Range extension for environmental internet of things devices

Abstract

The invention discloses an extended range communication method, device and equipment. The apparatus is a network apparatus that communicates with an environmental Internet of Things device that has energy storage and is capable of transmitting data by backscatter radio transmission. The apparatus detects that the device fails to transmit data by backscatter, and responsively sends a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission having an instruction to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting. Therefore, the device reduces the radio reflection coefficient. When the radio reflection coefficient decreases, the device detects that the wireless charging of its energy storage is sufficient and increases the radio reflection coefficient accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to range extension for ambient IoT devices. Background Art

[0002] This section presents useful background information, but does not constitute an admission that any of the techniques described herein represent the state of the art.

[0003] Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices are of various types, including those that use backscattering to reflect powering radio signals to AIoT access points, and include rechargeable energy storage, such as batteries or capacitors. In the case where the AIoT device can use the stored energy to run its processing device (and may contain minimum energy to activate backscatter transmission) and reflect as much radio energy as possible to the access point (also known as a reader), energy storage can achieve communication with a wider range. However, in this case, the energy storage needs to be charged in advance. Since the AIoT device may not be conveniently charged by anyone, and the charging connector causes expenses and some structural requirements, it is not always possible to charge it alone. On the other hand, in the absence of energy storage, the AIoT device must continuously receive at least the required energy to run its processing device and reflect enough radio energy to the access point. Therefore, the effective range of the battery-free AIoT device may be significantly impaired. In addition, radio conditions are also prone to fluctuations due to a variety of reasons. Even if the AIoT can fully operate within a given range for a portion of the required time, the loss of connectivity of the AIoT's processing device and possible entire operating power may prevent the desired operation of the AIoT device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought by different embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0005] According to a first example aspect, there is provided an apparatus as defined by accompanying claim 1 .

[0006] According to a second example aspect, an apparatus as defined in accompanying claim 4 is provided.

[0007] According to a third example aspect, a method as defined in appended claim 10 is provided.

[0008] According to a fourth example aspect, a method as defined in appended claim 12 is provided.

[0009] According to a fifth example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause execution of the method of the third or fourth example aspect.

[0010] The computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium. The storage medium may include digital data storage such as a data disk or magnetic disk, optical storage, magnetic storage, holographic storage, optical magnetic storage, phase change memory, resistive random access memory, magnetic random access memory, solid electrolyte memory, ferroelectric random access memory, organic memory, or polymer memory. The storage medium may be formed as a device having no other substantial functions besides storing memory, or it may be formed as part of a device having other functions, including but not limited to the memory of a computer, a chipset, and a subcomponent of an electronic device.

[0011] According to a sixth example aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes the device to perform the method of the third or fourth example aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing the method of the third example aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing the method of the fourth example aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0015] a first circuit configured to cause communication with a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device with energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of transmitting data by backscattering radio transmissions;

[0016] a second circuit configured to detect a failure of the device to transmit data via backscatter;

[0017] a third circuit configured to, based on the detecting, cause sending a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for the energy storage;

[0018] A fourth circuit is configured to cause monitoring of backscatter information from the device.

[0019] According to a tenth example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0020] a fifth circuit configured to perform receiving a first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for the energy storage;

[0021] A sixth circuit, configured to reduce the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instruction to increase the wireless energy collection;

[0022] A seventh circuit is configured to perform detecting that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy harvesting; and

[0023] An eighth circuit is configured to increase the radio reflection coefficient to backscatter outgoing data based on the detection that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy harvesting.

[0024] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been described above. The above embodiments are only used to explain selected aspects or steps that can be utilized in implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the corresponding embodiments may also be applied to other example aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 An architectural diagram of a system showing an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 A simplified backscatter circuit of an example embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 A block diagram showing an apparatus of an example embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A block diagram of an apparatus of an example embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A simplified signaling diagram illustrating the process of an example embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 A simplified flow chart illustrating the process of an example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 shows simplified flow charts illustrating various features of different example embodiments; and

[0033] Figure 8 Simplified flow charts illustrating various features of various other example embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] By referring to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 8 To understand the exemplary embodiments and their potential advantages. In this document, the same reference symbols represent the same parts or steps.

[0035] Figure 1 The system architecture diagram is shown in Figure 1 In the present invention, multiple ambient IoT devices 110 (or simply devices) reside in some environments. These devices can be independent components or fixed or embedded in different goods or items, such as packages, vehicles, household appliances, mobile phones, and generally any items. Compared with simple radio frequency identifiers (RFID) or near field communication (NFC) devices, ambient IoT, AIoT devices may be able to cooperate with modern 3GPP cellular networks and are covered by the specifications of the new 3GPP standards. For example, AIoT devices can be called tags.

