Range extension for environmental internet of things devices

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and devices for communicating with an extended range. The apparatus is a network apparatus that communicates with an environmental Internet of Things device having an energy storage and the ability to transmit data through backscatter radio transmission. The apparatus detects that the device fails to communicate 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. The device correspondingly reduces the radio reflection coefficient. The apparatus also sends a second radio transmission to the device, the second radio transmission having instructions to increase the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting. The device correspondingly increases the radio reflection coefficient. The apparatus attempts to detect whether the device has successfully communicated data by backscatter.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This section provides useful background information, but is not an admission that any of the techniques described herein represent current technology.

[0003] There are many different types of ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) devices, including devices that use backscattering to reflect the desired portion of the energizing radio signal to the AIoT access point and include a rechargeable energy storage such as a battery or capacitor. If the AIoT device can use the stored energy to operate its processing device (and may include the minimum energy to activate the backscatter transmission) and reflect as much radio energy as possible to the access point (also known as a reader), the energy storage can achieve a wider range of communications. However, in this case, the energy storage needs to be charged in advance. Since the AIoT device may not be convenient for anyone to charge, and the charging connector will incur costs and some structural requirements, charging alone is not always feasible. On the other hand, without an energy storage, the AIoT device must continue to receive at least enough energy to run its processing device and reflect enough radio energy to the access point. Therefore, the effective range of battery-less AIoT devices may be severely affected. In addition, radio conditions are also prone to fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Even if the AIoT is able to operate fully within a given range for a required period of time, loss of connectivity or even full operating power of the AIoT processing device may hinder the intended operation of the AIoT device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not belong to the scope of the independent claims (if any) should be interpreted as examples that help understand the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] According to a first exemplary aspect, an apparatus as defined in appended claim 1 is provided.

[0006] According to a second example aspect, a device as defined in appended claim 10 is provided.

[0007] According to a third example aspect, there is provided a system comprising the apparatus of the first example aspect and the device of the second example aspect.

[0008] According to a fourth example aspect, a method in the apparatus as defined in appended claim 13 is provided.

[0009] According to a fifth example aspect, a method in the apparatus as defined in appended claim 14 is provided.

[0010] According to a sixth example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause execution of any method of the third or fourth example aspect.

[0011] The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable memory medium. The memory medium may include a digital data memory, such as a data disk or floppy disk, an optical memory, a magnetic memory, a holographic memory, an optical magnetic memory, a phase change memory, a resistive random access memory, a magnetic random access memory, a solid electrolyte memory, a ferroelectric random access memory, an organic memory, or a polymer memory. The memory medium may be formed as a device having no other substantial functions other than storing memory, or may be formed as part of a device having other functions, including but not limited to a computer memory, a chipset, and a subassembly of an electronic device.

[0012] According to a seventh example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method of the third or fourth example aspect.

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

[0014] According to a ninth example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing the method of the fourth example aspect.

[0015] According to an example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising

[0016] a first circuit configured to cause an initial transmission to be sent to a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device having an energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of sending data via a backscatter radio transmission;

[0017] a second circuit configured to detect a failure of the device to transmit data by backscatter;

[0018] a third circuit configured to cause, based on the detecting, sending a first radio transmission to the device, the first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting;

[0019] a fourth circuit configured to cause a second radio transmission to be sent to the device, the second radio transmission comprising instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; and

[0020] A fifth circuit is configured to attempt to detect that the device has successfully transmitted data via the backscatter.

[0021] According to a tenth example aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising

[0022] a sixth circuit configured to perform receiving an initial radio transmission and causing an attempt to transmit data to a device by backscattering the initial radio transmission;

[0023] a seventh circuit configured to perform receiving a first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting;

[0024] an eighth circuit configured to perform, in accordance with the received instructions, reducing the radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting to an energy storage of the device;

[0025] a ninth circuit configured to perform receiving a second radio transmission, the second radio transmission including instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; and

[0026] A tenth circuit is configured to increase the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instruction and backscatter outgoing data with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0027] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been described above. The previous embodiments are only used to explain selected aspects or steps that can be used in the implementation. Some embodiments may only be introduced for certain example aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the corresponding embodiments can also be applied to other example aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 An architectural diagram of a system showing an example embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 A simplified backscatter circuit of an example embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 A block diagram showing an apparatus of an example embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A block diagram of an apparatus of an example embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A simplified signaling diagram illustrating the processing of an example embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 A simplified flow chart illustrating the processing of an example embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7a and 7b shows simplified flow charts illustrating various features of different example embodiments; and

[0036] Figure 8 Simplified flow charts illustrating various features of different further example embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] With reference to the attached drawings Figures 1 to 8 , you can understand the exemplary embodiments and their potential advantages. In this document, similar reference numerals designate similar parts or steps.

