Ambient Power Device Polling for Adaptive RF Charging Schedules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient power devices with varying energy storage capacities and path losses pose challenges for Access Points (APs) in efficiently charging or recharging them, leading to potential overcharging or undercharging and inefficient energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for polling energy requirements of ambient power devices, involving an Access Point that detects and groups devices, transmits energy poll trigger frames, receives energy poll frames with energy parameters, determines target downlink transmission power, and generates charging schedules based on these parameters to optimize charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Access Point transmits RF signals to charge ambient power devices without knowing their energy storage capacities, then the charging process can be initiated, but the devices may be overcharged or undercharged leading to inefficient energy utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ambient power devices report their energy storage capacity and charging status back to the Access Point. The AP uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust transmission power and charging schedules, ensuring optimal charging efficiency and preventing energy waste from overcharging or undercharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the Access Point first discover and assess the energy storage capacities of ambient power devices before initiating the charging process. This preliminary assessment allows the AP to plan and optimize charging parameters in advance, improving overall charging efficiency and energy utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If the Access Point transmits RF signals at high power to charge devices at different distances, then charging reach is improved, but path loss causes intensity decrease and inefficient energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transmitting RF signals at different power levels tailored to the specific distance and energy needs of each ambient power device. Instead of using uniform high power for all devices, the AP adjusts transmission power locally for each device based on its location and charging requirements, expanding effective coverage while minimizing energy loss from excessive transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the Access Point continuously monitors charging progress and device positions, then dynamically modifies transmission power levels in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain effective charging across varying distances while optimizing energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary high-power transmissions.
3Productivity
If the Access Point monitors energy parameters of multiple ambient power devices continuously, then charging optimization is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management system into distinct functional modules: device discovery, energy parameter monitoring, charging schedule generation, and transmission power control. Each module handles specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive charging optimization capabilities through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where ambient power devices autonomously report their energy storage capacity, current charge level, and charging requirements to the Access Point. This self-reporting approach reduces the monitoring burden on the AP and simplifies the power management system while still enabling optimized charging through accurate device information.
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 optimizes network performance, energy utilization, and communication efficiency, ensuring reliable connectivity and efficient resource allocation by dynamically adjusting charging schedules based on continuous monitoring of charge levels and using predictive analysis to anticipate future energy needs.
Implementation Method 1
Some ambient power devices can be powered by one or more energy sources such as, but not limited to, radio waves
Implementation Method 2
Because of the path loss, an intensity of the RF signals decreases along a transmission path from the AP to the ambient power devices
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, networks, systems, methods, and processes for polling a plurality of ambient power devices and generating one or more charging schedule for the plurality of ambient power devices are described herein. An Access Point (AP) can transmit an energy poll trigger frame to one or more ambient power devices. The one or more ambient power devices can transmit one or more energy poll frames in response to the energy poll trigger frame. The one or more energy poll frames can be indicative of one or more energy parameters associated with the one or more ambient power devices. The AP can generate one or more charging schedules for the one or more ambient power devices based on the one or more energy parameters. The AP may generate and transmit one or more charging frames based on the one or more charging schedules to charge the one or more ambient power devices.