Communication devices and communication methods

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to communication devices and communication methods. A first device may receive a set of messages for paging the first device from a set of second devices. If a subset of messages within the set of messages satisfies a condition, the first device may respond to the subset of messages. Upon receiving a response to a message for paging the first device, the second device may transmit information of the first device to a third device. In this way, paging for an A-IoT device can be performed in an efficient manner, and the management of paging can be optimized.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more specifically to communication devices and communication methods for the ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT). Background Technology

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices, such as base stations, which may be otherwise known as eNodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device, such as a base station, may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, such as user equipment (UEs) or other suitable terms. A wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing the resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)). Additionally, a wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including 3rd generation (3G) radio access technology, 4th generation (4G) radio access technology, 5th generation (5G) radio access technology, and other suitable radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., 6th generation (6G)).

[0003] A-IoT is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology that supports battery-less devices without energy storage capabilities or devices with energy storage that do not require manual replacement or recharging. Recently, it has been proposed to design a compact protocol stack and corresponding procedures for A-IoT, such as paging, random access, and data transmission.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems that support paging for an A-IoT device. By responding to at least some of the messages for paging an A-IoT device from different entities, the A-IoT device can handle a paging scenario.

[0005] In one embodiment, some implementations of the method and devices described herein may include: receiving a set of messages for paging a first device from a second set of devices; and responding to a subset of messages in the set of messages according to a determination that a subset of messages within the set of messages satisfies a condition.

[0006] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the conditions may include at least one of: a message in a message subset indicating identification information of a first device; a message indicating a region where the first device is located; a message being transmitted by a second device in a configured list of second devices; or a message indicating a resource available to the first device to respond to the message.

[0007] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, a message subset may include a plurality of messages, and a step of responding to a message subset may include: a step of selecting a message from among the plurality of messages; and a step of responding to a message.

[0008] In some embodiments of the methods and devices described herein, the step of selecting a message may include: the energy harvesting efficiency of the message; the priority of the cause of the message; the time of reception of the message; the time of response to the message; the priority of the second device in the second set of devices; the priority of the response to the message; the access control configuration from the second device in the second set of devices; or at least one of random selection.

[0009] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the step of responding to a message subset may include: receiving a set of control signalings for the message set from a second set of devices; selecting a control signaling from the set of control signalings; and responding to a message according to a determination that a message corresponding to the control signaling satisfies a condition.

[0010] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the step of selecting a control signaling may include: the time of receiving the control signaling; the priority of a second device in a second set of devices; the priority of a response to the control signaling; the payload size of the control signaling; or at least one of a random selection.

[0011] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the step of responding to a message subset may include: receiving a set of control signaling for a message set from a second set of devices via a transceiver; decoding a set of messages for a set of control signaling; selecting a message within a message set that satisfies a condition; and responding to a message.

[0012] Some implementations of the methods and devices described herein may further include: a step of not responding to a repeated set of transmissions of messages based on a determination that no response was made to an initial transmission of a message in a message subset; or a step of responding to one or more messages in a message set based on a determination that a response to a message in a message set failed.

[0013] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, a message subset may include a plurality of messages, and the step of responding to the message subset may include responding to the plurality of messages in parallel based on at least one of: the plurality of messages indicating different causes; the plurality of messages indicating non-conflicting resources for response; or the plurality of messages indicating different service identities.

[0014] Some implementations of the methods and devices described herein may further include the step of not responding to a message set, depending on a decision that an ongoing procedure between a first device and a second device is maintained while a message set for paging a first device is received.

[0015] Some implementations of the methods and devices described herein may further include: a cause that does not require an uplink transmission, depending on a determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained while the message set for paging the first device is received; a resource for responding to a message that does not conflict with the ongoing procedure; or a step of responding to a message in the message set indicating at least one of a service identity different from the service identity of the ongoing procedure.

[0016] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the step of responding to a message may include: responding to a message based on a determination that the service identity of the message indicates a service having a higher priority than the priority of the service of the ongoing procedure and that the resource does not conflict with the ongoing procedure.

[0017] Some implementations of the methods and devices described herein may further include the step of suspending a process in progress upon determining that a resource conflicts with the process in progress.

[0018] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, a step of setting the state of the first device to inventoried according to a determination that a message from the second device is responded to; or a step of setting the state of the first device to active according to a determination that an ongoing procedure is maintained.

[0019] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, the first device is an A-IoT device, and the second device is a base station or a communication node between the base station and the A-IoT device.

[0020] In another aspect, some implementations of the method and devices described herein may include: transmitting a message for paging a first device; receiving a response to the message from the first device; and transmitting information of the first device to a third device.

[0021] In some implementations of the methods and devices described herein, information of the first device may include: the identity of the first device; the identity of the ongoing service of the first device; or at least one of the state of the first device.

[0022] Some implementations of the methods and devices described herein may further include: a step of setting the state of the first device to inventoryed upon a determination that a response to a message has been received; or a step of setting the state of the first device to active upon a determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a device that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a processor that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for supporting paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of another method supporting paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation regarding the scope of the present disclosure, and are intended to assist a person skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the present disclosure. The disclosures described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0025] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0026] References to “one embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc. in this disclosure indicate that while the described embodiment(s) may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, not all embodiments are required to include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to implement that feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. The term “embodiment” may be used interchangeably with “implementation.”

[0027] While terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various elements in this specification, it should be understood that these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without going beyond the scope of implementations, the first element may also be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element. As used in this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0028] The terms used herein are intended to describe specific implementations only and are not intended to limit exemplary implementations. As used herein, singular forms (“a,” “an,” and “the”) are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] In some scenarios, an A-IoT device may receive multiple paging messages from different entities (e.g., a base station, a communication node between the base station and the A-IoT device, etc.). In this case, the behaviors of the A-IoT device for handling or responding to different paging messages need to be defined.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for paging for an A-IoT device. In one embodiment, a first device (i.e., an A-IoT device) may receive a set of messages from a second set of devices for paging the first device. If a subset of messages within the set of messages satisfies a condition, the first device may respond to the subset of messages. In this way, by responding only to messages that satisfy the condition, paging for the A-IoT device can be performed in an efficient manner, and thus communication efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, energy consumption in the A-IoT device can be reduced.

[0031] In another embodiment, the second device may transmit a message to paginate the first device and receive a response to the message from the first device. The second device may transmit information of the first device to the third device. In this way, the management of pagination for the A-IoT device can be optimized.

[0032] In connection with the present disclosure, the term “first device” may refer to a battery-free device having no energy storage capability or a device having an energy storage that does not require manual replacement or recharging. The term “first device” may be used interchangeably with “A-IoT device” or “A-IoT UE”. The term “A-IoT” may be used interchangeably with “Passive IoT”.