[0038] Figure 1 The system architecture diagram is shown in Figure 1 In the present invention, some ambient IoT devices 110 (or simply devices) reside in an environment. These devices can be independent parts or fixed or embedded in various goods or items, such as packages, vehicles, household appliances, mobile phones, and generally anything. 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 new 3GPP standards. For example, AIoT devices can be called tags.

[0039] Figure 1Some compatible network devices are also shown, including a monostatic or bistatic access point 120 and an illuminator 130, which is configured to illuminate the device with a powering radio signal without having to read any radio signals conveyed by the device. The illuminator can be, for example, a network node, such as a gNB. The access point can include, for example, a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the access point can also act as an illuminator. Therefore, the UE can also act as an illuminator. The access point can be configured with a single-station configuration, in which the same access point is configured to illuminate the AIoT device and read the signal backscattered by the AIoT device. The access point can be configured with a dual-station configuration, in which 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 simultaneously operating 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 as either a reader or an illuminator. Figure 1 Also shown are examples of access points configured to operate as bistatic elements for other devices.

[0040] Figure 2 A 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 one of 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, such as 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 is 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 differ in gain in the frequency band used for backscattering.

[0041] In an example embodiment, any of the device 110, access point 120, and illuminator may be compatible with 3GPP Technical Recommendation TR 22.840 "Ambient IoT Research". The recommendation specifically lists the following types of ambient AIoT devices:

[0042] Device A: No energy storage, no independent signal generation or amplification, i.e. backscatter transmission.

[0043] Device B: Energy storage without independent signal generation or amplification, i.e. backscatter transmission. Use of the stored energy may include amplification of the reflected signal.

[0044] Device C: Energy storage, independent signal generation, i.e. active RF component for transmission.

[0045] Type A and Type B are passive energy harvesting IoT devices without and with energy storage, respectively. In Type B devices, the 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 has been observed that adding an amplifier to an AIoT device increases the cost and size of the AIoT device.

[0046] As mentioned earlier, for backscatter AIoT devices, the illumination signal is used to power the AIoT device and enable backscatter information. Backscatter modulates the radio transmission incident on the AIoT device through reflection, and its antenna mismatch level is adjusted to change the RC circuit, such as Figure 2 In addition, such a passive communication device can perform energy harvesting (EH) from ambient RF signals to support its circuit operation.

[0047] Let's consider how the backscatter circuitry of an AIoT device operates 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, such that the absorbing state indicates a bit "0" transmission and the reflecting state indicates a bit "1". A radio reflection coefficient of 0 indicates that all energy is absorbed / collected by the AIoT device, while 1 indicates that energy is reflected by the radio reflection coefficient 0<α<1. The AIoT device requires a (1-α) portion of the irradiated signal power P to power its circuits.

[0048] In an example embodiment, the AIoT device is configured to have more than two different states that are necessary for channel coding and modulation using backscatter. For example, an increased radio reflection coefficient that is closer to 1 than normal backscatter can be provided. In an example embodiment, the AIoT device can be configured to have at least 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 below 1 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 maximum range for outgoing data for backscattering.

[0049] In an example embodiment, the radio reflection coefficient is defined by the following equation:

[0050] α i =(Z i -Z a *) / (Z i +Z a ), where Z a is the antenna impedance, * is the complex conjugate operator, and i=1,2,... represents 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.

[0051] For clarity, it is explicitly pointed out that the term backscatter in this context refers to the changing reflections of radio transmissions, 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).

[0052] 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 capable of communicating with the ambient IoT device 110 .

[0053] The device 300 includes a memory 340, which includes a working memory 342 and a non-volatile memory 344, and the non-volatile memory 344 includes a 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, and a communication unit 310 for communicating with a user device and a cellular network (e.g., a new radio capable of 5G cellular communication). The communication unit 310 includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) port; a wireless local area network (WLAN) unit; a Bluetooth unit; a cellular data communication unit; or a satellite data communication unit. The communication unit 310 also includes a proximity communication circuit capable of communicating with an environmental IoT device. In an example embodiment, the communication unit 310 also includes a radio energizer for wirelessly energizing a device capable of wirelessly obtaining energy from a radio transmission.

