self-adjustment based on power contrast measurements. The device autonomously evaluates its environment, determines optimal positions, and moves to improve signal decoding reliability without requiring complex external control systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables reliable communication by optimizing power contrast, allowing the transmitting device to adapt to changing environments and ensuring successful signal decoding.

Implementation Method 1

the transmitting device reflects the ambient signal back to the receiving device, possibly modulating it. The reflected signal is called a 'backscattered signal'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

acquiring, within the working band and at at least one location within said portion, a measurement of the electromagnetic power received by said transmitting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

These devices are generally positioned in a complex propagation environment that includes elements (walls, trees, ground, etc.) likely to generate reflections and diffractions of waves emitted by the source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3987671B1Method for determining at least one location for the backscattering of an ambient signal

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ORANGE SA

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AI summary

The invention concerns a method for determining at least one location for backscattering, by at least one transmitter device (D_TX) and to at least one receiver device (D_RX), of an ambient radio signal, the transmitter device being associated with: - a zone (Z_T), - operating states, at least of one of which is a so-called "backscattering" state and one is a so-called "non-backscattering" state, - a frequency band called "working band". Further, the method is implemented by the transmitter device when it is in the non-backscattering state and comprises: - a step (E10) for travel of the transmitter device in at least one part of the zone, - during the travel of the transmitter device, a step (E20) of acquiring, in the working band and in at least one location (E_i) of said part, a measurement of electromagnetic power (P_i) received by the transmitter device, - a step (E_30) of comparing the measurement with a determined threshold, the location associated with the measurement being determined (E_40) as being a location for backscattering if the measurement is greater than the threshold.