Zero-Power Communication Using Active Initiation and Backscatter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Zero-power devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing harvested energy for communication, particularly when energy efficiency is low or RF signal strength is weak, leading to insufficient energy for multiple communication attempts, which affects data transmission performance and increases transmission delay and collisions.

Innovation Solution

The method allows zero-power devices to actively initiate communication by transmitting a signal with identity information, using a first transmission mode that includes backscatter and/or active transmission, reducing the need for network scheduling and improving data transmission performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zero-power devices rely on network scheduling for communication, then energy consumption is reduced, but data transmission delay increases and transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having zero-power devices perform channel sensing and collision detection before transmission, and by implementing retransmission mechanisms. The network device schedules resources in advance, and devices prepare transmission buffers beforehand, reducing actual transmission delay while maintaining reliable communication through pre-planned actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device receives transmission status information from zero-power devices and provides retransmission scheduling. The devices sense channel conditions and feed back collision information, allowing the network to adjust scheduling dynamically, thereby improving reliability without excessive delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If zero-power devices perform multiple communication attempts with repeated transmissions, then data transmission reliability improves, but energy consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective retransmission based on collision detection results. Instead of always performing full repeated transmissions, devices only retransmit when necessary (when collisions are detected), reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability through targeted communication attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically based on channel conditions and collision status. Transmission power, timing, and resource allocation are adjusted according to sensed conditions, allowing reliable communication with optimized energy usage rather than fixed high-power repeated transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If zero-power devices actively initiate communication, then data transmission efficiency improves and delay reduces, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the communication initiation dynamic by allowing zero-power devices to actively initiate transmission when channel conditions are favorable, while still accepting network scheduling when appropriate. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between transmission efficiency and energy consumption based on real-time conditions rather than following a fixed protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic channel sensing and opportunity-based transmission initiation. Devices periodically monitor channel conditions and actively transmit when opportunities arise, rather than continuous monitoring or waiting for periodic network scheduling, improving efficiency while managing energy consumption through rhythmic action patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 data transmission efficiency by enabling zero-power devices to initiate communication independently, reducing delays and collisions, and ensuring reliable data exchange without relying on network scheduling.

Implementation Method 1

A zero-power device acquires power for communication by harvesting energy (such as radio frequency (RF) energy, optical energy, thermal energy, mechanical energy, and kinetic energy) from the environment.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In terms of the communication mode, backscattering is supported, or active transmission is further supported.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBackscattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4645778A1Zero-power communication method and apparatus, and device and medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4645778A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4645778A1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP4645778A1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications. Disclosed are a zero-power communication method and apparatus, and a device and a medium. The method is executed by a zero-pow device. The method comprises: sending a communication signal by means of a first sending mode, wherein the first sending mode refers to communication initiated by a zero-power device, and the communication signal comprises identity information of the zero-power device (220).