[0036] Figure 1 Also shown are multiple compatible network devices, including a single-station or dual-station access point 120 and an illuminator 130, which is configured to illuminate the device using powered radio transmissions without having to read any radio signals communicated by the device. The illuminator can be, for example, a network node, such as a gNB. The access point may include, for example, a user equipment, UE. In some embodiments, the access point can also act as an illuminator. Thus, the UE can also act as an illuminator. The access point can be configured to have a single-station configuration, wherein the same access point is configured to illuminate the AIoT device and read the signals backscattered by the AIoT device. The access point can be configured to have a dual-station configuration, wherein the first access point or illuminator is configured to perform illumination and the second access point is configured to read the backscattered signal. Figure 1 An example of an access point configured to operate as a single-station access point for a given device is shown. In an example embodiment, at least some of the access points 120 are capable of operating as readers or illuminators in a single-station configuration for a first group of AIoT devices 110 and in a dual-station configuration for a second group of AIoT devices 110 at the same time. Figure 1 Also shown is an example of an access point configured to operate as a bi-station element for other devices.

[0037] Figure 2A simplified backscatter circuit included in an AIoT device of an example embodiment is shown. An antenna 210 is provided for receiving radio transmissions and backscattering outgoing data. The channel coding and modulation block 220 controls the formation of backscatter by controlling a switch 230, which is drawn here as controllable to connect the antenna to an impedance in a plurality of impedances. The plurality of impedances may include, for example, a first impedance Z1 240, a second impedance Z2 250, a third impedance Z3 260, and a fourth impedance Z4 270, as well as possible other impedances. In at least some embodiments, the backscatter circuit has exactly three impedances (e.g., Z1, Z2, and Z3), and the switch 230 is configured to connect the antenna to one of the three impedances. In an example embodiment, the backscatter has exactly two impedances Z1 and Z2. In an example embodiment, the backscatter circuit may be adapted to operate with two or more different radio reflection coefficients RC by selectively connecting to one of a plurality of different antennas. Figure 2 Another antenna 210' is shown for illustration purposes. The antennas 210, 210' may have different gains in the frequency band used for backscattering.

[0038] In an example embodiment, any of the device 110, the access point 120, and the luminaire may be compatible with 3GPP Technical Recommendation TR22.840: Study of Ambient IoT. The recommendation specifically lists the following types of ambient AIoT devices:

[0039] Device A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation or amplification, i.e. backscatter transmission.

[0040] Device B: Energy storage without independent signal generation or amplification, i.e. backscatter transmission. Use of stored energy may include amplification of reflected signals.

[0041] Device C: Energy storage, independent signal generation, i.e., active RF components for transmission.

[0042] Both Type A and Type B are passive energy harvesting IoT devices without and with energy storage, respectively. In Type B devices, energy storage can be used to amplify the signal and extend the transmission range. This can be used by using an amplifier at the device or simply dynamically adjusting the reflection coefficient. However, it is observed that adding an amplifier to an AIoT device increases the cost and size of the AIoT device.

[0043] As mentioned earlier, for backscatter AIoT devices, illumination signals are used to power the AIoT device as well as enable backscatter information. Backscatter modulates the radio transmission incident on the AIoT device by utilizing reflections from the antenna mismatch level, which is adjusted to vary the Figure 2RC circuit shown. Further, such a passive communication device can perform energy harvesting (EH) from ambient RF signals to support its circuit operation.

[0044] Let's consider how the backscatter circuit of an AIoT device can operate with two impedances or two different states for channel coding and modulation using backscatter. In this case, the AIoT device switches between an absorbing state and a reflecting state by switching between two separate loads so that the absorbing state indicates a bit '0' transmission, and the reflecting state indicates a bit '1'. A radio reflection coefficient of 0 means that all energy is absorbed / collected by the AIoT device, while 1 means that energy is reflected by the radio reflection coefficient 0 < α < 1. The AIoT device requires (1-α) part of the illumination signal power P to power its circuits.

[0045] In an example embodiment, the AIoT device is configured to have more than two different states, which are required for channel coding and modulation using backscatter. For example, an increased radio reflection coefficient that is closer to one than normal backscatter can be provided. In an example embodiment, the AIoT device can be configured at least in an energy collection state, in which the radio reflection coefficient is as close to zero as possible; a normal operation state, in which the radio reflection coefficient is higher but significantly lower than one to allow sufficient energy collection for various circuits (such as processing and volatile memory circuits); and a range extension state, in which the radio reflection coefficient is as close to zero as possible to achieve the maximum range of the outgoing data for backscattering.

[0046] In an example embodiment, the radio reflection coefficient is defined by the following equation:

[0047] α i =(Z i –Z a *) / (Z i +Z a ), where Za is the antenna impedance, * is the complex conjugate operator, and i=1, 2, ... represent the switch state. For example, switch state 1 corresponds to the case where the switch is connected to Z1 and switch state 2 corresponds to the case where the switch is connected to Z2.

