Mode switching scheme for reconfigurable smart surface-assisted backscatter communication

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for a mode switching scheme for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assisted backscatter communication. The method may include connecting with a network node for communication; receiving an indication of an activation of backscatter from the network node; receiving a backscatter signal and a signal sent by a network node; and demodulating the backscatter signal and a signal transmitted by the network node, the backscatter signal comprising backscatter data.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to FI application number 20236008, filed on September 8, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Some example embodiments generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems and / or methods for a mode switching scheme for reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) assisted backscatter communications. Background Art

[0004] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology, and / or 5G-Advanced. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is primarily based on NR technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), as well as massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide ultra-wideband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and massive networks to support IoT. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions stored in the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: connect to a network node for communication; receive an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; receive backscatter signals, and signals sent by the network node; and demodulate the backscatter signals, and signals sent by the network node, the backscatter signals including backscatter data.

[0006] One embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions stored in the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least perform: reflect communications between a network node and a user equipment; receive an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; and communicate with the network node and the user equipment by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and sending the modulated incoming signal.

[0007] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions stored in the at least one memory, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least perform: connecting to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); receiving a request for backscattering; sending an indication of activation of backscattering by a network node to the user device via the RIS; sending an indication of activation of backscattering by the network node to the RIS; and communicating with the user device via the RIS.

[0008] Embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include: connecting to a network node for communication; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; receiving a backscatter signal and a signal sent by the network node; and demodulating the backscatter signal and the signal sent by the network node, the backscatter signal including backscatter data.

[0009] Embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include: reflecting communications between a network node and a user equipment; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node, and communicating with the network node and the user equipment by receiving an incoming signal; modulating the received incoming signal with backscattering data; and sending the modulated incoming signal.

[0010] One embodiment may be directed to a method. The method may include: connecting to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); receiving a request for backscatter; sending, by a network node, an indication of activation of backscatter to the user device via the RIS; sending, by the network node, an indication of activation of backscatter to the RIS; and communicating with the user device via the RIS.

[0011] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: means for connecting to a network node for communication; means for receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; means for receiving a backscatter signal and a signal sent by the network node; and means for demodulating the backscatter signal and the signal sent by the network node, the backscatter signal including backscatter data.

[0012] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: means for reflecting communications between a network node and a user equipment; means for receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; and means for communicating with the network node and the user equipment by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and transmitting the modulated incoming signal.

[0013] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: means for connecting to a user equipment for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); means for receiving a request for backscatter; means for sending an indication of activation of backscatter by a network node to the user equipment via the RIS; means for sending an indication of activation of backscatter by the network node to the RIS; and means for communicating with the user equipment via the RIS.

[0014] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus including a circuit system configured to perform a method. The method may include: connecting to a network node for communication; receiving an indication of activation of backscatter from the network node; receiving a backscatter signal and a signal sent by the network node; and demodulating the backscatter signal and the signal sent by the network node, the backscatter signal including backscatter data.

[0015] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus including a circuit system configured to perform a method. The method may include: reflecting communications between a network node and a user device; receiving an indication of activation of backscatter from the network node; and communicating with the network node and the user device by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and transmitting the modulated incoming signal.

[0016] Another embodiment may be directed to an apparatus, including a circuit system configured to perform a method. The method may include: connecting to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); receiving a request for backscatter; sending, by a network node, to the user device, via the RIS, an indication of activation of backscatter; sending, by the network node, to the RIS, an indication of activation of backscatter; and communicating with the user device via the RIS.

[0017] Another embodiment may be directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: connecting to a network node for communication; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; receiving a backscatter signal, and a signal sent by the network node; and demodulating the backscatter signal, and a signal sent by the network node, the backscatter signal including backscatter data.

[0018] Another embodiment may be directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: reflecting communications between a network node and a user equipment; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; and communicating with the network node and the user equipment by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and transmitting the modulated incoming signal.

