Light-Powered Transmitter for Ambient Backscatter Absence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the absence of a physical element in a geographical area, such as using image/video acquisition and laser sensors, face challenges including privacy concerns, high energy consumption, and high costs, while requiring continuous power supply.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a transmitting device that converts light energy into electrical energy when the physical element is absent, transmitting a message when a stored energy threshold is exceeded, using ambient backscatter technology to communicate the absence without continuous power, ensuring energy efficiency and privacy compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image/video acquisition means are used to monitor the geographical area, then the detection of physical element absence is achieved, but privacy risks increase and system complexity increases due to pattern recognition algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from complex image/video processing systems and implements it through a simple presence/absence sensor that directly detects whether the physical element is present or absent, eliminating the need for pattern recognition algorithms and reducing system complexity while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using active illumination (laser beams) that pose safety risks, the patent inverts the approach by using passive detection of ambient light reflected from or emitted by the physical element, achieving detection without the harmful effects of active laser illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If laser sensors are used to detect presence/absence, then detection capability is provided, but energy consumption increases due to permanent operation requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic detection instead of continuous monitoring, where the sensor activates at intervals to check for the presence of the physical element. This periodic operation maintains detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to permanent laser sensor operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses ambient light sources already present in the environment (such as room lighting or natural light) to illuminate the physical element, eliminating the need for dedicated laser illumination. The detection leverages existing environmental resources, reducing the system's own energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If laser beams are used for detection, then presence/absence detection is enabled, but safety risks increase due to exposure of people in the vicinity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of laser exposure into a benefit by using safe ambient light sources that are already present in the environment. Instead of introducing harmful laser beams, the system benefits from the existing ambient light to enable detection, turning the detection requirement into an opportunity to use safe, naturally present illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ambient light as an intermediary between the detector and the physical element. Rather than direct laser illumination, the ambient light serves as a mediator that enables detection without the harmful effects, allowing the system to detect the physical element through reflection or emission of this safe intermediary light

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides efficient, cost-effective detection of the absence of a physical element without continuous power supply, ensuring privacy and reducing the need for expensive equipment, while allowing for accurate identification and alerting of the absence.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting device (1_TX) comprising: means (21) for converting light energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12412458B2Method for detecting the absence of a physical element in a geographical zone, and associated system

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A method for transmitting a message by ambient scattering. The method is implemented by a transmitting device in response to the transmitting device changing from a first state in which the transmitting device is deprived from illumination to a second state in which the transmitting device is illuminated by at least one light source. The method includes: obtaining an amount of electrical energy stored from light energy; comparing the amount of electrical energy stored with a given threshold, the threshold representing an electrical energy quantity sufficient to allow transmission of a message by ambient scattering; and in response to the threshold being overrun, transmitting a message called “information message”, representative of the threshold overrun, the transmission being implemented by using the stored electrical energy.