Backscattering Anchor Positioning for Zero-Power Indoor Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in achieving accurate positioning in indoor environments using zero-power devices, particularly due to interference from multiple wireless signals and the need for high-density deployment without battery reliance.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing zero-power devices as anchor devices for back scattering communication to assist in positioning, where anchor devices transmit back scattering signals based on received signals to enable accurate positioning of target devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If zero-power devices are deployed for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to signal interference and positioning algorithm requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an anchor device as an intermediary component that performs back-scattering operations. The anchor device receives signals from target devices and transmits back-scattered signals to positioning devices, thereby mediating the positioning process. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by centralizing signal processing functions in the anchor device while reducing complexity at the target devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: target devices, anchor devices, and positioning devices. Each component has specialized functions - target devices transmit signals, anchor devices perform back-scattering and signal relaying, and positioning devices calculate positions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If high-density deployment of zero-power devices is achieved, then positioning coverage is improved, but system cost increases due to lack of battery reliance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning coverageVSAvoiddevice deployment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The zero-power anchor devices perform self-powered operations by harvesting energy from the electromagnetic environment. The back-scattering mechanism allows these devices to operate without batteries or external power sources, as they utilize the energy from transmitted signals to perform signal relaying and positioning functions. This self-service capability enables high-density deployment without the cost constraints associated with battery replacement or power infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If back scattering communication is used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal interference from multiple wireless signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality differentiation by having anchor devices perform back-scattering operations specifically on signals from target devices of interest. The system selectively processes signals based on their origin and destination, creating localized signal paths that minimize interference. This selective back-scattering approach allows the system to distinguish between relevant positioning signals and interfering signals from other wireless communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables accurate positioning of target devices with low complexity and low cost, supporting high-density deployment and improving positioning accuracy in indoor environments.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor device performs back scattering to transmit the first signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBack scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4583544A1Positioning method and apparatus, and communication device
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4583544A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4583544A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4583544A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a positioning method and apparatus, and a communication device. The method comprises: a first device receives a first signal sent by an anchor device, the first signal being a back scattering signal corresponding to a second signal received by the anchor device; and the first device positions a second device on the basis of the received first signal.