Wireless Paging Receiver Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices consume excessive power by actively receiving and processing non-intended wireless communication signals, leading to reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device is designed to receive an on-off keying coded radio frequency signal, determine a target identification number, and operate only when the signal is intended for it, using a paging receiver and controller to transition between low-power and active power states based on the signal's target ID, with power harvesting from the paging signal to reduce battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless device actively receives and processes wireless communication signals to determine which signals are addressed to it, then the device can identify intended communications, but a significant amount of power is unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identification function from the full signal processing system. A simplified paging receiver extracts and decodes only the target ID from incoming signals using on-off keying detection, separating this minimal function from the complete wireless communication stack. This allows the device to identify intended communications without activating the full power-consuming processing chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by activating only the necessary minimal subset of device components - specifically the paging receiver and target ID comparison logic - rather than activating the complete wireless communication processing system. This partial activation suffices for identification purposes while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from full signal processing.
2Reliability
If the wireless device continuously monitors wireless signals to ensure it does not miss any intended communications, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the device activate the paging receiver at specific intervals to check for incoming signals containing its target ID, rather than maintaining continuous monitoring. The device periodically wakes from low-power state, performs target ID comparison, and returns to sleep mode, achieving reliable detection while extending battery life through rhythmic on-off operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The paging signal itself provides power to the paging receiver through energy harvesting, allowing the device to self-serve its identification function without drawing significant power from its battery. The received RF energy is converted and stored to power the minimal processing required for target ID extraction and comparison.
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 solution significantly reduces power consumption by selectively activating the device only when necessary, extending battery life and improving energy efficiency in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an on-off keying coded radio frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
power harvesting from the paging signal to reduce battery usage
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for generating and receiving a paging signal are provided. The paging signal may be received by a wireless device in a low-power state. The paging signal may include a target identification (ID) that may be associated with the wireless device. If the target ID is associated with the wireless device, the wireless device may leave the low-power state, enter an active power state and communicate with other wireless devices. The wireless device may include power harvesting circuitry to convert RF energy from the paging signal into power to operate a portion of the wireless device.