Ambient Backscatter Precoder Phase Selection for Signal Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ambient backscatter communication systems face challenges in achieving effective data decoding due to the interference from interfering signals, which complicates the implementation and increases energy costs, especially in complex propagation environments like those with walls and trees, where the power threshold for decoding is hard to reach.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a focusing precoder with phase shifting to optimize the phase difference between backscattered and interfering signals, allowing the receiving device to combine these signals for maximum electromagnetic power, thereby simplifying the communication process and reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the receiving device carries out processing operations to cancel the interfering signal, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interfering signal into a beneficial component by adjusting the phase of the backscattered signal to align constructively with the interfering signal. This transforms the interference from a detrimental factor into a useful signal component that enhances the total received power, eliminating the need for complex cancellation processing while improving decoding accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase parameter of the backscattered signal dynamically to optimize the constructive combination with the interfering signal. By adjusting the phase shift applied to the backscattered signal, the system maximizes the total received power at the receiver, thereby improving decoding performance without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the receiving device carries out processing operations to cancel the interfering signal, then the decoding accuracy is improved, but the implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interfering signal into a beneficial component by adjusting the phase of the backscattered signal to align constructively with the interfering signal. This transforms the interference from a detrimental factor into a useful signal component that enhances the total received power, eliminating the need for complex cancellation processing while improving decoding accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of information

If the transmitter device backscatters the ambient signal, then data transmission is achieved, but the electromagnetic power received may not reach the decoding threshold due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidelectromagnetic power received
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phase parameter of the backscattered signal dynamically to optimize the constructive combination with the interfering signal. By adjusting the phase shift applied to the backscattered signal, the system maximizes the total received power at the receiver, thereby improving decoding performance without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver measures the total received power and feeds back information to the transmitter about the current signal conditions. Based on this feedback, the transmitter adjusts the phase of subsequent backscattered signals to maintain constructive interference and ensure the received power remains above the decoding threshold

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances the decoding of data transmitted via backscattered signals by maximizing the electromagnetic power received, improving communication efficiency and reducing the complexity and cost of implementation in ambient backscatter systems.

Implementation Method 1

a step of phase shifting, by the source, of one of the components of the precoder P according to said value Φi

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

a signal coming directly from the source called interfering signal and resulting from multiple reflections/diffractions of waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

the backscattering of an ambient signal is carried out between at least one transmitting device and at least one receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 4

the transmitter device reflects the ambient signal towards the receiver device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

a signal coming directly from the source called interfering signal and resulting from multiple reflections/diffractions of waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperposition:

Data Source

PatentEP4046347B1Selection method for optimising communications by ambient backscattering, and associated system
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 ORANGE SA
  • EP4046347B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4046347B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4046347B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention concerns a selection method by an ambient backscattering system (10) comprising a source (SO), as well as transmitter (D_TX) and receiver (D_RX) devices, the source being associated with a precoder P for focusing signals towards said devices. The method further comprises, for a plurality of values Φ_1, …, Φ_N: - a phase shifting (E20), by the source, of the precoder P depending on said value Φ_i, so as to obtain a precoder Q_i, - an emission (E30), by the source, by means of the precoder Q_i, - an acquisition (E40), by the receiver device, of power measurements during non-backscattering and backscattering states, - a determination (E50), by the receiver device, of a value D1_i representative of a power difference between the measurements. The method also comprises a selection (E60), by the receiver device, of a maximum value among the values D1_1, …, D1_N.