Backscatter RF Charging Scheduling for Stable IoT Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices supporting Wi-Fi face battery life issues due to variability in RF charging characteristics, leading to inefficient energy harvesting in backscatter communication devices, which affects their ability to maintain continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A network of Access Points (APs) coordinates to schedule traffic and provide ambient power to backscatter communication devices by determining their optimal frequency responses and charging needs, using RF characteristics and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to ensure efficient energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If backscatter communication devices use ambient RF energy for power supply, then battery life is extended or eliminated, but energy harvesting efficiency varies due to RF charging characteristics variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts RF transmission parameters (frequency, power level, modulation scheme) based on real-time channel conditions and device-specific harvesting characteristics. Access Points modify transmission parameters to optimize energy transfer efficiency for each backscatter device, converting the variable RF environment into a controllable parameter space that guarantees minimum harvesting efficiency thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where backscatter devices report their harvested energy levels and charging status to Access Points. The system uses this feedback to adjust RF transmission schedules, power allocation, and harvesting windows, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable energy harvesting despite variations in ambient RF conditions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If Access Points provide ambient power to multiple backscatter devices, then device operational time is extended, but coordinating charging schedules increases network complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into multiple Access Point zones, each responsible for serving specific backscatter devices within its coverage area. This spatial segmentation distributes the coordination burden across multiple APs rather than requiring a single centralized controller to manage all devices, reducing individual AP complexity while maintaining overall network capability to extend operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic harvesting windows and scheduled transmission slots for backscatter devices. By organizing power transfer into regular periodic intervals rather than continuous operation, the system simplifies coordination logic at each Access Point while ensuring all devices receive sufficient energy to extend their operational time between harvests.
3Productivity
If RF transmission power is increased to improve charging speed, then energy harvesting rate increases, but energy loss in the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts RF transmission power levels based on real-time conditions including device distance, channel quality, and current energy storage state. Rather than using fixed high power transmission, Access Points modulate power levels to provide exactly enough energy for each harvesting window, increasing charging speed when conditions permit while minimizing energy loss when devices are far or channels are poor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple transmission parameters simultaneously (power level, frequency, modulation depth, pulse duration) to optimize the energy transfer efficiency. By adjusting this parameter combination, the system achieves faster charging speeds through optimized resonance and coupling conditions while maintaining lower overall power consumption and reducing network energy loss compared to simple high-power transmission.
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 enables faster and more efficient charging of backscatter communication devices, reducing maintenance costs and extending their operational time by optimizing energy harvesting based on individual device requirements and aggregate statistics.
Implementation Method 1
Both the foregoing overview and the following example embodiments are examples and explanatory only, and should not be considered to restrict the disclosure's scope, as described and claimed. Furthermore, features and/or variations may be provided in addition to those described. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the example embodiments.
Implementation Method 2
receive Radio Frequency (RF) characteristics associated with a backscatter communication device
Data Source
AI summary
Coordinated customization of harvesting conditions to ambient power devices may be provided. receive Radio Frequency (RF) characteristics associated with a backscatter communication device may be received. Based on the RF characteristics and a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from the backscatter communication device, it may be determined that the computing device has an ability to charge the backscatter communication device to at least meet a predetermined energy need of the backscatter communication device. Next, in response to determining that the computing device has the ability to charge the backscatter communication device, charging of the backscatter communication device to at least meet the predetermined energy need of the backscatter communication device may be scheduled.