Explicit deactivation and activation of ambient internet of things devices

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving, from user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The method includes deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. The method includes receiving, from the user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The method includes activating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

Description

EXPLICIT DEACTIVATION AND ACTIVATION OF AMBIENT INTERNET OF THINGS DEVICESTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment relates generally to techniques for deactivating ambient internet of things devices, and more particularly, to techniques for deactivating ambient internet of things devices for a finite period.BACKGROUND

[0002] Ambient internet of things devices can be distributed in large numbers. Often times, smartphones are used as exciters and readers in monostatic or bistatic configuration for these ambient internet of things devices. This allows backscattering service to be provided to a network. Tags are generally activated and operate in a “best effort service” mode, with a network collecting data from ambient internet of things devices whenever a smartphone is in close proximity.

[0003] It is not always efficient for ambient internet of things devices (or tags) to be activated. For example, there may be a period where there is no need to collect data from the tag for several weeks or months (e.g., for the winter). As another example, there may be a particular time of day where there is no need to collect data from a tag for a few minutes or hours. If the tags are active during this time and respond to broadcast queries, this will cause unnecessary interference, network traffic, and system processing. In RFID, there can be a kill command to permanently deactivate RF tags. However, this is not ideal when a tag later needs to be reactivated. It is also not feasible for a smartphone to store information on which tags are currently needed for data collection. As such, there exists a need for techniques of activating and deactivating ambient internet of things devices to reduce backscattering traffic and interference without adding extra complexity on smartphone data processing or relaying for tag backscattering service.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a device (402) may be provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device (402) to receive (424), from a first user equipment (404), a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes atleast one device (402) to be deactivated. The device (402) may be further caused to deactivate (426) the device (402), based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device (402) may be further caused to receive (444), from the first user equipment (404) or from a second user equipment (406), a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may be further caused to activate (446) the device (402) based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (404 / 406) may be provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to receive (412 / 414), from a network entity (408), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may be further caused to determine (422), based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit (424), to one or more devices (402), a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may be further caused to receive (440), from the network entity (408), a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit (442 / 444), to a set of devices (402), a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a network node (408) may be provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node (408) to receive (412), from a server (410), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The network node (408) may be further caused to transmit (414), to a first user equipment (404), the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the network node may be further caused to receive (438), from the server (410), a second message that includes an activation list. The network node may be further caused to transmit (440), to the first user equipment (404) or a second user equipment (406), the second message that includes the activation list.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method may be provided that includes performing by a device (402): receiving (424) from a first user equipment (404), a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes atleast one device (402) to be deactivated. The method may include deactivating (426) the device (402) based on determining (426) that the device identifier may be included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the method may include receiving (444), from the first user equipment (404) or from a second user equipment (406), a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The method may include activating (446) the device (402) based on determining (446) that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method may be provided that includes receiving (412 / 414), by a user equipment (404 / 406) and from a network entity (408), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The method may include determining (422), based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The method may include transmitting (424), to one or more devices (402), a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the method may include receiving (440), from the network entity (408), a second message that includes an activation list. The method may include transmitting (442 / 444), to a set of devices (402), a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method may be provided that includes receiving (412), by a network node (408) and from a server (410), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The method may include transmitting (414), to a first user equipment (404), the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the method may include receiving (438), from the server (410), a second message that includes an activation list. The method may include transmitting (440), to the first user equipment (404) or a second user equipment (406), the second message that includes the activation list.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be provided that includes computer instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to receive, from a first user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The device may be further caused to deactivate the device based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device may be further caused to receive, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal thatincludes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may be further caused to activate the device based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be provided that includes computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive, from a network entity, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may be further caused to determine, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit, to one or more devices, a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may be further caused to receive, from the network entity, a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit, to a set of devices, a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to receive, from a server, a message that includes a deactivation list and a deactivation interval. The network node may be further caused to transmit, to a user equipment, the message that includes the deactivation list and the deactivation interval. Alternately or additionally, the network node may be further caused to receive, from the server, a second message that includes an activation list. The network node may be further caused to transmit, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that includes the activation list.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a device may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a first user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The device may include means for deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device may include means for receiving, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may include means for activating the device based on determining that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a network entity, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may include means for determining, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may include means for means for transmitting, to one or more devices, a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may include means for receiving, from the network entity, a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may include means for transmitting, to a set of devices, a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a network node may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a server, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The network node may include means for transmitting, to a first user equipment, the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the network node may include means for receiving, from the server, a second message that includes an activation list. The network node further may include means for transmitting, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that includes the activation list.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system including an ambient internet of things device, user equipment, network node, and an ambient internet of things server in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example communication system in which the system of Figure 1 may be deployed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3A is a backscattering passive ambient internet of things network with smartphones used as exciters and readers in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3B is a tag access mechanism for a smartphone exciter and reader in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 is a flow diagram depicting activation and deactivation of tags in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 is a deactivation excitation signal in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 is an activation excitation signal in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 is a flowchart demonstrating a method performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in order to deactivate and activate a device.

