Method and apparatus for wireless communication

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for wireless communication are provided. The device may be a reader device. The reader device transmits an incident signal to the A-IoT device. The reader device receives a response from the A-IoT device. The reader device adjusts the power of the incident signal according to the status of the response such that the power of the incident signal reaches a sufficient level of communication with the A-IoT device while controlling interference with other devices. According to the invention, wireless communication can be better carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mobile communications, and more particularly to methods and systems for improving the communication range, power consumption, and charging time of Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices, user equipment (UE), and network devices in mobile communications. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background technical information related to the present invention and do not constitute prior art.

[0003] Wireless communication systems can be widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. A typical wireless communication system may employ multiple-access technologies that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources. Examples of multiple-access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems.

[0004] The above multi-access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at the municipal, national, regional, or even global level. An example of a telecommunications standard is the 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR). 5G NR is part of the continuous mobile broadband evolution released by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to meet new requirements associated with latency, reliability, security, scalability (such as with the Internet of Things (IoT)), and other requirements. Some aspects of 5G NR can be based on the 4th Generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. Further improvements to 5G NR technology may also be applicable to other multi-access technologies and telecommunications standards that employ these technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a brief summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This Summary of the Invention is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. The sole purpose of this Summary of the Invention is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a method, a computer-readable medium, and a device are provided. The device can be a reader device. The reader device transmits an incident signal to an A-IoT device. The reader device receives a response from the A-IoT device. The reader device adjusts the power of the incident signal according to the status of the response so that the power of the incident signal reaches a sufficient level for communicating with the A-IoT device while controlling interference with other devices.

[0007] By utilizing the present invention, wireless communication can be better performed.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing and related purposes, one or more aspects include the features that are fully described hereinafter and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following Detailed Description and the drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are merely indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system and an access network.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating communication between a BS and a UE in an access network.

[0011] Figure 3 Illustrates an exemplary logical architecture of a distributed access network.

[0012] Figure 4 Illustrates an exemplary physical architecture of a distributed access network.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary DL-centric time slot.

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary UL-centric time slot.

[0015] Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication system, including a base station and a UE.

[0016] Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram of an example communication link between a gNB and an A-IoT device connected to the UE via a wired cable.

[0017] Figure 7(C) is a schematic diagram of an example communication link between a gNB and an A-IoT device connected to the UE via a wireless air interface.

[0018] Figure 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing a first type of A-IoT device.

[0019] Figure 8(B) is a schematic diagram showing a second type of A-IoT device.

[0020] Figure 8(C) is a schematic diagram showing a third type of A-IoT device.

[0021] Figure 9(A) is a schematic diagram of an example communication link between a UE and an A-IoT device via an air interface.

[0022] Figure 9(B) is a schematic diagram of an example communication process between a UE reader / gNB and an A-IoT device based on a selected duration.

[0023] Figure 10 is a timing diagram depicting a modified 4-step RACH process.

[0024] Figure 11 is a timing diagram depicting a modified 2-step RACH process.

[0025] Figure 12It is a timing diagram depicting the modified RACH procedure when the UE acts as a tag reader.

[0026] Figure 13(A) is a timing diagram depicting the modified side-chain procedure using RN16.

[0027] Figure 13(B) is a timing diagram depicting the modified side-chain procedure using RN.

[0028] Figure 14(A) is a schematic diagram showing the UL power control problem.

[0029] Figure 14(B) is a schematic diagram showing another UL power control problem.

[0030] Figure 15 It is a timing diagram of the interaction between the UE reader / gNB and the A-IoT device.

[0031] Figure 16 It is another timing diagram of the interaction between the UE reader / gNB and the A-IoT device.

[0032] Figure 17 It shows an example communication system that has an example communication device and an example network device.

[0033] Figure 18(A) is a flowchart of the UL power control process for the reader device and the A-IoT device.

[0034] Figure 18(B) is a flowchart of another UL power control process for the reader device and the A-IoT device. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] The following detailed implementation manners described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are intended as descriptions of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described in the present invention can be practiced. This detailed implementation manners section contains specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art can practice these concepts without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring these concepts.

[0036] Now, several aspects of the telecommunication system will be presented with reference to various devices and methods. The above-mentioned devices and methods will be described in the detailed implementation manners and are shown in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the entire system.

[0037] For example, an element, any part of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented as a "processing system", which may include one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Central Processing Units (CPUs), application processors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processors, Systems On a Chip (SoCs), baseband processors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in the present invention. One or more processors in the processing system can execute software. Software should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software components, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, processes, and functions, etc., regardless of whether it is referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0038] Thus, in one or more exemplary aspects, the above functions can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes a computer storage medium. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer. The above computer-readable medium can include Random-Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage devices, combinations of the above types of computer-readable media, or any other medium that can be used to store computer-executable code in the form of instructions or data structures accessible by a computer, which is only used as an example and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system and access network 100. The wireless communication system (which may also be referred to as a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)) includes a Base Station (BS) 102, a User Equipment (UE) 104, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 160, and another core network 190 (such as a 5G Core (5GC)). The BS 102 may include a macro cell (high-power cellular base station) and / or a small cell (low-power cellular base station). The macro cell includes the BS, and the small cell includes a femtocell, a picocell, and a microcell.

[0040] The BS102 configured for 4G LTE (collectively referred to as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)) can be connected to the EPC 160 interface through a backhaul link 132 (such as the SI interface). The BS102 configured for 5G NR (collectively referred to as the Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN)) can be connected to the core network 190 interface through a backhaul link 184. In addition to other functions, the BS102 can perform one or more of the following functions: transfer of user data, ciphering and deciphering of radio channels, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (such as handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution of Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN Information Management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The BS102 can communicate directly or indirectly with each other (such as via the EPC 160 or the core network 190) through a backhaul link 134 (such as the X2 interface). The backhaul link 134 can be wired or wireless.

[0041] BS102 can communicate wirelessly with UE 104. Each BS102 can provide communication coverage for its respective geographical coverage area 110. There may be overlapping geographical coverage areas 110. For example, small cell 102’ can have a coverage area 110’ that overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macro base stations 102. A network that includes both small cells and macro cells can be called a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network can also include a Home Evolved Node B (HeNB), where the HeNB can provide services to a restricted group called a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG). The communication link 120 between BS102 and UE 104 can include an uplink (UL) (also referred to as a reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to BS102 and / or a downlink (DL) (also referred to as a forward link) transmission from BS102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 can use MIMO antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link can be through one or more carriers. BS102 / UE 104 can use a spectrum with a bandwidth of up to 7 MHz per carrier (such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400 MHz, etc.), where the carriers are allocated in carrier aggregation (CA) for transmission in each direction, where the total carrier aggregation is up to Yx MHz (x component carriers). The above carriers can be adjacent to each other or not. The allocation of carriers can be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (for example, more or fewer carriers can be allocated to DL than to UL). Component carriers can include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. The primary component carrier can be referred to as a Primary Cell (PCell), and the secondary component carrier can be referred to as a Secondary Cell (SCell).