[0048] For the sake of clarity, it is explicitly pointed out that the term backscatter in this context refers to changing reflections of a radio transmission, regardless of whether the receiver (reader) of the backscatter signal is the same device (illuminator) that emitted the radio transmission (monostatic case) or a different device (bistatic case).

[0049] Figure 3 A block diagram of an apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The apparatus 300 may be used as an access point 120 that may communicate with the ambient IoT device 110 .

[0050] The device 300 includes a memory 340, which includes a working memory 342 and a non-volatile memory 344 containing computer program code 346 and data (such as pre-configured rules or configuration information). The device 300 also includes: a processor 320 for controlling the operation of the device 300 using the computer program code 346; a communication unit 310, such as a new radio capable of 5G cellular communication, for communicating with user equipment and cellular networks. The communication unit 310 includes, for example, a local area network (IAN) port, a wireless local area network (WIAN) unit, a Bluetooth unit, a cellular data communication unit, or a satellite data communication unit. The communication unit 310 further includes a proximity communication circuit capable of communicating with an environmental IoT device. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 310 further includes a radio power supply for wirelessly powering a device capable of wirelessly collecting energy from radio transmissions.

[0051] The processor 320 includes, for example, any one or more of the following: a main control unit (MCU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; and a microcontroller. The processor can be used as a controller of the device. The device 300 further includes a user interface 330, which includes, for example, any one or more of a display, a touch screen, a button, a microphone, a speaker, a fingerprint reader. In an example embodiment, the device 300 also includes a programmable subscriber identity module or a slot 350 for receiving a subscriber identity module.

[0052] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a device 400 that can be operated as an ambient IoT device as an example embodiment is shown. Device 400 can be a type B IoT device that includes energy storage and relies on backscatter transmission. For example, device 400 does not have independent transmission signal generation.

[0053] The device 400 includes a memory 440 including a working memory 442 and a non-volatile memory 444 containing computer program code 446 and data, such as pre-configured rules or configuration information. The device 400 also includes a control circuit 420 for controlling the operation of the device 400 using the computer program code 446. The device further includes a radio circuit 410 capable of communicating with backscatter based on incoming radio transmissions and harvesting energy from the radio signals to power the device 400.

[0054] The control circuit 420 includes, for example, any one or more of the following: a main control unit (MCU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; and a microcontroller. The device 400 further includes an energy storage 430. In an example embodiment, the energy storage 430 includes a rechargeable battery. In an example embodiment, the energy storage 430 includes a capacitor.

[0055] In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the harvested energy is stored in energy storage 430 .

[0056] In operation, the device 400 may use the collected energy for backscattering when storing energy in the storage 430 or when not storing energy in the energy storage 430. Figure 4 As shown, the device 400 may include a controllable switch 450 that can be controlled by a control circuit to connect or disconnect the memory 440 from the energy storage. Figure 4 , potential power transfer connections are drawn by double lines. It is worth noting that power can be transferred from the radio circuit 410 to the memory as long as the radio circuit 410 is able to wirelessly harvest energy at a sufficient voltage.

[0057] As described above, an AIoT device (such as a tag) can radiate some energy around a radio transmission in backscatter. In addition, the AIoT device can additionally or alternatively obtain some energy from the radio transmission with a radio circuit 410. The various circuits of the AIoT device can use some of the collected energy at the same time, and the rest can be stored in the energy storage 430. In an example embodiment, all the collected energy is stored in the energy storage 430 before use. In an example embodiment, a two-stage range extension is provided for the AIoT device type B. The first stage provides an attempt to completely absorb / collect energy by setting a small radio reflection coefficient α (close to zero) and storing the collected energy in the energy storage 430. This stored energy can then be used to power and operate one or more circuits of the AIoT device in the second stage, wherein backscattering is provided by setting a larger radio reflection coefficient α>>0 or α≈1, and the minimum energy from the storage for power transmission can be used. The increased α will help increase the reflected power and range extension for the type B backscatter device.

[0058] In an example embodiment, type B devices require very little energy storage. The energy storage should be able to hold enough energy to operate the AIoT device or multiple circuits for a short period of time so that backscattering can be performed by using a relatively large radio reflection coefficient α. It should be understood that the AIoT device may not need any excess stored energy because the AIoT device cannot use this energy to increase its transmit power anyway in the absence of active transmission capabilities (e.g., amplification of radio signals).