[0033] In the context of the present disclosure, the term “second device” refers to a node communicating with an A-IoT device. For example, the node may be a base station or a communication node between a base station and an A-IoT device. For example, the communication node may be an A-IoT-enabled relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a UE, a repeater, etc. In some embodiments, the second device may be a node that provides an excitation signal or energy to the A-IoT device. In some embodiments, the second device may be a node that transmits a command to the A-IoT device to implement selection, inventory, or access (e.g., read and write) to the A-IoT device.

[0034] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communication system.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system (100) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system (100) may include one or more network entities (also referred to as network equipment (NE)). For convenience, network entities (102-1, 102-2, and 102-3) are illustrated and are collectively referred to as one or more network entities (102) below. The wireless communication system (100) may further include one or more A-IoT devices (101), one or more UEs (104), a core network (CN) (106), and a packet data network (108). The wireless communication system (100) may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a 4G network such as an LTE network or an LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a 5G network, such as an NR network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system (100) may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technologies including IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system (100) may support radio access technologies beyond 5G. Additionally, the wireless communication system (100) may support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

[0036] One or more A-IoT devices (101) may be distributed across the entire geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system (100). The A-IoT device (101) may be a battery-less device without energy storage capabilities or a device having an energy storage that does not require manual replacement or recharging. The A-IoT device (101) may include an energy harvesting module and a backscattering module. The A-IoT device (101) may receive an energy supply signal or command through the energy harvesting module and backscattering the signal through the backscattering module.

[0037] One or more network entities (102) may be distributed across a geographical area to form a wireless communication system (100). One or more of the network entities (102) described herein may be network nodes, base stations, network elements, radio access networks (RAN), base transceiver stations, access points, NodeB, eNodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terms, may include or be referred to as such. Network entities (102) and UEs (104) may communicate through a communication link (110) which may be wireless or wired connection. For example, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may perform wireless communication (e.g., receiving signaling, transmitting signaling) through a Uu interface.

[0038] A network entity (102) may provide a geographic coverage area (112) in which the network entity (102) can support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs (104) within the geographic coverage area (112). For example, the network entity (102) and the UE (104) may support wireless communication of signals related to the services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the network entity (102) may be mobile and, for example, may be a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network. In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas (112) associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas (112) may be associated with different network entities (102). The information and signals described in this specification may be represented using any of the various different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be mentioned throughout the description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0039] One or more UEs (104) may be distributed across the entire geographical area of ​​the wireless communication system (100). The UE (104) may include or be referred to as a mobile device, wireless device, remote device, remote unit, handheld device, or subscriber device, or any other suitable term. In some implementations, the UE (104) may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, among other examples. Additionally or alternatively, the UE (104) may be referred to as an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, Internet-of-Everything (IoE) device, or machine-type communication (MTC) device, among other examples. In some implementations, the UE (104) may be stationary in the wireless communication system (100). In some other implementations, the UE (104) may be mobile in the wireless communication system (100).

[0040] One or more UEs (104) may be devices having different forms or different capabilities. Some examples of UEs (104) are illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the UE (104) may communicate with various types of devices, such as network entities (102), other UEs (104), or network equipment (e.g., a core network (106), a packet data network (108), a relay device, an IAB node, or other network equipment). Additionally or alternatively, the UE (104) may support communication with other network entities (102) or UEs (104) that can function as relays in the wireless communication system (100).

[0041] The UE (104) may also support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a communication link (114). For example, the UE (104) may support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a D2D (device-to-device) communication link. In some implementations, such as V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) deployments, V2X (vehicle-to-everything) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link (114) may be referred to as a side link. For example, the UE (104) may support direct wireless communication with other UEs (104) via a PC5 interface.

[0042] A network entity (102) may support communication with a core network (106), communication with other network entities (102), or both. For example, a network entity (102) may interface with the core network (106) through one or more backhaul links (116) (e.g., through S1, N2, N2, or other network interfaces). Network entities (102) may communicate with each other through backhaul links (116) (e.g., through X2, Xn, or other network interfaces). In some implementations, network entities (102) may communicate directly with each other (e.g., between network entities (102)). In some other implementations, network entities (102) may communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., through the core network (106)). In some implementations, one or more network entities (102) may include subcomponents, such as an access network entity which may be an example of an access node controller (ANC). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs (104) through one or more other access network transmitting entities which may be referred to as a radio head, a smart radio head, or a transmit-receive point (TRP).

[0043] In some implementations, the network entity (102) may be configured as a disaggregated architecture that can be configured to utilize protocol stacks that are physically or logically distributed among two or more network entities (102), such as an IAB network, an Open RAN (O-RAN) (e.g., a network configuration sponsored by the O-RAN Alliance), or a Virtualized RAN (vRAN) (e.g., Cloud RAN (C-RAN)). For example, the network entity (102) may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) (e.g., Near-RT RIC, Non-RT RIC), a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) system, or any combination thereof.

[0044] The RU may also be referred to as a radio head, smart radio head, remote radio head (RRH), remote radio unit (RRU), or transmission receiving point (TRP). One or more components of network entities (102) within a segregated RAN architecture may be co-located, or one or more components of network entities (102) may be located in distributed locations (e.g., separate physical locations). In some implementations, one or more network entities (102) of a segregated RAN architecture may be implemented as virtual units (e.g., virtual CU (VCU), virtual DU (VDU), virtual RU (VRU)).

[0045] The functional splitting between the CU, DU, and RU can be flexible and may support different functionalities depending on which functions (e.g., network layer functions, protocol layer functions, baseband functions, radio frequency functions, and any combination thereof) are performed in the CU, DU, or RU. For example, a functional split of the protocol stack may be used between the CU and the DU so that the CU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the DU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. In some implementations, the CU may host higher protocol layer (e.g., Layer 3 (L3), Layer 2 (L2)) functionalities and signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)). A CU may be connected to one or more DUs or RUs, and one or more DUs or RUs may host lower protocol layers such as Layer 1 (L1) (e.g., Physical (PHY) layer) or L2 (e.g., Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer) functionality and signaling, and each may be controlled at least partially by the CU (160).

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, a functional partition of the protocol stack between the DU and the RU may be utilized so that the DU can support one or more layers of the protocol stack and the RU can support one or more different layers of the protocol stack. The DU may support one or more different cells (e.g., through one or more RUs). In some implementations, the functional partition between the CU and the DU, or between the DU and the RU, may exist within the protocol layer (e.g., some functions of the protocol layer may be performed by one of the CU, DU, or RU, while other functions of the protocol layer are performed by a different one of the CU, DU, or RU).