[0042] Some UEs 104 may communicate with each other using device-to-device (D2D) communication links 158. The D2D communication links 158 may use DL / UL WWAN spectrum. The D2D communication links 158 may use one or more sidelink channels, such as physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH), physical sidelink discovery channel (PSDCH), physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), and physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). D2D communication may be through various wireless D2D communication systems, such as FlashLinQ, WiMedia, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, LTE, or NR.

[0043] The wireless communication system may also include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 150, where the Wi-Fi AP 150 communicates with a Wi-Fi station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in the 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum. When communicating in the unlicensed spectrum, the STA 152 / AP 150 may perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) before communicating to determine whether the channel is available.

[0044] The small cell 102’ may operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in the unlicensed spectrum, the small cell 102’ may adopt NR and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as that used by the Wi-Fi AP 150. The small cell 102’ adopting NR in the unlicensed spectrum may increase the coverage of the access network and / or improve the capacity of the access network.

[0045] Base station 102 (whether small cell 102' or large cell (e.g., macro base station)) may include an eNB, a gNodeB (gNB), or other types of base stations. Some base stations such as gNB 180 may operate in traditional sub-6 GHz spectrum, millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies, and / or near mmW frequencies to communicate with UE 104. When gNB 180 operates at mmW or near mmW frequencies, gNB 180 may be referred to as a mmW base station. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a part of RF in the electromagnetic spectrum. EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and a wavelength between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters. Radio waves in this frequency band may be referred to as millimeter waves. Near mmW may extend down to a frequency of 3 GHz with a wavelength of 100 millimeters. Super high frequency (SHF) band extends between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and is also called centimeter waves. Communications using mmW / near mmW radio frequency bands (e.g., 3 GHz - 300 GHz) have extremely high path loss and short distances. mmW base station 180 may utilize beamforming 182 with UE 104 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short distances.

[0046] Base station 180 may transmit beamformed signals to UE 104 in one or more transmission directions 108a. UE 104 may receive beamformed signals from base station 180 in one or more reception directions 108b. UE 104 may also transmit beamformed signals to base station 180 in one or more transmission directions. Base station 180 may receive beamformed signals from UE 104 in one or more reception directions. Base station 180 / UE 104 may perform beam training to determine the optimal reception and transmission directions for each base station 180 / UE 104. The transmission and reception directions for base station 180 may be the same or different. The transmission and reception directions for UE 104 may be the same or different.

[0047] The EPC 160 may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 162, other MMEs 164, a serving gateway 166, an MBMS gateway 168, a Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) 170, and a Packet Data Network (PDN) gateway 172. The MME 162 may communicate with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 174. The MME 162 is a control node that processes signaling between the UE 104 and the EPC 160. Generally, the MME 162 provides bearer and connection management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the serving gateway 166, which itself is connected to the PDN gateway 172. The PDN gateway 172 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The PDN gateway 172 and the BM-SC 170 are connected to an IP service 176. The IP service 176 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a Packet-Switched Streaming Service (PSS), and / or other IP services. The BM-SC 170 may provide functions for the provision and delivery of MBMS user services. The BM-SC 170 may serve as an entry point for content provider MBMS transmissions, may be used to authorize and initiate MBMS bearer services within a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and may be used to schedule MBMS transmissions. The MBMS gateway 168 may be used to allocate MBMS traffic to the BS 102 and may be responsible for session management (start / end) and collecting evolved MBMS (eMBMS) related charging information, where the BS 102 belongs to a Multicast Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area for broadcasting a specific service.

[0048] The core network 190 may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 192, other AMFs 193, a Location Management Function (LMF) 198, a Session Management Function (SMF) 194, and a User Plane Function (UPF) 195. The AMF 192 may communicate with a Unified Data Management (UDM) 196. The AMF 192 is a control node that processes signaling between the UE 104 and the core network 190. Generally, the SMF 194 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet Protocol (IP) packets are transmitted through the UPF 195. The UPF 195 provides UE IP address allocation and other functions. The UPF 195 is connected to an IP service 197. The IP service 197 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS streaming service, and / or other IP services.

[0049] The BS may also be referred to as a gNB, Node B (NB), eNB, access point, base transceiver station, radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), transmit reception point (TRP), or some other suitable term. BS 102 provides an access point for UE 104 to the EPC 160 or the core network 190. Examples of UE 104 include a cellular phone, smartphone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, laptop computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), satellite radio, global positioning system, multimedia device, video device, digital audio player (such as an MP3 player), camera, game console, tablet computer, smart device, wearable device, vehicle, electricity meter, gas pump, large kitchen appliance or small kitchen appliance, medical device, implant, sensor / actuator, display, or any other device with similar functionality. Some of the UE 104 may be referred to as IoT devices (such as parking meters, gas pumps, ovens, vehicles, heart monitors, etc.). UE 104 may also be referred to as a station, mobile station, user station, mobile unit, user unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile user station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, cell phone, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term.

[0050] Although the present invention may be described with reference to 5G NR, the present invention may be applicable to other similar fields, such as LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, GSM, or other wireless / radio access technologies.

[0051] Figure 2It is a block diagram of the communication between BS210 and UE 250 in the access network. In the DL, IP packets from the EPC 160 can be provided to the controller / processor 275. The controller / processor 275 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functions. Layer 3 includes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and layer 2 includes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The controller / processor 275 provides: RRC layer functions, where the RRC layer functions are associated with the broadcast of system information (such as the Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), RRC connection control (such as RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), mobility between radio access technologies (RATs), and measurement configuration for UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functions, where the PDCP layer functions are associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions, where the RLC layer functions are associated with the transfer of higher layer Packet Data Units (PDUs), error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and re-ordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions, where the MAC layer functions are associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto Transport Blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0052] The transmit (TX) processor 216 and the receive (RX) processor 270 implement the layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1 (including the Physical (PHY) layer) may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. The TX processor 216 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes such as binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), M-phase-shift keying (M-PSK), and M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams, and each stream can then be mapped to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers, multiplexed with reference signals (RS) (such as pilots) in the time domain and / or frequency domain, and then combined using the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to generate a physical channel carrying a stream of time-domain OFDM symbols. The OFDM stream is precoded in space to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator 274 can be used to determine the encoding / decoding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimates can be derived from the RS transmitted by the UE 250 and / or channel state feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to a different antenna 220 via a separate transmitter 218TX. Each transmitter 218TX can modulate an RF carrier using each spatial stream for transmission.

[0053] At the UE 250, each receiver 254RX can receive signals via respective antennas 252. Each receiver 254RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the RX processor 256. The TX processor 268 and the RX processor 256 implement layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. The RX processor 256 can perform spatial processing on the information to recover any spatial streams destined for the UE 250. If there are multiple spatial streams destined for the UE 250, the multiple spatial streams can be combined by the RX processor 256 into a single OFDM symbol stream. The RX processor 256 then uses the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal includes separate OFDM symbol streams for the respective subcarriers of the OFDM signal. The symbols and RS on the respective subcarriers are recovered and demodulated by determining the most likely signal constellation points transmitted by the BS 210. These soft decisions can be based on the channel estimates computed by the channel estimator 258. These soft decisions can then be decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by the BS 210 on the physical channel. The above data and control signals can then be provided to the controller / processor 259, where the controller / processor 259 implements layer 3 and layer 2 functions.