[0054] Processor 320 includes, for example, 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. Device 300 also includes a user interface 330, including, for example, one or more of a display, a touch screen, a button, a microphone, a speaker, a fingerprint reader. In an example embodiment, device 300 also includes a programmable subscriber identity module or a slot 350 for accepting a subscriber identity module.

[0055] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram of a device 400 is shown, which can operate as an ambient IoT device of an example embodiment. The device 400 can be a Type B AIoT device that includes energy storage and relies on backscatter transmission. For example, the device 400 has no independent transmission signal generation.

[0056] 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 also includes a radio circuit 410 that is capable of communicating using backscatter based on incoming radio transmissions and harvesting energy from the radio signals to power the device 400.

[0057] Processing circuit 420 includes, for example, 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. Device 400 also includes energy storage 430. In an example embodiment, energy storage 430 includes a rechargeable battery. In an example embodiment, energy storage 430 includes a capacitor.

[0058] In an example embodiment, at least a portion of the harvested energy is stored in energy storage 430 .

[0059] 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 storage 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 with sufficient voltage.

[0060] As described above, an AIoT device (e.g., a tag) can radiate some of the energy of a radio transmission to the surroundings in backscatter. In addition, the AIoT device can additionally or alternatively use a radio circuit 410 to collect some energy from the radio transmission. Some of the collected energy can be used simultaneously by various circuits of the AIoT device, and the remainder can be stored in the energy storage device 430. In an exemplary embodiment, all the collected energy is stored in the energy storage device 430 before use. In an exemplary embodiment, a two-stage range extension is provided for a type B AIoT device. The first stage attempts to completely absorb / collect energy by setting a smaller radio reflection coefficient α (close to zero) and store the collected energy in the energy storage device 430. The stored energy can be used later 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 can be used from the storage device to power the transmission. The increased α will help increase the reflected power and range extension of the type B backscatter device.

[0061] In an example embodiment, a Type B device requires a very small energy storage. This energy storage should be able to hold enough energy to operate the circuitry of the AIoT device for a short period of time so that a relatively large radio reflection coefficient α can be used for backscattering. It is understandable that the AIoT device may not need any excess stored energy because, in the absence of active transmission capabilities (such as amplification of the radio signal), the AIoT device cannot use it to increase its transmission power anyway.

[0062] In an example embodiment, an access point attempts to communicate with an AIoT device without knowing a) the amount of energy stored in an energy storage device of the AIoT device, b) the rate at which energy can be stored in the energy storage device of the AIoT device, and c) the amount of remaining capacity of the energy storage device. If the AIoT device is unable to transmit information via backscatter so that the access point will detect the transmission of the information, the access point attempts to cause the AIoT device to begin a first phase to wirelessly collect energy into the storage device. The AIoT device then begins to power at least some of its circuits with the energy stored in the energy storage device and communicates using backscatter with an increased radio reflection coefficient because absorption of energy can be avoided or at least reduced. Using the increased radio reflection coefficient, information sent 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.

[0063] The access point determines the duration of the first phase without such knowledge and then attempts to communicate with the AIoT device again. When the AIoT device fails to transmit information via backscatter, the access point may try for a longer or another duration and attempt communication again until a set maximum time or number of attempts is reached. In an example embodiment, detecting the information transmitted via backscatter includes detecting whether the transmitted information has been received by an external reader.

[0064] In an example embodiment, the access point is responsible for informing the AIoT device to dynamically set its radio reflection coefficient α, and the AIoT device follows the instructions only based on the signal it receives. In an example embodiment, the access point is any device connected to the network, such as a 3GPP device, including gNB, smart phones, etc. A single-station configuration or a dual-station configuration can be used.

[0065] 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 an illuminator, such as a 5G Node B, gNB or UE. Figure 5Two AIoT device type B devices 110, 110' are shown in the figure as the first AIoT device 110 and the 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 device and any further devices can receive the illumination signals and use them to absorb and store energy. Figure 5 Presented

[0066] 501. Register the AIoT device with the network. The AIoT device informs the network of its device type (e.g., Type B in this case). This allows the network to understand the availability of energy storage on the AIoT device, operations regarding which will be described below for some example embodiments. It is worth noting that the network can collaborate with other types of devices in parallel. Here, the network includes any device that operates using 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.

