Hybrid Backscatter Reception With Adaptive RF Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication technologies consume significant battery power, making frequent battery replacement or recharging necessary, which is unsustainable for a large number of devices, and battery recycling is inadequate, leading to resource depletion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing backscatter communication that modulates ambient RF signals using low-complexity circuitry, allowing devices to receive and transmit data without generating radio signals, and dynamically adjusting radiation levels using emitter nodes within the communication network to ensure sufficient signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional wireless communication components (DACs, mixers, power amplifiers) are used, then data transmission capability is achieved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/electronic signal generation system (DACs, mixers, power amplifiers) with a backscatter communication system that uses ambient RF energy and simple circuitry to modulate and transmit data without generating radio signals locally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing ambient RF signals serve multiple functions: both as the carrier wave for data transmission and as the power source for harvesting energy, eliminating the need for separate signal generation and power supply systems
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery powered devices participate in wireless communication, then communication functionality is achieved, but battery replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to harvest their own power from ambient RF signals in the environment, making them self-powered without requiring external battery replacement or recharging infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental power parameter from stored chemical energy (batteries) to harvested RF energy from ambient signals, fundamentally altering how devices obtain power and eliminating battery replacement needs
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient backscattering is used, then power consumption is reduced, but signal strength may be insufficient in certain RF environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adapts the communication mode between ambient backscattering and bistatic scattering based on real-time RF environment conditions, switching strategies to maintain reliable communication while minimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the backscatter device by switching between different scattering modes (ambient or bistatic) depending on the available RF energy and communication reliability requirements
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
Significantly reduces power consumption, extends battery life, and minimizes the need for battery disposal and recycling, while maintaining effective data transmission quality under varying RF environments.
Implementation Method 1
backscatter communication wherein a backscatter device modulates incoming radiation
Implementation Method 2
emitting radiation increasing the radiation level at the wireless backscatter device
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclose a method, performed by a backscatter signal receiving node of a communication network, for receiving and decoding a backscatter signal produced by a wireless backscatter device by modulating incoming radiation, wherein the communication network comprises a plurality of nodes, including the backscatter signal receiving node and an emitter node, communicating in accordance with a predefined protocol, the method comprising upon an ambient radiation at the wireless backscatter device being insufficient for the backscatter signal receiving node to receive and decode the backscatter signal, sending, by the backscatter signal receiving node to the emitter node, a message triggering the emitter node to emit radiation that will increase a radiation level at the wireless backscatter device. Further examples disclose a method performed by the emitter node. Moreover, examples disclose a backscatter signal receiving node and an emitter node.