[0054] The controller / processor 259 can be associated with a memory 260 that stores program code and data. The memory 260 can be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 259 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing to recover IP packets from the EPC 160. The controller / processor 259 is also responsible for error detection using the Acknowledge (ACK) and / or Negative Acknowledgment (NACK) protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0055] Similar to the functions described for DL transmission in conjunction with BS210, the controller / processor 259 provides: RRC layer functions, where the RRC layer functions are associated with the acquisition of system information (such as MIB, SIB), RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions, where the PDCP layer functions are associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions, where the RLC layer functions are associated with the transfer of higher layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, re-segmentation of RLC data PDUs, and re-ordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions, where the MAC layer functions are associated with the mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs onto TBs, demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel prioritization.

[0056] Channel estimates derived from the RS or feedback transmitted by the channel estimator 258 from BS210 can be used by the TX processor 268 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial streams generated by the TX processor 268 can be provided to different antennas 252 via separate transmitters 254TX. Each transmitter 254TX can modulate an RF carrier using each spatial stream for transmission. Similar to the description made in conjunction with the receiver functions at UE 250, UL transmission is processed in a similar manner at BS210. Each receiver 218RX receives signals via respective antennas 220. Each receiver 218RX recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to the RX processor 270.

[0057] The controller / processor 275 can be associated with a memory 276 that stores program code and data. The memory 276 can be referred to as a computer-readable medium. In the UL, the controller / processor 275 provides demultiplexing between transport and logical channels, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, control signal processing, to recover IP packets from UE 250. The IP packets from the controller / processor 275 can be provided to the EPC 160. The controller / processor 275 is also responsible for error detection using the ACK and / or NACK protocols to support HARQ operations.

[0058] NR can refer to a radio configured to operate according to a new air interface (such as other than an OFDMA-based air interface) or a fixed transport layer (such as other than IP). NR can utilize OFDM with a cyclic prefix (CP) on both UL and DL, and can include support for half-duplex operation using time division duplexing (TDD). NR can include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services targeted at wide bandwidths (such as above 80 MHz), millimeter wave (mmW) targeted at high carrier frequencies (such as 60 GHz), massive machine type communication (mMTC) for machine type communication (MTC) technologies targeted at non-backward compatibility, and / or mission-critical for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) services.

[0059] A single component carrier bandwidth of 100 MHz can be supported. In one example, an NR resource block (RB) can span 12 subcarriers, where the 12 subcarriers have a subcarrier bandwidth of 60 KHz over a 0.25 ms duration or a bandwidth of 30 KHz over a 0.5 ms duration (similarly, a 50 MHz bandwidth is for a 15 kHz sub-carrier spacing (SCS) over a 1 ms duration). Each radio frame can include 10 subframes (or 10, 20, 40, or 80 NR time slots) with a length of 10 ms. Each time slot can indicate the link direction for data transfer (i.e., DL or UL) and the link direction for each time slot can be dynamically switched. Each time slot can contain DL / UL data as well as DL / UL control data. The following can be referred to Figure 5 and Figure 6 for a more detailed description of the UL and DL time slots for NR.

[0060] The NR RAN may include a Central Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The NR BS (such as gNB, 5G NB, NB, Transmission Reception Point (TRP), AP) may correspond to one or more BSs. The NR cell may be configured as an Access Cell (ACell) or a Data Only Cell (DCell). For example, the RAN (such as CU or DU) may configure the above cells. The DCell may be a cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity and may not be used for initial access, cell selection / reselection, or handover. In some cases, the DCell may not transmit a Synchronization Signal (SS), and in some cases, the DCell may transmit the SS. The NR BS may transmit a DL signal to the UE to indicate the cell type. Based on the cell type indication, the UE may communicate with the NR BS. For example, the UE may determine the NR BS to consider for cell selection, access, handover, and / or measurement based on the indicated cell type.

[0061] Figure 3 Illustrate an exemplary logical architecture of a distributed RAN 300 according to aspects of the present invention. The 5G Access Node (AN) 306 may include an Access Node Controller (ANC) 302. The ANC may be the CU of the distributed RAN. The backhaul interface to the Next Generation Core Network (NG-CN) 304 may terminate at the ANC. The backhaul interface to an adjacent Next Generation Access Node (NG-AN) 310 may terminate at the ANC. The ANC may include one or more TRPs 308 (the TRP may also be referred to as BS, NR BS, NB, 5G NB, AP, or some other term). As described above, the TRP may be used interchangeably with "cell".

[0062] TRP 308 can be a DU. The TRP can be connected to one ANC (ANC 302) or more than one ANC (not illustrated). For example, for RAN sharing, Radio as a Service (RaaS), and service-specific ANC deployments, the TRP can be connected to more than one ANC. The TRP can include one or more antenna ports. The TRP can be configured to supply services to the UE independently (such as dynamic selection) or jointly (such as joint transmission).

[0063] The logical architecture of the distributed RAN 300 can be used to illustrate the fronthaul definition. The architecture can be defined to support fronthaul solutions across different deployment types. For example, the architecture can be based on transport network performance (such as bandwidth, latency, and / or jitter). The architecture can share features and / or components with LTE. According to aspects of the present invention, the NG-AN 310 can support dual connectivity with NR. The NG-AN can share a common fronthaul for LTE and NR.

[0064] The architecture can enable cooperation between TRPs 308. For example, cooperation can be pre-set within and / or across TRPs via the ANC 302. According to aspects of the present invention, an inter-TRP interface may not be required / absent.

[0065] According to aspects of the present invention, a dynamic configuration of separated logical functions can exist within the architecture of the distributed RAN 300. The PDCP, RLC, and MAC protocols can be adaptively located at the ANC or the TRP.

[0066] Figure 4 Illustrate an exemplary physical architecture of a distributed RAN 400 according to aspects of the present invention. A Centralized Core Network Unit (C-CU) 402 can host core network functions. The C-CU can be centrally deployed. To handle peak capacity, C-CU functions can be offloaded (such as offloaded to Advanced Wireless Service (AWS)). A Centralized RAN Unit (C-RU) 404 can host one or more ANC functions. Optionally, the C-RU can locally host core network functions. The C-RU can have a distributed deployment. The C-RU can be closer to the network edge. A DU 406 can host one or more TRPs. The DU can be located at the edge of a network with RF capabilities.

[0067] Figure 5FIG. 500 is a schematic diagram of a DL - centered exemplary time slot. A DL - centered time slot may include a control portion 502. The control portion 502 may be present in the initial or starting portion of the DL - centered time slot. The control portion 502 may include various scheduling information and / or control information corresponding to various portions of the DL - centered time slot. In some configurations, as Figure 5 shown, the control portion 502 may be a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The DL - centered time slot may also include a DL data portion 504. The DL data portion 504 may sometimes be referred to as the payload of the DL - centered time slot. The DL data portion 504 may include communication resources for communicating DL data from a scheduling entity (such as a UE or a BS) to a subordinate entity (such as a UE). In some configurations, the DL data portion 504 may be a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0068] The DL - centered time slot may also include a common UL portion 506. The common UL portion 506 may sometimes be referred to as a UL burst, a common UL burst, and / or various other suitable terms. The common UL portion 506 may include feedback information corresponding to various other portions of the DL - centered time slot. For example, the common UL portion 506 may include feedback information corresponding to the control portion 502. Non - limiting examples of the feedback information may include ACK signals, NACK signals, HARQ indicators, and / or various other suitable types of information. The common UL portion 506 may include additional or other information, such as information about a Random Access Channel (RACH) process, a scheduling request, and various other suitable types of information.

