MIMO Backscatter Signal Detection With Spatial Interference Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MIMO readers face challenges in efficiently communicating with backscattering devices due to high direct link interference, which overwhelms the backscattered signal, especially in bi-static setups, and the need for expensive full-duplex MIMO technology.

Innovation Solution

A MIMO reader with two antenna panels employs spatial filter coefficients to minimize interference, allowing the detection of backscattered signals by selecting coefficients that reduce direct link interference and using beamforming techniques to transmit and receive signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a bi-static MIMO reader setup is used to avoid full-duplex technology, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but direct link interference from transmitting panel to receiving panel increases and overwhelms the backscattered signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefull-duplex technology requirementVSAvoiddirect link interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spatial filtering to convert the harmful direct link interference into a manageable signal component. By designing spatial filter coefficients that exploit the known structure of direct link propagation, the system separates the strong direct interference from the weak backscattered signal, effectively converting the interference problem into a solvable signal separation task

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial domain parameters by applying spatial filter coefficients to the received signals. These coefficients transform the signal space to separate the direct link component from the backscattered component, allowing the receiver to extract useful information despite the presence of strong direct interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If spatial filter coefficients are applied to minimize direct link interference, then backscattered signal detection is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackscattered signal detectionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel estimation and spatial filter coefficient calculation before actual signal detection. By pre-computing the spatial filters based on channel characteristics and then applying them to the received signals, the system reduces the complexity of real-time processing while maintaining reliable backscattered signal detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables reliable detection of low-energy signals from backscattering devices with minimal direct link interference, facilitating the use of low-noise amplifiers and improving communication reliability.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, from the first antenna panel and whilst applying the selected first spatial filter coefficients, a first signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

By varying this impedance, the backscattering device can affect the properties of the wave that is reflected (backscattered) when the device is illuminated by RF energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscattering: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

selecting, for the first antenna panel, first spatial filter coefficients with an object to minimize interference from the first antenna panel towards the second antenna panel over a radio propagation channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentEP4360222B1Signal detection of a backscattering device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4360222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4360222B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4360222B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for detecting a signal communicated by a backscattering device. A method is performed by a MIMO reader that comprises a first antenna panel and a second antenna panel. The method comprises selecting, for the first antenna panel, first spatial filter coefficients with an object to minimize interference from the first antenna panel towards the second antenna panel over a radio propagation channel. The method comprises transmitting, from the first antenna panel and whilst applying the selected first spatial filter coefficients, a first signal. The method comprises receiving, at the second antenna panel, a backscattered signal component of the first signal as backscattered by the backscattering device. The backscattered signal component comprises the signal communicated by the backscattering device. The MIMO reader thereby detects the signal communicated by the backscattering device.