Backscatter Powering via Alternative Transmitters and BSS Color Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backscatter devices (BKDs) face challenges in harvesting sufficient energy due to the exponential fall-off of wireless signal energy with distance from access points, and energy harvesting messages consume bandwidth that could be used for data transmissions in existing wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
An access point determines and selects alternative devices to transmit energy-harvesting messages, using a different basic service set (BSS) color to minimize bandwidth interference, allowing BKDs to harvest energy from closer devices while reducing the impact on data transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If access points transmit energy-harvesting messages to BKDs, then BKDs can harvest energy, but bandwidth available for data transmissions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless network into multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs) identified by different BSS colors. Energy-harvesting messages are transmitted using a dedicated BSS color (e.g., BSS color 6) separate from data transmission BSS colors. This segmentation allows simultaneous energy harvesting and data transmissions without bandwidth conflict, as different BSS colors enable spatial reuse of the wireless medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for resource allocation by using BSS color as an additional layer of network identification. Instead of competing for the same wireless resources, energy-harvesting messages operate in a separate dimensional space defined by the dedicated BSS color, allowing parallel operations with data transmissions in other BSS color spaces.
2Area of stationary object
If BKDs are positioned further from access points, then network coverage is extended, but energy harvesting efficiency decreases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (relay devices, access points, or other electronic devices) that act as mediators to forward energy-harvesting messages to BKDs located at extended distances. These intermediate devices receive messages from original transmitters and retransmit them closer to the BKD, ensuring sufficient signal strength for energy harvesting while extending the effective coverage area beyond what a single access point could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the energy transmission path into multiple hops through intermediate devices. Instead of relying on a single long-distance transmission that would be too weak for energy harvesting, the message is transmitted through a chain of intermediate devices, each providing a shorter, more efficient transmission segment that collectively reaches distant BKDs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple devices transmit energy-harvesting messages simultaneously, then energy availability for BKDs increases, but bandwidth interference and collision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission scheduling where the access point controller coordinates which devices transmit energy-harvesting messages and when. The controller receives requests from multiple devices, determines optimal transmission times and BSS color assignments, and provides instructions to prevent simultaneous transmissions that would cause interference. This dynamic coordination allows multiple devices to transmit without causing harmful bandwidth interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the access point controller monitors transmission requests from multiple devices, analyzes current network conditions, and provides coordinated instructions back to the transmitting devices. This feedback loop ensures that energy-harvesting messages are transmitted in a coordinated manner that maximizes energy availability while preventing bandwidth interference through intelligent resource allocation.
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 solution increases energy availability for BKDs and reduces the bandwidth consumption of energy harvesting messages, enabling more efficient energy transfer and network operation.
Implementation Method 1
Backscatter devices (BKDs) (which may also be referred to as ambient power devices (AMPs)) harvest electrical energy from wireless signals in the environment (e.g., transmitted by access points)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a wireless network in which an access point determines and selects alternative devices to make transmissions for energy harvesting purposes. The access point includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor determines, based on a proximity of a first device to a second device, that the second device should harvest energy from a message transmitted by the first device, determines a first basic service set (BSS) color that the first device and the second device should use for the second device to harvest energy from the message, and communicates, to the first device, an instruction to use the first BSS color when transmitting the message.