Wi-Fi Ambient Backscatter Access With Device ID Time Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backscatter communication systems using Wi-Fi signals face challenges such as low data rate, short communication range, interference, and the inability to identify multiple devices due to the lack of Wi-Fi chips, leading to inefficient data transmission and interference among devices.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and system that incorporates a device ID and time slot information field in backscatter communication messages, allowing the Wi-Fi signal reader device to identify and allocate time slots to backscatter communication devices, and uses bit grouping to reduce errors caused by interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If backscatter communication devices transmit data by changing amplitudes and phases of Wi-Fi packets, then data transmission is achieved without batteries, but multiple devices cannot be identified due to lack of Wi-Fi chips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice identification capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Wi-Fi signal reader device as an intermediary that performs device identification. The reader device receives backscattered signals from multiple backscatter communication devices and identifies them by analyzing the unique backscatter patterns, eliminating the need for each device to have its own Wi-Fi chip while maintaining identification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The backscatter communication devices use their existing hardware to perform identification functions. By leveraging the natural backscatter characteristics of each device's antenna and circuitry, the system enables identification without additional complexity in the device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If multiple backscatter communication devices transmit simultaneously, then communication coverage is improved, but interference increases leading to transmission errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidtransmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements time-division multiple access (TDMA) where the Wi-Fi signal reader device allocates different time slots to different backscatter communication devices. Devices transmit periodically in their assigned time slots, enabling multiple devices to communicate simultaneously without interference, thus expanding coverage while maintaining transmission accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication channel is segmented into distinct time slots for different devices. This temporal segmentation separates the transmission of multiple devices, eliminating signal collision and interference while allowing the system to support multiple simultaneous connections across expanded coverage area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If backscatter communication devices harvest power from ambient RF signals, then power consumption is reduced, but data rate remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous backscatter communication operations by efficiently managing time slots and minimizing idle periods. The Wi-Fi signal reader device continuously monitors and communicates with devices, maximizing the utilization of harvested power for data transmission without requiring additional power-consuming components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes backscatter communication parameters such as modulation depth, time slot duration, and signal amplitude to maximize data rate within the constraints of harvested power. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves higher productivity while maintaining low power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 identifies and manages multiple backscatter communication devices, reduces interference errors, and enhances transmission efficiency by allowing the Wi-Fi signal reader device to correct errors autonomously through non-overlapping bit errors in consecutive messages.

Implementation Method 1

The backscatter communication device transmits data by changing a set of amplitudes and phases of Wi-Fi packets through backscattering an ambient RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12568426B2Communication method, device and system of ambient backscattering based on Wi-Fi signals

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

The objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a method, device and system for backscatter communication based on Wi-Fi signals. Wherein, a Wi-Fi signal reader device broadcasts periodically a device query message to instruct backscatter communication devices upon receiving the device query message to report their respective device ID information; said backscatter communication devices report their device ID information to said Wi-Fi signal reader device in response to said device query message; said Wi-Fi signal reader device counts the number of the backscatter communication devices that have reported their respective device ID information, and allocates to them the corresponding time slot information.