[0067] 502. The access point obtains the capability information of the AIoT device. If the registration is performed through the access point, the access point can simply obtain and maintain this knowledge. In an example embodiment, the network informs the access point of the identifier of the AIoT device, and the access point obtains the capability information of the AIoT device from the registrar. The access point can obtain the capability information by pulling, or the capability information is provided by the network.

[0068] 503. When intending to enhance wireless charging of an AIoT device (or set of AIoT devices), the access point sends an initial radio transmission, e.g., energy_harvest = 0, to command the AIoT device to attempt normal backscatter mode. Normal backscatter mode means backscatter without range extension processing. NOTE: If the illuminator is not co-hosted with the access point, the access point can control the illuminator through commands or requests sent to the illuminator. For simplicity, it is assumed here that the access point and the illuminator co-exist, or the access point can control the illuminator. In Figure 5 , both the first AIoT device 110 and the second AIoT device 110' receive radio transmissions. In particular if the illuminators are not co-located with the access point, the first AIoT device 110 and the second AIoT device 110' may even receive radio transmissions having the same power level. However, they may and often do reside at different distances, or at least have different radio signal attenuation due to different intermediate absorbing or reflecting objects, such that their radio outputs are received differently by the access point, as is the case in this figure.

[0069] 504. The first AIoT device 110 typically backscatters information upon receiving the initial radio transmission. This information has been successfully communicated to the access point 120 in a readable manner.

[0070] 505. The second AIoT device 110' also backscatters information normally when receiving the initial radio transmission, but due to the poor wireless link, the access point 120 does not receive the backscattered information 120. Therefore, the access point 120 knows that the range of the second AIoT device 110' may not be enough. It is worth noting that some AIoT devices may not be able to adequately receive the initial radio transmission or even attempt to backscatter information, in which case they will not backscatter anything at all. The access point 120 can 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 of the device 110' has failed, or that the device has performed backscattering, but the range is not long enough. Alternatively, if another access point is communicating with the device, an indication can be received from the other access point indicating that the backscatter was not received from the device 110'.

[0071] 506. Perform sending of an initial radio transmission and attempt to read a responding backscatter signal 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 greater than 1, or, for example, greater than 5. When k is greater than 1, temporary radio path problems may be overcome.

[0072] 507. Start the range extension process. It is worth noting that the access point 120 lacks knowledge of the internal power requirements of the AIoT devices 110, 110' (e.g., for processing), the radio attenuation of the AIoT devices 110, 110' relative to the power supply radio signal source (the source is, for example, the access point itself or the illuminator), and the access point's radio attenuation, the capacity of its energy storage, etc. Therefore, the access point 120 cannot determine in advance how long each AIoT device will take to backscatter with a larger radio reflection coefficient. In an example embodiment, the range extension process includes a charging phase and a communication phase after the charging phase. In an example embodiment, the access point 120 uses a counter to control an incremental boost procedure. Therein, the access point 120 sets the initial value of the counter N so that the illuminator sends an energy signal N-1 times, followed by a backscatter signal sent by the AIoT device (here by the second AIoT device 110').

[0073] 508. At the beginning of the charging phase, the access point 120 sends a first radio transmission to the AIoT device or in particular the second AIoT device 110'. The first radio transmission includes instructions, such as a signal energy_harvest=1, which is used to instruct the relevant AIoT device not to backscatter, but to absorb (at least most of) the energy from the powering radio transmission and store the absorbed energy for later use. In an example embodiment, the access point sends an indication of the intended AIoT device targets of these instructions, such as an ID_list, to let the AIoT device group know that the powering radio transmission can be used to harvest energy into the energy storage. Note that the intended AIoT device (and other AIoT devices that may not be intended to participate in this incremental energy boost) do not perform any backscattering in this step, so there is no backscattered transmission by the AIoT device in question.

[0074] 509. The first AIoT device 110 is powered or illuminated by one or more radio transmissions of an access point or network device 120 or another network device. These radio transmissions may be referred to as powering radio transmissions. The powering radio transmissions are used to enable the AIoT device to wirelessly collect energy into its energy storage. A broad arrow is drawn as the powering radio transmission continues during the energy collection period.

[0075] 510. 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 circuitry without consuming power or reducing the need to consume power to power radio transmissions when the AIoT device is expected to backscatter information to the network. The AIoT device 110' can collect energy from radio transmissions received from the access point 120.