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart demonstrating a method performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in order to transmit a signal that includes an activation list.

[0026] Figure 9 is a flowchart demonstrating a method performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in order to transmit a message that includes an activation list.

[0027] Figure 10 is a flowchart demonstrating a method performed, such as by the apparatus of Figure 2, in order to transmit a list of device identifiers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and not to be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and / or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms not to be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Additionally, as used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) including software and / or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause anapparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” also includes an implementation including one or more processors and / or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and / or firmware. As another example, the term “circuitry” as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network apparatus), field programmable gate array, and / or other computing device.

[0030] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encored thereon computer-executable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and / or execute the computerexecutable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non- transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more universal synchronous bus (USB) flash drives), computer system memory or random-access memory (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data out random access memory (EDO RAM), and the like.

[0031] As illustrated in Figure 1, a system 100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment to perform explicit deactivation of ambient internet of things devices for finite periods. Although the system may be configured in various manners, the system of one embodiment is depicted in Figure 1 and includes ambient internet of things device 120, user equipment 140, network node 160, and ambient internet of things server 180. Although one ambient internet of things device, user equipment, network node, and ambient internet of things server is depicted, the system may include and the ambient internet of things device 120, user equipment 140, network node 160, and ambient internet of things server 180 may communicatewith additional ambient internet of things devices, user equipment devices, network nodes, and ambient internet of things servers. In one or more embodiments, the ambient internet of things device 120, user equipment 140, network node 160, and ambient internet of things server 180 may be configured to support, for example, 5G, 5G advanced, or 6G. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may support carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity. As described below, the system is configured to transmit a variety of signals and messages.

[0032] The data that is transmitted between at least some of ambient internet of things device 120, user equipment 140, network node 160, and ambient internet of things server 180 can be any of a wide variety of data including, but not limited to digital imagery data including video data, audio data as well as data provided by sensors, radars, telescopes and radio receivers. In at least some instances, the data is encoded prior to communication of the data via uplink and downlink beams and is decoded upon reception. The resulting data received may be utilized for a variety of purposes including presentation to a user, storage of the data for subsequent user and / or provision of the data to one or more applications, such as applications that perform statistical interference on the data for various purposes including object recognition, image classification, spectrum sensing, speech transcription and / or prediction or detection of events.

[0033] The ambient internet of things device 120 may consist of, for example, devices or tags that operate based on energy harvesting. The ambient internet of things device 120 may operate in an active mode or passive mode ambient internet of things device 120 may use energy harvested from wireless radio waves or any other form of energy that can be harvested in its particular deployment scenario. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 is configured to operate with ultra-low power (e.g., in a range from tens of microwatts to hundreds of microwatts). In one or more embodiments where energy is harvested from wireless radio waves, an output power of ambient internet of things device 120 is, for example, between several micro-watts and tens of micro-watts. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 includes a solar panel. In one or more embodiments, output power is less than 1 milli-watt due to a small size of a solar panel. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 harvests energy and then uses an active circuit to perform transmission. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 uses backscattering to transmit data. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 may use a battery-less terminal or a terminal with limited energy storage capability (e.g., using a capacitor). In one ormore embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 can utilize energy provided by radio wave harvesting, light, motion, and other sources. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 may be configured to operate under extreme environmental conditions such as high pressure, extremely high or low temperature, a humid environment, vibration, and / or the like. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things device 120 may use a very small terminal size or form factor and / or operate with a maintenance free life cycle. Throughout this disclosure, ambient internet of things device 120 may be referred to as a “device”, “energy harvester”, or “tag.”

[0034] The user equipment 140 of Figure 1 (also called UE, user device, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates a type of an apparatus which resources on an air interface are allocated and assigned. The user equipment 140 typically refers to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistance (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and / or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. User equipment 140 may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. User equipment 140 is configured to perform one or more of user equipment functionalities. The user equipment 140 may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses. In one or more embodiments, user equipment 140 is used as an exciter and / or a reader of ambient internet of things device 120. Throughout this disclosure, the terms “excite”, “illuminate” and “activate” are used interchangeably to refer to user equipment 140 transmitting energy to ambient internet of things device 120.

[0035] The network node 160 of Figure 1 may include, for example, base station such as a remote radio head (RRH), transmission reception point (TRP), access point, nod Bs (e.g., gNB) or other transmission sources.

[0036] Figure 2 depicts an example apparatus 200 that may be configured to function as, for example, any of the components of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus includes, isassociated with, or is in communications with processing circuitry 220, a memory 240, and a communication interface 260. The processing circuitry 220 may be in communication with the memory device 240 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) including gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processing circuitry). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processing circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processing circuitry.

[0037] The apparatus 200 may, in some embodiments, be embodied in various computing devices described as above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and / or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and / or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0038] The processing circuitry 220, also referenced as a processor, may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processing circuitry mayenable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processing circuitry may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 220 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 240 or otherwise accessible to the processing circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to execute hardcoded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processing circuitry may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processing circuitry may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processing circuitry may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an image or video processing system) configured to employ an embodiment by further configuration of the processing circuitry by instructions for performing the algorithms and / or operations described herein. The processing circuitry may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processing circuitry.

