Ambient IoT Synchronization Using Backscatter and Periodic Broadcast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional synchronization and broadcast methods in ambient IoT devices are inadequate due to capability limitations and high power consumption, which hinders effective communication in various application scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and device are designed to support synchronization and broadcast for ambient IoT devices, utilizing energy harvesting and backscatter communication technologies to minimize power consumption and enable efficient cell search and system synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional synchronization and broadcast methods are used, then basic communication can be established, but power consumption is high and capability limitations prevent meeting stringent time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using discontinuous transmission of synchronization signals and broadcast channels. The network device transmits these signals only at specific periodic intervals rather than continuously, allowing the ambient IoT device to enter low-power sleep modes between transmissions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining necessary synchronization functionality while dramatically reducing average power consumption through strategic periodic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service through backscatter communication where the ambient IoT device responds to network signals by modulating its own presence (e.g., through load modulation or scatterer modulation) rather than actively transmitting. This passive response mechanism eliminates the need for powered transmitters in the ambient device, enabling ultra-low power operation while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If continuous transmission of synchronization signals is used, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic transmission of synchronization signals at optimized intervals that maintain sufficient synchronization accuracy for the application scenario. The network device transmits synchronization signals periodically rather than continuously, and the ambient IoT device adjusts its reception timing accordingly. This periodic approach maintains reliability through regular updates while reducing power consumption by allowing sleep periods between transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the ambient IoT device perform time-frequency synchronization and broadcast channel detection in advance based on received synchronization signals. The device prepares necessary communication parameters and configuration before actual data transmission begins, enabling faster and more efficient communication while minimizing the time spent in active reception states, thus reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If ambient IoT devices use conventional communication methods, then basic functionality is achieved, but time requirements are not met due to capability limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoiddevice capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex active transmission mechanisms with simpler passive backscatter modulation. Instead of using powered radio frequency transmitters that require batteries and power management circuits, the ambient IoT device uses load modulation or scatterer modulation to encode information on incoming signals. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and enables the device to meet stringent time requirements through simplified signal processing and faster response cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters such as time frequency, modulation type, and signal power based on the specific communication scenario and device state. The network device can change the time-frequency resources and modulation parameters adaptively, allowing the system to optimize communication speed for different ambient IoT devices with varying capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250365649A1Wireless communication method and device

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method and a device. The wireless communication method comprises: an ambient Internet of Things device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory, to cause the ambient internet of things device to receive a synchronization signal and/or a broadcast channel.