[0047] The CU can be functionally further subdivided into CU control plane (CU-CP) and CU user plane (CU-UP) functions. The CU can be connected to one or more DUs via midhaul communication links (e.g., F1, F1-c, F1-u), and the DUs can be connected to one or more RUs via fronthaul communication links (e.g., open fronthaul (FH) interfaces). In some implementations, the midhaul communication links or fronthaul communication links may be implemented according to an interface (e.g., a channel) between layers of a protocol stack supported by their respective network entities (102) communicating through these communication links.

[0048] The core network (106) may support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The core network (106) may be an advanced packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC) that may include one or more core network elements (103). The core network elements (103) may be control plane entities that manage access and mobility (e.g., Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)) and user plane entities that route packets or interconnect to external networks (e.g., Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), or User Plane Function (UPF)). In some implementations, a control plane entity can manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearers, signal bearers, etc.), for one or more UEs (104) served by one or more network entities (102) associated with a core network (106).

[0049] The core network (106) may communicate with the packet data network (108) through one or more backhaul links (116) (e.g., through S1, N2, N2, or other network interfaces). The packet data network (108) may include an application server (118). In some implementations, one or more UEs (104) may communicate with the application server (118). The UE (104) may establish a session (e.g., a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session) with the core network (106) through a network entity (102). The core network (106) may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between the UE (104) and the application server (118) using the established session (e.g., an established PDU session). A PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between the UE (104) and the core network (106) (e.g., one or more network functions of the core network (106)).

[0050] In a wireless communication system (100), network entities (102) and UEs (104) may use the resources of the wireless communication system (100) (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support different resource structures. For example, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, network entities (102) and UEs (104) can support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). Network entities (102) and UEs (104) can support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[0051] One or more numerologies may be supported in the wireless communication system (100), and the numerologies may include a subcarrier interval and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ=0) may be associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with the first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ=1) may be associated with a second subcarrier interval (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ=2) may be associated with a third subcarrier interval (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. The fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3) may be associated with the fourth subcarrier interval (e.g., 120 kHz) and a general cyclic prefix. The fifth numerology (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with the fifth subcarrier interval (e.g., 240 kHz) and a general cyclic prefix.

[0052] The time intervals of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) can be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, e.g., 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame may contain multiple subframes. For example, each frame may contain 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, e.g., 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the time intervals of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) may be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe may contain a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots within each subframe may also depend on one or more numerologies supported by the wireless communication system (100). For example, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ=0, μ=1, μ=2, μ=3, μ=4) associated with their respective subcarrier intervals of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz may each utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and sixteen slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may contain a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., OFDM symbols). In some implementations, the number of slots (e.g., quantity) for a subframe may vary depending on the numerology. For a standard cyclic prefix, a slot may contain 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a 60 kHz subcarrier interval), a slot may contain 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for the standard cyclic prefix and the extended cyclic prefix may vary depending on the numerology. It should be understood that references to a first numerology (e.g., μ=0) associated with a first subcarrier interval (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[0054] In a wireless communication system (100), the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be divided into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system (100) may support one or more operating frequency bands such as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). In some implementations, network entities (102) and UEs (104) may perform wireless communication through one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 may be used by network entities (102) and UEs (104) among other equipment or devices for cellular communication traffic (e.g., control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 may be used by network entities (102) and UEs (104) among other equipment or devices for short-range, high data rate capabilities.

[0055] FR1 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology including a 15 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=0); a second numerology including a 30 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=1); and a third numerology including a 60 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=2). FR2 may be associated with one or more numerologies (e.g., at least two numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology including a 60 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=2); and a fourth numerology including a 120 kHz subcarrier interval (e.g., μ=3).

[0056] In some scenarios, an A-IoT device (101) can communicate directly and bidirectionally with a network entity (102). Communication between the A-IoT device (101) and the network entity (102) includes A-IoT data and / or signaling. These scenarios may be referred to as Topology 1.

[0057] In some scenarios, an A-IoT device (101) can communicate bidirectionally with an intermediate node between the A-IoT device (101) and a network entity (102). The intermediate node may be an A-IoT-enabled UE (104), a relay, an IAB node, a repeater, etc. The intermediate node may transmit A-IoT data and / or signaling between the A-IoT device (101) and the network entity (102). These scenarios may be referred to as Topology 2.

[0058] In some scenarios, the A-IoT device (101) can transmit data / signaling to a network entity (102) and receive data / signaling from an assisting node; or the A-IoT device (101) can receive data / signaling from a network entity (102) and transmit data / signaling to an assisting node. The assisting node may be an A-IoT-enabled UE (104), a relay, an IAB node, a repeater, etc. These scenarios may be referred to as Topology 3.

[0059] In some scenarios, the A-IoT device (101) can communicate bidirectionally with the UE (104). Communication between the A-IoT device (101) and the UE (104) includes A-IoT data and / or signaling. These scenarios may be referred to as topology 4.

[0060] According to the general scope defined for A-IoT, some A-IoT topologies lack Radio Resource Control (RRC), lack mobility (i.e., at least no cell select / reselection-like functions), and lack Hybrid Automatic Repetition Request (HARQ) and Automatic Repetition Request (ARQ). When an A-IoT device receives multiple messages from different entities (e.g., base stations, intermediate nodes, etc.) intended to page the A-IoT device, it is necessary to define how to handle or respond to these multiple messages.

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for paging an A-IoT device. In the solution, the behaviors of the A-IoT device for handling or responding to a plurality of messages for paging the A-IoT device may be defined by considering one or more of the following aspects: content indicated by each message or content indicated within each message; the state of the A-IoT device upon receipt of the message (e.g., just activated / deactivated, or engaged in other procedures); or the ability of the A-IoT device to handle a plurality of paging procedures or a plurality of session-like procedures with the same entity or different entities. This solution will be described below in connection with FIG. 2.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process (200) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of discussion, the process (200) will be described in relation to FIG. 1. The process (200) may involve a first device, a set of second devices (i.e., one or more second devices), and a third device. The first device may be an A-IoT device, the second device may be a base station or a communication node between a base station and an A-IoT device, and the third device may be another second device or a core network element. For the sake of illustration, the following description will be given assuming that the first device is an A-IoT device (101), the set of second devices is network entities (102-1 and 102-2), and the third device is a core network element (103). It should be understood that the steps and the order of the steps in FIG. 2 are for illustration only and not for limitation. For convenience, the term 'paging message' may be used below to refer to a message for paging an A-IoT device.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an A-IoT device (101) may receive a set of messages for paging the A-IoT device (101) (210). For example, the A-IoT device (101) may receive a message for paging the A-IoT device (101) from a network entity (102-1) (also referred to herein as a first paging message for convenience) (211). The A-IoT device (101) may receive a message for paging the A-IoT device (101) from a network entity (102-2) (also referred to herein as a second paging message for convenience) (212). It should be understood that more or fewer paging messages may also be realized.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, an A-IoT device (101) may determine that a message subset within a paging message set satisfies the condition (220). The message subset may include one or more paging messages. In some embodiments, the message subset may include the entire paging message set.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the A-IoT device (101) can respond to a subset of messages that satisfy a condition (230). In this example, it is assumed that a first message from a network entity (102-1) satisfies the condition.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the A-IoT device (101) is in a non-activated or sleep state, a set of paging messages may be transmitted from different entities (i.e., second devices). For example, the core network (106) may instruct surrounding second devices to locate one or more A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device (101)). Alternatively, the second device may periodically transmit paging messages to surrounding UEs. In this case, the second device is an activator and transmits an energy carrier to first activate the A-IoT device (101), and the paging message may be transmitted dependently on or independently of the energy carrier. If the paging message is transmitted independently of the energy carrier, the energy carrier may be transmitted first, and then the A-IoT device (101) wakes up to receive the paging message. The A-IoT device (101) can perform backscatter transmission when it receives sufficient energy from the activator.