[0040] The communication interface 260 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and / or transmit data including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks or the like. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communications interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface may include acommunication modem and / or other hardware / software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

[0041] Turning now to Figure 3A, an example backscattering passive ambient internet of things network is provided. In one or more embodiments, smartphones 320 may be used as both a reader and an exciter in the example system. In other embodiments, network node 330 may be used as an exciter or reader in the system. In still other example embodiments, a dedicated exciter / reader or other ambient energy source may be used. In one or more embodiments, an internet of things (loT) device, such as the tags 310 may include passive internet of things devices. In one or more embodiments, the tags 310 may be excited by energy signals 350 transmitted by smartphones 320. In one or more embodiments, the tags backscatter information to the readers through modulated signals 340. In one or more embodiments, excitation and signal reception may be performed by the same smartphone in a monostatic configuration. In one or more embodiments, illumination and signal reception may be performed by different smartphones in a bistatic configuration.

[0042] Turning now to Figure 3B, an example tag access mechanism is illustrated for a smartphone exciter and reader. In one or more embodiments, authentication tokens 360 may be transmitted from network node 330 to tags 310. In one or more embodiments, authentication tokens 370 may be transmitted from network node 330 to smartphones 320. In one or more embodiments, smartphones 320 may transmit authentication tokens 360 to tags 310. In one or more embodiments, smartphones 320 authenticate network node 330 based on authentication token 370. In one or more embodiments, the tags 310 authenticate smartphone 320 and / or network node 330 based on the authentication tokens 360. Throughout this disclosure, the term “authentication token” may be used interchangeably with “token”, “authentication key”, or “key.”

[0043] Turning now to Figure 4, a flow diagram 400 is provided illustrating explicit deactivation of ambient internet of things devices for finite periods. In one or more embodiments, at operation 411, one or more backscattering devices including backscattering device 402 may be active after registration. In one or more embodiments, backscattering device 402 may be configured to perform backscattering using an authentication token.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, at operation 412, ambient internet of things server 410 transmits a message to network node 408 includes a deactivation list and a deactivationcommand. In one or more embodiments, the deactivation list includes one or more backscattering device identifiers to be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the deactivation list includes a group identifier to deactivate a group of tags.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, at operation 414, network node 408 relays the message received from ambient internet of things server 410 to smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 404 may be within range of one or more tags included in the deactivation list (e.g., backscattering device 402).

[0046] In one or more embodiments, at operation 416, smartphone 404 broadcasts an authentication token to a group of backscattering devices within range of smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, the authentication token A may be received by backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, the authentication token A includes a key. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 404 broadcasts a set of tokens or keys to tags within range.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, at operation 418, backscattering device authenticates smartphone 404 based on the authentication token received at operation 416.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, at operation 420, backscattering device 402 transmits a token A response to smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, the token A response confirms authentication of smartphone 404 by the backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, the token A response includes a device identifier associated with backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, the token A response informs smartphone 404 that backscattering device 402 may be within its coverage.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, at operation 422, smartphone 404 prepares a list of device identifiers based at least on the deactivation list received from ambient internet of things server 410 and the device identifier received from backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, the list of device identifiers may be further based on device identifiers received from one or more other backscattering devices. In one or more embodiments, the list of device identifiers includes device identifiers included in the deactivation list that may be also within the coverage of smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 404 determines the deactivation list using a higher layer protocol or application. In one or more alternative embodiments, smartphone 404 transmits the token A responses received at operation 420 to network node 408. In one or more embodiments, the network node 408 determines the list of device identifiers and transmits it back to smartphone 404.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, at operation 424, smartphone 404 transmits a signal to backscattering device 402 including the deactivation command and the list of device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the signal transmitted at operation 424 may be a broadcast signal transmitted. In one or more embodiments, the signal transmitted at operation 424 may be broadcast to all backscattering devices within range of smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, the list of device identifiers may be smaller and thus easier to process for backscattering device 402 than the deactivation list.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, at operation 426, backscattering device 402 determines if its device identifier may be included on the list of device identifiers transmitted by smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, if the device identifier associated with backscattering device 402 may be included on the list of device identifiers, the backscattering device 402 may be deactivated.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, at operation 428, backscattering device 402 transmits an acknowledgment of deactivation to smartphone 404. In one or more embodiments, the acknowledgment of deactivation includes the device identifier associated with backscattering device 402.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, at operation 429, backscattering device 402 may be deactivated until activated.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, at operation 430, the smartphone 404 relays the acknowledgment of deactivation to network node 408. In one or more embodiments, the acknowledgment of deactivation includes a list of deactivated backscattering devices, including backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, at operation 431, network node 408 relays the acknowledgment of deactivation to ambient internet of things server 410. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things server 410 keeps record of which tags may be deactivated and does not repeat the deactivation procedure while a tag may be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the smartphone 404 does not keep a record of the deactivation of backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 404 may move out of range of backscattering device 402.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, at operation 432, smartphone 406 transmits an authentication token A to backscattering device 402 while backscattering device 402 may be deactivated. In other embodiments, smartphone 404 may transmit authentication token A tobackscattering device 402 while backscattering device 402 may be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 and / or smartphone 404 does not know that backscattering device 402 may be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 may have recently moved into the area of backscattering device 402.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, at operation 434, backscattering device 402 does not respond to authentication token A received at operation 432. In one or more embodiments, backscattering device 402 does not take action on authentication tokens received from any device while deactivated. In one or more embodiments, backscattering device will only respond to authentication tokens received after activation.

