Energy harvesting device estimation of activity time for paging reception

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing an estimated active time for paging reception for an energy harvesting device. For example, a method may include receiving a radio resource control release message from a network. The method may also include sending an acknowledgement message to the network in response to the release message. The acknowledgement message may include an estimated activity time of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to communications including mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communication systems including subsequent generations of the same or similar standards. For example, certain example embodiments may generally relate to estimating active time for paging reception for energy harvesting devices. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. Most 5G systems are built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRA radio. Starting with Release 18 (Rel-18), 5G is referred to as 5G Advanced. It is estimated that NR provides bit rates of 10-20Gbit / s or higher and can support at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide ultra-wideband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and large-scale networks to support the Internet of Things (IoT). With the increasing popularity of IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, the demand for networks that meet low power, low data rates, and long battery life will gradually grow. The next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents the RAN for 5G, which can provide radio access for NR and LTE (and advanced LTE). It is worth noting that in 5G, when the node is built on the NR radio, it is named the next generation NB (gNB), which can provide radio access functions to user equipment (i.e., similar to the Node B, NB in ​​UTRAN, the NB in ​​UTRAN or the evolved NB, eNB, in LTE), and when the node is built on the E-UTRA radio, it is named the next generation eNB (NG-e NB). 6G is currently under development and can replace 5G and 5G Advanced. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus at least performs receiving a radio resource control release message from a network. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus may also at least perform the following operations: in response to the release message, send a confirmation message to the network. The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time of the apparatus.

[0004] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus at least performs the following operations: receiving a confirmation from the user equipment in response to the release message. The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

[0005] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus at least performs: receiving an estimated activity time of a user equipment from a radio access network node. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus at least performs: considering the user equipment as reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time.

[0006] An embodiment may be directed to a method. The method includes receiving a radio resource control release message from a network at a user equipment. The method also includes: in response to the release message, the user equipment sending a confirmation message to the network. The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

[0007] An embodiment may be directed to a method. The method includes: sending a radio resource control release message by a network to a user equipment. The method also includes receiving a confirmation from the user equipment at the network in response to the release message. The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

[0008] Embodiments may be directed to a method. The method includes receiving an estimated activity time of a user equipment from a radio access network node. The method also includes considering the user equipment to be reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time.

[0009] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: a component for receiving a radio resource control release message from a network. The apparatus may also include a component for sending a confirmation message to the network in response to the release message. The confirmation message includes an estimated activity time of the apparatus.

[0010] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: a component for sending a radio resource control release message to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include: a component for receiving a confirmation from the user equipment in response to the release message. The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

[0011] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving an estimated activity time of a user equipment from a radio access network node. The apparatus may also include means for considering the user equipment as reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 An example of the 3GPP mobile-initiated only connection activity time is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of a mobile-initiated-only connection with an estimated activity time of an energy harvesting device in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0015] Figure 3 a flow chart illustrating the behavior of an energy harvesting device according to certain embodiments;

[0016] Figure 4 a graph showing estimated active time as a function of collection energy level and reference signal received power in accordance with certain embodiments; and

[0017] Figure 5 An example block diagram of a system according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing estimated active time for paging reception of energy harvesting devices is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0019] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language used throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0020] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements, where two or more elements in the list are connected by “and” or “or”.

[0021] Certain embodiments may have various aspects and features. These aspects and features may be applied individually or in any desired combination with each other. Other features, processes and elements may also be applied in combination with some or all aspects and features disclosed herein.

[0022] In addition, if necessary, the different functions or processes discussed below can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the described functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the following description should be considered as an explanation of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0023] Low-cost and low-power devices for wide-area Internet of Things (IoT) communications can benefit many IoT applications. These use cases can be addressed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) work on narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) / enhanced machine type communications (eMTC) and New Radio (NR) reduced capability (RedCap). These IoT devices may consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power during transmission and reception and may cost several dollars. To achieve the goal of the Internet of Everything, IoT devices with ten or even a hundred times lower cost and power consumption may be valuable, especially for a large number of applications that may rely on devices without batteries (sometimes referred to as battery-free or battery-free devices). IoT technology that can support battery-free devices may be beneficial.