[0076] 511. If N>2, repeat steps 508 to 510 N-1 times before the next step.

[0077] 512. The access point repeats step 503 to the second AIoT device 110', ie the access point sends the initial radio transmission with energy_harvest=0 again.

[0078] 513. When receiving an initial radio transmission, the second AIoT device 110' uses its stored energy to operate one or more of its circuits, such as the processing circuit. This reduces the required power drawn from the received power supply signal. The second AIoT device 110' sets a higher radio reflection coefficient value 0 << α < 1 for backscattering without loss of operability, e.g., 1 or as close to 1 as possible for the second AIoT device 110'. If there is sufficient energy in the energy memory of the second AIoT device 110' to operate its circuits (or in the example embodiment, at least some of the circuits), the second AIoT device 110' can use the maximum possible value of α to allow more reflection, thereby increasing its reflected power. In the example embodiment, if the amount of stored energy is not sufficient to operate the circuits, the second AIoT device 110' uses an intermediate value of α, which the second AIoT device 110' can utilize to collect enough energy to power the circuits while using the remaining radio reflection for backscattering.

[0079] 514. The AIoT device backscatters with an increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0080] 515. If the access point 120 fails to receive backscattering information from the AIoT device, the access point 120 increases the value of N and resumes to step 508 (if N < N_max), where N_max (N maximum) represents the termination condition to avoid an overly long or infinite loop.

[0081] 516. If the access point 120 is able to receive backscattering information, then the communication phase follows, and in the example embodiment, the next initialization step 507 is adapted based on the last N value for which information from the AIoT device was successfully received.

[0082] 517. The process ends here and is repeated when the access point 120 is next due to communicate with a neighboring AIoT device that should be within the range of the access point 120.

[0083] Figure 6 A simplified flowchart of the method in the example embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The method can be used in combination with, for example, some of the example embodiments disclosed with reference to Figure 5 The method can be performed by the access point 120 (e.g., a gNB assumed to be a combined illuminator / access point). In one example embodiment, the method includes a charging phase in which the AIoT device 110 charges its energy memory according to the command of the access point 120 until the access point 120 indicates an enhanced radio reflectivity in a subsequent communication phase to enhance backscattering. Figure 5

[0084] ​In step 601, the access point initializes the counter N described above. In an example embodiment, the initialization is always performed by setting N to a constant initial value. In an alternative example embodiment, the initialization includes setting different initialization values ​​in subsequent runs. In an example embodiment, the different initialization value is the last successful value of N to accelerate the success of the range extension process. In an example embodiment, the different initialization value is an intermediate value selected between 1 and the last successful value of N. In an example embodiment, the intermediate value is the average of 1 and the last successful value of N when rounded up or down. In an example embodiment, the different initialization value is the last successful value of N until a given portion of attempts succeeds in the first attempt, and then a smaller initialization value is used. In an example embodiment, the smaller initialization value is the above average. In an example embodiment, the smaller initialization value is a portion of the last successful value of N. In an example embodiment, the portion is at most 80% or 90% of N. In an example embodiment, the portion is at least 50% or 70% of N.

[0085] In step 602, the access point causes a signal 508 to be sent to command the powered AIoT device to reduce its radio reflection coefficient as close to zero as possible and collect more energy into its own energy storage.

[0086] In step 603, the access point causes N powering radio transmissions to be sent for collection by the AIoT device in a state where backscatter is not expected. In an example embodiment, rather than specifically causing N powering radio transmissions to be sent, a corresponding pause of N durations may be made to allow the AIoT device to collect energy from the powering radio signal. In an example embodiment, such a powering radio signal is sent independently of the access point.

[0087] In an example embodiment, there are no gaps between the N powering radio transmissions, so that a single radio transmission may be seen for N time periods. The duration for which the powering radio transmission is performed may be referred to as a collection period. In this document, powering radio transmissions are used interchangeably with radio transmissions that last for a given duration, regardless of whether there are gaps or interruptions between consecutive radio transmissions. By providing an AIoT device with N powering radio transmissions, the powered AIoT device may obtain a dynamically modifiable and typically increasing amount of energy in order to collect sufficient energy for extending its range using the stored energy, powering at least some circuits, and thereby enabling use of the increased radio reflection coefficient described previously.

[0088] exist Figure 6In step 604, the access point controls the duration of energy harvesting, so there is no need to tell the AIoT device how many powering radio transmissions will be provided. Instead, in step 604, the access point sends a command to the AIoT to increase the radio reflection coefficient to close to 1 to increase the probability of successfully backscattering information to the access point.