[0059] In an example embodiment, an access point attempts to communicate with an AIoT device without knowing a) the amount of energy stored in the energy storage of the AIoT device, b) the rate at which energy can be stored in the energy storage of the AIoT device, and c) the amount of remaining capacity of the energy storage. If the AIoT device does not successfully transmit information via backscattering so that the access point will detect the transmission of the information, the access point attempts to cause the AIoT device to initiate an enhanced backscattering process. In an example embodiment, the AIoT device begins to wirelessly collect a larger amount of energy into its energy storage with a reduced radio reflection coefficient until the AIoT device detects that enough energy has been stored in its energy storage. The AIoT device then begins to power at least some of its circuits with the energy stored in the energy storage, and communicates using backscattering with an increased radio reflection coefficient because energy absorption can be avoided or at least reduced. As the radio reflection coefficient increases, information transmitted by the AIoT device can be more reliably transmitted to a receiver, such as an access point or a reader controlled by the access point.

[0060] In an example embodiment, an access point is any device connected to the network, for example, a 3GPP device including a gNB, a smartphone, etc. A single-station configuration or a dual-station configuration may be used.

[0061] Figure 5 A simplified signaling diagram of an example embodiment is shown to help explain some example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the network device is a luminaire, for example, a 5G Node B, gNB or UE. Figure 5 Two AIoT device type B devices 110, 110' are shown in FIG, as a first AIoT device 110 and a second AIoT device 110'. The process between the access point 120 and the second AIoT device 110' is mainly explained. It should be understood that the second AIoT device and any other AIoT device can receive lighting signals and use those to absorb and store energy.

[0062] Figure 5Step 501 is shown, registering the AIoT device to the network. The AIoT devices inform the network of their device type (e.g., type B in this case). In this way, the network gains knowledge about the availability of energy storage at the AIoT device, the operation of which is described next for some example embodiments. It is worth noting that the network can work in parallel with other types of devices. Here, the network includes any device operating with 3GPP, such as a gNB or UE. Of course, the registration information can be stored in a register, but the capability information of the AIoT device is available in the network.

[0063] In step 502, the access point obtains the capability information of the AIoT device. In the case where the registration is performed through the access point, the access point can simply obtain and maintain this knowledge. Preferably, the access point is notified of the identity of the AIoT device by the network, and the access point obtains the capability information of the AIoT device from the register. The access point can obtain the capability information by pulling the capability information or by having the capability information provided by the network.

[0064] In step 503, when aiming to enhance wireless charging of an AIoT device (or a group of AIoT devices), the access point sends an initial radio transmission (such as energy_harvest=0) to command the AIoT device to attempt normal backscatter mode. Normal backscatter mode means backscatter without a range extension process. NOTE: If the luminaire is not co-hosted with the access point, the access point can control the luminaire with commands or requests sent to the luminaire. For simplicity, it is assumed here that the access point and the luminaire are co-hosted, or that the access point can control the luminaire. Figure 5 , both the first AIoT device 110 and the second AIoT device 110' receive radio transmissions. In particular, if the luminaire is not co-located with the access point, the first AIoT device 110 and the second AIoT device 110' may even receive radio transmissions with the same power level. However, they can and typically do reside at different distances or at least have different radio signal attenuation due to different intermediate absorbing or reflecting objects, causing their radio outputs to be received differently by the access point, as is the case in this figure.

[0065] In step 504, the first AIoT device 110 typically backscatters information about receiving the initial radio transmission. This information is successfully communicated to the access point 120 that is readable.

[0066] In step 505, the second AIoT device 110' would typically also backscatter information about receiving the initial radio transmission, but the access point 120 did not receive the backscatter information due to the poor wireless link. Therefore, the access point 120 knows that the range of the second AIoT device 110' may not be sufficient. It is worth noting that some AIoT devices may not even be able to receive the initial radio transmission sufficiently to attempt to backscatter information, in which case they will simply not backscatter anything. The access point 120 may detect that it has not received a backscatter signal within a predetermined time period. Based on this, the access point 120 can determine that the backscatter performed by the second AIoT device 110' has failed, or that the device has performed backscatter, but the range is not long enough. Alternatively, if another access point is communicating with the device, an indication that backscatter has not been received from the device 110' may be received from the other access point.

[0067] In step 506, the initial radio transmission and the transmission of the backscattered signal attempting to read the response are performed k times, where k is a finite integer, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. The value of k may be, for example, greater than 1, or greater than 5. When k is greater than 1, temporary radio path problems may be overcome.

[0068] In step 507, at the beginning of the charging phase, the access point 120 sends a first radio transmission to the AIoT device or in particular to the second AIoT device 110'. The first radio transmission includes instructions, such as a signal energy_harvest=1, to the AIoT device that does not involve backscattering but absorbs more energy from the powered radio transmission and stores the absorbed energy for later use. In an example embodiment, the access point indicates to the AIoT devices to which these instructions are sent, such as ID_Iist, so that a group of IoT devices know that the radio transmission can be used to harvest energy into the energy storage device. Note that the targeted AIoT devices (and possibly other AIoT devices that are not intended to participate in this incremental energy boost) do not perform any backscattering in this step, so there is no transmission of the AIoT device in question through backscattering.