[0024] In recent years, the number of IoT connections has been growing rapidly and may reach hundreds of billions by 2030. As more and more things are expected to be interconnected to improve productivity and increase the comfort of life, further reducing the size, cost and power consumption of IoT devices may bring more and more benefits. In particular, it may be impractical to regularly replace the batteries of all IoT devices due to the huge consumption of materials and labor. One option is to use energy harvested from the environment to power IoT devices to achieve self-sustaining communication, especially in applications with a large number of devices (such as ID tags and sensors).

[0025] In the target use case, there may be challenges in providing the ability to collaborate with energy harvesting, given the limited size of the device. Cellular devices may consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transceiver processing. Taking the NB-IoT module as an example, the typical current absorption for receive processing is currently about 60mA when the supply voltage is above 3.1V, and the typical current absorption for transmit processing is 70mA at 0dBm transmit power. Considering the small size of several square centimeters of actual devices, the output power provided by a typical energy harvester may be less than 1 milliwatt. Since the available power is much less than the consumed power, it may be impractical to directly power cellular devices through energy harvesting in most cases.

[0026] One possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. In practical situations, the service life of both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may be shortened. It may be difficult to provide a constant charging current or voltage through energy harvesting, but since the output power from the energy harvester is very small, continuous charging for a long time may be required. Changing the charging current and long-term continuous charging may be harmful to the battery life. For supercapacitors, their service life may be significantly reduced in high temperature environments. For example, a supercapacitor can work normally for less than 3 years at 50 degrees Celsius.

[0027] Another impact may be that the device size may increase significantly. A small-sized button battery can only provide a few tens of milliamperes of current. Therefore, a much larger battery (such as an AA battery) can be used to power the cellular device. In this case, the size of the battery can even be larger than the active part of the module itself. In order to store energy for a suitable operating duration (such as one second), the capacitance of the required supercapacitor can reach the level of one hundred millifarads. In addition to the power supply, the size of such a supercapacitor may also be larger than the size of the NB-IoT module.

[0028] Both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors are more expensive than the modules themselves. Even if purchased in large quantities, the cost of a suitable battery or supercapacitor can be a dollar or several dollars, which can almost double the cost of the device.

[0029] Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) is a technology that supports battery-free tags, which is a category of battery-free devices. Commercial passive RFID tags can have power consumption as low as 1 microwatt. The technology that achieves this low power consumption can be envelope detection for downlink data reception, and backscatter communication for uplink data transmission. RFID is designed for short-range communication, and the typical effective range is less than 10 meters. Since the air interface of RFID has remained almost unchanged since 2005, the transmission scheme may hinder the ability to improve the link budget and support scalable networks. Nevertheless, RFID can demonstrate extremely low power consumption for backscatter communication.

[0030] Passive IoT can be included in 5G NR. Both 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, UWB, and LORA can benefit from technologies that provide low power consumption. Based on or utilizing modifications to each of these air interfaces, power consumption of a few or tens of microwatts can be achieved for passive tags. Compared to RFID, it may be beneficial to provide devices with long-range communication capabilities. For example, it may be a distance of several hundred meters.

[0031] An energy harvesting device (EHD) can collect energy from natural resources. Natural resources can include solar energy, environmental vibrations, etc. The amount of energy collected and stored varies from device to device. The collected energy is not necessarily used exclusively for the device's radio frequency (RF) modem. For example, the collected energy can also be used to power sensors on the device. Certain embodiments can help networks support devices with reduced energy resources and with high variability of energy resources.

