Backscatter-Aided Wireless Communication for Low-Energy Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication devices face challenges in maintaining communication with network entities during periods of low energy, leading to issues with security and tracking, especially when devices are in a sleep state or have depleted energy storage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of RFID-based communication modes that allow wireless communication devices to communicate with network entities without consuming energy from local storage devices, using energy signals provided by the network entity for power and reflecting these signals back for communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless communication devices use conventional communication modes during sleep state or depleted energy, then security and tracking are maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and trackingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses the received energy signal itself to power the backscatter communication circuit, eliminating the need for separate energy sources. The circuit harvests energy from the incoming signal and uses it to modulate and reflect the signal back to the network entity, enabling self-powered operation during sleep states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from conventional active communication mode to backscatter communication mode by changing the operational parameters. In backscatter mode, the device reflects the received energy signal with modulation instead of generating and transmitting its own signal, fundamentally changing how communication is achieved and reducing energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If wireless communication devices transmit energy signals to power components, then device operation is maintained, but interference with data signals occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication signal is segmented into distinct components: an energy signal component for powering the device and a data signal component for information transmission. The network entity transmits these in a structured format, allowing the device to selectively harvest energy while the receiver separates and processes the data portion without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backscatter communication circuit acts as an intermediary that receives the combined energy and data signal, extracts energy for powering components, and modulates the reflected signal to convey device status. This intermediary function separates the energy harvesting and data communication paths, preventing direct interference between the two functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If wireless communication devices use backscatter communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The backscatter communication circuit is designed to handle multiple communication functions including device status reporting, energy harvesting acknowledgment, and basic data exchange. By making the backscatter circuit multi-functional, the system achieves versatile communication capability while maintaining low power consumption, as all these functions use the same reflected signal mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous exchange of control signaling between devices and network entities, even in sleep states or with depleted energy, improving security and tracking capabilities while reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

receiving one or more transmissions from the network entity, the one or more transmissions including the energy signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

RFID-based communication modes that allow wireless communication devices to communicate with network entities without consuming energy from local storage devices, using energy signals provided by the network entity for power and reflecting these signals back for communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscatter: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250193759A1Techniques for backscatter and backscatter-aided advanced communication

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for backscatter and backscatter-aided advanced communication. An example method includes transmitting. to a network entity. UE capability information indicating that the UE supports a radio frequency identification (RFID)-based communication mode and an advanced communication mode and communicating with the network entity using at least one of the RFID-based communication mode or the advanced communication mode based on the CE capability information.