Backscatter Positioning Reference Signals for RFID Energy Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly in the context of 5G, face challenges in achieving highly accurate positioning due to limitations in the use of positioning reference signals (PRS) and the integration of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for energy harvesting and backscattering processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for RFID devices and location servers that utilize a positioning reference signal with distinct temporal portions for energy harvesting and backscattering, along with configuration messages for monitoring and transmitting backscattered signals, to enhance positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If RFID devices use positioning reference signals for energy harvesting, then energy availability for the device is improved, but the time available for backscattering and positioning measurement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvestingVSAvoidbackscattering time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning reference signal is divided into multiple temporal portions, with at least one portion allocated for energy harvesting and another portion allocated for backscattering. This segmentation allows the RFID device to simultaneously satisfy both energy requirements and positioning measurement requirements without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the positioning reference signal is transmitted continuously, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but positioning measurement accuracy is degraded due to insufficient monitor window configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The location server pre-configures monitor window parameters including start position, length, and offset before the positioning reference signal transmission begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that receiving RFID devices know exactly when to expect the backscattered signals and can allocate their monitoring resources accordingly, maintaining both energy harvesting efficiency and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RFID devices share the same radio resources for backscattering, then resource utilization is improved, but signal detection accuracy is reduced due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource sharingVSAvoidsignal detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each RFID device is configured with device-specific monitor window parameters including unique start positions, lengths, and offsets. This local differentiation allows multiple devices to share the same radio resources for backscattering while maintaining distinct monitoring windows that prevent interference between devices, thereby preserving signal detection accuracy for each individual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If the monitor window length is increased to improve positioning measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time available for energy harvesting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning measurement accuracyVSAvoidenergy harvesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitor window parameters including length, start position, and offset are made configurable and can be dynamically adjusted based on device-specific requirements and network conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize the balance between energy harvesting time and positioning measurement accuracy for each individual RFID device according to its specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the accuracy of 5G-based positioning by optimizing the use of RFID devices through energy harvesting and backscattering techniques, improving the efficiency and precision of location determination.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning reference signal including a first temporal portion for energy harvesting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmitting a backscattered signal based on at least a part of the second temporal portion of the positioning reference signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscattering: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12530546B2Positioning reference signal configuration for backscatter-based positioning procedure

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Provided herein are devices and techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device may receive a positioning reference signal that is transmitted over a set of radio resources of a wireless communications network, the positioning reference signal including a first temporal portion for energy harvesting and a second temporal portion for backscattering. The RFID device may transmit a backscattered signal based on at least a part of the second temporal portion of the positioning reference signal.