Passive IoT Device Detection via Energy Reflection Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in supporting ultra-low power consumption devices in 3GPP radio access networks, particularly in localizing passive IoT devices that lack a power source and rely on energy harvesting, as they are difficult to detect and activate within the constraints of 5G NR networks due to their mobility and energy harvesting limitations.
Innovation Solution
A signaling framework that enables terminal devices to receive reflection signals indicative of energy levels from passive IoT devices, allowing network nodes to optimize activation and detection sessions by adjusting charging times, selecting better detection methods, and improving reader selection based on energy levels, thereby enhancing localization accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive IoT devices rely on energy harvesting without a power source, then power consumption is reduced to ultra-low levels, but the devices become difficult to detect and activate
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits an activation signal to the passive IoT device before attempting detection or data transmission. This preliminary action provides the device with energy to power up its components, making it detectable and capable of communication. The activation signal is sent in advance to ensure the device has sufficient energy before the actual detection process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
An activation signal serves as an intermediary mechanism between the network node and the passive IoT device. This intermediary carries energy from the network to the device, enabling the device to transition from a dormant state to an active state where it can be detected and communicate with the network.
2Reliability
If activation signals are transmitted frequently to ensure device detection, then detection reliability improves, but energy consumption and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission parameters of activation signals based on device responses and network conditions. The network node modifies signal characteristics such as power level, duration, and timing intervals to optimize detection reliability while minimizing unnecessary transmissions that would increase network complexity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive IoT device provides feedback to the network node by reflecting or responding to activation signals. This feedback mechanism allows the network to determine whether a device is present and responsive, enabling the network to adjust future activation signal transmissions accordingly, thereby improving reliability without requiring constant frequent transmissions.
3Reliability
If charging time is extended to allow sufficient energy harvesting, then device activation reliability improves, but time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node transmits activation signals in periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach allows devices sufficient time to harvest energy between signals while ensuring that activation attempts occur at regular intervals, balancing the need for reliable activation with the constraint of minimizing total charging time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose methods, apparatuses and computer readable medium for Internet of Things (IoT). A terminal device receives, from a communication device, a reflection signal. The reflection signal is indicative of energy level of the communication device. The energy level indicates energy stored in the communication device. Moreover, the terminal device indicates, to a network node, the energy level of the communication device.