Staggered Backscatter Uplink for Collision-Free AMP BKD Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks with Ambient Power Backscatter Devices (AMP BKDs), collisions during signal scattering by multiple devices lead to interference, causing weaker signals to be drowned out, preventing proper decoding by receiver APs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a staggered Multi-User (MU) uplink mechanism where a transmitter AP coordinates AMP BKDs to scatter signals in a predetermined order, using triggers and excitation transmissions to avoid collisions and ensure proper reception by the receiver AP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple AMP BKDs scatter signals simultaneously, then network throughput increases, but signal collisions occur causing interference and decoding failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidsignal decoding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the simultaneous signal scattering process into multiple time slots, where each AMP BKD scatters its signal in a dedicated time slot rather than simultaneously. This temporal segmentation eliminates signal collisions while maintaining the ability to serve multiple users, thus improving reliability without sacrificing overall network throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by organizing signal scattering into repeating time slots with a predetermined pattern. Each AMP BKD is assigned specific time slots for signal transmission, creating a periodic structure that prevents collisions while ensuring regular opportunities for data transmission, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If AMP BKDs scatter signals in parallel, then transmission efficiency improves, but signal interference increases preventing proper decoding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the parallel signal transmission into sequential time slots, segmenting the transmission process temporally. This segmentation eliminates signal interference by ensuring only one AMP BKD transmits at a time, while the overall transmission efficiency is maintained through the structured, predictable nature of the time slot allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces time slot allocation as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple AMP BKDs. This intermediary structure coordinates their transmissions, preventing direct interference while maintaining efficient use of the communication medium, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and signal interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If staggered MU uplink is implemented, then signal collision is prevented, but coordination complexity between APs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal collision preventionVSAvoidAP coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing time slot allocations and coordination rules among APs before actual signal transmission begins. This preliminary setup creates a predictable framework that simplifies ongoing coordination, reducing the operational complexity while ensuring reliable collision-free transmission throughout the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where APs exchange information about their time slot allocations and transmission status. This feedback loop enables automated coordination, reducing manual configuration complexity while maintaining reliable signal collision prevention through dynamic adaptation to network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution effectively prevents signal interference, allowing receiver APs to decode signals from multiple AMP BKDs without overlap, enhancing network efficiency and data transmission reliability.

Implementation Method 1

transmit an excitation transmission for the AMP BKD group to perform scattering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

AMP BKDs to scatter signals in a predetermined order

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscatter: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20250343578A1Triggering staggered multi-user uplink in ambient power device group

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Staggered Multi-User (MU) uplink in an Ambient Power (AMP) Backscatter Device (BKD) group may be provided. A transmitter AP may determine to receive uplink data from an AMP BKD group and then transmit a session initialization message to a receiver AP instructing the receiver AP to receive the uplink data from the AMP BKD group. The transmitter AP may receive an initialization response from the receiver AP indicating the receiver AP will receive the uplink data. The transmitter may transmit an AMP BKD initialization signal to the AMP BKD group indicating to the AMP BKD group to perform scattering without collisions. The transmitter AP may then transmit an excitation transmission for the AMP BKD group to perform scattering.