[0057] In one or more embodiments at operation 438, ambient internet of things server 410 transmits a second message to network node 408 includes an activation list and an activation command. In one or more embodiments, the activation list includes one or more backscattering device identifiers to be activated. In one or more embodiments, the activation list may include a group identifier to activate a group of tags.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, at operation 440, network node 408 relays the second message received from ambient internet of things server 410 to smartphone 406. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 may be within range of one or more tags included in the activation list (e.g., backscattering device 402).

[0059] In one or more embodiments, at operation 442 and 444, smartphone 406 sends the activation list with token A. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 sends the activation list as part of a broadcast signal. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 sends the activation list with an activation command.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, at operation 446, backscattering device 402 determines if its device identifier may be included on activation list transmitted by smartphone 406. In one or more embodiments, if the device identifier associated with backscattering device 402 may be included on the activation list, the backscattering device 402 may be activated.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, at operation 448, backscattering device 402 transmits an acknowledgment of activation to smartphone 406. In one or more embodiments, the acknowledgment of activation includes the device identifier associated with backscattering device 402.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, at operation 450, the smartphone 406 relays the acknowledgment of activation to network node 408. In one or more embodiments, the acknowledgment of activation includes a list of activated backscattering devices, including backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, at operation 451, network node 408 relays the acknowledgment of activation to ambient internet of things server 410. In one or more embodiments, ambient internet of things server 410 keeps record of which tags may be activated and does not repeat the activation procedure while a tag may be activated. In one or more embodiments, the smartphone 406 does not keep a record of the activation of backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, smartphone 406 may move out of range of backscattering device 402. In one or more embodiments, this conserves smartphone processing resources. In one or more embodiments, processing resources may be preserved in situations where tags may be deactivated for long periods of time.

[0063] Turning now to Figure 5, an example deactivation excitation signal 500 may be illustrated. A deactivation excitation signal may be received by, for example, ambient internet of things device 120 and / or backscattering device 402. Deactivation excitation signal 500 may be transmitted by, for example, user equipment 140 and / or smartphone 404.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, at time Tl, a receiving device harvests energy received from field 510. In one or more embodiments, the receiving device may be activated during time Tl.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, at time T2, a receiving device processes the deactivation command 520. In one or more embodiments, the receiving device determines whether its device identifier may be included in the Available list received in field 530. In one or more embodiments, if the device identifier may be included in Available list, the receiving device may be deactivated.

[0066] Turning now to Figure 6, an example activation excitation signal 600 may be illustrated. An activation excitation signal may be received by, for example, ambient internet of things device 120 and / or backscattering device 402. Activation excitation signal 600 may be transmitted by, for example, user equipment 140 and / or smartphone 406.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, at time Tl, a receiving device harvests energy received from field 610. In one or more embodiments, the receiving device may be activated during time Tl.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, at time T2, a receiving device processes the activation command 620. In one or more embodiments, the receiving device determines whether its device identifier may be included in the Activate list received in field 630. In one or more embodiments, if the device identifier may be included in Activate_list, the receiving device may be activated.

[0069] Turning now to Figure 7, a flowchart is provided illustrating a method 700 for deactivating and activating a device.

[0070] As shown in block 710 of Figure 7, the method may include the device (402) receiving (424), from a first user equipment (404), a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device (402) to be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the first signal further includes a deactivation command. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes the device (402) receiving (416), from the first user equipment (404), a first authentication token for authenticating (418) the first user equipment (404). In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the device (402) includes a backscattering device function.

[0071] As shown in block 720 of Figure 7, the method may include the device (402) deactivating (426) the device (402) based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the method may be performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device (402), prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that includes the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval (436), transmitting (420), to the first user equipment (404), the device identifier that may be associated with the device (402). In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device (402) transmitting (428), to the first user equipment (404), an acknowledgement of deactivation. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communicationinterface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device (402), after deactivation and prior to activation, receiving (432) a second authentication token. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the device takes no action in response to receiving the second authentication token.