[0069] In step 508, the second AIoT device 110' reduces its radio reflection coefficient to zero or near zero in order to collect energy into its energy storage for later operation of the AIoT device's circuits without or with reduced power consumed in radio transmissions when the AIoT device is expected to backscatter information to the network.

[0070] In step 509, a wireless transmission from a first access point or network device 120 or another network device powers or illuminates the first AIoT device 110. These radio transmissions may be referred to as powering the radio transmissions. Powered radio transmissions are provided to enable the AIoT device to wirelessly collect energy into its energy storage. As one or more powering radio transmissions continue for the duration of the energy collection, a wide arrow is drawn.

[0071] In step 510, the second AIoT device 110 collects energy from the powered radio transmission into its energy storage. In an example embodiment, the second AIoT device 110' continues to absorb / collect energy until a storage threshold is reached. The storage threshold may reflect the amount of energy required by the second AIoT device 110' to operate its or multiple circuits when backscattering with an increased radio reflection coefficient. In the absence of power-consuming active transmitting circuits, storing energy above this threshold may not help with range extension, so the energy storage may not even be charged to its full capacity. Therefore, degradation of the energy storage due to aging does not immediately impair the operation of the second AIoT device 110'.

[0072] In step 511 , the second AIoT device 110 ′ determines that there is sufficient energy in the energy storage and sets the radio reflection coefficient α to as close to 1 as possible for increased backscattering.

[0073] At step 512, the second AIoT device 110' backscatters information to the access point. In an example embodiment, the information includes an explicit indication that the second AIoT device 110' is ready to backscatter information. In an example embodiment, the information includes an implicit indication that the second AIoT device 110' is ready to backscatter information.

[0074] In an example embodiment, an explicit indication is provided so that the second AIoT device 110' sends a short message via backscatter (e.g., Tx_request) to let the access point know that the second AIoT device 110' is now ready to backscatter with increased radio power as a result of using the increased radio reflection coefficient α. The explicit indication is modulated on the radio transmission received from the access point. Upon receiving the explicit indication, the access point may stop the radio transmission, at least if the radio transmission is transmitted alone to power the second AIoT device 110'. After receiving the explicit indication, the access point may transmit a last radio transmission with energy_harvest=0 to the AIoT device to indicate to the AIoT device that it has received the Tx_request and that the AIoT device is expected to perform backscatter.

[0075] In an example embodiment, an implicit indication is provided so that the second AIoT device 110' simply uses radio transmission directly for backscatter information, rather than notifying the access point that it is ready to communicate. If the access point successfully receives the implicit indication (backscatter data), the access point can cause the cessation of further radio transmissions. If there are multiple AIoT devices that can otherwise send implicit indications simultaneously, the access point can indicate the time slots allowed for a given AIoT device for backscattering by its ID, thereby avoiding conflicts.

[0076] In step 513, the access point terminates the powered radio transmission when the termination condition is met to avoid over-powered radio transmission. The termination condition can be monitored as in step 608. If the second AIoT device 110' has successfully backscattered information to the access point, this step is unnecessary.

[0077] Figure 6 A simplified flow chart of a method of an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 5 Some example embodiments disclosed use Figure 6 method.

[0078] The process begins at step 601 where an access point attempts to communicate with one or more AIoT devices.

[0079] In 602, check whether the backscatter of one or more AIoT devices is successfully received. If yes, go to step 609, otherwise go to step 603.

[0080] In step 603, the access point causes (eg, as in step 508) the AIoT device to reduce the radio reflection coefficient α to zero or near zero, thereby increasing the collection of energy at a higher rate.

[0081] In step 604, the access point causes a power radio transmission to be transmitted to the AIoT device.

[0082] In step 605 , the access point checks whether one or more AIoT devices have successfully backscattered an explicit request to stop powering radio transmissions. If so, the process continues to step 606 , otherwise, the process continues to step 607 .

[0083] In step 606, the access point transmits a final radio transmission and receives information backscattered by the AIoT device in response. The last radio transmission of the charging phase indicates to the AIoT device that the access point has received an explicit request and that the AIoT device is expected to perform backscattering. The process then continues to step 609, which can be considered the end of the range extension process.

[0084] In step 607, the access point checks whether the AIoT device or devices have successfully backscattered an implicit request to end the charging phase by backscattering information in response to receiving the radio transmission. If so, the process continues to end 609, otherwise, the process continues to step 608.

[0085] Based on the explicit or implicit indication, the access point becomes aware that the AIoT device has sufficient energy at least for a certain time. Thus, the access point can stop sending radio transmissions for range extension and start communicating with the AIoT device.

[0086] NOTE: The access point may assume that one or more AIoT devices have wirelessly collected a sufficient amount of energy in their energy storage and increased the radio reflection coefficient α to or close to 1 in order to enhance backscattering and enable the access point or a separate reader to receive outgoing information sent by the AIoT device via backscattering. However, the access point cannot know whether some specific AIoT device has increased its backscattered radio reflections, or whether the AIoT has simply moved closer to its receiver or closer to the origin of the radio transmission being backscattered, or whether radio attenuation has decreased.

