Network-Initiated Electronic Tag Communication for Low Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic tags face challenges in actively initiating communication due to limited energy harvesting, leading to high power consumption and inability to perform processes like periodic location updates or business requests.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and device that enter a 'network initiated communication' mode, where devices only send information or initiate requests in response to a trigger signal, reducing power consumption by avoiding active transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic tag actively sends information or initiates communication requests in idle state, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional communication initiation model by allowing the network side to actively initiate communication with electronic tags instead of tags initiating communication themselves. The network side sends indication information to trigger tag responses, enabling tags to remain in low-power states while still maintaining communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where electronic tags automatically respond to network-initiated communication requests without needing to actively monitor for communication opportunities. The tags use downlink signals as triggers to activate their transponders and send predetermined information, providing self-service communication on demand while minimizing active transmission time and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic tag harvests energy from electromagnetic waves, then battery-free operation is achieved, but the harvested energy is limited and insufficient for active communication initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication where electronic tags are triggered by downlink indication information from the network side at specific intervals or events. Instead of continuously monitoring or periodically initiating communication, tags remain in sleep mode and only activate when triggered by network signals, matching their limited energy harvest to periodic rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of electronic tags by shifting from active transmission initiation to passive response mode. Tags transmit at maximum power only when triggered by network signals, rather than attempting continuous low-power monitoring or periodic active transmission, optimizing energy usage based on the harvested energy constraints.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the first device sends information according to trigger signal, then power consumption is reduced, but communication initiative is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network side acts as an intermediary that manages communication initiation on behalf of electronic tags. The network controller determines when communication is needed and sends indication information to trigger tag responses, effectively mediating between the tag's limited capability and the communication system's need for initiative, allowing tags to save power while maintaining system-wide communication control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication method and a communication device are provided. The method includes the following. A first device in a first mode communicates with a second device, where when the first device is in the first mode, the first device satisfies at least one of the following: the first device does not actively send information or initiate a communication request when the first device is in an idle state or disconnected from a network; or the first device sends information according to a trigger signal sent by the second device. The method in the embodiments of the present disclosure helps to reduce the power consumption of the first device.