[0019] Another embodiment may be directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one method. The method may include: connecting to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); receiving a request for backscatter; sending, by a network node, to the user device, via the RIS, an indication of activation of backscatter; sending, by the network node, to the RIS, an indication of activation of backscatter; and communicating with the user device via the RIS. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an example signal diagram of communications between a user equipment (UE), a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS), and a network base station (gNB) according to certain example embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates another example signal diagram of communications between a UE, a RIS, and a gNB in ​​accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an example flow chart of a method for controlling a UE according to certain example embodiments;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates an example flow chart of a method for controlling a RIS according to certain example embodiments;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates an example flow chart of a method for controlling a network base station according to certain example embodiments;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates an example RIS according to certain example embodiments;

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates another example RIS according to certain example embodiments;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates an example network with a UE, a RIS, and a gNB according to certain example embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 9 illustrates another example network with a UE, a RIS, and a gNB in ​​accordance with certain example embodiments; and

[0030] Fig.10 A collection of apparatuses according to some example embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It will be readily appreciated that components of certain example embodiments as generally described and illustrated herein may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for a mode switching scheme for RIS-assisted backscatter communications.

[0032] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described in this specification may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," or other similar language in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "an example embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. In addition, the terms "base station," "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language in this specification may be used interchangeably.

[0033] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0034] Figure 1An example signal diagram 1000 of communication between a user equipment (UE) 100, a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) 200, and a network base station (gNB) 300 is illustrated according to certain example embodiments. UE 100 may be a device such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone, etc. RIS 200 may be a device that reflects and / or modulates signals to facilitate communication between UE 100 and gNB 300. Network base station 300 may be a base station or other network element that communicates with a device. A network base station may be part of a network that includes other devices that may communicate electronically, including servers, processors, computers, base stations, etc. UE 100, RIS 200, and gNB 300 may communicate electronically using wireless communications.

[0035] At S1010, UE 100 may share its ability to receive beamformed backscatter signals with gNB 300. UE 100 may share this ability as part of a handshake process or initiation of an application, or another similar type of communication between UE 100 and gNB 300. The communication may be conducted via RIS 200. RIS 200 may reflect the communication between UE 100 and gNB 300. RIS 200 may be configured to direct the communication to the location of UE 100 and gNB 300 based on the configuration of active and passive elements in RIS 200.

[0036] At S1020, the UE 100 and the gNB 300 may communicate via the RIS 200 using passive reflection in the passive reflection mode. In the passive reflection mode, the RIS 200 may reflect signals from the gNB 300 to the UE 100 and reflect signals from the UE 100 to the gNB 300. The active elements of the RIS may be configured to direct the signals and may not change configuration during the passive reflection mode.

[0037] At S1030, an incoming signal from the gNB 300 is transmitted by the gNB 300 and arrives at the RIS 200. At S1040, the RIS 200 in the passive reflection mode reflects the incoming signal toward the UE 100 without any modulation of the incoming signal, and the UE 100 receives the reflected signal.

[0038] At S1050, one or more active elements of RIS 200 may sense an alarm condition via a sensor in (or connected to) the active element of RIS 200. RIS 200 detects the sensor alarm and changes the configuration of the active element to communicate with gNB 300.

[0039] At S1060, RIS 200 sends a request to enable beamforming backscatter mode (BBM) to gNB 300. The request may include an identifier of RIS 200, the type of sensor alarm, an application associated with the alarm, and other similar information.

[0040] At S1070, the gNB 300 may determine to activate the beamforming backscatter mode based on the type of alarm and the application associated with the alarm. Then, the gNB 300 may send a signal to notify the UE 100 of the beamforming backscatter mode activation. The RIS 200 may reflect the signal to the UE 100 in a passive reflection mode.

[0041] At S1080, gNB 300 may send a signal to RIS 200 indicating that the request to enable beamforming backscatter mode has been accepted.

[0042] At S1090, the gNB 300, RIS 200, and UE 100 may be reconfigured to communicate via a beamforming backscatter mode. The gNB 300 and UE 100 may be reconfigured by updating a mode indicator. The RIS 200 may be reconfigured by changing a configuration of an active element of the RIS 200 to modulate a message reflected from the gNB 300 to include a backscatter signal.

[0043] At S1100, the gNB 300 may send an incoming signal to the RIS 200. The incoming signal may include information that may or may not be related to the alarm, or information that may or may not be related to an application associated with the alarm.

[0044] At S1110, the RIS 200 in beamforming backscatter mode reflects the incoming signal using the backscatter signal modulated on the incoming signal. The backscatter signal 200 may be associated with an alarm or an application associated with an alarm. The UE 100 may receive the incoming signal modulated with the backscatter signal and demodulate the signal to process the backscatter signal and the incoming signal.