[0087] In step 608, the access point checks whether the termination condition has not been met. For example, the access point may use a counter that is configured to count the number of radio transmissions transmitted to the AIoT device or to power the radio transmission N transmitted to the AIoT device. Alternatively, the counter may be configured to count the duration of the radio transmission sent to the AIoT device or to power the radio transmission transmitted to the AIoT device. For example, the access point may determine, for example, whether the number N of power-supply radio transmissions sent is less than the maximum value of N, N<N_max. Alternatively, N may be considered as multiple time periods indicating the duration of the power-supply radio transmission. If the termination condition has not been met, processing continues to step 603 and the counter is updated, otherwise processing continues to end 609. The maximum value of N is configured to avoid sending an unlimited number of power-supply radio transmissions if the access point does not receive an explicit indication or an implicit indication.

[0088] In step 609, the process ends. In an example embodiment, the AIoT device continues to operate with an increased radio reflection coefficient α equal to or close to 1, so that backscattering is performed at a higher radio power.

[0089] In an example embodiment, the AIoT devices restore their default radio reflectivity by resetting α to a default value (e.g., at 0.7 or 0.8) for balancing backscatter range with the ability to collect energy for internal use, for example, by one or more circuits of the AIoT device. In an example embodiment, the AIoT devices maintain using an increased α, such as ~1, until the energy storage is exhausted, and then restore to their default radio reflectivity.

[0090] In an example embodiment, one or more AIoT devices are powered by a series of radio transmissions. In an example embodiment, the radio transmissions are continuous radio transmissions without gaps.

[0091] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a process of an example embodiment in a device (e.g., a network device or an access point) or in a controller of a device, the process comprising:

[0092] 701 causes communication with a device, wherein the device is an ambient IoT device with energy storage and the device is capable of transmitting data via backscatter radio transmission. In an example embodiment, causing communication with the device includes: instructing an internal access point to send or receive information. In an example embodiment, causing communication with the device includes instructing an external access point to perform transmission or reception of information. In an example embodiment, receiving information includes demodulating or decoding information backscattered by the ambient IoT device.

[0093] 702 causes detection of a failure of the device to transmit data via backscatter.

[0094] 703 causes, based on the detection, sending a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection for the energy storage. In an example embodiment, the first radio transmission is sent via an internal access point. In an example embodiment, the first wireless transmission is sent by an external access point. In an example embodiment, the first wireless transmission is suitable for an ambient IoT device.

[0095] 704 , for example, after sending a first wireless transmission, monitoring backscatter information from a device.

[0096] 705 causing, after sending the first radio transmission, sending an energizing radio transmission to the device for energy harvesting with a reduced radio reflection coefficient.

[0097] 706 repeatedly causes the sending of the energized radio transmission until one of the following:

[0098] - Receiving an explicit signal that the device is ready to communicate with an increased radio reflection coefficient

[0099] instruct;

[0100] - detect that the device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter; or

[0101] - It was detected that the maximum number of repetitions has been performed.

[0102] 707 detects that the device again fails to transmit data via backscatter; and based on the detection, determines that the device is out of range.

[0103] 708 forms a new discontinuous transmission or an extension of the continuous transmission by repeatedly energizing the sending of the radio transmission.

[0104] Detecting that a device has failed to transmit data via backscatter should be understood as meaning that the device may have transmitted data, but the reader device did not successfully receive the data, for example due to inefficient backscattering. Thus, the data was not actually transmitted from the device to the reader.

[0105] The processing may be performed or caused by a controller of the device. In an example embodiment, the controller includes at least one processor. In an example embodiment, the controller includes at least one memory. In an example embodiment, the device is a 5G Node B, gNB. In an example embodiment, the device includes a network interface configured to communicate with a cellular network and receive a device communication request from the cellular network. In an example embodiment, the controller is also configured to detect the device communication request and responsively cause a first attempt to communicate with the device through a proximity communication circuit. In an example embodiment, the device is a UE.

[0106] In an example embodiment, the process further includes using at least an identifier of the device to specifically direct one or more communications to the device. In an example embodiment, energy harvesting is increased from a zero level. That is, in some cases, for example, due to the hardware or positioning of the AIoT device, or both, there may be no energy harvesting before increasing energy harvesting as the radio reflection coefficient increases. In an example embodiment, energy harvesting is increased from a level greater than zero.

[0107] In an example embodiment, the process further includes receiving a device communication request from a cellular network. In an example embodiment, the process further includes detecting the device communication request and, in response, causing a first attempt to communicate with the ambient IoT device.