[0067] In some embodiments, the condition may include a paging message indicating identification information of the A-IoT device (101). In some embodiments, the identification information of the A-IoT device (101) may be all or part of a device ID, for example, a tag ID, an electronic product code (EPC) ID, or other defined group or subgroup IDs. It should be understood that any other suitable IDs may also be realized. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond only to a paging message indicating the identification information of the A-IoT device (101).

[0068] In some embodiments, the condition may include a paging message indicating an area where the A-IoT device (101) is located (also referred to herein as a paging area). In some embodiments, the area may be a storage rack. It should be understood that any other suitable predefined area information may also be realized. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond only to a paging message indicating an area where the A-IoT device (101) is located (where the area is transported). In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may have prior knowledge regarding a specific area where the A-IoT device (101) itself is located. The specific area may be predefined in the A-IoT device (101) or preconfigured by a network entity.

[0069] In some embodiments, the condition may include the paging message being transmitted by a second device within a configured second device list, i.e., transmitted by a specific entity. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (110) may store information of previously accessed second devices (e.g., base stations or intermediate nodes). In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (110) may be configured with information of second devices (e.g., base stations or intermediate nodes). In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (110) may respond only to paging messages from a specific entity (if a specific entity is configured).

[0070] In some embodiments, the condition may include a paging message indicating a resource (e.g., time and / or frequency resource information) available for the A-IoT device (110) to respond to the message. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (110) may respond only to a paging message indicating time / frequency resource information available for response.

[0071] It must be understood that any combination of the above conditions or any other suitable conditions may also be realized.

[0072] In some embodiments, paging messages may be transmitted directly to the A-IoT device (101) without control signaling for the paging messages. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may receive and decode multiple paging messages. Based on the information carried in the paging messages, the A-IoT device (101) may select one or more paging messages that satisfy the above conditions and respond to the selected one or more paging messages.

[0073] In some embodiments, when a plurality of paging messages satisfy the conditions described in relation to step (220), the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message from a specific entity and respond to it.

[0074] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the energy harvesting efficiency of the paging message. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message that provides the most efficient energy harvesting, i.e., the most energy or the fastest to fully energy.

[0075] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the priority of the cause of the paging message (also referred to herein as the paging cause). In some embodiments, the priority may be configured or predefined in the A-IoT device (101). For example, the paging cause may direct the inventory service and may have a higher priority than other causes.

[0076] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the time of receipt of the paging message. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message received earliest.

[0077] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the response time of the paging message. In some embodiments, the response time may be indicated in resource information or in an additional response time window. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message having the shortest response time. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message having the longest response time.

[0078] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the priority of the second device within the second device set. The priority of the second device may be configured or predefined in the A-IoT device (101). For example, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message transmitted by the second device having the highest priority among the second device set.

[0079] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on the priority of the response to the paging message. The priority of the response may be configured or predefined in the A-IoT device (101). For example, the A-IoT device (101) may select a paging message having the highest response priority among the received paging messages.

[0080] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on an access control configuration. The access control configuration may be configured by a second device or pre-configured. For example, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message sent by a second device that does not have an access control configuration, which has a higher priority than the second device that has an access control configuration. Alternatively, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message sent by a second device that permits or allows access by the A-IoT device (101) based on a provided access control configuration, which has a higher priority than the second device that restricts or does not allow access by the A-IoT device (101) based on a provided access control configuration.

[0081] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select one paging message based on a random selection. That is, the A-IoT device (101) may respond randomly to one paging message.

[0082] It should be understood that the selection of paging messages can be performed based on any combination of the above selection principles. The selection of paging messages can be performed by the UE implementation.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second device initiating paging may repeatedly transmit paging messages to ensure reliability. In some embodiments, if no response is made to the initial transmission of the paging message, the A-IoT device (101) may not respond to a repeated set of transmissions of the paging message. In other words, regarding repeated paging transmissions, if the A-IoT device (101) decides to discard, skip, or not respond to the initial paging message from a specific entity, the A-IoT device (101) may also discard, skip, or not respond to handling the repeated paging transmissions.

[0084] In some embodiments, a paging message may be transmitted to an A-IoT device (101) along with control signaling for the paging message. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may receive a set of control signaling for a set of paging messages from a second set of devices (e.g., network entities (102-1 and 102-2)). In this case, the A-IoT device (101) may first decode the control signaling and then decode the paging message based on the information indicated in the control signaling.

[0085] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) receives different control signaling associated with different paging messages and can distinguish the paging messages by the different control signaling.

[0086] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signaling from a set of control signalings. If a paging message corresponding to the control signaling satisfies the condition described in relation to step (220), the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message.

[0087] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signal based on the time of reception of the control signal. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select the earliest received control signal.

[0088] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select control signaling based on the priority of the second device in the second device set. The priority of the second devices may be configured or predefined in the A-IoT device (101). For example, the A-IoT device (101) may select control signaling transmitted by the second device having the highest priority among the second device set.

[0089] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signal based on the priority of the response to the control signal. The priority of the response may be configured or predefined in the A-IoT device (101). For example, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signal having the highest response priority.

[0090] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signal based on the payload size of the control signal. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may select a control signal based on a random selection.

[0091] It should be understood that the selection of control signaling can be performed based on any combination of the above selection principles. The selection of control signaling can be performed by the UE implementation.

[0092] In some embodiments, if a paging message corresponding to a selected control signaling does not satisfy the conditions described in relation to step (220), the A-IoT device (101) may discard, skip, or not respond to the paging message. The A-IoT device (101) may select an additional control signaling to decode a paging message corresponding to an additional control signaling until a paging message satisfies the conditions described in relation to step (220) occurs.