[0032] Figure 1 An example of a 3GPP mobile initiated only connection active time is shown. One aspect that leads to high energy consumption of devices in RRC idle or inactive mode is the monitoring of the paging channel. 3GPP mechanisms to reduce this energy consumption can include early paging indication or mobile initiated only connections (MICO).

[0033] A device in MICO mode may not need to monitor the paging process in RRC idle. To further achieve power savings for IoT devices, there can be a MICO mode with active time, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0034] In this MICO mode, Figure 1 At 1, the UE may request the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to activate MICO mode with an active time value during the registration process. As part of the registration process, the AMF may allow the UE to operate in MICO mode and may allocate an active time value to the UE. At 2, the UE may transition to RRC Idle. Figure 1 As shown in 3, the AMF can consider that the UE is reachable by paging during the active time after transitioning from RRC connected to RRC idle.

[0035] Thus, after the Active Time begins, the network may page the UE at 4. If paged during the Active Time period, the UE may transition to an RRC Connected at 5. The UE may provide an RRC Setup Request to the network at 6. After the Active Time expires, the UE may not monitor the paging channel at 8. Additionally, the network may consider the UE to be in MICO-only mode at 7.

[0036] While this MICO mode with active time can also be used for EHDs, the value of the active time set at registration may be rigid. It may be beneficial to adjust such active time values ​​based on the energy level collected by the EHD. When setting the active time value, there may be no guarantee that the EHD has actually collected the energy required to connect to the network. In addition, these power saving gains can also be exploited in RRC inactive mode, where many IoT devices can take advantage of the fast transition from a low activity state to ready to send and / or also realize the benefits of small data transmission frames.

[0037] Certain embodiments are directed to the case where an EHD transitions from RRC connected to RRC idle or inactive. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to how to monitor paging to efficiently utilize the energy resources of the device.

[0038] In certain embodiments, for a UE in RRC idle, the access and mobility management function may provide paging attempt information to each NG-RAN node, which includes a paging attempt count and the expected number of paging attempts and the next paging area range. For a UE in RRC inactive, the serving NG-RAN node may also provide RAN paging attempt information. Each paged NG-RAN node may receive the same RAN paging attempt information during the paging attempt, which has the following content: paging attempt count, expected number of paging attempts, and next paging area range. For a MICO with an active time, the AMF may determine the active time during registration.

[0039] Figure 2 An example of a mobile-initiated-only connection with an estimated active time of an energy harvesting device in accordance with certain embodiments is shown. Certain embodiments provide a method that allows for a more dynamic value for MICO estimation without requiring non-access stratum (NAS) signaling between the EHD and the network. Certain embodiments may allow the network and the EHD to synchronize the value of the MICO active time to minimize signaling overhead. Thus, certain embodiments may allow for efficient use of the harvested energy of the EHD.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, at 1, the network may send an RRC release message to the EHD. For example, the RRC release message may be a message that releases, suspends, or otherwise triggers a transition from an RRC connection to an RRC idle / inactive.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, when an RRC release is received, the EHD may have a first energy level, and at 2 when a radio link control (RLC) acknowledgment (ACK) of the RRC release message is provided, the EHD may have a new lower energy level. Figure 2 is shown on the left, and the signaling is Figure 2 The confirmation message may include an estimated activity time (EAT) of the EHD.

[0042] Thus, in some embodiments, in response to the RRC release message at 1, the EHD may send an RLC ACK at 2. The RLC ACK transmission from the EHD may include an indication of the EHD's estimated activity time. The EAT may be an estimate of the EHD corresponding to a duration, e.g., how long the EHD will be able to monitor the paging channel based on currently collected and / or other available energy resources. The EAT may also take into account that if a page is received within the allowed window, such as shown at 4, the EHD may need to use at least some energy resources to respond to the paging process at 5.

