Assisting Node Relay for Passive IoT Backscatter and Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges in supporting direct communication between devices and managing passive IoT devices, such as RFID tags, due to limitations in resource allocation and interference management, especially in enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
An assisting node (AN) is introduced as a smart repeater that can decode and forward backscatter signals from passive IoT devices, utilizing antenna panels for cellular, power, and RFID/SWIPT operations, and employs multiplexing and carrier aggregation to manage interference and enhance coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication systems use direct communication between devices, then device-to-device communication capability is improved, but resource allocation and interference management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that assists in D2D communication by managing resource allocation and receiving backscatter signals. The network node configures the assisting node with resource allocations for transmitting information signals, thereby simplifying the complexity at device level while maintaining D2D communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function by introducing an assisting node that specializes in receiving and forwarding backscatter signals from passive IoT devices. This segmentation allows the system to handle different communication types (active device communication and passive device backscatter) through dedicated nodes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports passive IoT devices like RFID tags, then IoT device connectivity is improved, but energy transfer and signal decoding become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assisting node as an intermediary that receives backscatter signals from passive IoT devices and forwards them to the network node. This intermediary handles the complex energy transfer and signal decoding operations, making passive IoT device support feasible without overcomplicating the passive devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The assisting node autonomously manages the reception and forwarding of backscatter signals from passive devices. It self-configures with resource allocations from the network node and independently handles the energy transfer and signal decoding processes, reducing the complexity burden on the passive IoT devices.
3Reliability
If the AN transmits information signals to the network node, then communication reliability is improved, but resource allocation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assisting node is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving backscatter signals from passive IoT devices, decoding them, and transmitting information signals to the network node. This multi-functionality allows a single node to handle diverse communication tasks, optimizing resource allocation rather than requiring separate dedicated nodes for each function.
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 AN effectively supports communication with passive IoT devices by managing resource allocation and interference, enhancing signal coverage and reducing operational costs through efficient energy transfer and signal decoding.
Implementation Method 1
the information signal comprising an indication of a backscatter signal received from a passive node
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects are directed to an assisting node (AN) for wireless communications. The assisting node may operate as a relay or repeater (e.g., smart repeater), and may be configured to decode control signals it receives from a network node. The control signals may provide the AN with scheduling and resource allocations, and/or instruct the AN to use particular capabilities in its communications. The AN may include a memory and one or more processors configured to receive, from a network node, an energy transfer configuration providing the AN with a resource allocation for transmission of an information signal to the network node, the information signal comprising an indication of a backscatter signal received from a passive node. The AN may also be configured to transmit, based on the resource allocation, the information signal to the network node.