Passive IoT Illumination Power Setting via Pathloss Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently setting the illumination power for passive internet of things (IoT) devices in communication networks, particularly for applications like inventory tracking, where accurate illumination is crucial for effective backscatter communication.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an apparatus that receives a proximity pathloss threshold from a network and uses measurements from user equipment to determine the backscatter link beam direction and the illumination power for passive IoT devices. This apparatus can also adjust the illumination power based on the reference signal received power and other parameters to ensure optimal communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the illumination power is increased to improve the backscatter communication reliability, then the communication reliability is improved, but the power consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackscatter communication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the illumination power parameter based on measured pathloss conditions and proximity thresholds. By changing the power parameter adaptively rather than using a fixed high power level, the system achieves reliable communication only when necessary, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where pathloss measurements are continuously monitored and used to adjust illumination power settings. The proximity pathloss threshold provides feedback about the communication channel conditions, enabling the system to optimize power consumption based on actual communication needs rather than operating at constant high power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the illumination power is increased to ensure effective backscatter communication, then the communication effectiveness is improved, but the interference to other devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackscatter communication effectivenessVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the illumination power parameter dynamically based on measured pathloss and proximity conditions. By changing power levels adaptively rather than maintaining a constant high level, the system achieves effective communication only when required, thereby minimizing interference generated to other devices in the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity pathloss threshold mechanism provides feedback about channel conditions, enabling the system to optimize illumination power settings. This feedback-driven approach ensures that high power is used only when communication effectiveness requires it, thereby reducing harmful interference to other devices during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If the illumination power is set high to accommodate varying pathloss conditions, then the communication coverage is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverage areaVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the illumination power parameter based on measured pathloss values and proximity thresholds. Instead of maintaining a constant high power level to cover all possible distances, the system adjusts power adaptively according to actual channel conditions, achieving adequate coverage only when and where needed, thereby significantly reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If the illumination power is adjusted dynamically based on measurements, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpower setting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically measuring pathloss conditions and adjusting illumination power settings without external intervention. The apparatus autonomously determines appropriate power levels based on proximity pathloss thresholds and measurements, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while improving communication efficiency through adaptive power control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250030461A1Passive IoT illumination power setting

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a proximity pathloss threshold from a network, wherein a pathloss between a passive device and a user equipment connected to the apparatus is less than the proximity pathloss threshold; means for receiving, from the user equipment, at least one measurement associated with the user equipment; means for determining a backscatter link beam direction, based at least on the at least one measurement associated with the user equipment; and means for determining an illumination power of an illumination transmission to the passive device, based at least on the proximity pathloss threshold.