[0089] In 605, the access point checks whether the information is successfully backscattered by the AIoT device. If so, the process goes to end 608. Otherwise, the process continues to step 606.

[0090] In step 606, the access point verifies whether N has not met the termination condition, for example, whether N is less than the maximum value N_max of N. If the termination condition has not been met, the process continues in step 607, otherwise the AIoT device that has not successfully received the backscatter is considered out of coverage, and the process goes to end 608. In an example embodiment, steps 605 and 606 are combined. This is mentioned as an example of a variation space, but is not intended to exclude other variations available to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0091] In step 607, the access point increases N by an increment delta. In an exemplary embodiment, the increment is a constant, such as 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the increment is a variable, such as a fraction of N or N multiplied by a factor x, where x is greater than 0 and possibly greater than 1. The process then resumes at step 602.

[0092] Figure 7a and 7b A flow chart is shown illustrating a process of an example embodiment in a device (eg, a network device or an access point) or a controller of a device, the process comprising:

[0093] 701. Causes sending of an initial transmission to a device, wherein the device is an ambient IoT device having an energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of sending data via backscatter radio transmission. In an example embodiment, causing sending of the initial transmission includes instructing an internal access point to perform the sending of the initial transmission. In an example embodiment, causing communication includes instructing an external access point to perform the sending of the initial transmission. In an example embodiment, causing sending of the initial transmission is performed by radio communication suitable for the ambient IoT device.

[0094] 702. Prevents the detection device from transmitting data via backscatter.

[0095] 703. Based on the detection, causing a first radio transmission to be sent to the device, the first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection. In an example embodiment, the first radio transmission is sent by an internal access point. In an example embodiment, the first radio transmission is sent by an external access point. In an example embodiment, the first radio transmission is applicable to an ambient IoT device.

[0096] 704. Causes sending a second radio transmission to the device, the second radio transmission including instructions for increasing a radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy collection. In an example embodiment, the second radio transmission is sent by an internal access point. In an example embodiment, the second radio transmission is sent by an external access point. In an example embodiment, the second radio transmission is applicable to an ambient IoT device.

[0097] 705. Make the attempt to detect that the device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter.

[0098] Detecting that a device has failed to transmit data by backscattering is to be understood as meaning that the device may have sent data but the reader device has failed to receive the data, for example due to inefficiencies in backscattering. Thus, the data was not actually transmitted from the device to the reader.

[0099] The processing may be performed or caused to be performed 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 communication attempt to be made by the adjacent communication circuit with the device. In an example embodiment, the device is a UE.

[0100] The process may also include any one or more of the following:

[0101] 706. Repeating sending a first radio transmission including an instruction to reduce the radio reflection coefficient and sending a second radio transmission including an instruction to increase the radio reflection coefficient until it is detected that the device has successfully transmitted data by backscattering or until it is detected that a maximum number of repetitions has been performed.

[0102] 707. Detecting that at least one device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter includes detecting data received from a device after sending a radio transmission to the device.

[0103] 708. Detecting that at least one device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter includes receiving information from the ambient IoT access point that the ambient IoT access point has successfully received data from the device after the apparatus has sent a radio transmission to the device. The ambient IoT access point may operate independently of the apparatus performing step 701.

[0104] 709. Upon detecting that the device has successfully transmitted data via backscatter, determining instructions for subsequent communication attempts with the device to reduce a radio reflection coefficient factor based on previous instructions to increase wireless energy harvesting.

[0105] 710. Detecting a failure of a device to transmit data via backscatter includes detecting a failure to receive data from a device during an initial radio transmission to the device.

[0106] 711. Detecting that the device fails to transmit data via backscatter includes receiving information from the ambient IoT access point indicating that the ambient IoT access point failed to receive data from the device during a radio transmission sent to the device. The ambient IoT access point may operate independently of the apparatus performing step 701.

[0107] 712. After sending the first radio transmission including instructions to reduce the radio reflection coefficient, causing sending to the device an energizing radio transmission intended for energy harvesting with a reduced or low radio reflection coefficient.

[0108] 713. The energizing radio transmission intended for energy harvesting with reduced or low radio reflection coefficient is one continuous transmission. In an example embodiment, the energizing radio transmission intended for energy harvesting with reduced or low radio reflection coefficient is sent as multiple discontinuous transmissions.

