Backscatter Node Reporting for Energy-Aware 5G NR Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing communication with passive or semi-passive nodes due to the lack of efficient energy harvesting and operational parameter determination methods, leading to inefficiencies in power management and communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for wireless communication at passive or semi-passive nodes that measure received signal power and energy harvesting metrics to transmit backscattered signals with operational parameters, enabling network entities to adjust communication based on these metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive or semi-passive nodes are used in wireless communication systems, then energy consumption is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the ability to measure and report operational parameters effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity as an intermediary that performs measurements on signals received from passive or semi-passive nodes. Since these nodes lack sufficient power for active measurements, the network entity acts as a mediator that measures signal characteristics (such as time-based metrics or energy harvesting metrics) and uses these measurements to determine optimal transmission configurations, thereby enabling precise parameter measurement without requiring the passive nodes to have measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The passive or semi-passive nodes transmit signals that inherently contain information about their operational state and energy harvesting conditions. The nodes essentially measure their own operational parameters through their transmission behavior (e.g., signal strength, timing) and allow the network entity to extract these measurement results, enabling self-reporting of operational parameters without active measurement circuits in the passive nodes
2Productivity
If passive or semi-passive nodes transmit backscattered signals with operational parameters, then communication efficiency is improved, but the node's energy harvesting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where passive or semi-passive nodes transmit backscattered signals containing operational parameters (such as energy harvesting status or operational state) to the network entity. The network entity uses this feedback information to adaptively adjust transmission configurations, thereby improving communication efficiency while accounting for the nodes' energy constraints. The feedback enables the system to optimize performance based on actual energy availability without requiring the nodes to actively manage their energy resources
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
Enhances energy efficiency and communication effectiveness by allowing network entities to optimize communication protocols based on the operational parameters of passive or semi-passive nodes, improving power management and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus measures a received power of the first signal determine a time based metric or energy harvesting metric
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus transmits, to the network entity, a backscattered signal comprising an indication related to one or more operational parameters
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for selection of an optimal node or transmission configuration based on measurement or report from a passive or semi-passive node. The apparatus receives, from a network entity, a first signal to initiate communication between the network entity and the passive or semi-passive node. The apparatus measures a received power of the first signal determine a time based metric or energy harvesting metric. The apparatus transmits, to the network entity, a backscattered signal comprising an indication related to one or more operational parameters for the passive or semi-passive node based on the time based metric or the energy harvesting metric. The apparatus may communicate with the network entity based on at least one of the one or more operational parameters.