Time-Varying Energy Supply Signals for Secure Zero-Power Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems, particularly those involving zero-power terminals, face challenges in ensuring the security of data reported to network devices due to the lack of effective anti-eavesdropping mechanisms in hybrid zero-power communication systems based on cellular and sidelink communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication method involving a first device sending M energy supply signals with varying parameters across multiple time periods, and a second device processing these signals to obtain reported data, ensuring security by making it difficult for eavesdroppers to decipher the data due to the time-varying pattern of the signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional communication methods are used in zero-power terminal systems, then power consumption is low, but data security is compromised due to lack of anti-eavesdropping mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidcommunication mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of energy supply signals by introducing multiple time periods with different signal characteristics. The first signal includes M energy supply signals that occupy the same time domain range but have different parameters across multiple time periods, transforming a static signal into a time-varying signal pattern that provides security without requiring complex terminal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the time domain range into multiple time periods and repeating the energy supply signal pattern across these periods. Each period contains M energy supply signals with specific parameter configurations, creating a periodic yet variable signal structure that enhances security through time-varying characteristics while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If complex anti-eavesdropping mechanisms are introduced to enhance data security, then security improves, but power consumption increases which is problematic for zero-power terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the first device (not the zero-power terminal) generates and transmits the complex time-varying energy supply signals. The third device (zero-power terminal) simply receives and processes these pre-configured signals, while the second device handles the complex signal processing and data extraction. This intermediary structure provides security without burdening the power-constrained terminal with complex operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical or electronic security mechanisms (such as encryption hardware or complex processing units) with a signal-processing-based security approach. By embedding security directly into the time-varying pattern of energy supply signals, the system achieves anti-eavesdropping functionality without requiring additional power-consuming security hardware or complex terminal-side processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If simple communication protocols are used, then device complexity is low, but eavesdroppers can easily decipher the data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing complexityVSAvoideavesdropping vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the communication system by making the energy supply signals time-varying rather than static. The M energy supply signals change their parameters across multiple time periods, creating a dynamic signal pattern that is difficult for eavesdroppers to decipher. This dynamic approach enhances security while keeping the terminal device complexity low, as the complexity is managed by the first and second devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4648456A1Communication methods, and devices
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4648456A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4648456A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4648456A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a device, a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, and a computer program. The communication method includes the following. A first device sends a first signal to a third device. The first signal includes M energy supply signals, the M energy supply signals occupy the same time domain range, and the time domain range contains multiple time periods. Each of the M energy supply signals is generated based on a different first parameter in each of different time periods among the multiple time periods, and different energy supply signals among the M energy supply signals are generated based on different first parameters in a same time period among the multiple time periods. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.