[0043] If the EHD is transitioned to RRC Idle, the NG-RAN node may forward the EHD EAT to the AMF, although this procedure is Figure 2 Likewise, when the user equipment transitions to the radio resource control inactive state, the NG-RAN node may forward the estimated activity time to at least one other NG-RAN node. The NG-RAN node is a non-limiting example of an access node of any radio access network. The NG-RAN node may be restricted to paging the user equipment during the estimated activity time. Thus, the forwarded EAT may be used to schedule paging appropriately.

[0044] The AMF and / or NG-RAN may adopt EAT as the period during which EHD is reachable, as shown at 3.

[0045] When energy resources are depleted before the configured EAT expires, as shown at 6, or when the configured EAT expires and energy resources are not depleted, the EHD can update the EAT value of the EHD for future transitions to RRC idle / inactive. As described below, the EHD can estimate the EAT in various ways. At 7, after the EAT expires, the network can treat the EHD as operating only in MICO.

[0046] For EHD using MICO Active Time, the maximum EAT for MICO shall not exceed the MICO Active Time set by the AMF during the registration process. For EHD not using MICO, the NG-RAN may provide the value of EAT to the AMF so that the AMF may, for example, prioritize paging attempts and retries within the EAT window of the EHD, despite Figure 2 This communication between NG-RAN and AMF is not shown in FIG.

[0047] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating the behavior of an energy harvesting device according to certain embodiments. At 310, the EHD may initially be in an RRC connected mode and may receive an RRC release message from the network. The RRC release message may request the EHD to release or suspend, thereby transitioning to an RRC idle or RRC inactive state as shown at 320. Upon receiving the message, the EHD may respond to the RRC release message with an ACK (such as, an RLC ACK) to confirm receipt of the release message, as shown at 330. The EHD may also include an EAT indication of the EHD. For example, the EHD may include a MAC-CE within a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in which the RLC ACK is sent to indicate the EAT of the EHD.

[0048] At 340, the EHD may complete the transition to the indicated RRC state and may start a timer with the value of the EAT, or provide a time offset. At 350, it may be determined whether the EAT timer has expired or the energy resources have been depleted. If the timer has not expired and the energy resources have not been depleted, then at 360 the EHD may monitor for paging occasions. When a page is received, at 370 the EHD may respond to it in any desired manner.

[0049] If the EHD energy resource is depleted before the timer expires, the EAT's EHD estimate may be overly optimistic and may need to be corrected to a smaller value for future transitions to the RRC idle / inactive state, as shown at 380 .

[0050] If the timer expires and the EHD is high enough that it can monitor the paging channel for a longer period of time, the EHD may also update the EAT at 380. If the EHD fails to complete the transition to an RRC connection at 370, for example, the EHD may also update the EAT.

[0051] The above behavior relates to EHD with or without MICO active time mode enabled. If MICO active time mode is not enabled for EHD, EAT can be used as an indication to the NG-RAN / AMF of the time window in which the paging success rate for EHD is expected to be high.

[0052] In some embodiments, the EHD can obtain a value for the estimated active time based on the EHD's current energy harvesting level and possibly the EHD's current energy harvesting rate. The obtained timer value can not only estimate the energy used to monitor the paging occasion, but also be used to perform subsequent processes related to the paging request.

[0053] Although there may be other ways to calculate energy, in some embodiments, the EHD may calculate energy based on a fixed amount of energy resources reserved for responding to paging events. The EHD may use an initial value of EAT equal to the value provided by the AMF during the registration process for active time. If the energy level is exhausted or drops below the threshold reserved for subsequent processes, the EHD may reduce the EAT of the EHD by a given step size. If, when the EAT timer expires, the energy resources are above the threshold reserved for subsequent processes plus an additional margin, the EHD may increase the EAT by a certain step size. The step size for increasing and decreasing the EAT may be configured semi-statically by the network or in the EHD. In addition, the values ​​of the step sizes do not need to be the same, and one step size may be derived from another to minimize ping-pongs and achieve convergence. The additional margin may also be network configured or set individually for each EHD, and some lag between increasing and decreasing the EAT may be ensured. The above-described process for EAT time derivation may also be applied to scenarios where the EHD responds to a paging message but the energy resources of the EHD are depleted before completing the process.

