Backscattering Device for Fast Wireless Channel Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices, particularly narrowband devices like Bluetooth Low Energy and NB-IoT, face inefficiencies in scanning radio channels due to the time-consuming and power-intensive process of sequential RSRP measurements across multiple frequencies, which hinders fast channel scanning and increases latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of backscattering devices within wireless devices that switch between states at computed difference frequencies, allowing for simultaneous scanning across multiple frequencies by reflecting and amplifying signals, thereby enabling faster channel scanning without the need for sequential measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential RSRP measurements are performed across multiple frequencies, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but scanning time and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into multiple parallel segments by implementing multiple receivers (first receiver and second receiver) that simultaneously scan different frequencies. This segmentation allows the device to perform what would traditionally be sequential measurements concurrently, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining measurement accuracy through dedicated receivers for each frequency segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sequential scanning approach to a two-dimensional parallel scanning architecture by adding multiple receivers operating simultaneously. This dimensional change in the scanning architecture enables concurrent frequency measurements, effectively reducing scanning time without compromising measurement precision
2Use of energy by moving object
If sequential RSRP measurements are performed across multiple frequencies, then power consumption is reduced compared to simultaneous scanning, but scanning speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption burden by assigning specific frequency scanning tasks to different receivers. Each receiver operates independently with its own power management, allowing the system to achieve faster scanning speeds through parallel operation while distributing power consumption across multiple components rather than overloading a single receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional scanning system where multiple receivers can simultaneously perform scanning operations on different frequencies. This universal architecture allows the device to adapt its scanning capability to match the required speed while managing power consumption through coordinated operation of multiple receivers rather than requiring a single high-power receiver
3Productivity
If multiple receivers are used for simultaneous frequency scanning, then scanning speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex scanning task into simpler, dedicated receiver functions. Each receiver is optimized for its specific frequency segment, reducing the computational and configurational complexity at each receiver while achieving high overall scanning speed through parallel operation. This segmentation allows simpler individual components to work together for complex multi-frequency scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves complexity by adding a new dimension to the system architecture - multiple receivers operating in parallel rather than a single complex receiver attempting to handle all frequencies sequentially or simultaneously. This dimensional expansion distributes complexity across multiple simpler units, achieving high scanning speed without requiring any single component to be overly complex
4Reliability
If narrowband devices perform RF channel scanning, then channel detection capability is improved, but scanning time increases due to inability to scan multiple frequencies simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple segments, each scanned by a dedicated receiver. This segmentation allows narrowband devices to maintain their simple, reliable scanning operation on each frequency segment while achieving comprehensive multi-frequency channel detection through parallel segmentation, thereby improving both reliability and reducing scanning time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables narrowband devices to transition from one-dimensional sequential frequency scanning to two-dimensional parallel scanning by incorporating multiple receivers. This dimensional change allows the device to maintain the simplicity and reliability of narrowband scanning while simultaneously scanning multiple frequencies, effectively reducing scanning time without compromising channel detection capability
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 significantly reduces scanning latency and power consumption while maintaining sensitivity and bandwidth, allowing wireless devices to efficiently search for and connect to available radio channels.
Implementation Method 1
The first backscattering device in communication with the controller is configured to switch between at least two states at a first switching frequency equal to the first difference frequency. When a signal is received at the first backscattering device at the second frequency, the first backscattering device generates a signal at the first frequency to be detected by the transceiver.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and wireless device for fast scanning of a wireless communications medium are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes tuning a transceiver of the wireless node to a first frequency. The method further includes computing a first difference frequency, the first difference frequency being a difference between the first frequency and a second frequency. The method further includes generating a first control signal to configure a first backscattering device to switch between at least two states at a switching frequency equal to the first difference frequency.