Ambient IoT Node Signaling Using OOK and Backscatter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR communication systems face challenges in integrating ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which lack RRC states, have limited power and complexity, and require new operation states, making reliable data delivery and network registration difficult.

Innovation Solution

An IoT device with a transceiver that receives a configuration signal to determine control and data transmission parameters, enabling improved communication procedures using On-Off-Keying (OOK) modulation and backscattering techniques, facilitated by an intermediate node or base station, to enhance energy efficiency and reduce complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ambient IoT devices are integrated into 5G NR communication systems, then device deployment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of RRC states and limited power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice deployment versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate node (such as a gNodeB or eNodeB) that acts as a mediator between the ambient IoT device and the core network. This intermediate node performs RRC protocol functions that the IoT device would otherwise need to implement independently, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining deployment versatility. The intermediate node handles radio resource allocation, connection management, and signaling protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts complex RRC protocol functions from the IoT device and relocates them to the network side (intermediate node). By taking out these complex functions from the device, the IoT device can operate with minimal complexity while still being able to deploy in diverse scenarios. The extracted functions are implemented in the network infrastructure instead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional communication protocols are used for ambient IoT devices, then protocol compatibility is improved, but power consumption increases due to limited battery power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through discontinuous transmission and reception schedules. The IoT device can transmit data in periodic bursts rather than continuously, and the intermediate node can schedule receptions at optimal times. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining protocol compatibility with existing 5G NR systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation of transmission parameters based on channel conditions and power availability. The intermediate node can dynamically adjust transmission power, modulation schemes, and transmission timing to optimize the balance between power consumption and communication reliability. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to varying power constraints while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If reliable data delivery is ensured for ambient IoT devices, then communication reliability is improved, but transmission time increases due to limited power for retransmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action through advance scheduling of transmission opportunities. The intermediate node can schedule data transmissions in advance based on predicted channel conditions and power availability, allowing the IoT device to prepare its data buffers and power allocation beforehand. This reduces the need for time-consuming retransmissions by proactively optimizing the initial transmission parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters such as modulation order, coding rate, and power level based on channel conditions and power availability. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system can maintain reliable data delivery without requiring excessive retransmissions, thereby reducing overall transmission time while preserving communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enables efficient and reliable communication for ambient IoT devices, reducing power consumption and complexity, facilitating wide deployment in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

enabling improved communication procedures using On-Off-Keying (OOK) modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOn-Off-Keying (OOK) modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

backscattering techniques

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4686235A1Internet of things device and node
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP4686235A1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
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  • EP4686235A1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an Internet of Things, loT, device comprising the following. A transceiver of the loT device receives a configuration signal. A circuitry of the loT device determines a control transmission parameter and a data transmission parameter based on a signal characteristic of the received configuration signal. The transceiver uses the determined control transmission parameter and the determined data transmission parameter to receive or transmit respectively a control information transmission and a data information transmission.