[0069] As Figure 5As shown, the end of the DL data portion 504 can be temporally separated from the start of the common UL portion 506. This temporal separation can sometimes be referred to as a gap, guard period, guard interval, and / or various other suitable terms. This separation provides time for the switch-over from DL communication (such as a receiving operation performed by a subordinate entity (such as a UE)) to UL communication (such as a transmitting operation performed by a subordinate entity (such as a UE)). Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing is merely an example of a DL-centric time slot, and alternative structures with similar characteristics can exist without departing from the aspects described in the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6 FIG. 600 is a schematic diagram of an UL-centric exemplary time slot. The UL-centric time slot can include a control portion 602. The control portion 602 can be present in the initial or start portion of the UL-centric time slot. Figure 6 The control portion 602 in [reference] can be similar to the control portion 502 described above with reference to Figure 5 The UL-centric time slot can also include a UL data portion 604. The UL data portion 604 can sometimes be referred to as the payload of the UL-centric time slot. The UL portion can refer to communication resources for communicating UL data from a subordinate entity (such as a UE) to a scheduling entity (such as a UE or a BS). In some configurations, the control portion 602 can be a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH).

[0071] As Figure 6 shown, the end of the control portion 602 can be temporally separated from the start of the UL data portion 604. This temporal separation can sometimes be referred to as a gap, guard period, guard interval, and / or various other suitable terms. This separation provides time for the switch-over from DL communication (such as a receiving operation performed by a scheduling entity) to UL communication (such as a transmitting operation performed by a scheduling entity). The UL-centric time slot can also include a common UL portion 606. Figure 6 The common UL portion 606 in [reference] can be similar to that described above with reference to Figure 5The described common UL part 506. The common UL part 606 may additionally or alternatively include information about a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), and various other suitable types of information. Those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing is only an example of a UL-centric time slot, and alternative structures with similar characteristics may exist without departing from the aspects described in the present invention.

[0072] In some cases, two or more subordinate entities (such as UEs) may use sidelink signals to communicate with each other. Practical applications of such sidelink communication may include public safety, proximity service, UE-to-network relay, Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) communication, Internet of Everything (IoE) communication, IoT communication, mission-critical mesh, and / or various other suitable applications. Generally, a sidelink signal may refer to a signal that communicates from one subordinate entity (such as UE1) to another subordinate entity (such as UE2) without relaying the communication through a scheduling entity (such as a UE or BS), even though the scheduling entity may be used for scheduling and / or control purposes. In some examples, sidelink signals may communicate using licensed spectrum (different from wireless local area networks that typically use unlicensed spectrum).

[0073] FIG. 7(A) is a schematic diagram 700 showing an example of a wireless communication system including a base station and a UE. In this example, UE 704 is connected to base station 702 located on cell 706.

[0074] A-IoT devices typically have limitations in terms of communication range, power consumption, and charging time. For example, the maximum coverage range of certain devices is less than the maximum distance requirement for indoor use cases due to an activation power threshold. Increasing the transmit power can achieve the required range but may interfere with nearby base stations. Additionally, the activation threshold of some devices depends on the activation threshold of a rectifier in a radio frequency energy harvester, which results in uncertainty when the base station discovers the device within the cell, especially when the device has low power or no battery.

[0075] The increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has brought challenges in power management. Due to cost, environmental, and security factors, manually replacing or charging batteries has become impractical. Existing technologies such as barcodes and RFID also face limitations in terms of read range and interference. Therefore, new IoT technologies are needed that can support battery-free devices or devices with energy storage without manual intervention. The goal is to create solutions within the 3GPP system that can handle a large number of connections and device density while reducing complexity and power consumption, thus opening up new markets and adding value in the value chain.

[0076] This invention content provides methods and systems for improving the communication range, power consumption, and charging time of A-IoT devices. The disclosure includes techniques for increasing transmission power to achieve the required range while minimizing interference to nearby base stations. The disclosure also includes techniques for optimizing the device activation threshold based on the activation threshold of the rectifier in the radio frequency energy harvester, thereby reducing the uncertainty of the base station discovering the device within the cell. In addition, the disclosure includes techniques for reducing the device charging time, especially when using radio frequency energy.

[0077] It should be noted that although the description provided here may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Fifth Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Sixth Generation (6G), the concepts, solutions, and any variants / derivatives thereof proposed can be implemented, applied, and provided by other types of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Therefore, the scope of this invention content is not limited to the examples described here.

[0078] System Topology

[0079] Figure 7(B) is schematic diagram 720, showing an example of a communication link between a gNB and an A-IoT device connected to a UE via a wired cable. This invention content introduces a new A-IoT communication system topology. As shown in Figure 7(B), the gNB establishes a connection with the UE or UE reader via a wired cable. This configuration eliminates the need for a new air interface between the gNB and the A-IoT device and instead introduces a new air interface between the UE reader and the A-IoT device. Therefore, the effort required for any gNB specification change is significantly reduced. In this setup, the gNB can access the A-IoT device through the UE reader, which acts as an intermediate node between the device and the base station (gNB).

[0080] Figure 7(C) is schematic diagram 740, showing an example of a communication link between a gNB and an A-IoT device connected to a UE via a wireless air interface. As shown in Figure 7(C), a wireless air interface is established between the gNB and the UE or UE reader. This air interface utilizes the NR-Uu interface to minimize specification changes on the UE side. A new air interface needs to be established between the UE and the A-IoT device, and its specifications can be determined according to the use case and its corresponding requirements.

[0081] Receiver architecture

[0082] Figure 8(A) is schematic diagram 800, showing the first type of A-IoT device. The design goals of Device A are to have power consumption (≤1 microwatt or ≤10 microwatts) and complexity during transmission / reception comparable to those of UHF RFID ISO18000-6C (EPCC1G2). Device A has no energy storage or independent signal generation / amplification capabilities and relies on backscatter transmission. It requires a backscatter activation power threshold, experiences reflection loss, and requires a remote carrier source to transmit positioning signals.

[0083] The architecture of Device A includes the following components:

[0084] A low pass filter (LPF) for suppressing adjacent sub-carrier interference (ASCI) and adjacent carrier interference (ACI);

[0085] An envelope detector (ED) for supporting On-Off Keying (OOK)-based signals;

[0086] An analog to digital converter (ADC) for digital baseband processing;

[0087] A digital baseband (DBB) for sequence matching;

[0088] A modulator (switch) controlled by the incoming signal for adding payload data to OOK modulation;

[0089] A radio frequency energy harvester for converting radio frequency signals into an energy source.

[0090] Figure 8(B) is schematic diagram 820, showing the second type of A-IoT device. In terms of power and complexity, the design goal of device B is between device A and device C. It has energy storage but no independent signal generation and relies on backscatter transmission. The stored energy can be used for signal amplification. Device B also requires a backscatter activation power threshold, experiences reflection loss, and requires a remote carrier source to transmit location signals.