[0054] The use of AI / ML at the EHD is allowed to derive EAT. However, in some embodiments, the use of AI / ML may be computationally intensive and may also consume a lot of power from the perspective of the EHD.

[0055] Figure 4 A graph showing estimated active time as a function of collection energy level and reference signal received power in accordance with certain embodiments. Figure 4 Various EAT values ​​are shown in tabular form, but functions may be used instead of lookup tables to store or retrieve such information. Figure 4 As shown, EAT may be lowest when the collected energy is low and the reference signal received power (RSRP) is low, such as -100dBm, which may occur near the cell edge. On the other hand, EAT may reach the highest value when the RSPRR is about -80dBm and the collected energy level is high. In this example, the highest value is 60% of the maximum active time of the registration process. These values ​​may depend on the capacity of the EHD and the energy efficiency of the EHD. Other factors may also be considered.

[0056] exist Figure 4In the example of , from high collection energy level to medium collection energy level, EAT can have a 10% drop in maximum active time for the registration process, and an additional 30% drop to low collection energy level. Similarly, from good RSRP to medium cell RSRP, EAT can have a 10% drop in maximum active time for the registration process, and an additional 10% drop from medium cell RSRP to cell edge RSRP. There is not necessarily such linearity in the calculations or tables. Therefore, Figure 4 One non-limiting example manner in which the EHD derives the EAT based on the RSRP and the current energy level is shown.

[0057] The EHD may move or change network propagation conditions, and / or even for fixed devices, load balancing may result in cell reselection. Therefore, even the RSRP of fixed devices may change during the time the EHD remains in RRC Idle or inactive. Therefore, based on the UE mobility state (e.g., the number of cell reselections or changes in serving cell RSRP over a period of time), the EHD may Figure 4 The figures obtained from the table shown apply further correction factors.

[0058] Therefore, in some embodiments, the estimated activity time can be calculated based on the signal characteristics of the EHD and the current energy level. The signal characteristics can be such as Figure 4 RSRP as shown, or other parameters such as reference signal received quality (RSRQ) or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). Other features may also be used.

[0059] Figure 5 An example of a system including an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment is shown. In an embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be a node, a host, or a server in a communication network or serving such a network. For example, the apparatus 10 may be a network node, a satellite, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B or access point associated with a radio access network (such as an LTE network, 5G or NR), a next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), a TRP, a HAPS, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and / or a WLAN access point. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be, for example, a gNB or other similar radio node.

[0060] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 10 may include an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system, where the server and the radio node may be independent devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection, or they may be located in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection. For example, in certain example embodiments where the device 10 represents a gNB, it may be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the gNB functionality. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functionality, such as transmission of user data, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning and / or session management. The CU may control the operation of the DU via a medium-range interface (referred to as the F1 interface), and the DU may have one or more radio units (RUs) connected to the DU via a fronthaul interface. Depending on the functional division option, the DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of the gNB functionality. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the device 10 may include Figure 5 Components or features not shown.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, or any other processing component. Although Figure 5 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, the processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0062] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of apparatus 10, including processes associated with providing an estimated active time for paging reception to an energy harvesting device.

[0063] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium, or other suitable storage devices. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program codes that, when executed by the processor 12, enable the device 10 to perform tasks as described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transient" may correspond to limitations on the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than signals), rather than limitations on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0064] In an embodiment, the device 10 may also include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the device 10.

[0065] In some embodiments, the device 10 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for sending signals and / or data to the device 10 and receiving signals and / or data from the device 10. The device 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces coupled to the antenna 15, or may include any other suitable transceiver device. The wireless interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), Ultra Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interface may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., via uplinks).

[0066] Thus, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of the device 10. In other embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or input / output components.