[0045] Figure 2 Another example signal diagram 2000 illustrating communications between UE 100, RIS 200, and gNB 300 according to certain example embodiments. Figure 2 Some operations in Figure 1 The description of similar operations may be omitted or described in less detail. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operations described are not mutually exclusive and may be combined in any manner to facilitate communication between UE 100, RIS 200, and gNB 300.

[0046] At S2010, the UE 100 may be connected to the gNB 300 via the RIS 200 in a passive reflection mode via a handshake protocol or other similar communication. At S2020, the UE 100 and the gNB 300 may perform upload (UL) and download (DL) communications via the RIS 200.

[0047] At S2030, the UE 100 may determine to request backscatter information via the RIS 200 based on an application implemented on the UE 100. For example, if the application requires or expects data from a sensor co-located with, embedded in, or connected to the RIS 200, the UE 100 may determine to request backscatter information via the RIS 200. The UE 100 may request backscatter information via the RIS 200. To reiterate, the UE may request activation of a beamforming backscatter mode so that information may be modulated via backscatter onto a signal reflected by the RIS 200 in a beamforming manner. The request may include the application, the desired information to be modulated onto the signal, timing, or other information required to identify the desired communication.

[0048] At S2040, gNB 300 may send a mode switching request to RIS 200. The mode switching request may include an application, desired information, a sensor for which data is requested, timing, or other information required to identify the desired communication.

[0049] At S2050, RIS 200 may send a mode switching request response to gNB 300, confirming the mode switching and providing the desired communication capability. If the desired communication is determined to be impossible, RIS 200 may reject the mode switching.

[0050] At S2060, RIS 200 may activate the backscatter elements and switch to a beamforming backscatter mode. The switch may be performed by configuring the active elements of RIS 200 for backscattering to modulate the backscatter signals on the incoming signals. In certain example embodiments, the active elements may include antenna elements connected to circuitry for modulating data onto the backscatter signals without any active RF transmission chain.

[0051] At S2070, the gNB 300 may notify the UE 200 of the beamforming backscatter mode activation via the RIS 200.

[0052] At S2080, gNB 300 may communicate with RIS 200 to start sending sensor data via beamforming backscatter mode. gNB 300 may include a trigger, such as a code or a trigger message, in the communication to start sending sensor data.

[0053] At S2090, the gNB 300 may send an incoming signal to the RIS 200. At S2010, the RIS 200 in the beamforming backscatter mode reflects the incoming signal using the backscatter signal modulated on the incoming signal. Thus, the gNB 300, the RIS 200, and the UE 100 may communicate in the beamforming backscatter mode, where the RIS 200 modulates the incoming signal using the backscatter signal that transmits sensor information from the sensor of the RIS 200.

[0054] Figure 3 An example flow chart of a method 3000 of controlling a UE 100 according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 3 The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 3 The method may be performed by a user equipment (UE) (such as a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.). The UE may be similar to Fig.10 One of the devices 10 or 20 shown in FIG.

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 3 The method may include: at S3010, connecting to a network node for communication; at S3020, receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; at S3030, receiving a backscattering signal and a signal sent by the network node; and at S3040, demodulating the backscattering signal and the signal sent by the network node, the backscattering signal including backscattering data.

[0056] Figure 4 An example flow chart 4000 of a method for controlling RIS 200 according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 4 The method can be performed by a RIS having active and passive components. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 The method can be performed by RIS200, such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure.

[0057] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 4 The method may include: at S4010, reflecting communication between a network node and a user equipment; at S4020, receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from a network node; and at S4030, communicating with the network node and the user equipment by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscattering data, and sending the modulated incoming signal.

[0058] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5An example flow chart of a method 5000 for controlling a network base station 300 is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be performed by gNB 300 and the like. gNB 300 is similar to Fig.10 One of the devices 10 or 20 shown in FIG.

[0059] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5 The method may include: at S5010, connecting to a user equipment for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); at S5020, receiving a request for backscattering; at S5030, sending an indication of activation of backscattering by a network node to the user equipment via the RIS; at S5040, sending an indication of activation of backscattering by the network node to the RIS; and at S5050, communicating with the user equipment via the RIS.