[0091] The architecture of device B includes the following components:

[0092] LPF, for suppressing ASCI and ACI;

[0093] ED, for supporting OOK-based signals;

[0094] ADC, for digital baseband processing;

[0095] DBB, for sequence matching;

[0096] A modulator controlled by an incoming signal, for adding payload data to OOK modulation;

[0097] A radio frequency energy harvester, for converting radio frequency signals into an energy source;

[0098] An additional energy harvester for different types of environmental energy sources, such as radio frequency radio, solar energy, thermal energy, and piezoelectric energy;

[0099] Energy storage, such as capacitors and solid-state batteries; and

[0100] A reflection amplifier, for amplifying the signal input to the tag and the signal backscattered to the reader.

[0101] Figure 8(C) is schematic diagram 840, showing the third type of A-IoT device. Device C is designed with a power consumption target of ≤1 mW to ≤10 mW during transmission / reception, and a complexity target several orders of magnitude lower than that of NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT). Device C has energy storage, independent signal generation, and active radio frequency components for transmission. It also has mobility management capabilities, at least for cell selection / reselection.

[0102] The architecture of device C includes the following components:

[0103] LPF, for suppressing ASCI and ACI;

[0104] ED, to support OOK-based signals;

[0105] ADC, for digital baseband processing;

[0106] DBB, for synchronization, payload decoding, and cyclic redundancy check (CRC)

[0107] A radio frequency energy harvester that converts radio frequency signals into energy sources;

[0108] Additional energy harvesters for different types of environmental energy sources, such as radio frequency, solar, thermal, and piezoelectric energy;

[0109] Energy storage, such as capacitors and solid-state batteries; and

[0110] A low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a power amplifier (PA) for amplifying received and transmitted signals.

[0111] New air interface

[0112] Figure 9(A) is a schematic diagram 900 showing the communication between a UE (such as UE 904) and an A-IoT device (such as A-IoT device 906) via an air interface. The present disclosure proposes an innovative air interface for communication between a UE reader or a base station (gNB) and an A-IoT device. The communication process is initiated when the UE reader activates the A-IoT device and transmits a command. This command outlines basic communication parameters, such as the tag rate, the tag data encoding method, and the total available duration.

[0113] Once the A-IoT device has harvested sufficient energy, it is activated and listens for commands from the UE. After decoding the command, the A-IoT device randomly selects a duration from the available range and generates a random sequence. Then it transmits this sequence within the selected duration, preceded by a known preamble sequence.

[0114] In response to the A-IoT transmission, the UE decodes the received preamble sequence and, within a predetermined duration, sends an acknowledgment signal back to the A-IoT according to the system configuration of the A-IoT rate.

[0115] The UE or UE reader discussed above is a node that can be a relay, an IAB node, an NR / LTE UE, a repeater, or a base station (gNB).

[0116] Figure 9(B) is a schematic diagram 920 showing the communication process between the reader device and the A-IoT device based on a selected duration. The User Equipment to Ambient IoT Device (U2A) communication link uses a modulation scheme such as Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) or On-Off Keying (OOK) for Pulse Interval Encoding (PIE) of data transmission. The U2A link includes two preambles: a long U2A preamble for initial transmission and a short U2A preamble for subsequent signals. The UE transmits the long U2A preamble and control signals or commands specifying the control parameters of the A-IoT device.

[0117] The Ambient IoT Device to User Equipment (A2U) communication link uses ASK or Phase Shift Keying (PSK) modulation. The A-IoT encodes the backscattered data using FM0 baseband or Miller modulation, which is controlled by the UE or gNB via the A2U link. The A2U link signal transmission starts with one of two Miller subcarrier preambles, depending on the command or control signal. The A-IoT uses backscatter modulation to change the reflection coefficient of its antenna to transmit data. The A2U link transmits Electronic Product Code (EPC) and Protocol Control (PC) information.

[0118] Modified 4-step RACH

[0119] Considering that the A-IoT device needs to perform ASK or OOK modulation and backscatter communication, and the DL signal can be the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), and the OOK-based Low Power Wake-Up Signal (LP-WUS), the modified 4-step RACH process can be as follows:

[0120] 1. DL signal reception: The A-IoT device listens for PSS, SSS, or LP-WUS from the gNB or UE reader. These signals serve as the "inquiry command" for the A-IoT device. For example, LP-WUS, which is specifically designed to wake up the device from the low-power state, is particularly useful for the A-IoT device. When one of these signals is detected, the A-IoT device wakes up and prepares for further communication.

[0121] 2. Preamble sequence transmission (Msg1): After receiving the DL signal, the A-IoT device generates a random 16-bit number (RN16) and sends it back to the gNB or UE reader. This is accomplished through backscatter communication using ASK or OOK modulation. This is similar to an RFID tag responding to an inquiry command by sending the RN16 to the reader.

[0122] 3. Random access response (Msg2): The gNB or UE reader sends an acknowledgment signal back to the A-IoT device, which includes the RN16. This acknowledgment can be sent on a specific DL channel that the A-IoT device is programmed to listen to. After receiving this acknowledgment, the A-IoT device knows that the gNB or UE reader has successfully received its RN16.

[0123] 4. RRC connection request (Message 3): Once the A-IoT device receives the acknowledgment signal, it can send its EPC to the gNB or UE reader. This is accomplished through backscatter communication using ASK or OOK modulation. This EPC is the unique identifier of the A-IoT device, similar to the unique identifier of an RFID tag.

[0124] 5. Conflict resolution (Message 4): The gNB or UE reader sends a conflict resolution message to the A-IoT device, acknowledging the A-IoT device's EPC and completing the RACH procedure. This step ensures that the A-IoT device has been correctly identified and there is no conflict with other A-IoT devices. The conflict resolution message can include the EPC of the A-IoT device so that the device knows the message is for it.

[0125] This modified 4-step RACH procedure is more closely aligned with the RFID protocol, where the A-IoT device acts as an RFID tag and the gNB or UE reader acts as an RFID reader.

[0126] Figure 10It is the timing diagram 1000, which depicts the modified 4-step RACH procedure. In this diagram, the "A-IoT device" participant represents the A-IoT device, and the "gNB / UE reader" participant represents the gNB or UE reader. The arrows represent the communication between the two participants, and the annotations provide additional information about the behavior of each participant in each step.

[0127] Modified 2-step RACH

[0128] This section presents the proposed modifications to the 2-step RACH procedure, aiming to accommodate the characteristics of A-IoT devices. The modifications are aligned with the RFID protocol and take into account the ability of A-IoT devices to perform ASK or OOK modulation and backscatter communication.

[0129] The procedure consists of two main phases:

[0130] 1. Downlink signal transmission and preamble transmission (Message 1): The gNB or UE reader initiates the procedure by sending a DL signal along with RN16 to the A-IoT device. The DL signal can be the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), or the Low Power Wake-up Signal (LP-WUS), serving as a "query command" to the A-IoT device. For example, the gNB can send the DL signal (PSS) and RN16 (1011 1100 0011 1110). After receiving this signal, the A-IoT device uses it to charge its battery.

