Augmented Wi-Fi Messages for Backscatter Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backscatter devices are energy-constrained and limited in processor and radio capabilities, making them incapable of generating and transmitting Wi-Fi frames independently, which restricts their communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An access point or buddy device generates and transmits Wi-Fi messages that include a mid-amble and a backscatter device section, signaling the backscatter device when and how to transmit its message, thereby augmenting the communication capabilities of backscatter devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If backscatter devices use energy from wireless signals to power their functions, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication capability is limited because they cannot generate and transmit Wi-Fi frames independently
Solution Approach 1:
A Wi-Fi device acts as an intermediary by generating augmented messages that include both data for the Wi-Fi device and signaling portions for the backscatter device. The backscatter device uses this signaling information to modulate and transmit its data during designated periods, enabling communication without requiring the backscatter device to independently generate complete Wi-Fi frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The message structure is segmented into distinct portions: a first portion containing data for the Wi-Fi device, and a second portion containing signaling information for the backscatter device. This segmentation allows each device type to extract and process only the relevant information from the transmitted message, enabling the backscatter device to communicate effectively while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Device complexity
If backscatter devices are limited in processor and radio capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to generate and transmit Wi-Fi frames independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The Wi-Fi device serves as a capable intermediary that handles the complex task of generating and transmitting properly formatted Wi-Fi frames. The backscatter device, with its limited capabilities, only needs to perform simple modulation of received signaling information, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving functional communication capability through the intermediary's support.
Solution Approach 2:
The Wi-Fi device performs preliminary actions by generating augmented messages that pre-configure the transmission parameters and data portions for the backscatter device. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the backscatter device to independently create complex frame structures, allowing it to communicate effectively despite limited processor and radio capabilities.
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 proposed solution enables backscatter devices to effectively communicate by signaling when to transmit and providing data to modulate, enhancing their ability to participate in wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
Backscatter devices use energy in wireless signals in the environment to power the functions and operations of the backscatter devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an access point or buddy device that augments Wi-Fi messages for backscatter devices. An apparatus includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor generates a first message that includes a first portion that signals a first backscatter device that a second portion of the first message following the first portion is intended for the first backscatter device. The processor also transmits the first message.