[0072] As shown in block 730 of Figure 7, the method may include the device (402) receiving (444), from the first user equipment (404) or a second user equipment (406), a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the second signal further includes an activation command. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0073] As shown in block 740 of Figure 7, the method may include the device (402) activating (446) the device (402) based on determining that the device identifier is included in the activation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device (402) transmitting (448), to the first user equipment (404) or the second user equipment (406), an acknowledgement of activation. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the ambient internet of things device 120 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0074] Turning now to Figure 8, a flowchart is provided illustrating a method 800 for transmitting an activation list and a second authentication token.

[0075] As shown in block 810 of Figure 8, the method may include a user equipment (404 / 406) receiving (412), from a network entity (408), a first message that includes a deactivation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) transmitting (416), to the one or more devices (402), a first authentication token. In one or moreembodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment includes a smartphone.

[0076] As shown in block 820 of Figure 8, the method may include the user equipment (404 / 406) determining (422), based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0077] As shown in block 830 of Figure 8, the method may include the user equipment (404 / 406) transmitting (424), to one or more devices (402), a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) receiving (420), from the one or more devices (402), one or more device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) receiving (428), from at least one of the one or more devices (402), at least one deactivation acknowledgement. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) transmitting (430), to the network node (408) a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the first message and the first signal further include a deactivation command.

[0078] As shown in block 840 of Figure 8, the method may include the user equipment (404 / 406) receiving (440), from the network entity (408), a second message that includes an activation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0079] As shown in block 850 of Figure 8, the method may include the user equipment (404 / 406) transmitting (442 / 444), to a set of devices (402), a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) receiving (448), from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment (404 / 406) transmitting (450), to the network node (408), a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the user equipment 140 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the received second (440) message and the second signal (444) each include an activation command. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0080] Turning now to Figure 9, a flowchart is provided illustrating a method 900 for transmitting a message including an activation list.

[0081] As shown in block 910 of Figure 9, the method may include a network node (408) receiving (412), by a network node (408) and from a server (410), a first message that includes a deactivation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the first message further includes a deactivation command.

[0082] As shown in block 920 of Figure 9, the method may include the network node (408) transmitting (414), to a first user equipment (404), the first message that includes the deactivation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node (408) receiving (430), from the first user equipment (404), a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgement. In one or moreembodiments, the method includes the network node (408) transmitting (431), to the server (410), the list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0083] As shown in block 930 of Figure 9, the method may include the network node (408) receiving (438), from the server (410), a second message that includes an activation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the second message further includes an activation command.

[0084] As shown in block 940 of Figure 9, the method may include the network node (408) transmitting (440), to the first user equipment (404) or a second user equipment (406), the second message that includes the activation list. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node (408) receiving (450), from the first user equipment (404) or the second user equipment (406), a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node (408) transmitting (451), to the server (410), the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0085] Turning now to Figure 10, a flowchart is provided illustrating a method 1000 for transmitting a list of device identifiers.

[0086] As shown in block 1010 of Figure 10, the method may include the network node (408) receiving, from at least the first user equipment (404), one or more device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0087] As shown in block 1020 of Figure 9, the method may include the network node (408) determining, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0088] As shown in block 1030 of Figure 9, the method may include the network node (408) transmitting, to at least the first user equipment (404), the list of device identifiers. In one or more embodiments, the method is performed by an apparatus embodied by the network node 160 by using means such as the processing circuitry 220, the communication interface 260, or the like.

[0089] Figures 7-10 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and / or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 240 of an apparatus employing an embodiment and executed by a processor 220. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer- readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer- implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0090] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, a device (402) is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device (402) to receive (424), from a first user equipment (404), a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device (402) to be deactivated. The device may be further caused to deactivate (426) the device (402) based on a determination that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device may be further caused to receive (444), from the first user equipment (404) or from a second user equipment (406), a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may be further caused to activate (446) the device (402) based on a determination that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device (402) to, prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that includes the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval (436), transmit (420), to the first user equipment (404), the device identifier that is associated with the device (402). Alternately or additionally, in one or more embodiments, the device is further caused to transmit (428), to the first user equipment (404), an acknowledgement of deactivation.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device (402) to transmit (448), to the first user equipment (404) or the second user equipment (406), an acknowledgement of activation.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the first signal further includes a deactivation command.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the second signal further includes an activation command.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device (402) to receive (416), from the first user equipment (404), a first authentication token for authenticating (418) the first user equipment (404).

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the device (402) includes a backscattering device function.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program product may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device (402) to, after deactivation and prior to activation, receive (432) a second authentication token.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, the device (402) takes no action (434) in response to receiving the second authentication token.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (404 / 406) is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to receive (412 / 414), from a network entity (408), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may be further caused to determine (422), based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit (424), to one or more devices (402), a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may be further caused to receive (440), from the network entity (408), a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit (442 / 444), to a set of devices (402), a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0102] In one or more embodiments, where the one or more device identifiers may be received (420) from the one or more devices (402), and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to receive (420), from the one or more devices (402), one or more device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, in one or more embodiments, the user equipment may befurther caused to receive (428), from at least one of the one or more devices (402), at least one deactivation acknowledgement.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to transmit (430), to the network node (408) a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to transmit (416), to the one or more devices (402), a first authentication token.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, the first message and the first signal further include a deactivation command.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to receive (448), from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment (404 / 406) to transmit (450), to the network node (408), a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the received second (440) message and the second signal (444) each include an activation command.