[0093] In some embodiments, regarding repeated paging transmissions, if the A-IoT device (101) decides to discard, skip, or not respond to an initial paging message from a specific entity, the A-IoT device (101) may also discard, skip, or not respond to handling repeated paging transmissions by detecting control signaling.

[0094] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) can decode a set of paging messages for a set of control signalings. In other words, the A-IoT device (101) can decode each associated paging message for the received control signalings. Subsequently, the A-IoT device (101) can select one paging message that satisfies the conditions described in relation to step (220) based on the information carried in the paging messages, and respond to the selected paging message.

[0095] In some embodiments, when a plurality of paging messages satisfy the conditions described in relation to step (220), the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the plurality of paging messages in parallel in some cases.

[0096] In some embodiments, when multiple paging messages indicate different causes, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to multiple paging messages in parallel. For example, the A-IoT device (101) may be allowed to handle paging messages when paging messages from different entities indicate different paging causes, for example, when each indicates that it is for inventory or for command use cases. That is, the A-IoT device (101) may only need to respond to paging indicating inventory causes, and random access is not required for paging indicating command causes.

[0097] In some embodiments, when multiple paging messages indicate non-collision resources for response, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to multiple paging messages in parallel. For example, the A-IoT device (101) may be allowed to handle paging messages when paging messages from different entities indicate non-collision resources for response. In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to paging messages using the resources indicated in each paging message from different entities. In some embodiments, when a collision from different entities occurs during subsequent random access or data transmission procedures, the A-IoT device (101) may perform collision handling (e.g., dropping one of the transmissions).

[0098] In some embodiments, when multiple paging messages indicate different service identities, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to multiple paging messages in parallel. For example, the A-IoT device (101) may be allowed to handle multiple paging messages when the paging messages indicate different task IDs or session IDs or service IDs that indicate that paging from different entities targets different services or tasks or sessions.

[0099] In some embodiments, if a response to a paging message within a paging message set fails, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to one or more paging messages within the paging message set. In other words, if the A-IoT device (101) responds to a specific paging message but access is restricted or not permitted during integrated access control procedures, or fails during a random access procedure with a specific entity sending a specific paging message, the A-IoT device (101) may be allowed to fallback to a response to different paging messages from other entities. Alternatively, the A-IoT device (101) may re-access the current entity based on defined rules for access control or random access failure.

[0100] In some embodiments, when an A-IoT device (101) is activated and in a process in progress, for example, during random access or data transmission with one or more specific entities (i.e., second devices), a set of paging messages may be transmitted from different entities (i.e., other second devices). In this case, it must be defined whether paging from different entities is triggered for the A-IoT device or for a specific group of A-IoT devices including the A-IoT device. If it is triggered, how to respond to the paging must also be defined.

[0101] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may maintain only ongoing procedures (e.g., paging, random access, data transmission, etc.) with one entity (i.e., the second device) at a time.

[0102] In some embodiments, if an ongoing procedure between the A-IoT device (101) and a second device (e.g., a network entity (102-3)) is maintained while a paging message set for paging the A-IoT device (101) is received, the A-IoT device (101) may not respond to the paging message set. In other words, the A-IoT device (101) may discard or skip the paging message set. For example, if associated control signaling indicates that the message is for paging or the A-IoT device (101) decodes that the message is for paging, or if associated control signaling indicates that the message is from a different entity or the A-IoT device (101) decodes that the message is from a different entity, the A-IoT device (101) may discard, skip, or not respond to the paging message.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second device may not send paging messages to A-IoT devices that have successfully accessed a specific entity (i.e., another second device) or initiate a paging procedure. Referring to FIG. 2, if the A-IoT device (101) successfully responds to a specific entity (e.g., network entity (102-1)) during the paging procedure, the network entity (102-1) may direct information of the A-IoT device (101) to a core network element (103) (240). Alternatively or additionally, the network entity (102-1) may direct information of the A-IoT device (101) to other network entities via an Xn interface (not shown). In some embodiments, the information of the A-IoT device (101) may include at least one of the device ID of the A-IoT device (101), the identity of the ongoing service of the A-IoT device (101), or the state of the A-IoT device (101). It should be understood that any other suitable information may also be realized.

[0104] In some embodiments, the core network element (103) or other network entities may not send paging messages to the A-IoT device (101) that have already been paged / invented during this inventory period. In some embodiments, the core network element (103) or other network entities may not send paging messages to the A-IoT device (101) until the ongoing procedure with the current second device (e.g., network entity (102-3)) is terminated. In some embodiments, other network entities may also instruct their intermediate nodes (if any) not to page the A-IoT device (101).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when a paging message from a second device (e.g., network entity (102-1)) is responded to, the A-IoT device (101) may set the state of the A-IoT device (101) to inventoryed (250). In some embodiments, when a process in progress is maintained, the A-IoT device (101) may set the state of the A-IoT device (101) to active or acknowledged (ACK).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when a paging message from a second device (e.g., network entity (102-1)) is responded to, the network entity (102-1) may set the state of the A-IoT device (101) to inventoryed (260). In some embodiments, when an ongoing procedure with the network entity (102-1) is maintained, the network entity (102-1) may set the state of the A-IoT device (101) to active or ACK.

[0107] In other words, for both the A-IoT device side and the network side, specific states can be defined for A-IoT devices under different conditions. For example, when an A-IoT device is paginated and accessed the network, the state of the A-IoT device can be defined as "Invented." Paging messages will not be sent to an A-IoT device in the "Invented" state, or an A-IoT device in the "Invented" state will not respond to other paging messages.

[0108] When an A-IoT device has ongoing procedures (e.g., paging, random access, data transmission, etc.), the A-IoT device state may be defined as active or ACK. An A-IoT device may maintain only one procedure at a time, and an A-IoT device in the active or ACK state may not be allowed to access other procedures. It should be understood that any other suitable state definitions may also be realized.

[0109] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may maintain multiple procedures with different entities and handle the procedures in parallel. In some embodiments, when the A-IoT device (101) has procedures in progress and the A-IoT device (101) receives a set of paging messages from different entities, the A-IoT device (101) may decode the paging messages or decode control signaling associated with the paging messages.

[0110] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message within a set of paging messages that indicates a cause that does not require an uplink transmission. In other words, if the paging message contains a paging cause and the paging cause does not require the A-IoT device (101) to perform an uplink transmission, for example, a command or a state change, the A-IoT device (101) may receive the paging message and perform the command or action requested in the paging message.