[0060] Figure 6 An example RIS 200 according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. RIS 200 may include passive elements 210 and active elements 230 in an array. The array may have a rectangular shape having N rows and M columns. The number of rows and columns may vary based on the signal strength and direction of the reflected signal expected for RIS 200. For example, an array of RIS 200 having larger passive elements 210 and active elements 230 may have a larger reflected signal strength. Active elements may be used to guide reflected signals (e.g., so that the maximum signal strength appears in the desired direction). The number and arrangement of active elements 230 and passive elements 210 may be determined by several factors, such as the desired angular range of reflected signals, cost (active elements 230 are usually more expensive than passive elements), and signaling / control protocols. In an example embodiment, active elements 230 may be located at each corner of the array, while all other elements are passive elements 210. In another example embodiment, active elements 230 may be dispersed throughout the array. For example, RIS 200 may be a large smart surface with sparse sensors (eg, a few sensors connected to the sensors or active elements spread throughout the array).

[0061] Each passive element 210 may include an antenna 240 and a passive phase shift element 250. The antenna 240 may receive an incoming signal and transmit a reflected signal. The passive phase shift element 250 may shift the phase of the reflected signal according to the configuration of the passive phase shift element 250.

[0062] Each active element 230 may include an antenna 240 and a passive phase shift element 250. The active element 230 may also include a switch 235 for switching between an active mode and a passive mode, and a beamforming backscatter mode. The passive mode utilizes the passive phase shift element 250 for passive reflection with a configured phase shift. The active mode allows active communication, such as communicating with the gNB 300 over a control channel. The beamforming backscatter mode allows for reflected signals and backscattering sensor information from the sensor onto the reflected signals. The active element may include a radio frequency (RF) chain 260, a RIS controller 270, and a sensor 280. The RF chain 260 may be configured to perform backscattering to modulate an incoming signal with a backscattered signal. The RIS controller 270 may include a processing circuit system (such as a field programmable gate array) and is configured to control the active element 230 (including controlling the switch 235, the sensor 280, and the RF chain 260). In beamforming backscatter mode, sensor 280 may control the inclusion of sensor information in the backscatter output, which is modulated onto the reflected input signal. In an example embodiment, sensor 280 may sense environmental conditions such as temperature, high vibration conditions (e.g., landslides or earthquakes), wind speed, air quality, etc. If the environmental conditions exceed a threshold, an alarm may be triggered by RIS controller 270. Sensor 280 may be connected to a baseband of RIS controller 270. When RIS controller 270 determines that an alarm has been triggered, RIS controller 270 may control switch 235 to communicate with gNB 300 to notify gNB 300 of the alarm (e.g., communicating in active mode). For example, RIS 200 may communicate with gNB 300 via a gNB 300 control channel.

[0063] In an example embodiment, one sensor 280 may be connected to all active elements 230 such that one sensor data output is modulated onto the reflected input signal by all active elements 230 to generate a backscattered signal. In another example embodiment, various sensors are attached to some of the active elements 230. In some example embodiments, the sensor 280 may include processing circuitry to allow the sensor 280 to determine when an alarm threshold is reached and control the sensor information to be backscattered onto the reflected input signal.

[0064] The RIS controller 270 and the RF chain 260 may be configured to perform channel sensing by measuring a reference signal. The RIS controller 270 and the RF chain 260 may use a compressed sensing based solution to restore a complete channel between the RIS and the transmitter / receiver (gNB300 / UE 100) to improve the phase of the passive element 210. The RIS controller 270, the RF chain 260, and the sensor 280 may be powered by harvesting energy from radio waves. Communication in active mode may include using harvested energy stored in a capacitor (not shown) or another form of energy storage device.

[0065] Figure 7 Another example RIS according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. The RIS may include a plurality of passive elements 210, and a plurality of passive backscatter elements 220. The passive backscatter elements may be similar to the active elements 230 in terms of connection to the sensor 280, and the inclusion of the switch 235, but the passive backscatter elements may not include the RF chain 270 and the RIS controller 270 that allow active communication via the active elements 230. The RIS 200 may include a controller 275 that may control the switches and sensors, as well as other elements of the RIS. The controller 275 may include hardware that allows active communication (such as a wired connection) with the base station 300, or hardware for wireless connection. The controller 275 may be powered by a battery, a solar panel, energy collected from the RIS, etc. The controller 275 may include a processing circuit system (such as a field programmable gate array) that allows the controller 275 to control the RIS 200.

