Initial Access Resource Selection for Energy-Harvesting IoT Uplink
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices with limited energy storage face challenges in efficiently initiating uplink data transmission due to insufficient energy, leading to increased latency, especially in battery-less or low-energy devices that rely on external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus with a wirelessly chargeable power source and energy harvesting capability, utilizing a configuration message to select between different random access resources based on energy levels, allowing for efficient initial access procedures and energy harvesting modes to manage energy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If IoT device waits for sufficient energy storage before transmitting data, then energy sufficiency is improved, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the random access resources into two distinct types: first RA resources for devices with sufficient energy and second RA resources for devices with insufficient energy. This segmentation allows the IoT device to immediately select and use the appropriate resource type based on its current energy level, eliminating the need to wait for energy accumulation while ensuring energy sufficiency through proper resource selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node performs preliminary action by configuring and providing both first and second RA resources in advance, along with the configuration message containing the threshold value. This preliminary setup enables the IoT device to make immediate transmission decisions without delay, as all necessary resources and criteria are pre-established by the network.
2Speed
If IoT device uses traditional random access resources with insufficient energy, then transmission speed is maintained, but transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct RA resource types with different characteristics suited for different energy conditions. First RA resources are designed for devices with sufficient energy (above threshold), while second RA resources are specifically designed for devices with insufficient energy (below threshold). This localized resource quality ensures that each resource type optimizes both speed and reliability for its intended energy condition, rather than using a uniform resource for all scenarios.
3Device complexity
If network provides single type of random access resource, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to energy conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the RA resource selection adaptive and dynamic based on real-time energy conditions. The IoT device dynamically selects between first and second RA resources according to whether its energy level is above or below the threshold value. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond flexibly to varying energy conditions while maintaining relatively simple device complexity, as the selection logic is straightforward (compare energy level to threshold, select corresponding resource type).
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
Facilitates fast initial access and reduces latency by enabling IoT devices to transmit data efficiently using energy harvesting, ensuring timely data delivery without prolonged delays.
Implementation Method 1
An IoT device with a power source having energy storage capability may not have sufficient energy stored in the power source to complete the entire UL data transmission
Implementation Method 2
entering, in response to sending the second RA resource, into an energy harvesting mode for charging the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: receiving, in an apparatus comprising a wirelessly chargeable power source or a power source with energy harvesting capability, a configuration message from a network node, said message comprising a first and a second random access (RA) resources, and a threshold value for selecting the first or the second RA resource based on an energy level of said power source; obtaining data to be transmitted to the network node; initiating an initial access procedure by sending the first RA resource and/or the data to the network node in response to the energy level being at least at the threshold value; or initiating the initial access procedure by sending the second RA resource to the network node in response to the energy level being below the threshold value; and entering, in response to sending the second RA resource, into an energy harvesting mode for charging said power source.