[0111] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message within a set of paging messages that directs a resource for a response to a message that does not conflict with the ongoing procedure. In other words, if the paging message includes a response resource and the response resource does not conflict with the current transmission of the ongoing procedure, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message with the response resources.

[0112] In some embodiments, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to a paging message within a set of paging messages indicating a service ID different from the service ID of the ongoing procedure. It should be understood that a session ID, process ID, or task ID may also be realized. In some embodiments, for both the A-IoT device side and the network side, a session ID, process ID, service ID, or task ID is included in the paging message, and if the A-IoT device (101) is involved in a specific procedure having the same session ID, process ID, service ID, or task ID, the A-IoT device (101) may discard, skip, or not respond to a paging message having the same session ID, process ID, service ID, or task ID from a different entity.

[0113] In some embodiments, when an A-IoT device (101) receives a paging message containing a different session ID or process ID or service ID or task ID, the A-IoT device (101) can decode the paging message. The A-IoT device (101) can respond to the paging message if the paging message satisfies the conditions described in relation to step (220).

[0114] In some embodiments, if the service ID of the paging message indicates a service having a higher priority than the priority of the service of the ongoing procedure and the resource indicated in the paging message does not conflict with the ongoing procedure, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message. In some embodiments, if the task ID of the paging message indicates a task having a higher priority than the priority of the task of the ongoing procedure and the resource indicated in the paging message does not conflict with the ongoing procedure, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message. In some embodiments, if the session ID of the paging message indicates a session having a higher priority than the priority of the session of the ongoing procedure and the resource indicated in the paging message does not conflict with the ongoing procedure, the A-IoT device (101) may respond to the paging message.

[0115] In other words, when the priority of a service / task / session is configured and a paging message indicates a service / task / session with a higher priority, the A-IoT device (101) may be allowed to respond to the paging message if there is no conflict with the current transmission of the ongoing procedure and the transmission resource.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the indicated resource within the paging message conflicts with the ongoing procedure, the A-IoT device (101) may interrupt the ongoing procedure. That is, if a conflict occurs, the higher priority service may be prioritized, and the ongoing procedure may be interrupted. The interrupted procedure regarding the ongoing procedure may be handled by random access or data transmission procedures.

[0117] In some embodiments, the above criteria defined for an A-IoT device may be predefined in the A-IoT device. In some embodiments, the above criteria defined for an A-IoT device may be preconfigured in system information received after the A-IoT device is woken up by an energy carrier. In some embodiments, the above criteria defined for an A-IoT device may be configured by the network if the A-IoT device is connected to the network. In some embodiments, the above criteria defined for an A-IoT device may be updated based on network configuration.

[0118] So far, a solution for paging for an A-IoT device has been described. By responding only to messages that satisfy the conditions through the process (200), paging for an A-IoT device can be performed in an efficient manner, and thus communication efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, energy consumption in the A-IoT device can be reduced.

[0119] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a device (300) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The device (300) may be an example of a first device (e.g., an A-IoT device (101)), a second device (e.g., a network entity (102) or a UE (104)), or a third device (e.g., a network entity (102) or a UE (104) or a core network element (103)) as described herein. The device (300) may support wireless communication with one or more network entities (102), UEs (104), core network elements (103), or any combination thereof. The device (300) may include components for bidirectional communication, such as a processor (302), memory (304), a transceiver (306), and, optionally, an I / O controller (308), for transmitting and receiving communication. These components may communicate electronically through one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus) or be combined in other ways (e.g., operablely, communically, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0120] A processor (302), memory (304), transceiver (306), or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for carrying out various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. For example, a processor (302), memory (304), transceiver (306), or various combinations thereof or components thereof may support a method for carrying out one or more of the operations described herein.

[0121] In some implementations, the processor (302), memory (304), transceiver (306), or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., as a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, configured as a means for performing the functions described in this disclosure or otherwise supporting such means. In some implementations, the processor (302) and the memory (304) coupled with the processor (302) may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., to execute instructions stored in the memory (304) by the processor (302).

[0122] For example, the processor (302) may support wireless communication in the device (300) according to the examples disclosed herein. In some embodiments where the device (300) is implemented as a first device, the processor (302) may be configured or operable to support: means for receiving a message set for paging the first device; and means for responding to a message subset according to a determination that a message subset within the message set satisfies a condition. In some embodiments where the device (300) is implemented as a second device, the processor (302) may be configured or operable to support: means for transmitting a message for paging the first device; means for receiving a response to the message from the first device; and means for transmitting information of the first device to a third device.

[0123] The processor (302) may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor (302) may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other implementations, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor (302). The processor (302) may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory (304)) to enable the device (300) to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0124] Memory (304) may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory (304) may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by the processor (302), enable the device (300) to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as system memory or other types of memory. In some implementations, the code may not be directly executable by the processor (302) but may enable the computer to perform the functions described herein (e.g., when compiled and executed). In some implementations, memory (304) may include a basic I / O system (BIOS) capable of controlling basic hardware or software operations, such as interactions with peripheral components or devices, among other things.

[0125] The I / O controller (308) can manage input and output signals for the device (300). The I / O controller (308) can also manage peripherals that are not integrated into the device (300). In some implementations, the I / O controller (308) may represent a physical connection or port for external peripherals. In some implementations, the I / O controller (308) may utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS / 2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or other known operating systems. In some implementations, the I / O controller (308) may be implemented as part of a processor such as the processor (306). In some implementations, a user may interact with the device (300) through the I / O controller (308) or through hardware components controlled by the I / O controller (308).

[0126] In some implementations, the device (300) may include a single antenna (310). However, in some other implementations, the device (300) may have more than one antenna (310) (i.e., multiple antennas), including multiple antenna panels or antenna arrays, capable of simultaneously transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. The transceiver (306) may communicate bidirectionally through one or more antennas (310), wired, or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver (306) may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver (306) may also include a modem for modulating packets, providing the modulated packets to one or more antennas (310) for transmission, and demodulating packets received from one or more antennas (310). The transceiver (306) may include one or more transmission chains, one or more reception chains, or a combination thereof.

[0127] A transmission chain may be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmission chain may include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal to prepare the signal for transmission over a wireless medium. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmission chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission over a wireless medium. The transmission chain may also include one or more antennas (310) for transmitting the amplified signal over the air or wireless medium.