[0131] 2. Random Access Response and Conflict Resolution (Message 2): In the subsequent phase, the A-IoT device verifies whether the received RN16 matches its tag ID. After a successful match, the A-IoT device transmits the RN16 and its unique EPC to the gNB or UE reader through backscatter communication using ASK or OOK modulation. For instance, if the RN16 matches the tag ID of the A-IoT device, the device responds by backscattering RN16 (1011 1100 0011 1110) and its EPC (e.g., 0000 1010 1111 0000). After successfully receiving the EPC, the gNB or UE reader completes the RACH procedure by sending a final confirmation signal to the A-IoT device.

[0132] This modification to the 2-step RACH procedure brings it closer to the RFID protocol, positioning the A-IoT device as an RFID tag and the gNB or UE reader as an RFID reader. However, this is a simplified representation and may not encapsulate all aspects of the NR and RFID protocols.

[0133] Figure 11This is timing diagram 1100, which depicts the modified two-step RACH procedure. In this timing diagram, the "A-IoT device" participant represents the A-IoT device, and the "gNB / UE reader" participant represents the gNB or UE reader. Arrows indicate communication between the two participants, while the annotations provide additional details about the behavior of each participant in each step.

[0134] This schematic diagram is aligned with the modified two-step RACH procedure and is intended to mimic the RFID protocol. The A-IoT device acts as an RFID tag, and the gNB or UE reader plays the role of the RFID reader. It is important to note that this is a simplified model and may not encapsulate all aspects of the NR and RFID protocols. The actual implementation may require additional measures to manage errors, retransmissions, and security considerations. This timing diagram provides a high-level overview of the process and serves as a basis for further detailed specifications based on specific implementation requirements.

[0135] Modified RACH procedure (UE acts as tag reader)

[0136] Figure 12 This is timing diagram 1200, which describes the modified RACH procedure where the UE acts as a tag reader. As Figure 12 shown, this modification allows the UE to communicate with the A-IoT device as a tag as a reader.

[0137] 1. Preamble (Query): The UE (as a reader) initiates the process by sending a modified RACH preamble. This preamble is broadcast to all tags in its vicinity. This acts as the "Query" in the RFID protocol. The modified preamble can be sent via the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). The preamble can contain a specific sequence or pattern that the tags are programmed to recognize. For example, the preamble can start with a specific bit pattern followed by the unique identifier of the UE.

[0138] The behavior of the UE will involve generating the preamble and transmitting it via the PRACH. The UE needs to ensure that the tags can detect the preamble, which may require changing the format or power level of the preamble.

[0139] 2. Response (RN16): After detecting the preamble, each tag generates and responds with an RN16. This is similar to the RACH response in the current procedure. The tags need to have the ability to generate and transmit this RN16, which is not a characteristic of traditional RFID tags. This will require modifications to the firmware and possibly the hardware of the tags. The response can be sent via the PUSCH.

[0140] The behavior of the A-IoT device will involve listening for preambles on the PRACH, generating RN16 upon detection of a preamble, and transmitting RN16 via PUSCH.

[0141] 3. Connection setup (ACK): The UE listens for a response from the tag. After receiving a valid RN16 from the tag, the UE sends a modified connection setup message to the tag. This serves as the "ACK" in the RFID protocol. The UE needs to be modified to generate and send this ACK message. The ACK message can be sent via PDCCH and can contain RN16 and a command instructing the tag to transmit its unique identifier.

[0142] The behavior of the UE will involve listening for RN16 on the PUSCH, validating RN16, and transmitting the ACK message via PDCCH.

[0143] 4. Data transmission (EPC): After receiving the ACK message, the tag responds with its unique identifier. This will be similar to the EPC in the RFID protocol. The tag needs to be modified to store its unique identifier and transmit it upon receipt of the ACK message. The unique identifier can be sent via PUSCH.

[0144] The behavior of the A-IoT device will involve listening for the ACK message on the PDCCH, extracting the command in the ACK message, and transmitting its unique identifier via PUSCH.

[0145] This will require significant changes to the UE and the tag, including hardware and firmware modifications.

[0146] Based on the provided context, Figure 12 shows what a part of the technical report might look like, including a PlantUML sequence diagram.

[0147] The proposed 5G NR RACH procedure modification allows the UE to communicate with the A-IoT device as a reader and the A-IoT device as a tag.

[0148] Modified sidelink procedure

[0149] Figure 13(A) is a timing diagram 1300, which describes a modified sidelink process using RN16. This method allows the UE to interact with an A-IoT device as an RFID tag as an RFID reader. The following messages can be transmitted in a dedicated resource set and / or a shared resource set. In addition, the following messages can be transmitted before and / or during link establishment. For the case before link establishment, for example, one or more messages can be transmitted through an aperiodic signal (e.g., a standalone CSI-RS) and / or a periodic signal (e.g., a modified synchronization signal block (SSB)). For the case during link establishment, for example, one or more messages can be transmitted through a standalone CSI-RS and / or a non-standalone CSI-RS and / or a DMRS during the discovery message / link establishment. In addition, the container for one or more messages in this case can be a channel with (pre)-configured resources (i.e., an explicit manner), and / or a channel with scheduled / indicated resources (i.e., a non-explicit manner).

[0150] In the following specific process, the control / data channel as the container for one or more messages is taken as an example when discovering link establishment.

[0151] 1. Discovery signal (query): The UE (as a reader) sends a discovery signal to all tags in its vicinity. This serves as the "query" in the RFID protocol. The discovery signal can be sent through a control channel (e.g., the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH)). The signal can contain a specific sequence or pattern that the tag is programmed to recognize. For example, the signal can start with a specific bit pattern followed by the unique identifier of the UE.

[0152] The behavior of the UE will involve generating the discovery signal and transmitting it through the PSCCH. The UE needs to ensure that the signal can be detected by the tag, which may require changing the format or power level of the signal.

[0153] 2. Discovery response (RN16): After detecting the discovery signal, each tag generates and responds with RN16. This will be similar to the discovery response in the current sidelink process. The tag needs to be modified to generate and transmit this RN16. The response can be sent through a data channel (e.g., the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH)).

[0154] The behavior of the A-IoT device will involve listening for the discovery signal on the PSCCH, generating RN16 after detecting the signal, and transmitting RN16 through the PSSCH.

[0155] 3. Side-chain connection setup (ACK): The UE listens for responses from the tag. After receiving a valid RN16 from the tag, the UE sends a side-chain connection setup message to the tag. This serves as the "ACK" in the RFID protocol. The UE needs to be modified to generate and send this ACK message. The ACK message can be sent via the PSCCH and can contain the RN16 and a command instructing the tag to transmit its unique identifier.

[0156] The behavior of the UE will involve listening for the RN16 on the PSSCH, validating the RN16, and transmitting the ACK message via the PSCCH.

[0157] 4. Data transmission (EPC): After receiving the ACK message, the tag responds with its unique identifier. This will be similar to the EPC in the RFID protocol. The tag needs to be modified to store its unique identifier and transmit it after receiving the ACK message. The unique identifier can be sent via the PSSCH.

[0158] The behavior of the A-IoT device will involve listening for the ACK message on the PSCCH, extracting the command in the ACK message, and transmitting its unique identifier via the PSSCH.