[0109] In an example embodiment, the process also includes synchronizing the first attempt with a discontinuous wireless powering of the device. In an example embodiment, the process also includes waiting for a collection duration between the first radio transmission and the second radio transmission while repeatedly causing the first radio transmission and the second radio transmission to be sent. In an example embodiment, the process also includes extending the collection duration with a varying extension, such as a progressive extension. In an example embodiment, the process also includes extending the collection duration with a fixed duration or remaining unchanged. In an example embodiment, the extension of the collection duration is device-independent, i.e., the same for all devices.

[0110] In an example embodiment, the process further includes performing initialization prior to the first attempt to communicate with the ambient IoT device. In an example embodiment, the initialization includes setting the harvesting duration to a minimum duration. In an example embodiment, the initialization includes setting the harvesting duration to the latest harvesting duration for which communication with the device was successful. In an example embodiment, the initialization includes setting the harvesting duration to an intermediate duration between the minimum duration and the latest harvesting duration for which communication with the device was successful. In an example embodiment, the intermediate duration is an average of the minimum duration and the latest harvesting duration for which communication with the device was successful. In an example embodiment, the intermediate duration is the sum of the minimum duration and the latest harvesting duration for which communication with the device was successful multiplied by at least: 0.25; 0.3; 0.35; 0.4; or 0.45.

[0111] In an example embodiment, the process further includes directing one or more communications exclusively to the device using at least an identifier of the device. In an example embodiment, energy harvesting is increased from a level of zero. That is, in some cases, such as due to positioning of the hardware or the AIoT device, or both, there may be no energy harvesting prior to increasing energy harvesting as the radio reflection coefficient increases. In an example embodiment, energy harvesting is increased from a level greater than zero.

[0112] In an example embodiment, the extension of the collection duration is defined specifically for the device.In an example embodiment, the properties of the device are learned and used for customized energizing of the device.

[0113] In an example embodiment, the process further comprises receiving a device communication request from a cellular network. In an example embodiment, the process further comprises detecting the device communication request and responsively making a first attempt to communicate with the ambient IoT device.

[0114] In an example embodiment, the reduced radio reflection coefficient is as small as possible, for example at most 0.5%, 1% or 5%.

[0115] In an example embodiment, the increased radio reflection coefficient is as large as possible, for example at least 95%, 99% or 99.5%.

[0116] Figure 8 Example embodiments are shown in a device (e.g., an ambient IoT device, such as Figure 4 400) in a device, the process comprising

[0117] 801. Receive an initial radio transmission and make an attempt to transmit data to a device by backscattering the initial radio transmission.

[0118] 802. Receive a first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting.

[0119] 803. Reduce the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instructions to increase wireless energy collection to the device's energy storage.

[0120] 804. Receive a second radio transmission including instructions for increasing a radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting.

[0121] 805. Increase the radio reflection coefficient according to the received instructions, and backscatter outgoing data with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0122] The processing may also include any one or more of the following:

[0123] 806. The amount of energy in the detected energy storage is insufficient to continue operation with an increased radio reflection coefficient.

[0124] 807. In response to detecting that the amount of energy is insufficient to continue operating with the increased radio reflection coefficient, the radio reflection coefficient is set to an intermediate value below the increased radio reflection coefficient and above the temporarily reduced radio reflection coefficient.

[0125] 808. Prior to receiving a first radio transmission, causing an attempt to transmit data to the device by backscatter, the first radio transmission comprising instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy collection.

[0126] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0127] (a) pure hardware circuit implementation (e.g. implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and

[0128] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0129] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and

[0130] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software and memory with software that works together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0131] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors (such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor) that require software (such as firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0132] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers implementations of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portions of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and where applicable to a particular claim element, 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.

[0133] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the range of an ambient IoT device can be increased. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the range of an ambient IoT device can be increased using local energy storage only when necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays when the ambient IoT device can easily communicate through backscatter powered radio transmissions. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the range of an ambient IoT device is increased by increasing the radio reflection coefficient, avoiding the need to increase the radio power of the powered radio transmission, thereby avoiding radio interference and increased energy consumption. A further technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that very few resources are required to increase the range, and overall energy efficiency can be improved.

[0134] 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 illuminator. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software, or instruction set is stored on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory medium or component that can contain, store, convey, propagate, or transmit instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus (e.g., a computer), where an example of a computer is Figure 3or 4 described and depicted. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which may be any medium or component that can contain or store instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (e.g., a computer). The term non-transitory as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., random access memory vs. read-only memory).

