Backscatter Device Localization Using Multi-AP Signal Quadrants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in determining the location of Backscatter Devices (BKDs) in wireless networks, which are powered by ambient RF signals, due to their unique transmit and receive characteristics, affecting resource allocation and coexistence with WiFi devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple Access Points (APs) transmitting charging frames from different radio chains, receiving backscattered frames, and analyzing signal levels to determine potential quadrants and intersections for the location of BKDs, using a WLAN controller and location server to refine the location based on signal levels from multiple angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple Access Points transmit charging frames from different radio chains to determine BKD location, then location determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location determination task into multiple independent measurements from different Access Points and radio chains. Each AP performs separate charging frame transmissions and signal level measurements, then the location server aggregates these segmented measurements to determine the final BKD location, improving accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular operation
Solution Approach 2:
A location server acts as an intermediary that receives signal level measurements from multiple Access Points and performs the complex computation of determining BKD location. This intermediary consolidates the complexity of multi-AP coordination and location calculation algorithms, allowing individual APs to operate independently while achieving accurate location determination through centralized processing
2Productivity
If signal levels from multiple APs are analyzed to determine BKD location, then resource allocation is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential signal level information from each Access Point's reception of BKD frames, rather than processing complete frame data. The location server extracts and processes only the relevant signal strength measurements needed for location determination and resource allocation, reducing information processing load while maintaining resource allocation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw signal level measurements into meaningful location information and resource allocation decisions by changing the parameter representation. Signal levels are converted into spatial position estimates and used to derive resource allocation parameters, reducing the processing burden by working with transformed parameters rather than raw data
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
Accurately determines the location of BKDs by analyzing signal levels from multiple APs, enhancing resource allocation and improving coexistence with WiFi devices, and enabling precise placement within wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
A first signal level of first BKD frames backscattered by a BKD in response to the first charging frames may be received
Data Source
AI summary
Determining location of a Backscatter Devices (BKD) may be provided. A first quadrant of the first AP where the BKD is potentially located based on a first signal level, a second signal level, and a third signal level. A second quadrant of a second AP where the BKD is potentially located may be determined. A third quadrant of a third AP where the BKD is potentially located may be determined. A location of the BKD may be determined at an intersection of the first quadrant, the second quadrant, and the third quadrant.