Passive IoT Tag Charge Time Estimation via Periodic Positioning Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP technologies face challenges in accurately estimating the charge time of fully passive IoT tags, leading to positioning errors due to insufficient energy harvesting capabilities and inconsistent charging, which impairs the accuracy of IoT device positioning in ambient Internet of Things (IoT) networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves utilizing a periodic positioning activation reference signal (PARS) configuration to estimate the charge time of fully passive IoT tags by adjusting the duration and periodicity of PARS bursts, allowing a reader to calculate the return time trip (RTT) and derive an accurate charge time estimation, thereby improving positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing 3GPP technologies are used for positioning passive IoT tags, then the positioning process can be implemented, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient energy harvesting and inconsistent charging of the tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by transmitting positioning activation reference signals (PARS) in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The PARS are transmitted at specific intervals, allowing the passive IoT tag to harvest energy during the periodic intervals and accumulate sufficient charge to respond. This periodic transmission pattern resolves the contradiction by providing consistent energy harvesting opportunities while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by transmitting PARS bursts before the actual positioning measurement is needed. The reference signals are sent in advance to activate and charge the passive IoT tag, ensuring the tag has sufficient energy stored before the positioning measurement occurs. This preliminary energy provision resolves the charging consistency issue and enables accurate positioning measurements.
2Reliability
If PARS bursts are transmitted with high energy to ensure tag activation, then tag response reliability improves, but energy consumption by the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting PARS bursts with just sufficient energy to activate and charge the passive IoT tag, rather than using maximum energy continuously. The system determines the minimum necessary energy level required for tag response and transmits at that level, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining reliable tag activation and positioning functionality.
3Measurement precision
If continuous positioning signals are transmitted to maintain accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transmitting positioning activation reference signals periodically rather than continuously. The PARS are sent at specific intervals, allowing the passive IoT tag to remain in a low-power state between transmissions while still enabling accurate positioning measurements when activated. This periodic approach maintains positioning accuracy when needed while dramatically reducing the tag's energy consumption and extending operational life.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for utilizing a periodic PARS to estimate the charge time of fully passive A-IoT tags; a PARS reconfiguration request from a reader; and communication of the estimated A-IoT tag charge time and/or the compensated receive time of a received back-scattered response from a known A-IoT tag. One method may include transmitting, by a session control unit, at least one positioning activation reference signal configuration associated with at least one positioning activation reference signal burst. The at least one positioning activation reference signal configuration may comprise at least one of duration or periodicity of the at least one positioning activation reference signal burst.