[0109] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment includes a smartphone.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, a network node (408) is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network node (408) to receive (412), from a server (410), a first message that includes a deactivation list. The network node may be further caused to transmit (414), to a first user equipment (404), the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the network node may be further caused to receive (438), from the server (410), a second message that includes an activation list. The network node may be furthercaused to transmit (440), to the first user equipment (404) or a second user equipment (406), the second message that includes the activation list.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node (408) to receive (430), from the first user equipment (404), a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgement. The network node (408) may be further caused to transmit (431), to the server (410), the list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node (408) to receive (450), from the first user equipment (404) or the second user equipment (406), a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement. The network node (408) may be further caused to transmit (451), to the server (410), the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the first message further includes a deactivation command.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, the second message further includes an activation command.

[0116] In one or more embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node (408) to receive, from at least the first user equipment (404), one or more device identifiers. The network node may be further caused to determine, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The network node may be further caused to transmit, to at least the first user equipment (404), the list of device identifiers.

[0117] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a device and includes receiving, from a first user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The method includes the device deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the method includes the device receiving, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that includes an activation list, wherein the activation list describes at least one device tobe activated. The method includes the device activating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device, prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that includes the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval, transmitting, to the first user equipment, the device identifier that is associated with the device. Alternately or additionally, the method includes the device transmitting, to the first user equipment, an acknowledgement of deactivation.

[0119] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device transmitting, to the first user equipment or the second user equipment, an acknowledgement of activation.

[0120] In one or more embodiments, the first signal further includes a deactivation command.

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the second signal further includes an activation command.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes the device receiving, from the user equipment, a first authentication token for authenticating the user equipment.

[0123] In one or more embodiments, the device includes a backscattering device function.

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the device, after deactivation and prior to activation, receiving a second authentication token.

[0125] In one or more embodiments, the device takes no action in response to receiving the second authentication token.

[0126] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment and includes receiving, from a network entity, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The method includes the user equipment determining, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The method includes the user equipment transmitting, to one or more devices, a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the method includes the user equipment receiving, from the network entity, a second message that includes an activation list. The method includes the user equipment transmitting, to a set of devices, a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0128] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment receiving, from the one or more devices, one or more device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the method includes the user equipment receiving, from at least one of the one or more devices, at least one deactivation acknowledgement.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment transmitting, to the network node a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

[0130] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment transmitting, to the one or more devices, a first authentication token.

[0131] In one or more embodiments, the first message and the first signal further include a deactivation command.

[0132] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment receiving, from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the user equipment transmitting, to the network node, a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the received second message and the second signal each include an activation command.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first signal and the second signal includes a broadcast signal.

[0136] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment includes a smartphone.

[0137] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node and includes receiving, from a server, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The method includes the network node transmitting, to a first user equipment, the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the method includes the network node receiving, from the server, a second message that includes an activation list. The method includes the network node transmitting, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that includes the activation list.

[0138] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node receiving, from the first user equipment, a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivationacknowledgement. The method includes the network node transmitting, to the server, the list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node receiving, from the first user equipment or the second user equipment, a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement. The method includes the network node transmitting, to the server, the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

[0140] In one or more embodiments, the first message further includes a deactivation command.

[0141] In one or more embodiments, the second message further includes an activation command.

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the network node receiving, from at least the first user equipment, one or more device identifiers. The method includes the network node determining, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The method includes the network node transmitting, to at least the first user equipment, the list of device identifiers.

[0143] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be provided that includes computer instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to receive, from a first user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The device may be further caused to deactivate the device based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device may be further caused to receive, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may be further caused to activate the device based on a determination that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0144] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be provided that includes computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to receive, from a network entity, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may be further caused to determine, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes atleast one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit, to one or more devices, a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may be further caused to receive, from the network entity, a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may be further caused to transmit, to a set of devices, a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0145] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to receive, from a server, a message that includes a deactivation list and a deactivation interval. The network node may be further caused to transmit, to a user equipment, the message that includes the deactivation list and the deactivation interval. Alternately or additionally, the network node may be further caused to receive, from the server, a second message that includes an activation list. The network node may be further caused to transmit, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that includes the activation list.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, a device may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a first user equipment, a first signal that includes a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The device may include means for deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the device may include means for receiving, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that includes an activation list, where the activation list describes at least one device to be activated. The device may include means for activating the device based on determining that the device identifier may be included in the activation list.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a network entity, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The user equipment may include means for determining, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, where the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated. The user equipment may include means for means for transmitting, to one or more devices, a first signal that includes the list of device identifiers. Alternately or additionally, the user equipment may include means for receiving, from the network entity, a second message that includes an activation list. The user equipment may include means fortransmitting, to a set of devices, a second signal that includes the activation list and a second authentication token.

