Backscatter Carrier Signal Burst Segmentation for Collision Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backscatter communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing backscatter transmission collisions and power consumption, particularly in low-cost, low-power devices.

Innovation Solution

A backscatter transmission scheme where a carrier signal is transmitted discontinuously as bursts, divided into time segments with predefined offsets, allowing backscatter devices to transmit using pre-assigned frequency shifts and spreading/scrambling codes, reducing collisions and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If backscatter devices transmit using random access mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission collisions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackscatter device complexityVSAvoidtransmission collision probability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier signal transmission time is divided into multiple discrete time segments, with each segment assigned to specific backscatter devices. This segmentation allows devices to transmit in predetermined time slots without random access, eliminating collisions while keeping device complexity low since devices simply follow pre-assigned time slots without needing complex collision avoidance algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Backscatter devices are pre-configured with specific time segments and frequency shifts to use for transmission. This preliminary assignment of resources eliminates the need for dynamic resource negotiation or random access attempts, thereby preventing collisions before they can occur while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If carrier signal is transmitted continuously, then backscatter transmission opportunities are abundant, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackscatter transmission opportunitiesVSAvoidcarrier signal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier signal is transmitted in periodic bursts rather than continuously. Each burst contains multiple time segments that provide backscatter transmission opportunities. This periodic transmission reduces overall power consumption compared to continuous transmission while still providing sufficient opportunities for backscatter devices to communicate during the active burst periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Each carrier burst is divided into multiple time segments, maximizing the utilization of each transmission opportunity. This segmentation allows multiple backscatter devices to transmit different data during different segments of the same burst, thereby providing abundant transmission opportunities without requiring continuous carrier transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If dynamic signaling is used for resource allocation, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Backscatter devices receive and store signaling information in advance that pre-assigns them specific time segments and frequency shifts for transmission. This preliminary resource allocation eliminates the need for dynamic signaling during transmission, reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining efficient resource utilization since conflicts are prevented by the pre-assigned resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the likelihood of backscatter transmission collisions, eliminates the need for dynamic signaling, and enhances power efficiency by allowing devices to operate with low power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a backscatter device receives a carrier signal from a carrier communication device... produces a backscatter carrier signal from the received carrier signal... generates a backscattered signal by modulating data using the backscatter carrier signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscatter:

Implementation Method 2

produces a backscatter carrier signal from the received carrier signal... using a pre-assigned frequency shift from the received carrier signal frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency shift:

Data Source

PatentUS12335026B2Multiple access in backscatter communication systems

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A backscatter transmission scheme is provided in which a carrier signal is transmitted by a carrier communication device discontinuously as carrier signal bursts. The carrier signal, while it is on, is divided into carrier time segments. Each carrier time segment has a specified time. The different carrier time segments represent different times that backscatter devices can make backscatter transmissions. In addition, in some embodiments, a set of frequencies are available for backscatter transmission. The set of frequencies includes the carrier frequency and a set of frequencies with respective frequency shifts relative to the carrier frequency. The combination of a specific carrier time segment, a specific frequency shift, together constitutes a specific backscatter transmission opportunity.