[0128] A receiving chain may be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) through a wireless medium. For example, a receiving chain may include one or more antennas (310) for receiving signals through an airborne or wireless medium. A receiving chain may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. A receiving chain may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and acquire the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during the transmission of the signal. A receiving chain may include at least one decoder for decoding and processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0129] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a processor (400) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor (400) may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations according to examples as described herein. The processor (400) may include a controller (402) configured to perform various operations according to examples as described herein. The processor (400) may optionally include at least one memory (404), such as an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, the processor (400) may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) (406). One or more of these components may be electronically communicated through one or more interfaces (e.g., a bus) or otherwise coupled (e.g., operablely, communically, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0130] The processor (400) may be a processor chipset and may include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, acquiring, searching, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) according to examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor (400)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0131] A controller (402) may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations of a processor (400) (e.g., signaling, receiving, acquiring, searching, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, writing, reading) so that the processor (400) supports various operations according to the examples described herein. For example, the controller (402) may operate as a control unit of the processor (400) and generate control signals that manage the operations of various components of the processor (400). These control signals include enabling or disabling function units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating the timing of operations.

[0132] The controller (402) may be configured to fetch instructions from memory (404) (e.g., acquire, retrieve, receive) and determine subsequent instruction(s) to be executed to enable the processor (400) to support various operations according to examples described herein. The controller (402) may be configured to track memory addresses of instructions associated with memory (404). The controller (402) may be configured to decode instructions to determine operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller (402) may be configured to interpret instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor (400) to enable the processor (400) to support various operations according to examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the controller (402) may be configured to manage the flow of data within the processor (400). The controller (402) may be configured to control the transmission of data between registers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), and other functional units of the processor (400).

[0133] The memory (404) may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor (400) or other memory such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc.). In some implementations, the memory (404) may reside inside or on the processor chipset (e.g., locally to the processor (400)). In some other implementations, the memory (404) may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., remotely to the processor (400)).

[0134] Memory (404) may store computer-readable, computer-executable code containing instructions that, when executed by the processor (400), cause the processor (400) to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as system memory or other types of memory. A controller (402) and / or a processor (400) may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory (404) to cause the processor (400) to perform the various functions. For example, the processor (400) and / or the controller (402) may be coupled to or coupled with memory (404), and the processor (400), the controller (402), and memory (404) may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor (400) may include a plurality of processors and memory (404) may include a plurality of memories. One or more of the plurality of processors may be combined with one or more of the plurality of memories, and these may be configured to perform various functions of the present specification, individually or collectively.

[0135] One or more ALUs (406) may be configured to support various operations according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, one or more ALUs (406) may reside in or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor (400)). In some other implementations, one or more ALUs (406) may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., processor (400)). One or more ALUs (406) may perform one or more operations on data, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALUs (406) may receive input operands and an operation code that determines the operation to be executed. One or more ALUs (406) may be composed of various logic and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the operation. Additionally or alternatively, one or more ALUs (406) support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR (exclusive-OR), NOR (not-OR), and NAND (not-AND), so that one or more ALUs (406) can handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0136] The processor (400) may support wireless communication according to the examples disclosed herein. In some embodiments where the processor (400) is implemented in a first device, the processor (400) may be configured or operable to support: means for receiving a message set for paging the first device; and means for responding to a message subset according to a determination that a message subset within the message set satisfies a condition. In some embodiments where the processor (400) is implemented in a second device, the processor (400) may be configured or operable to support: means for transmitting a message for paging the first device; means for receiving a response to the message from the first device; and means for transmitting information of the first device to a third device.

[0137] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method (500) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations of the method (500) may be implemented by a device or its components as described herein. For example, operations of the method (500) may be performed by a first device as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may use special-purpose hardware to perform embodiments of the described functions.

[0138] In block (510), the method (500) may include the step of receiving a set of messages for paging the first device from a second set of devices. The operations of 510 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 510 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first device may be an A-IoT device, and the second device may be a base station or a communication node between the base station and the A-IoT device.

[0140] In block (520), the method (500) may include the step of determining that a subset of messages within a message set satisfies a condition. The operations of 520 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 520 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0141] In some embodiments, the conditions may include at least one of: a message in a message subset indicating identification information of a first device; a message indicating a region where the first device is located; a message being transmitted by a second device in a configured list of second devices; or a message indicating a resource available to the first device to respond to the message.

[0142] In block (530), the method (500) may include the step of responding to a message subset. The operations of 530 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 530 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0143] In some embodiments where a message subset includes a plurality of messages, the step of responding to the message subset may include: a step of selecting a message from among the plurality of messages; and a step of responding to a message.

[0144] In some embodiments, the step of selecting a message may include: the energy harvesting efficiency of the message; the priority of the cause of the message; the reception time of the message; the response time of the message; the priority of the second device in the second device set; the priority of the response to the message; the access control configuration from the second device in the second device set; or at least one of random selection.

[0145] In some embodiments, the step of responding to a message subset may include: receiving a set of control signalings for the message set from a second set of devices; selecting a control signaling from the set of control signalings; and responding to a message according to a determination that a message corresponding to the control signaling satisfies a condition.

[0146] In some embodiments, the step of selecting a control signaling may include: the time of receiving the control signaling; the priority of a second device in a second device set; the priority of a response to the control signaling; the payload size of the control signaling; or at least one of a random selection.

[0147] In some embodiments, the step of responding to a message subset may include: receiving a set of control signaling for a message set from a second set of devices via a transceiver; decoding a set of messages for a set of control signaling; selecting a message within a message set that satisfies a condition; and responding to a message.

[0148] In some embodiments, the method (500) may further include: a step of not responding to a repeated set of transmissions of messages based on a determination that no response was made to an initial transmission of messages within a message subset; or a step of responding to one or more messages within a message set based on a determination that a response to a message within a message set failed.

[0149] In some embodiments where a message subset comprises multiple messages, the step of responding to the message subset may include responding to the multiple messages in parallel based on at least one of: the multiple messages indicating different causes; the multiple messages indicating non-conflicting resources for response; or the multiple messages indicating different service identities.

[0150] In some embodiments, the method (500) may further include the step of not responding to a message set, depending on a determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained while a message set for paging the first device is received.

[0151] In some embodiments, the method (500) may further include the step of: a cause that does not require an uplink transmission, depending on the determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained while the message set for paging the first device is received; a resource for responding to a message that does not conflict with the ongoing procedure; or a message in the message set indicating at least one of a service identity different from the service identity of the ongoing procedure.

[0152] In some embodiments, the step of responding to a message may include: responding to a message based on a determination that the service identity of the message indicates a service having a higher priority than the priority of the service of the ongoing procedure and that the resource does not conflict with the ongoing procedure.

[0153] In some embodiments, the method (500) may further include the step of stopping a process in progress based on a determination that a resource conflicts with a process in progress.

[0154] In some embodiments, the method (500) may further include: a step of setting the state of the first device to inventoryed upon a determination that a message from the second device is responded to; or a step of setting the state of the first device to active upon a determination that an ongoing procedure is maintained.

