Ambient IoT Backscatter Amplifier Switching for Reliable Response Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices, particularly those without energy storage, in transmitting response signals without amplification, which limits their functionality and compatibility with existing communication protocols.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method enable ambient IoT devices to operate in different transmission modes by backscattering activation signals with or without amplification, and adjust amplifier gain based on requests from session control units, allowing for flexible and efficient communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If ambient IoT devices transmit response signals without amplification, then energy consumption is reduced, but transmission distance and signal reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsignal reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmission mode selection where the device can switch between non-amplified and amplified response signals based on communication conditions. The session control unit determines the appropriate mode and configures the device accordingly, allowing the system to adapt between energy-saving mode (non-amplified) and reliable transmission mode (amplified) rather than being fixed in one state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If ambient IoT devices operate in multiple transmission modes, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a session control unit as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-mode operation. Instead of the ambient IoT device handling all the complexity of mode selection and configuration, the session control unit acts as a mediator that determines the appropriate transmission mode based on communication conditions and configures the device accordingly, thereby reducing the burden on the resource-constrained ambient IoT device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If amplifier gain is adjusted dynamically, then communication efficiency is improved, but control complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the session control unit monitors communication conditions and adjusts the amplifier gain accordingly. The system receives feedback about transmission quality and device state, then dynamically configures the amplifier gain to optimize communication efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enhances the operational flexibility and compatibility of ambient IoT devices, enabling them to transmit response signals effectively and adapt to varying communication conditions, thereby improving system efficiency and compatibility with existing communication standards.

Implementation Method 1

a first transmission mode wherein the response signal is transmitted by backscattering the activation signal without amplification; or a second transmission mode wherein the response signal is transmitted by backscattering the activation signal with amplification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4604401A1Apparatus, method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4604401A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4604401A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4604401A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising: an energy storage; an antenna; a modulator connected to the antenna; an amplifier; means for selectively connecting the amplifier to the energy storage or disconnecting the amplifier from the energy storage; and means for selectively connecting the modulator to the amplifier or disconnecting the modulator from the amplifier.