Passive IoT Tag Discovery and Positioning With Network-Selected Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3GPP technologies face challenges in efficiently discovering and positioning passive IoT devices in 5G NR networks due to limited power supply from energy harvesting, increased device size, and high costs associated with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors, while RFID technology lacks scalability and link budget improvements.
Innovation Solution
A framework is introduced for resource optimization in discovering and localizing passive IoT devices, utilizing a network-selected activator to transmit a discovery activation signal, followed by a localization activation signal, involving a set of readers to collect positioning measurements, optimizing resource utilization and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors are used to power passive IoT devices, then the devices can operate autonomously, but the device size increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (battery/supercapacitor) from the IoT device by introducing an external energy harvesting system. The device becomes passive and harvests energy from the environment (RF signals, thermal, vibrational, etc.) rather than containing its own power source, thus reducing device size while maintaining autonomous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple energy harvesting mechanisms that can serve multiple functions: RF energy harvesting for power supply, thermal energy harvesting for temperature sensing and additional power, and vibrational energy harvesting for mechanical-to-electrical conversion. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated batteries while providing both power and sensing capabilities
2Ease of operation
If RFID technology is used for discovering and positioning IoT devices, then the discovery process is simple, but scalability and link budget are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gNB (base station) as an intermediary that facilitates discovery and positioning between IoT devices. The gNB coordinates the activation signals, manages the discovery process, and aggregates positioning measurements from multiple readers, thereby enabling scalable operation while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the discovery and positioning process into distinct phases: activation signal transmission, response signal transmission, and positioning measurement collection. It also segments the system into activators (transmitters) and readers (receivers), allowing parallel operations and improving scalability while keeping each individual operation simple
3Measurement precision
If multiple readers are deployed for positioning measurements, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having activators and readers operate in alternating time slots. The activator transmits activation signals during its time slot, then switches to receive mode for the response signal. Readers similarly alternate between receiving activation signals and transmitting positioning measurements. This time-division multiplexing reduces interference while maintaining positioning accuracy through multiple readers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where readers report received signal strength indicators (RSSI) and positioning measurements back to the gNB. The gNB uses this feedback to calculate positions and optimize the discovery and positioning process, managing system complexity through intelligent central coordination while leveraging multiple readers for accurate positioning
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products passive internet of things (IoT) discovery and positioning. A method may include obtaining, by a first device, a configuration to transmit a first signal for discovering a tag, and a configuration to select a transmitter device for transmitting a second signal for positioning the tag. The method may also include transmitting the first signal. The method may further include obtaining information on a reception of a tag response signal to the first signal. In addition, the method may include, based on the obtained information, selecting the transmitter device for transmitting the second signal. Further, the method may include selecting a reader device for a tag response signal to the second signal.