Energy Harvesting Control via Frame Header Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting methods struggle with adaptability and resource waste due to inaccurate energy consumption estimation and inefficient slot allocation, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically control energy harvesting by including an identifier in the data packet frame header to enable or disable energy harvesting, allowing real-time adjustment based on energy values, without separate control signaling, and incorporating fields for start and duration of energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate control signaling is used to indicate energy harvesting enable/disable, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy harvesting control indication with the data packet transmission by embedding the first identifier in the frame header of the data packet. This combines two functions (data transmission and control indication) into a single communication channel, eliminating the need for separate control signaling while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame header of the data packet is given multi-functionality by incorporating the first identifier that indicates energy harvesting enable/disable status. The same communication structure serves both data transmission and control indication purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy consumption is estimated in each slot, then adaptability is improved, but resource waste increases when no data transmission is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic energy harvesting control by allowing the first identifier in the frame header to be adjusted in real-time based on whether data transmission is needed in the current slot. The system dynamically switches between enabling and disabling energy harvesting based on actual communication requirements, avoiding fixed allocation inefficiencies.
3Device complexity
If fixed slot allocation is used for energy harvesting, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to environment changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed slot allocation to dynamic slot allocation by using the first identifier in the frame header to indicate energy harvesting status on a per-slot basis. This allows the system to adapt to environmental changes and varying communication needs while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through standardized frame structure modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes a control layer determines that there is a to-be-transmitted data packet in a current data queue, and the control layer obtains a first energy value from a physical layer, where the first energy value is an energy value of a first component at the physical layer. The control layer determines, based on the first energy value, to enable energy harvesting or disable the energy harvesting, and further indicates, using a first identifier in a frame header of a first data packet, the physical layer to enable the energy harvesting or disable the energy harvesting. When there is to-be-transmitted data, the control layer further determines to enable or disable the energy harvesting.