OTFS Modulation for IoT Connectivity and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication methods for IoT devices, such as those using IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, and ZigBee, face significant power consumption and computational overhead, and are prone to disruptions due to channel imperfections, necessitating energy expenditure for encoding, verifying, and retransmitting information packets.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation techniques, which allow IoT devices to transmit wireless signals directly to a base station with reduced energy consumption by mitigating channel state issues, eliminating the need for wireless mesh networks and minimizing energy access requirements, while also incorporating a manager device for efficient address translation and device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art wireless methods (IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, ZigBee) are used for IoT device communication, then network connectivity can be established, but power consumption and computational overhead are significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of wireless communication by using OTFS modulation instead of traditional OFDM or single-carrier methods. OTFS transforms the time-varying channel into a time-invariant channel in the delay-Doppler domain, which fundamentally changes how the system handles channel imperfections and reduces the need for complex error correction and retransmission protocols, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to wireless communication by using two-dimensional orthogonal bases in the delay-Doppler domain rather than traditional one-dimensional time or frequency domains. This dimensional change allows the system to better exploit the structure of wireless channels and reduce computational overhead for channel estimation and equalization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If prior art wireless methods are used, then communication can occur, but computational overhead is significant due to encoding, verifying, and retransmitting information packets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcomputational overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing channel estimation and equalization in the delay-Doppler domain before data transmission. The OTFS modulation scheme pre-compensates for channel effects by transforming the time-varying channel into a time-invariant channel, which eliminates the need for complex real-time channel tracking and retransmission protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical-like retransmission and error correction mechanisms with a more elegant mathematical transformation approach. Instead of mechanically retransmitting packets when errors occur, the system uses OTFS to transform the channel characteristics themselves, making the channel inherently more predictable and easier to handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of stationary object

If wireless mesh networks are used to extend coverage, then longer distance transmission is possible, but energy consumption increases due to multiple hops and network maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using direct single-hop transmission with OTFS modulation instead of full mesh network multi-hop transmission. The enhanced performance of OTFS in handling time-varying channels allows direct transmission over longer distances without the need for intermediate relay nodes, thereby reducing the total energy consumption while achieving extended coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3289421B1Orthogonal time frequency space modulation system for the internet of things
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 COHERE TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3289421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3289421B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3289421B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system and method of operating an Internet of Things (IOT) device and an IOT manager device. The method includes determining, during operation of the IOT device in a low power mode, an orthonormal time-frequency shifting (OTFS) transmission waveform using two-dimensional (2D) channel state information relevant to a delay-Doppler channel domain. The method further includes transmitting, during operation of the IOT device in a high power mode, the OTFS transmission waveform. The process of determining the OTFS transmission waveform may include, for example, receiving, from the IOT manager device, the 2D channel state information and storing it within a memory of the IOT device. Alternatively, at least one OTFS pilot transmission may be received from the IOT manager device and the 2D channel state information determined using the OTFS pilot transmission.