[0135] 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 functions described above may be optional or may be used in combination.

[0136] Although various aspects of the invention have been set out in the independent claims, further aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features of the described embodiments and / or dependent claims with features of the independent claims, not just the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0137] It should also be noted that while the foregoing describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, numerous changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions when executed by the at least one processor causing the apparatus to at least: causing an initial radio transmission to be sent to the device, wherein The device is an ambient IoT device having an energy storage device, and wherein the device is capable of transmitting data via backscatter radio transmission; causing detection of a failure of said device to transmit data via said backscattering; as well as based on the detecting, causing a first radio transmission to be sent to the device, the first radio transmission comprising instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting; causing a second radio transmission to be sent to the device, the second radio transmission comprising instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; as well as An attempt is made to detect that the device has successfully transmitted data via the backscatter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions are further configured to, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The sending of the first radio transmission and the sending of the second radio transmission are repeated until it is detected that the device has successfully transmitted data via the backscatter or until it is detected that a maximum number of repetitions have been performed.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: Detecting that the at least one device has successfully transmitted data via the backscattering includes: Receipt of data backscattered by the device is detected after sending the second radio transmission to the device.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: Detecting that the at least one device has successfully transmitted data via the backscattering includes: After sending the second radio transmission to the device, information is received from the ambient IoT access point that the ambient IoT access point has successfully received data from the device.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Detecting a failure of the device to transmit data via the backscattering includes: A failure to receive information backscattered by the device is detected during sending the initial radio transmission to the device.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Detecting a failure of the device to transmit data via the backscattering includes: Information is received from an ambient IoT access point, the information indicating that the ambient IoT access point failed to receive information backscattered by the device during the initial radio transmission to the device.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further configured to: After sending the first radio transmission, causing sending to the device an energizing radio transmission intended for energy harvesting with a reduced radio reflection coefficient.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The powering radio transmission intended for energy harvesting at the reduced radio reflection coefficient is a continuous transmission.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The powering radio transmission intended for energy harvesting at the reduced radio reflection coefficient is sent as a plurality of discontinuous transmissions.

10. A device, wherein: The device is an ambient IoT device, including: Energy storage, at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receiving an initial radio transmission and causing an attempt to transmit data to a device by backscattering the initial radio transmission; receiving a first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting; reducing the radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting to the energy storage according to the received instructions; receiving a second radio transmission, the second radio transmission comprising instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; and The radio reflection coefficient is increased according to the received instruction, and the outgoing data is backscattered with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, are further configured to cause the apparatus to at least: detecting that the amount of energy in the energy storage is insufficient to continue operating with the increased radio reflection coefficient, and in response, Such that the radio reflection coefficient is set to an intermediate value which is lower than the increased radio reflection coefficient and higher than the temporarily decreased radio reflection coefficient.

12. A system comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the device according to any one of claims 10 to 11.

13. A method comprising: causing, by the network means, to send an initial transmission to a device, wherein the device is an ambient Internet of Things device having an energy storage, and wherein the device is capable of sending data via a backscatter radio transmission; causing, by the network device, detection of a failure of the device to transmit data via the backscatter; causing, by the network device, to send a first radio transmission to the device based on the detecting, the first radio transmission comprising instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting; causing, by the network device, a second radio transmission to be sent to the device, the second radio transmission comprising instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; as well as An attempt is made by the network device to detect that the apparatus has successfully transmitted data via the backscatter.

14. A method comprising: receiving, by a device that is an ambient IoT device, an initial radio transmission and causing an attempt to transmit data to the device by backscattering the initial radio transmission; receiving, by the device, a first radio transmission including instructions for reducing a radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting; reducing, by the device in accordance with the received instructions, the radio reflection coefficient to increase wireless energy harvesting to an energy storage of the device; receiving, by the device, a second radio transmission including instructions for increasing the radio reflection coefficient to reduce wireless energy harvesting; The radio reflection coefficient is increased by the device according to the received instruction, and the outgoing data is backscattered by the device with the increased radio reflection coefficient.

15. A computer program, comprising computer executable program code, wherein: The program code is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of claim 13 when the computer program code is executed by the apparatus, or the program code is configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of claim 14 when the computer program code is executed by the apparatus.

Images