[0148] In one or more embodiments, a network node may be provided that includes means for receiving, from a server, a first message that includes a deactivation list. The network node may include means for transmitting, to a first user equipment, the first message that includes the deactivation list. Alternately or additionally, the network node may include means for receiving, from the server, a second message that includes an activation list. The network node further may include means for transmitting, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that includes the activation list.

[0149] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims

[0150] Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform one or both of: receive, from a first user equipment, a first signal that comprises a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and deactivate the device, based on a determination that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers; or receive, from the first user equipment or from a second user equipment, a second signal that comprises an activation list, wherein the activation list describes at least one device to be activated; and activate the device based on a determination that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to further perform one or both of: prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that comprises the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval, transmit, to the first user equipment, the device identifier that is associated with the device; and transmit, to first the user equipment, an acknowledgement of deactivation.

3. The device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit, to the first user equipment or the second user equipment, an acknowledgement of activation.

4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first signal further comprises a deactivation command.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the second signal further comprises an activation command.

6. The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receive, from the first user equipment, a first authentication token for authenticating the first user equipment.

7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the device comprises a backscattering device function.

8. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program product are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device to: after deactivation and prior to activation, receive a second authentication token.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device takes no action in response to receiving the second authentication token.

10. The device of any one of claims 1-9, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

11. A user equipment, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform one or both of: receive, from a network entity, a first message that comprises a deactivation list;determine, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and transmit, to one or more devices, a first signal that comprises the list of device identifiers; or receive, from the network entity, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmit, to a set of devices, a second signal that comprises the activation list and a second authentication token.

12. The user equipment of claim 11 , wherein the one or more device identifiers are received from the one or more devices, and the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to perform one or both of: receive, from the one or more devices, one or more device identifiers; or receive, from at least one of the one or more devices, at least one deactivation acknowledgement.

13. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: transmit, to the network node a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

14. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: transmit, to the one or more devices, a first authentication token.

15. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the first message and the first signal further comprise a deactivation command.

16. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: receive, from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment.

17. The user equipment of claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: transmit, to the network node, a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

18. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-17, wherein the received second message and the second signal each comprise an activation command.

19. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-18, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

20. The user equipment of any one of claims 11-19, wherein the user equipment comprises a smartphone.

21. A network node, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node to perform one or both of: receive, from a server, a first message that comprises a deactivation list; and transmit, to a first user equipment, the first message that comprises the deactivation list; or receive, from the server, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmit, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that comprises the activation list.

22. The network node of claim 21, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node to: receive, from the first user equipment, a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgement; and transmit, to the server, the list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

23. The network node of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node to: receive, from the first user equipment or the second user equipment, a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement; and transmit, to the server, the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

24. The network node of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the first message further comprises a deactivation command.

25. The network node of any one of claims 21-24, wherein the second message further comprises an activation command.

26. The network node of any one of claims 21-25, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node to: receive, from at least the first user equipment, one or more device identifiers; determine, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and transmit, to at least the first user equipment, the list of device identifiers.

27. A computer-implemented method, comprising performing by a device, one or both of: receiving, from a first user equipment, a first signal that comprises a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers; or receiving, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that comprises an activation list, wherein the activation list describes at least one device to be activated; and activating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27, further comprising the device performing one or both of: prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that comprises the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval, transmitting, to the first user equipment, the device identifier that is associated with the device; and transmitting, to the first user equipment, an acknowledgement of deactivation.

29. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-28, further comprising: transmitting, to the first user equipment or the second user equipment, an acknowledgement of activation.

30. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-29, wherein the first signal further comprises a deactivation command.

31. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-30, wherein the second signal further comprises an activation command.

32. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-31, further comprising the device performing: receiving, from the user equipment, a first authentication token for authenticating the user equipment.

33. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-32, wherein the device comprises a backscattering device function.

34. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-33, further comprising the device performing: after deactivation and prior to activation, receiving a second authentication token.

35. The computer-implemented method of claim 34, wherein the device takes no action in response to receiving the second authentication token.

36. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 27-35, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

37. A computer-implemented method, comprising performing by a user equipment, one or both of: receiving, from a network entity, a first message that comprises a deactivation list; determining, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and transmitting, to one or more devices, a first signal that comprises the list of device identifiers; or receiving, from the network entity, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmitting, to a set of devices, a second signal that comprises the activation list and a second authentication token.

38. The computer-implemented method of claim 37, further comprising the user equipment performing one or both of: receiving, from the one or more devices, one or more device identifiers; and receiving, from at least one of the one or more devices, at least one deactivation acknowledgement.

39. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-38, further comprising the user equipment performing: transmitting, to the network node a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

40. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-39, further comprising the user equipment performing: transmitting, to the one or more devices, a first authentication token.

41. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-40, wherein the first message and the first signal further comprise a deactivation command.

42. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-41, further comprising the user equipment performing: receiving, from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment.

