Relay Power Signaling for Zero-Power Terminal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero-power consumption terminals face limited coverage and inefficient power supply, particularly in forward links, due to reliance on wireless signal strength, leading to high deployment costs and power inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A network device supplies power to a second terminal through one or more terminals, expanding the coverage of the power supply signal by relaying power using first and third terminals, which can amplify and transmit signals in a backscatter manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a network device directly supplies power to a second terminal, then the power supply signal strength is sufficient, but the coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate terminals (first terminal, third terminal) that relay power supply signals from the network device to the second terminal. These intermediate terminals act as mediators that extend the reach of power supply signals without requiring direct transmission from the network device to distant terminals, thereby expanding coverage while managing energy loss through distributed relaying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply path into multiple hops through intermediate terminals. Instead of a single direct transmission path, the power supply signal is divided into multiple segments transmitted through different terminals (network device → first terminal → second terminal, or network device → third terminal → second terminal), allowing coverage extension while maintaining manageable energy levels at each segment.
2Area of stationary object
If relay terminals are introduced to expand power supply coverage, then the coverage area increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate terminals perform multiple functions: they serve as both communication nodes and power relay nodes. These terminals can transmit both data signals and power supply signals, eliminating the need for dedicated power relay infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity while achieving coverage expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate terminals autonomously relay power supply signals without requiring complex centralized control. Each terminal independently receives power signals from the network device and forwards them to other terminals, enabling self-organizing power distribution that reduces control system complexity.
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 approach enhances the power supply coverage and level reaching the second terminal, improving efficiency and reducing deployment costs by leveraging relayed power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
In a zero-power consumption communication, a zero-power consumption terminal needs to perform power harvesting to drive itself to operate for data transmission
Implementation Method 2
which can amplify and transmit signals in a backscatter manner
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless communication method and a device are provided. The method includes: transmitting, by a first terminal based on a first signal, a second signal to a second terminal. The second signal is used to supply power to the second terminal, and the first signal is transmitted by a network device or a third terminal.