[0159] This will require significant changes to the UE and the tag, including hardware and firmware modifications.

[0160] Figure 13(A) shows a part of the technical report, which contains a PlantUML sequence diagram.

[0161] Figure 13(B) is sequence diagram 1320, which describes the modified side-chain process that uses a random number (RN). To leverage the power of 5G NR for RFID-like communication, the present invention proposes a modified side-chain process. This approach allows the UE to interact with the A-IoT device as an RFID reader, with the latter acting as an RFID tag.

[0162] In some embodiments, this approach enables the UE to interact with the A-IoT device as an RFID reader, with the latter acting as an RFID tag.

[0163] 5. Discovery signal (query): The UE sends a discovery signal to all tags within its range, serving as the "query" in the RFID protocol. This discovery signal can be transmitted via a dedicated or shared resource set and can be sent using aperiodic resources (e.g., independent CSI-RS) or periodic resources (e.g., modified SSB) before link establishment. The signal may contain a specific sequence or pattern that the tag can recognize. For example, the signal can start with a specific bit pattern and then be followed by the UE's unique identifier.

[0164] The role of the UE will involve generating and sending discovery signals. The UE should ensure that the signals can be detected by the tags, which may require changing the signal format or power level.

[0165] 6. Discovery Response (RN): After detecting the discovery signal, each tag generates an RN and responds with it. For example, this RN can be 16 bits, but the exact number of bits may need further study. This is similar to the discovery response in the current sidechain process. The tags need to be modified to generate and transmit this RN. The response can be sent through the control channel (e.g., PSSCH), or through an independent CSI-RS, non-independent CSI-RS, or DMRS during the discovery message / link establishment.

[0166] The role of the A-IoT device will involve listening for the discovery signal, generating the RN, and transmitting the RN after the signal is detected.

[0167] 7. Sidechain Connection Setup (ACK): The UE listens for the response from the tag. After receiving a valid RN from the tag, the UE sends a sidechain connection setup message to that tag. This serves as the "ACK" in the RFID protocol. The UE needs to be modified to generate and send this ACK message. The ACK message can be sent through the PSCCH and can contain the RN and a command instructing the tag to transmit its unique identifier.

[0168] The role of the UE will involve listening for the RN, verifying the RN, and transmitting the ACK message.

[0169] 8. Data Transmission (EPC): After receiving the ACK message, the tag responds with its unique identifier. This will be similar to the EPC in the RFID protocol. The tag needs to be modified to store its unique identifier and transmit it after receiving the ACK message. The unique identifier can be sent through the data channel (e.g., PSSCH).

[0170] The role of the A-IoT device will involve listening for the ACK message, extracting the instruction in the ACK message, and transmitting its unique identifier.

[0171] This method will require significant changes to the UE and tags, including hardware and firmware modifications.

[0172] The above messages can be transmitted in a dedicated or shared sidelink resource pool before or during link establishment. The containers for these messages can be preconfigured channels (e.g., a channel similar to the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH)), scheduled / indicated channels (e.g., PSCCH / PSSCH), or others. The PSCCH / PSSCH used here is only an example. Further discussion and synchronization are encouraged to explore other potential options. The RN16 used in the discovery response is only an example, and the exact number of bits may require further study.

[0173] In another aspect, for the topologies described in the present invention, different resource allocation and scheduling methods are disclosed. The link resource allocation between the intermediate UE and the A-IoT device can be scheduled / configured by the gNB through downlink control information (DCI) and / or configured grant (CG) and / or (pre)configured resource pools. For the DCI approach, one or more resources can be indicated for a single transmission from the intermediate UE to the A-IoT device. For the CG approach, one or more resources can be indicated for one or more transmissions from the intermediate UE to the A-IoT device. Additionally, in this case, further signaling can be used in the DCI to indicate whether the resources of the CG can be used. For example, after a set of resources is configured, further signaling can be used in the DCI to activate or deactivate the configured resources. Only when the intermediate UE receives the activation in the DCI does it use the configured resources to transmit to the A-IoT device. Further, for the (pre)configured resource pool approach, it depends on the intermediate UE to further select one or more resources for one or more transmissions to the A-IoT device.

[0174] In another aspect, the gNB can control the search for A-IoT devices. For example, the gNB can instruct an intermediate UE to search for one or more specific A-IoT devices, or blindly search for one or more A-IoT devices within a one-bit length indicator in the DCI. For the case of searching for specific A-IoT devices indicated in the DCI, one or more identifiers of the one or more specific A-IoT devices (e.g., each represented by a destination ID of N-bit length) can be controlled by the gNB and transmitted in a new field of the DCI. These one or more identifiers will be used by the intermediate UE to further search for the one or more specific A-IoT devices. Alternatively, the gNB can also instruct a blind search for one or more A-IoT devices. In this case, the intermediate UE can determine the search process for the A-IoT devices. For example, the service type identifier can be used by the intermediate UE to identify one or more A-IoT devices that meet the service type.

[0175] Uplink power control

[0176] Device A, a passive device, has an activation threshold directly related to its power consumption. This means that the output of the RF energy harvester needs to be equal to or exceed the power consumption of Device A for it to operate effectively.

[0177] Figure 14(A) is schematic diagram 1400, illustrating the problem of uplink power control. For example, if the transmission or reception of Device A consumes 1 μW, then an RF harvester output of 0.25 μW (equivalent to a received signal power of -30 dBm) will be insufficient. Considering an energy conversion efficiency of 25% to 50%, to meet the power consumption requirements of Device A, the received RF signal power needs to exceed 4 μW. This is equivalent to an activation threshold of -27 dBm to -24 dBm for Device A.

[0178] However, there is a major problem with this activation threshold. Given an activation power threshold of -20 dBm, Device A can only achieve a maximum coverage range of 7 m in an indoor base station with an EIRP of 24 dBm. This is below the maximum distance requirement for the indoor environment, which ranges from 10 m to 50 m according to TR 38.848.

[0179] Figure 14(B) is schematic diagram 1420, illustrating another problem with uplink power control. As shown in Figure 14(B), increasing the transmit power to 44 dBm can extend the range to 68 m, thus meeting the indoor coverage requirement of 10 - 50 m. However, this solution brings another problem: the backscatter transmission of Device A may interfere with nearby base stations.

[0180] For Device A, uplink power control can be adjusted by changing the base station power or changing the antenna impedance. For Device B, uplink power control can be regulated by a reflection amplifier, depending on factors such as battery level, battery voltage, battery current, channel conditions, and power requirements.

[0181] Passive device without a reflection amplifier

[0182] In a backscatter communication system, the UL power is mainly determined by the power of the incident signal and the reflection coefficient of the backscatter device. However, the backscatter device does not generate its own signal but modulates and reflects the incident signal. Therefore, controlling the UL power in a backscatter system typically involves controlling the power of the incident signal and the reflection coefficient of the backscatter device.

[0183] 1. Adjust the incident signal power: The power of the incident signal from the UE reader or gNB can be adjusted. The stronger the incident signal, the stronger the reflected signal.

[0184] 2. Modify the reflection coefficient: The reflection coefficient of the backscatter device can be adjusted by changing the antenna impedance on the backscatter device. This allows the backscatter device to modulate the reflected signal to encode information.