[0108] In an example embodiment, the reduced radio reflection coefficient is as small as possible, for example, at most 0.5%, 1% or 5%.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the increased radio reflection coefficient is as large as possible, such as at least 95%, 99%, or 99.5%.

[0110] Figure 8 An example is shown in which an ambient IoT device such as Figure 4 400) in a device of the present invention, the process comprising:

[0111] 801 receives a first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for energy storage.

[0112] 802 reduces the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instruction to increase wireless energy collection.

[0113] 803 Wirelessly harvesting energy to energy storage with reduced radio reflection coefficient. In an example embodiment, wireless harvesting of energy to energy storage may also be performed before reducing the radio reflection coefficient, and reducing the radio reflection coefficient increases the rate at which the energy storage is charged.

[0114] 804 detects that the energy storage is sufficiently charged using wireless energy harvesting.

[0115] 805 Based on detecting that the amount of energy in the energy storage is sufficient, the radio reflection coefficient is increased to backscatter output data. When the radio reflection coefficient of the radio circuit increases, the operating power from the energy storage can be used to supply the operating power to one or more circuits. In an example embodiment, the supply of operating power provides all the operating power of the supplied circuit. In an example embodiment, the supply of operating power provides a portion of the operating power required by one or more circuits, and another portion of the operating power is obtained by wireless collection. That is, energy storage can remove the need for wireless collection of energy or at least reduce the need for wireless collection of energy.

[0116] The method may further include any one or more of the following:

[0117] 806 detects that the energy storage has insufficient energy to continue operating with an increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0118] 807 In response to detecting that there is insufficient energy for continued operation with the increased radio reflection coefficient, the radio reflection coefficient is set to an intermediate value that is lower than the increased radio reflection coefficient and higher than the decreased radio reflection coefficient.

[0119] 808 causes an attempt to transmit data to a device by backscatter prior to receiving the first radio transmission including instructions for reducing the radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection.

[0120] 809 An explicit indication that the device is ready to communicate with an increased radio reflection coefficient is provided by the outgoing data.

[0121] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0122] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog and / or digital circuits only), and;

[0123] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0124] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware; and

[0125] (ii) any part of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform different functions; and

[0126] (c) a hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation but is not required for operation,

[0127] The software may not exist.

[0128] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or a processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example and if applicable to the particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0129] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, the technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the range of ambient IoT devices can be increased. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that local energy storage can be used only when necessary to increase the range of ambient IoT devices, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays when ambient IoT devices are easily able to communicate through backscatter powered radio transmissions. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that increasing the range of surrounding IoT devices through increased radio reflection coefficients avoids the need to increase the radio power of powered radio transmissions, thereby avoiding radio interference and increased energy consumption. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that very few resources are required for the increase in range, and overall energy efficiency can be enhanced.

[0130] Embodiments may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on a network device, on a controller of a network device, on an AIoT device, or on a control circuit of an AIoT device. If desired, a portion of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on a network device, a portion of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on an AIoT device, and a portion of the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside on an external access point or light source. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of different conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory medium or device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit instructions for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus (such as a computer), where an example of a computer is Figure 3 or Figure 4 . Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which may be any medium or device that can contain or store instructions for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus (such as a computer). The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), and a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory versus read-only memory).

[0131] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if desired, one or more of the aforementioned functions may be optional or may be combined.

[0132] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, further aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with features of the independent claims, and not just the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0133] It is also noted herein that while the foregoing describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, several variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.

[0134] This disclosure provides the following examples.

[0135] Example 1. A device, wherein the device is an ambient IoT device, the ambient IoT device is configured to wirelessly collect energy from radio transmissions and communicate with an apparatus by backscattering the radio transmissions, the device comprising at least: energy storage; at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receive a first radio transmission, the first radio transmission comprising instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection of the energy storage; reduce the radio reflection coefficient to increase the wireless energy collection in accordance with the received instructions; detect that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy collection; and based on the detection that the amount of energy in the energy storage is sufficient, increase the radio reflection coefficient to backscatter outgoing data.

[0136] Example 2. A device according to Example 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the device to at least: detect that the energy storage has insufficient energy to continue operating with the increased radio reflection coefficient, and responsively set the radio reflection coefficient to an intermediate value that is lower than the increased radio reflection coefficient and higher than the decreased radio reflection coefficient.

[0137] Example 3. The device of example 1 or 2, the outgoing data comprising an explicit indication that the device is ready to communicate with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0138] Example 4. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: cause communication with a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device with energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of transmitting data via backscatter radio transmissions; cause detection of a failure of the device to transmit data via backscatter; and based on the detection, cause sending a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission comprising instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection for the energy storage; and monitor backscatter information from the device.

[0139] Example 5. An apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: after the sending of the first radio transmission, cause a powering radio transmission to be sent to the device for energy harvesting with the reduced radio reflection coefficient.