[0067] In one embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented by hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0068] According to some embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in, or may form part of, a processing circuit system / component or a control circuit system / component. Additionally, in some embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in, or may form part of, a transceiver circuit system / component.

[0069] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to hardware circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital circuits), combinations of hardware circuits and software, combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor) to enable a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuits and / or processors or portions thereof that operate using software, but where the software may not be present when not required for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover implementations of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portions of a hardware circuit or processor and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0070] As described above, in some embodiments, the device 10 may be or may be part of a network element or RAN node, such as a base station, access point, Node B, eNB, gNB, TRP, HAPS, IAB node, relay node, WLAN access point, satellite, etc. In an example embodiment, the device 10 may be a gNB or other radio node, or may be a CU and / or DU of a gNB. According to some embodiments, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform functions related to any embodiment described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the device 10 may be configured to execute the flowcharts or signaling diagrams described herein (e.g., Figures 1 to 4 ), or any other method described herein. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, for example, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform processes related to providing an estimated activity time for paging reception to an energy harvesting device.

[0071] Figure 5 An example of an apparatus 20 according to an embodiment is also shown. In an embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a node or element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a communication node, a mobile device (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, a mobile device, a mobile unit, a mobile device, a user device, a subscriber station, a wireless terminal, a tablet, a smart phone, an IoT device, a sensor or an NB-IoT device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and its application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and its application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless device operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. As an example, the apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modem, transceiver, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 5 Components or functions not shown.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 22 may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 5 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be used according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0074] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0075] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0076] In an embodiment, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the device 20.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the device 20 via an uplink. The device 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The wireless interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDM symbols.

[0078] For example, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna 25, and to demodulate information received via the antenna 25 for further processing by other elements of the device 20. In other embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some embodiments, the device 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0079] In one embodiment, the memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented by hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0080] According to some embodiments, the processor 22 and the memory 24 may be included in or may form part of a processing circuit or a control circuit. In addition, in some embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in or form part of a transceiver circuit.

[0081] As described above, according to some embodiments, for example, the apparatus 20 may be a UE, a SL UE, a relay UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, a ME, an IoT device, and / or a NB-IoT device, etc. According to some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as Figures 1 to 4described in or concerning Figures 1 to 4 One or more operations described, or any other method described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be controlled to perform processes related to providing an estimated activity time for paging reception to an energy harvesting device, as described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0082] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of apparatuses may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for performing any operations discussed herein.

[0083] In view of the foregoing, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages over prior art processes, and improvements are made at least in the technical field of wireless network control and / or management. Certain embodiments may have various benefits and / or advantages. For example, certain embodiments may allow networks and / or service providers to configure how energy harvesting devices of different types and capabilities can respond to paging and connection requests. In addition, certain embodiments may allow energy harvesting devices to better decide how to efficiently utilize their scarce energy resources. Certain embodiments may avoid paging storms and repeated dropped call processes for energy harvesting devices. In addition, certain embodiments may provide efficient utilization of network resources.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any method, process, signaling diagram, algorithm, or flow chart described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or code portions stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium and executed by a processor.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the device may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity, which is configured for arithmetic operations, or is configured as a program or part of a program (including additional or updated software routines) that can be executed by at least one operating processor or controller. Programs, also known as program products or computer programs, include software routines, applets, and macros, which can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is running. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part of a code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of the example embodiments may be performed as routines, which may be implemented as additional or updated software routines. In one example, the software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0086] For example, software or computer program code or code portions may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and / or software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transient medium.

[0087] In other example embodiments, the functions of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device, such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In another example embodiment, the functions of the example embodiments may be implemented as a signal carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network, such as a non-tangible device.