43. The computer-implemented method of claim 42, further comprising the user equipment performing: transmitting, to the network node, a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

44. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-43, wherein the received second message and the second signal each comprise an activation command.

45. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-44, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

46. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 37-45, wherein the user equipment comprises a smartphone.

47. A computer-implemented method, comprising performing by a network node one or both of: receiving, from a server, a first message that comprises a deactivation list; and transmitting, to a first user equipment, the first message that comprises the deactivation list; or receiving, from the server, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmitting, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that comprises the activation list.

48. The computer-implemented method of claim 47, further comprising the network node performing: receiving, from the first user equipment, a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgement; and transmitting, to the server, the list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

49. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 47-48, further comprising the network node performing: receiving, from the first user equipment or the second user equipment, a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement; and transmitting, to the server, the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

50. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 47-49, wherein the first message further comprises a deactivation command.

51. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 47-50, wherein the second message further comprises an activation command.

52. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 47-51, further comprising the network node performing: receiving, from at least the first user equipment, one or more device identifiers; determining, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and transmitting, to at least the first user equipment, the list of device identifiers.

53. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method of any one of claims 27-36.

54. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform the method of any one of claims 37-46.

55. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a network node, cause the network node to perform the method of any one of claims 47-52.

56. A device, comprising means for performing one or both of: receiving, from a first user equipment, a first signal that comprises a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and deactivating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the list of device identifiers; orreceiving, from the first user equipment or a second user equipment, a second signal that comprises an activation list, wherein the activation list describes at least one device to be activated; and activating the device based on determining that the device identifier is included in the activation list.

57. The device of claim 56, further comprising means for performing one or both of: prior to the receiving from the first user equipment, the signal that comprises the list of device identifiers and the deactivation interval, transmitting, to the first user equipment, the device identifier that is associated with the device; or transmitting, to the first user equipment, an acknowledgement of deactivation.

58. The device of any one of claims 56-57, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the first user equipment or the second user equipment, an acknowledgement of activation.

59. The device of any one of claims 56-58, wherein the first signal further comprises a deactivation command.

60. The device of any one of claims 56-59, wherein the second signal further comprises an activation command.

61. The device of any one of claims 56-60, further comprising: means for receiving, from the first user equipment, a first authentication token for authenticating the first user equipment.

62. The device of any one of claims 56-61, wherein the device comprises a backscattering device function.

63. The device of any one of claims 56-62, further comprising:means for, after deactivation and prior to activation, receiving (432) a second authentication token.

64. The device of claim 63, wherein the device takes no action in response to receiving the second authentication token.

65. The device of any one of claims 56-64, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

66. A user equipment, comprising means for performing one or both of: receiving, from a network entity, a first message that comprises a deactivation list; determining, based on the deactivation list and one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and transmitting, to one or more devices, a first signal that comprises the list of device identifiers; or receiving, from the network entity, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmitting, to a set of devices, a second signal that comprises the activation list and a second authentication token.

67. The user equipment of claim 66, further comprising means for performing one or both of: receiving, from the one or more devices, one or more device identifiers; or receiving, from at least one of the one or more devices, at least one deactivation acknowledgement.

68. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-67, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the network node a list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

69. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-68, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the one or more devices, a first authentication token.

70. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-69, wherein the first message and the first signal further comprise a deactivation command.

71. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-70, further comprising: means for receiving, from at least a sub-set of the set of devices, an activation acknowledgment.

72. The user equipment of claim 71, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the network node, a list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

73. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-72, wherein the received second message and the second signal each comprise an activation command.

74. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-73, wherein at least one of the first signal and the second signal comprises a broadcast signal.

75. The user equipment of any one of claims 66-74, wherein the user equipment comprises a smartphone.

76. A network node, comprising means for performing one or both of: receiving, from a server, a first message that comprises a deactivation list; and means for transmitting, to a first user equipment, the first message that comprises the deactivation list; or receiving, from the server, a second message that comprises an activation list; and transmitting, to the first user equipment or a second user equipment, the second message that comprises the activation list.

77. The network node of claim 76, further comprising:means for receiving, from the first user equipment, a list of deactivated devices associated with at least one deactivation acknowledgement; and means for transmitting, to the server, the list of deactivated devices associated with the at least one deactivation acknowledgment.

78. The network node of any one of claims 76-77, further comprising: means for receiving, from the first user equipment or the second user equipment, a list of activated devices associated with at least one activation acknowledgement; and means for transmitting, from the first user equipment or the second user equipment, the list of activated devices associated with the at least one activation acknowledgment.

79. The network node of any one of claims 76-78, wherein the first message further comprises a deactivation command.

80. The network node of any one of claims 76-79, wherein the second message further comprises an activation command.

81. The network node of any one of claims 76-80, further comprising: means for receiving, from at least the first user equipment, one or more device identifiers; means for determining, based on the deactivation list and the one or more device identifiers, a list of device identifiers, wherein the list of device identifiers describes at least one device to be deactivated; and means for transmitting, to at least the first user equipment, the list of device identifiers.

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