Ambient Backscatter Object Location via Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object location technologies, such as barcodes and RFID, require dedicated and expensive hardware for reading, limiting their efficiency and scalability, especially outside logistics circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing ambient backscatter communication technology to generate and collect identification data from ambient signals, allowing for object location without the need for specific hardware, leveraging existing environmental devices like smartphones and base stations, and enabling energy-efficient and cost-effective traceability beyond logistics processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcode or RFID technology is used for object location, then object identification capability is improved, but hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing ambient devices (smartphones, base stations, Wi-Fi access points) perform object identification functions by having them backscatter ambient signals. These devices originally serve communication purposes, but now also function as identification tags, eliminating the need for dedicated RFID readers or barcode scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
Objects equipped with backscatter tags passively reflect ambient signals to convey identification information without requiring active transmission or dedicated reading hardware. The ambient infrastructure (existing communication devices) serves itself by simultaneously providing communication coverage and object identification capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated reading hardware is deployed for barcodes or RFID, then object location accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backscatter tags on objects passively modulate ambient signals without requiring active power transmission. The energy for signal reflection comes from the ambient electromagnetic environment, eliminating the need for batteries or power sources in the tagged objects, while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Ambient signals (Wi-Fi, cellular, radio waves) serve as intermediaries to carry object identification information. Instead of objects actively transmitting their own signals (consuming energy), they modulate the passing ambient signals, using the environment's energy infrastructure.
3Reliability
If traditional object location methods are used, then traceability within logistics circuits is improved, but adaptability to general environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses ambient communication infrastructure (smartphones, base stations, Wi-Fi access points) that exists everywhere in modern environments, not just in logistics facilities. This makes the object location system universally applicable from warehouses to consumer homes to public spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
By using ambient signals as intermediaries, the system bridges the gap between specialized logistics tracking and general environment monitoring. The same backscatter mechanism works whether the object is in a controlled logistics facility or a consumer's living room, as long as ambient electromagnetic signals are present.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and energy-efficient object location and traceability without the need for dedicated hardware, extending the scope of object tracking beyond traditional logistics circuits and allowing for passive location of objects outside these contexts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one identification datum resulting from the backscatter of at least one ambient signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating an object includes: obtaining at least one item of identification data of at least one object, the item of identification data coming from a backscattering of at least one ambient signal; and if the at least one ambient signal is transmitted following at least one uplink between at least one transmitter device and at least one receiver device, determining a location of the object from the item of identification data and at least one item of location data of the at least one transmitter device; or, if the at least one ambient signal is transmitted following at least one downlink between at least one transmitter device and at least one receiver device, determining a location of the at least one object from the item of identification data and at least one item of location data of the at least one receiver device.