[0155] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of another method (600) that supports paging for an A-IoT device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Operations of the method (600) may be implemented by a device or its components as described herein. For example, operations of the method (600) may be performed by a second device as described herein. In some implementations, the device may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the device to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the device may use special-purpose hardware to perform embodiments of the described functions.

[0156] In block (610), the method (600) may include the step of transmitting a message for paging the first device. The operations of 610 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 610 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0157] In block (620), the method (600) may include the step of receiving a response to a message from the first device. The operations of 620 may be performed according to examples as described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 620 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0158] In block (630), the method (600) may include the step of transmitting information of the first device to the third device. The operations of 630 may be performed according to examples as described in this specification. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 630 may be performed by a device as described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0159] In some embodiments, information of the first device includes: the identity of the first device; the identity of the ongoing service of the first device; or at least one of the state of the first device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the method (600) may further include: a step of setting the state of the first device to inventoryed upon a determination that a response to a message has been received; or a step of setting the state of the first device to active upon a determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first device may be an A-IoT device, the second device may be a base station or a communication node between the base station and the A-IoT device, and the third device may be another second device or a core network element.

[0162] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that operations and steps may be rearranged or modified in other ways, and that other implementations are possible. Additionally, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0163] The various exemplary blocks and components described in connection with the disclosures in this specification may be implemented or performed by general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, CPUs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described in this specification. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0164] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of the software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features implementing the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including distributed so that parts of the functions are implemented at different physical locations.

[0165] Computer-readable media include both non-transient computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transient storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, non-transient computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD) ROM or other optical disc storage, magnetic disc storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transient medium that can be used to carry or store a desired means of program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor.

[0166] As used herein, including in the claims, the article "a" preceding an element is not limited and is understood to refer to "at least one" of the elements or "one or more" of the elements. The terms "one," "at least one," "one or more," and "at least one of one or more" may be interchangeable. As used herein, including in the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as "at least one of," "one or more of," or "one or both of") indicates an inclusive list; thus, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A, B, and C). Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as “based on Condition A” may be based on both Condition A and Condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” should be interpreted in the same way as the phrase “at least partially based on”. Additionally, as used herein, including in the claims, the “set” may include one or more elements.

[0167] The description in this specification is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to manufacture or use the disclosed content. Various modifications to the disclosed content will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and general principles defined in this specification may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosed content. Accordingly, the disclosed content is not limited to the examples and designs described in this specification, and should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed in this specification.

Claims

Claim 1 A first device comprises: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor comprises: Receive a message set for paging the first device from a second device set through the above transceiver; A first device configured to respond to a message subset according to a determination that a message subset within the message set satisfies a condition. Claim 2 A first device, wherein the conditions include at least one of: a message in the message subset indicating identification information of the first device; a message indicating a region where the first device is located; a message being transmitted by a second device in a configured second device list; or a message indicating a resource available to the first device to respond to the message. Claim 3 A first device according to claim 1, wherein the message subset comprises a plurality of messages, and the processor is configured to respond to the message subset by: a step of selecting a message among the plurality of messages; and a step of responding to the message. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the processor is: Energy harvesting efficiency of the above message; Priority of the cause of the above message; Time of receipt of the above message; Response time of the above message; Priority of the second device within the second device set above; Priority of response to the above message; Access control configuration from a second device within the second device set above; or A first device configured to select the message by the step of selecting the message based on at least one of a random selection. Claim 5 In claim 1, the processor is configured to respond to the message subset by: receiving a set of control signaling for the message set from the second set of devices through the transceiver; selecting a control signaling from the set of control signaling; and responding to the message according to a determination that a message corresponding to the control signaling satisfies the condition. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the above processor is: Reception time of the above control signaling; Priority of the second device within the second device set above; Priority of response to the above control signaling; The payload size of the above control signaling; or A first device configured to select the control signaling by the step of selecting the control signaling based on at least one of random selections. Claim 7 In claim 1, the processor is configured to respond to a message subset by: receiving a control signaling set for a message set from a second device set through the transceiver; decoding the message set for the control signaling set; selecting a message within the message set that satisfies the condition; and responding to the message. Claim 8 A first device, wherein the processor is further configured to: not respond to a repeated transmission set of the message based on a determination that no response was made to an initial transmission of the message in the message subset; or respond to one or more messages in the message set based on a determination that a response to a message in the message set failed. Claim 9 In paragraph 1, the message subset includes a plurality of messages, and the processor: The above multiple messages indicating different causes; The above plurality of messages indicating non-collision resources for a response; or A first device configured to respond to a message subset by the step of responding in parallel to the plurality of messages based on at least one of the plurality of messages indicating different service identities. Claim 10 In claim 1, the processor is additionally configured not to respond to the message set according to a decision that the ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained while the message set for paging the first device is received. Claim 11 In paragraph 1, the processor: according to a decision that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained while the message set for paging the first device is received, Causes of not requiring uplink transmission; Resources for a response to the message that does not conflict with the ongoing procedure; or A first device additionally configured to respond to a message within the message set indicating at least one service identity different from the service identity of the above-mentioned ongoing procedure. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the processor is configured to respond to the message by a step of responding to the message, wherein the service identity of the message indicates a service having a higher priority than the priority of the service of the ongoing procedure and the resource does not conflict with the ongoing procedure. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the processor is further configured to interrupt the ongoing procedure upon determining that the resource conflicts with the ongoing procedure, a first device. Claim 14 In claim 1, the processor is further configured to: set the state of the first device to inventoryed upon a determination that a message from the second device is responded to; or set the state of the first device to active upon a determination that a procedure in progress is maintained. Claim 15 In claim 1, the first device is an ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device, and the second device is a base station or a communication node between the base station and the A-IoT device. Claim 16 A second device comprises: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor comprises: Through the above transceiver, a message for paging the first device is transmitted; Receiving a response to the message from the first device through the transceiver; A second device configured to transmit information of the first device to a third device through the above transceiver. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, the information of the first device comprises: the identity of the first device; the identity of the ongoing service of the first device; or at least one of the state of the first device, a second device. Claim 18 In paragraph 16, the processor is further configured to: set the state of the first device to inventoryed upon a determination that a response to the message has been received; or set the state of the first device to active upon a determination that an ongoing procedure between the first device and the second device is maintained. Claim 19 A processor for wireless communication comprising: at least one memory; and a controller coupled to said at least one memory, wherein the controller causes said processor: Receiving a message set for paging the first device from a second device set; A processor configured to respond to a message subset according to a determination that a message subset within the message set satisfies a condition. Claim 20 A method performed by a first device, comprising: receiving a set of messages for paging the first device from a set of second devices; and responding to a subset of messages within the set of messages according to a determination that the subset of messages within the set of messages satisfies a condition.

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