Reader Antenna Backscatter for Proximity Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small electronic devices often cannot accommodate a power supply, necessitating wireless power reception from an external source, and require methods to determine proximity and link quality for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A reader apparatus and method utilizing an antenna to transmit electromagnetic radiation, receive backscatter radiation, and analyze it to determine proximity and link quality, generating an audio output based on these determinations to facilitate efficient power transfer and device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wireless power transfer is implemented for small electronic devices, then power supply capability is improved, but proximity detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces backscatter radiation as an intermediary mechanism to resolve the contradiction. The tag device modulates the backscatter signal based on its proximity to the reader, allowing proximity detection without requiring additional active transmission from the tag. This intermediary approach enables both wireless power transfer and accurate proximity detection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by analyzing the characteristics of backscatter radiation received from the tag. The reader device continuously monitors changes in backscatter signal properties (such as phase, amplitude, or frequency) that correlate with proximity, providing real-time feedback for accurate distance measurement while maintaining wireless power transfer.
2Device complexity
If backscatter radiation analysis is used for proximity detection, then device complexity is reduced, but link quality assessment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backscatter radiation analysis mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. By analyzing different characteristics of the backscatter signal (phase modulation, amplitude variations, frequency shifts), the system can determine both proximity and link quality using the same simplified detection apparatus, eliminating the need for separate complex assessment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in backscatter radiation parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) that naturally occur with varying proximity and link conditions. By monitoring these parameter variations, the system achieves both proximity detection and link quality assessment without increasing device complexity, as the same antenna and signal processing circuitry analyze multiple aspects of the backscatter signal.
3Loss of information
If audio feedback is generated based on proximity and link quality, then user awareness of connection status is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio feedback system is designed to operate passively by utilizing the backscatter radiation analysis that is already being performed for proximity detection. The same signal processing operations that determine proximity and link quality also generate the audio feedback, eliminating the need for separate sensing and processing circuits. This self-service approach provides connection status information without significant additional energy consumption.
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
Enables reliable wireless power transfer and communication with small electronic devices, such as contact lenses, by providing audible feedback on proximity and link quality, ensuring optimal operation and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation having a power level and receive backscatter electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for providing an audible feedback based on a proximity or a link quality between an external reader and a tag. The external reader transmits power to the tag with a radio frequency electromagnetic signal. The tag may rectify the radio frequency electromagnetic signal and create a rectified voltage. This rectified voltage may be used to power various components of the tag. Once it receives power from the reader, the tag may communicate information back to the external reader. The information communicated back to the reader is communicated by modulating an antenna impedance of the tag. By modulating the impedance, the tag will backscatter radiation transmitted by the reader. The reader is able to create an audio output based on determining the proximity or link quality from the reader to the tag based on the backscatter radiation it receives from the tag.