[0066] Figure 8 An example network with UE 100, RIS 200, and gNB 300 is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments. gNB 300 may transmit an incoming signal that is received by RIS 200. RIS 200 may simply reflect the incoming signal or modulate the incoming signal with information based on a pattern of RIS 200. UE 100 may receive the reflected incoming signal with or without the RIS backscattering additional information.

[0067] Fig. 9 Another example network is illustrated with a UE 100, a RIS 200, and a gNB 300. The RIS 200 in this example is shown with active elements 230 dispersed throughout the element array. The active elements 230 may be active channel sensors configured to sense channel conditions. Fig. 9 The RIS 200 in FIG. 1 may be an example of a large smart surface with sparse sensors. The RIS 200 may reflect transmissions from the base station 300 to the UE 100 .

[0068] Fig.10A collection of apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 according to some example embodiments is illustrated. In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 may be elements in a communication network, or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be, for example, a UE, and apparatus 20 may be a network (i.e., a gNB, 5GS, 5G Core, 5G RAN, etc.).

[0069] In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or user interfaces. In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies (such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology). It should be noted that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 may include Fig.10 Components or features not shown.

[0070] like Fig.10 As shown in the example of , the device 10 and the device 20 may include, or be coupled to, a processor 12 and a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 and the processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 and the processor 22 may include one or more of the following items: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although a single processor 12 and a processor 22 are Fig.10 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 and apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multi-processor system (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multi-processor) that may support multiprocessing. According to some example embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0071] Processor 12 and processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10 and apparatus 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of apparatus 10 and apparatus 20, including Figures 1 to 9 The process and examples illustrated in .

[0072] The apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 may also include, or be coupled to, a memory 14 and a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 and the processor 22, respectively, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 12 and the processor 22. The memory 14 and the memory 24 may be one or more memories, which may be of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 and the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 and the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program codes, which, when executed by the processor 12 and the processor 22, enable the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 may also include, or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and the processor 22 and / or the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 to perform Figures 1 to 9 Any methods and examples illustrated in .

[0074] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 may further include, or be coupled to, one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 via the UL. The apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 may further include a transceiver 18 and a transceiver 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 and the transceiver 28 may further include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15 and the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0075] For example, transceiver 18 and transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 15 and antenna 25, and demodulate information received via antenna 15 and antenna 25 for further processing by other elements of device 10 and device 20. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 and transceiver 28 may be able to directly send and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, device 10 and device 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0076] In certain example embodiments, memory 14 and memory 24 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12 and processor 22. For example, these modules may include an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10 and device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules (such as applications or programs) to provide additional functionality to device 10 and device 20. The components of device 10 and device 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, device 10 and device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0077] According to some example embodiments, processors 12 and 22, and memories 14 and 24 may be included in, or may form part of, a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in, or may form part of, a transceiver circuit system.

[0078] In certain example embodiments, the device 10 can be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to: connect with a network node for communication; receive an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; receive backscatter signals, and signals sent by the network node; and demodulate the backscatter signals, and signals sent by the network node, the backscatter signals including backscatter data.

[0079] In another example embodiment, RIS200 can be controlled to: reflect communications between a network node and a user device; receive an indication of activation of backscatter from a network node; and communicate with the network node and the user device by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and sending the modulated incoming signal.

[0080] In other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to: connect to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); receive a request for backscattering; send an indication of activation of backscattering by a network node to the user device via the RIS; send an indication of activation of backscattering by the network node to the RIS; and communicate with the user device via the RIS.

[0081] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising: a component for connecting to a network node for communication; a component for receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; a component for receiving a backscatter signal, and a signal sent by the network node; and a component for demodulating the backscatter signal, and a signal sent by the network node, wherein the backscatter signal includes backscatter data.

[0082] In one embodiment, the indication of activation of backscatter may include a configuration including at least one of a start time, modulation, coding, and data block size.

[0083] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: means for sending a request for backscatter based on an application, wherein the indication of activation of backscatter includes: an application-based configuration.

[0084] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: transmitting, by the user equipment, to the network node, the capability of the user equipment to receive backscatter signals.