[0088] According to example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor, such as a single-chip computer element or a chipset, which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and / or an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0089] The example embodiments described herein may apply to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether the singular or plural is used in conjunction with describing certain embodiments. For example, an embodiment describing the operation of a single network node may also apply to example embodiments including multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments described above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Partial glossary: ACK: Acknowledgement AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function DL: Downlink EAT: Estimated Activity Time EHD: Energy Harvesting Devices IoT: Internet of Things MAC: Media Access Control MAC-CE: MAC Control Element MICO: Mobile initiated connections only NG-RAN: Next Generation RAN PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel RAN: Radio Access Network RLC: Radio Link Control RRC: Radio Resource Control

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform receiving a radio resource control release message from the network; as well as In response to the release message, a confirmation message is sent to the network, wherein the confirmation message includes an estimated activity time of the device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform The estimated activity time is updated from the value sent in the confirmation message to a new value. 3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the updating is performed when the value sent in the confirmation message expires. 4 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the updating is performed when energy resources are exhausted before the value sent in the confirmation message expires.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform The estimated activity time is determined based on a signal characteristic and a current energy level of the device.

6. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform Sending a radio resource control release message to the user equipment; as well as In response to the release message, an acknowledgement is received from the user equipment, wherein the acknowledgement message includes an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform When the user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control idle state, the estimated activity time is forwarded to an access and mobility management function.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform When the user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control inactive state, the estimated activity time is forwarded to at least one other device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus and the at least one other apparatus are network nodes and are restricted to paging the user equipment during the estimated active time.

10. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform receiving an estimated activity time of the user equipment from a radio access network node; as well as The user equipment is considered reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least perform Paging attempts to the user equipment are prioritized within the time period.

12. A method comprising: receiving, at the user equipment, a radio resource control release message from the network; as well as In response to the release message, a confirmation message is sent by the user equipment to the network, wherein the confirmation message includes an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The estimated activity time is updated from the value sent in the confirmation message to a new value. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the updating is performed when the value sent in the confirmation message expires.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the updating is performed upon exhaustion of energy resources before expiration of the value sent in the confirmation message.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The estimated activity time is determined according to the signal characteristics and current energy level of the user equipment.

17. A method comprising: Sending, by the network element, a radio resource control release message to the user equipment; as well as In response to the release message, receiving an acknowledgement at the network element from the user equipment, wherein the acknowledgement message includes an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: When the user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control idle state, the estimated activity time is forwarded to an access and mobility management function.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: When the user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control inactive state, the estimated activity time is forwarded to at least one other network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the network element and the at least one other network element are network nodes and are restricted to paging the user equipment during the estimated active time.

21. A method comprising: receiving an estimated activity time of the user equipment from a radio access network node; as well as The user equipment is considered to be reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: Paging attempts to the user equipment are prioritized within the time period.

23. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a radio resource control release message from a network; as well as Means for sending a confirmation message to the network in response to the release message, wherein the confirmation message includes an estimated activity time of the apparatus.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: Means for updating said estimated activity time from a value sent in said confirmation message to a new value.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the updating is performed when the value sent in the confirmation message expires.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the updating is performed upon depletion of energy resources before expiration of the value sent in the confirmation message.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: Means for determining said estimated activity time based on a signal characteristic and a current energy level of said device.

28. An apparatus comprising: means for sending a radio resource control release message to a user equipment; as well as Means for receiving an acknowledgment from the user equipment in response to the release message, wherein the acknowledgment message includes an estimated activity time of the user equipment.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising: Means for forwarding said estimated activity time to an access and mobility management function when said user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control idle state.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising: Means for forwarding the estimated activity time to at least one other apparatus when the user equipment is transitioned to a radio resource control inactive state.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the apparatus and the at least one other apparatus are network nodes and are restricted to paging the user equipment during the estimated active time.

32. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving an estimated activity time of a user equipment from a radio access network node; as well as A component for considering the user equipment as reachable within a time period corresponding to the estimated activity time.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising: Means for prioritizing paging attempts to the user equipment within the time period.

34. A computer program product encoded with instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

35. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.

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