Passive Wireless Communication Using Modulated Reflector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication systems face challenges in resource-constrained environments where expensive and power-intensive wireless transmitters are unsuitable, and harsh conditions can damage or incapacitate them, necessitating a low or no power communication solution.

Innovation Solution

A passive wireless communication system using reflectors with modulated reflective surfaces to reflect RF signals back to satellites, where the reflectivity is adjusted to control the signal strength and convey data, eliminating the need for power-intensive transmitters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terrestrial transceiver is used for satellite communication, then data transmission capability is provided, but cost and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A passive reflector is introduced as an intermediary device between the satellite and ground station. The reflector modulates the satellite's downlink signal and reflects it back to the satellite, enabling communication without requiring an active transceiver at the ground level. This eliminates the need for power-intensive terrestrial transceivers while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite provides both the downlink signal and the uplink reception capability. The passive reflector simply modulates and reflects the satellite's own signal back, making the satellite serve its own communication needs without requiring external power sources at ground level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a terrestrial transceiver is deployed, then wireless communication is enabled, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The active transceiver function is extracted from the ground-based system and relocated to the satellite. The ground-based reflector contains only passive modulation and reflection components, dramatically simplifying ground equipment while maintaining full communication capability through the satellite's own transceiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If active transceivers are used in harsh environments, then communication is possible, but reliability decreases due to damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The passive reflector serves as an intermediary that requires no power source and has no active electronic components exposed to harsh environments. By placing the active transceiver on the satellite (protected environment) and using only passive reflection at ground level, the system eliminates vulnerability to environmental damage while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a low-cost, low-power, and reliable communication method suitable for resource-constrained environments, enabling efficient data transmission without generating an RF carrier and tolerating harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the first reflector includes a reflective surface that reflects at least a portion of the first signal which is incident on the reflective surface back toward the first satellite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The modulator unit is configured to modulate a reflectivity of the reflective surface of the first reflector between a first reflective state to a second reflective state to adjust the portion of the first signal which is incident on the reflective surface that is reflected back toward the first satellite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflectivity modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20240421905A1Passive wireless communication using a modulated reflector

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A passive communication system includes a first reflector and a modulator unit. The first reflector is disposed at a first location within line of sight of a first satellite. The first satellite is configured to transmit a first signal at a first wavelength. The first reflector includes a reflective surface that reflects at least a portion of the first signal which is incident on the reflective surface back toward the first satellite, and the first satellite includes a detector for measuring reflected signals received at the first satellite. The modulator unit is configured to modulate a reflectivity of the reflective surface of the first reflector between a first reflective state to a second reflective state to adjust the portion of the first signal which is incident on the reflective surface that is reflected back toward the first satellite.