Backscatter Onboarding Using RF Excitation for Passive Device Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for onboarding Backscatter Devices (BKDs) require multiple message exchanges and heavy computing operations, which are not feasible for power-constrained or passive devices like Ambient Power (AMP) BKDs, especially in wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for BKD onboarding using a unique identifier and an onboarding excitation signal that triggers specific memory banks within the BKD to respond with encoded data, allowing verification and registration without extensive computing or power consumption, utilizing backscatter logic to modulate and reflect RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing onboarding methods are used for BKDs, then device verification and network integration can be achieved, but power consumption and computational requirements become excessively high for passive devices
Solution Approach 1:
The BKD uses its own identifier to generate the response data, eliminating the need for external servers to store or verify identifier databases. The device serves itself by generating verification data locally through hash functions, reducing network dependencies and power consumption associated with data transmission and external verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential verification element (hash of the identifier) from the complex onboarding process. Instead of transmitting or storing full identifiers, the system uses cryptographic hash functions to create compact verification tokens, significantly reducing data transmission requirements and computational overhead while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If traditional onboarding protocols are implemented, then device authentication is possible, but the number of message exchanges and computing operations becomes prohibitive for power-constrained devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hashing of the identifier to generate the response data before actual verification occurs. This pre-computation allows the BKD to have verification data ready, eliminating the need for complex real-time computations during the onboarding process and reducing the number of interactive message exchanges required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical verification systems (such as database lookups, multi-round authentication protocols, and extensive data transmissions) with cryptographic hash functions. This substitution transforms a multi-step mechanical verification process into a single computational operation that is both fast and energy-efficient.
3Reliability
If full identifier verification is performed, then authentication security is maintained, but data transmission and processing requirements exceed the capabilities of passive BKDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the identifier from its original form into a hash value, fundamentally changing its parameter representation. This transformation maintains the unique identification property while dramatically reducing the data size, allowing secure verification with minimal data transmission suitable for passive BKDs with limited communication 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
Enables efficient and power-efficient onboarding of BKDs by minimizing computational and power requirements, facilitating their integration into wireless networks through simplified data exchange and validation processes.
Implementation Method 1
An AP connects to a wired network, then provides radio frequency links for other radio devices to reach that wired network
Implementation Method 2
BKDs may use an antenna to receive a RF signal, use the RF signal for excitation (e.g., convert the RF signal into electricity), and/or modulate or otherwise modify and reflect the RF signal with encoded data
Data Source
AI summary
Backscatter Device (BKD) onboarding may be provided. BKD onboarding may begin with an AP receiving an identifier associated with a BKD. The AP may determine to onboard the BKD and transmit to the BKD an onboarding excitation signal to request data from a memory bank of the BKD. The AP may then receive a response to the onboarding excitation signal from the BKD. The AP may verify the BKD is valid based on the identifier and the response. Finally, the AP may onboard the BKD based on verifying the BKD is valid.