[0140] Example 6. An apparatus according to Example 5, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: repeatedly cause the sending of the powered radio transmission until one of: receiving an explicit indication that the device is ready to communicate with the increased radio reflection coefficient; detecting that the device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter; or detecting that a maximum number of repetitions have been performed.

[0141] Example 7. An apparatus according to Example 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive the explicit indication that the device is ready to communicate with the increased radio reflection coefficient; and based on the explicit indication, transmit an additional radio transmission, the additional radio transmission including instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy collection.

[0142] Example 8. An apparatus according to Example 6 or 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: detect that the device fails to transmit data via backscatter again; and based on the detection, determine that the device is out of range.

[0143] Example 9. An apparatus according to any of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the repetition of the sending of the powering radio transmission is configured to form a series of a finite number of transmissions of fixed duration.

[0144] Example 10. A method comprising: receiving a first radio transmission by a device, the first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection for an energy storage; wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device including the energy storage; reducing the radio reflection coefficient by the device according to the received instructions to increase wireless energy collection; detecting by the device that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy collection; and based on the detection that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy collection, increasing the radio reflection coefficient by the device to backscatter outgoing data.

[0145] Example 11. The method according to Example 10 also includes: detecting by the device that the energy storage has insufficient energy to continue operating with the increased radio reflection coefficient, and responsively setting by the device the radio reflection coefficient to an intermediate value that is lower than the increased radio reflection coefficient and higher than the reduced radio reflection coefficient.

[0146] Example 12. A method comprising: causing, by a network device, to communicate with a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device with energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of transmitting data via backscatter radio transmissions; detecting, by the network device, that the device fails to transmit data via backscatter; based on the detection, causing, by the network device, to send a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection; and monitoring, by the network device, backscatter information from the device.

[0147] Example 13. The method according to Example 12 further includes: after sending the radio transmission including instructions to reduce the radio reflection coefficient, causing the network device to send a power supply radio transmission to the device intended to harvest energy with the reduced radio reflection coefficient.

[0148] Example 14. The method according to Example 13 also includes: repeating the sending of the powered radio transmission by the network device until one of the following: receiving an explicit indication by the network device that the device is ready to communicate with an increased radio reflection coefficient; detecting by the network device that the device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter; or detecting by the network device that a maximum number of repetitions has been performed.

[0149] Example 15. A computer program stored on a non-volatile storage medium, the computer program comprising computer executable program instructions, the computer executable program instructions being configured to: cause a device to execute a method according to any one of Examples 10 to 12, or cause an apparatus to execute a method according to Example 13 or 14.

Claims

1. A device, wherein the device is an ambient IoT device, the ambient IoT device being configured to wirelessly harvest energy from radio transmissions and communicate with an apparatus by backscattering the radio transmissions, the device comprising at least: Energy storage; at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving a first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for the energy storage; reducing the radio reflection coefficient to increase the wireless energy collection according to the received instruction; detecting that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy harvesting; as well as Based on the detecting that the amount of energy in the energy storage is sufficient, the radio reflection coefficient is increased to backscatter outgoing data.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: detecting that the energy storage has insufficient energy to continue operating with the increased radio reflection coefficient, and responsively The radio reflection coefficient is set to an intermediate value that is lower than the increased radio reflection coefficient and higher than the decreased radio reflection coefficient.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, the outgoing data comprising an explicit indication that the device is ready to communicate with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

4. 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 apparatus to at least: causing communication with a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device with energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of transmitting data via backscatter radio transmission; causing detection of a failure of the device to transmit data via backscatter; as well as based on the detecting, causing sending a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission comprising instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for the energy storage; as well as Backscatter information from the device is monitored.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: After said sending said first radio transmission, causing sending to said device an energizing radio transmission for energy harvesting with said reduced radio reflection coefficient.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Repeating causing said sending of said energizing radio transmission until one of: - receiving an explicit indication that said device is ready to communicate with said increased radio reflection coefficient; - detect that the device has successfully transmitted data by backscatter; or - It was detected that the maximum number of repetitions has been performed.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receiving said explicit indication that said device is ready to communicate with said increased radio reflection coefficient; and Based on the explicit indication, an additional radio transmission is transmitted, the additional radio transmission including instructions to increase the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: detecting that the device again fails to transmit data via backscatter; and Based on the detection, it is determined that the device is out of range.

9. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said repetition of said sending of said energizing radio transmission is configured to form a series of a finite number of transmissions of fixed duration.

10. A method comprising: receiving, by a device, a first radio transmission including instructions to reduce a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting for energy storage; wherein said device is an ambient IoT device including said energy storage; The device reduces the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instruction to increase wireless energy collection; detecting, by the device, that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy harvesting; as well as Based on the detecting that the energy storage is sufficiently charged by the wireless energy harvesting, the radio reflection coefficient is increased by the device to backscatter outgoing data.

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