Relay-Assisted Backscatter Frame Detection in Half-Duplex Wi-Fi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in collecting information backscattered by Backscatter Devices (BKDs) due to the half-duplex nature of Wi-Fi, which prevents simultaneous transmission and reception, and energy limitations that restrict the achievable range of BKD responses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves identifying network devices capable of assisting with BKD management, determining their relative positions, and requesting them to relay BKD frames, allowing for improved detection and transmission of backscattered data through a coordinated effort among Access Points and network stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If Wi-Fi half-duplex nature is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously transmit and receive BKD frames is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple roles: some stations act as relays to forward BKD frames, while others transmit charging frames. This segmentation allows simultaneous transmission and reception operations to proceed in parallel across different station pairs, overcoming the half-duplex limitation without requiring complex full-duplex protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay stations as intermediaries between the charging frame transmitter and the BKD. These relay stations receive charging frames, process them, and forward BKD frames back to the transmitter. This intermediary mechanism enables simultaneous bidirectional communication by distributing the transmission-reception conflict across multiple nodes.
2Area of stationary object
If BKD transmission range is extended, then coverage area is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where relay stations automatically select and forward charging frames to optimal BKDs based on their own energy reserves and communication capabilities. Each relay station independently manages its energy consumption and frame forwarding decisions, extending coverage area without centralized energy management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by having only selected relay stations actively participate in frame relaying at any given time. Not all stations need to be fully engaged; the system dynamically activates only the necessary relay stations to extend coverage, conserving energy while achieving extended range when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Receiver and transmitter assistance for Backscatter Devices (BKDs) may be provided. Network devices enabled to assist with management of BKDs in a network may be identified. A relative position of each of network devices may be determined with respect to an Access Point (AP) it is associated with. A first group of network devices from the network devices may be determined to relay BKD frames based on the relative position of each of the network devices and positions of the BKDs. Each APs of the network with which the first group of network devices are associated with may be caused to send a BKD relay assistance request to each of the first group of network devices. The BKD relay assistance request may include a request to detect the BKD frames backscattered by the BKDs and to relay the detected BKD frames to the AP.