[0085] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising: a component for reflecting communications between a network node and a user equipment; a component for receiving an indication of activation of backscatter from the network node; and a component for communicating with the network node and the device user equipment by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and sending the modulated incoming signal.

[0086] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: means for generating backscatter data by a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) based on sensing by a sensor of the RIS.

[0087] In one embodiment, the indication of activation of backscattering comprises a configuration including at least one of a start time, a modulation, a coding, and a data block size.

[0088] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include means for sending a request for backscatter to a network node based on a trigger, wherein the indication of activation of backscatter includes an application-based configuration.

[0089] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include means for reconfiguring elements in a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS) to communicate using backscatter.

[0090] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising: means for connecting to a user device for communication via a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS); means for receiving a request for backscatter; means for sending an indication of activation of backscatter by a network node to the user device via the RIS; means for sending an indication of activation of backscatter by the network node to the RIS; and means for communicating with the user device via the RIS.

[0091] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: means for determining to activate backscatter based on an application, or an indication of a trigger included in a request for backscatter.

[0092] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving an indication of the capability of the user equipment to receive backscatter signals, wherein the determination to activate backscatter is further based on the received indication of the capability of the user equipment to receive backscatter signals.

[0093] In an embodiment, the indication of activation of backscattering comprises a configuration including at least one of a start time, a modulation, a coding, and a data block size.

[0094] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages.In some example embodiments, a RIS may detect an environmental condition that triggers an alarm and transmit the alarm to a device that communicates via the RIS.

[0095] A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as added or updated (multiple) software routines. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0096] As an example, software or computer program code or parts thereof may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transient medium.

[0097] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other hardware and software combination. In yet another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as signals, i.e., non-tangible means that may be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0098] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a node, a device, or a corresponding component) may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element), or a chipset, including at least one memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operations, and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0099] A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention as described above may be practiced using processes in a different order and / or hardware elements that are different from the disclosed configurations. Therefore, although the present invention has been described based on these example embodiments, certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applicable to any other existing or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-Advanced and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0100] Partial Glossary

[0101] AIoT Environmental Internet of Things

[0102] BBM Beamforming Backscatter Mode

[0103] PRM Passive Reflection Mode

[0104] RIS Reconfigurable Smart Surface

[0105] UE User Equipment

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Connect with network nodes for communication; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; receiving backscattered signals and signals sent by the network nodes; as well as The backscatter signal, and the signal sent by the network node, are demodulated, wherein the backscatter signal includes backscatter data.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication of activation of backscatter comprises a configuration, the configuration comprising at least one of a start time, a modulation, a coding, or a data block size.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Sending a request for backscatter based on the application, Wherein the indication of activation of backscattering comprises: Based on the configuration of the application.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The ability of the device to receive backscatter signals is communicated to the network node.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indication of activation of backscatter is received via reflection from a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS).

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backscattered signal is received from reflection of a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS).

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the received signal comprises: A downlink signal sent by the network node.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment or is included in a user equipment.

9. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Reflecting the communication between the network node and the user equipment; receiving an indication of activation of backscattering from the network node; and The network node and the user equipment are communicated with by receiving an incoming signal, modulating the received incoming signal with backscatter data, and transmitting the modulated incoming signal.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The backscatter data is generated based on sensing by a sensor of the device.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the indication of activation of backscatter comprises a configuration including at least one of a start time, modulation, coding, and data block size.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Based on a trigger, a request for the backscatter is sent to the network node.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the indication of activation of backscattering comprises: Application-based configuration.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Elements in the device are reconfigured to communicate using the backscatter.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a reconfigurable smart surface (RIS).

16. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Connecting to communicate with user equipment via a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS); receiving a request for backscatter; sending, via the RIS, an indication of activation of backscattering to the user equipment; sending an indication of activation of the backscattering to the RIS; as well as Communicate with the user equipment via the RIS.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: The backscatter is activated based on an application or an indication of a trigger included in the request for the backscatter.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: receiving an indication of a capability of the user equipment to receive backscatter signals, Wherein determining to activate the backscatter is further based on the received indication of the capability of the user equipment to receive backscatter signals.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the indication of activation of the backscatter comprises a configuration including at least one of a start time, modulation, coding, and data block size.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a network node.

Images