[0185] Adjust the incident signal power

[0186] In the given protocol, the UE reader or gNB initiates communication and powers the A-IoT device. Then the A-IoT device responds with a random sequence for a selected duration. The UE reader or gNB confirms this transmission, and when there is a match, the A-IoT device replies with a unique identifier.

[0187] In controlling the UL power in this case, the UE reader or gNB can adjust the power of the incident signal when broadcasting commands to the A-IoT device. This can be done in several ways:

[0188] 1. Fixed power level: The UE reader or gNB can transmit commands at a fixed power level suitable for most A-IoT devices.

[0189] 2. Adaptive power control: The UE reader or gNB can adaptively adjust the power of the incident signal based on the estimated distance to the A-IoT device or based on the quality of the signal received from the A-IoT device.

[0190] 3. Power Ramping: The UE reader or gNB can start transmitting commands from a low power level and gradually increase the power until the A-IoT device responds.

[0191] The effectiveness of these strategies will depend on the specific characteristics of the UE reader or gNB and the A-IoT device, as well as the environment in which they are deployed. Detailed analysis and simulations are required to determine the most effective strategy for managing UL power in this scenario.

[0192] Modify the reflection coefficient

[0193] In the given protocol, the A-IoT device modulates the reflected signal to encode information. This modulation process involves changing the antenna impedance on the A-IoT device, thereby changing the reflection coefficient. The method is as follows:

[0194] 1. Impedance matching: The antenna impedance of the A-IoT device can have two states: one is the "matched" state, in which the impedance of the antenna matches the impedance of the air (resulting in maximum power transfer and minimum reflection), and the other is the "mismatched" state, in which the impedance of the antenna does not match the impedance of the air (resulting in maximum reflection). By quickly switching between these two states, the A-IoT device can modulate the reflected signal to encode information.

[0195] 2. Electronic switch: The A-IoT device can use an electronic switch to change the state of the antenna. When the switch is in one state, the antenna is in the "matched" state. When the switch is in another state, the antenna is in the "mismatched" state. The A-IoT device can control the state of the switch according to the data it wants to transmit.

[0196] 3. Energy harvesting: The A-IoT device can use the energy it harvests to power the electronic switch. This enables the A-IoT device to change the state of the antenna even when it does not receive a signal from the UE reader or gNB.

[0197] In this way, the A-IoT device can control the power of the reflected signal by changing the impedance of its antenna, thereby modifying the reflection coefficient. This enables the A-IoT device to modulate the reflected signal to encode information, as described in the given protocol.

[0198] In a first aspect, a UE includes:

[0199] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media embedded with computer-executable instructions, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to perform the following operations:

[0200] If the UE is in a state of initiating communication with the A-IoT device, receive a command to power up the A-IoT device from a base station (BS),

[0201] If the estimated distance to the A-IoT device or the quality of the signal received from the A-IoT device is known, determine the power of the incident signal to be sent to the A-IoT device.

[0202] If the UE is in a state of broadcasting a command to the A-IoT device, adjust the power of the incident signal based on the determined power.

[0203] If the A-IoT device responds with a unique identifier, send a transmission confirmation to the BS.

[0204] In a second aspect, a UE includes:

[0205] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to perform the following operations:

[0206] If the UE is in a state of initiating communication with an A-IoT device, receive a command to power on a specific A-IoT device from a base station (BS).

[0207] If the estimated distance to the A-IoT device or the quality of the signal received from the A-IoT device is known, determine the power of the incident signal to be sent to the A-IoT device.

[0208] If the UE is in a state of broadcasting a command to a specific A-IoT device, perform an adjustment of the power of the incident signal based on the determined power.

[0209] If the A-IoT device responds with a unique identifier, send a transmission confirmation to the BS.

[0210] In a third aspect, a UE includes:

[0211] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to perform the following operations:

[0212] If the UE is in a state of communicating with an A-IoT device, receive a command to modulate a reflected signal from a base station (BS).

[0213] If the A-IoT device is in a state of changing its impedance to modulate the reflected signal, determine the impedance of the antenna on the A-IoT device.

[0214] If the A-IoT device is in an encoding information state, adjust the reflection coefficient of the backscatter device by changing the impedance of the antenna.

[0215] If the A-IoT device is in a state of reflecting the incident signal, it sends the modulated reflected signal to the BS.

[0216] In a fourth aspect, the UE includes:

[0217] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0218] Receive a command to modulate a reflected signal from the BS if the UE is in a state of communicating with the A-IoT device,

[0219] Determine the transmission power based on the power of the received signal if the A-IoT device is in a state of changing the impedance to modulate the reflected signal,

[0220] Perform adjustment of the transmission power by changing the antenna impedance or implementing a function (such as a logarithmic function) if the A-IoT device is in a state of encoding information,

[0221] Transmit the modulated reflected signal to the BS if the A-IoT device is in a state of reflecting the incident signal.

[0222] A passive device with a reflection amplifier

[0223] When the backscatter device is equipped with a reflection amplifier, it can amplify the reflected signal, thereby increasing the UL power. This is particularly useful when the incident signal power is low or the distance between the backscatter device and the UE reader or gNB is large.

[0224] UL power control can be achieved by the following methods:

[0225] 1. Adjust the incident signal power: The power of the incident signal of the UE reader or gNB can be adjusted. The stronger the incident signal, the stronger the reflected signal will be even before amplification.

[0226] 2. Modify the reflection coefficient: The reflection coefficient of the backscatter device can be adjusted by changing the antenna impedance on the backscatter device. This allows the backscatter device to modulate the reflected signal to encode information.

[0227] 3. Control the amplifier gain: The gain of the reflection amplifier can be controlled to adjust the power of the reflected signal. This can be done dynamically according to the signal quality received by the UE reader or gNB, or based on the estimated distance to the UE reader or gNB.

[0228] 4. Adaptive Power Control: The UE reader or gNB can adaptively adjust the power of the incident signal based on the estimated distance to the backscatter device or on the signal quality received from the backscatter device. If the backscatter device is close or the received signal quality is good, the UE reader or gNB can reduce the power of the incident signal. If the backscatter device is far or the received signal quality is poor, the UE reader or gNB can increase the power of the incident signal.

[0229] 5. Power Ramping: The UE reader or gNB can start transmitting commands at a low power level and gradually increase the power until the backscatter device responds. This helps ensure that the power of the incident signal is just sufficient to reach the backscatter device, thus minimizing the likelihood of interference or receiver overload.

[0230] The effectiveness of these strategies will depend on the specific characteristics of the UE reader or gNB and the backscatter device, as well as the environment in which they are deployed.

[0231] Adjusting the Incident Signal Power

[0232] To implement the strategies according to the given protocol, the UE reader or gNB can adjust the power of the incident signal when broadcasting commands to A-IoT devices. This can be done in several ways:

[0233] 1. Fixed Power Level: The UE reader or gNB can transmit commands at a fixed power level suitable for most A-IoT devices. This power level should be chosen such that it is not too high for A-IoT devices close to the UE reader or gNB, but still high enough for those far away.

[0234] 2. Adaptive Power Control: The UE reader or gNB can adaptively adjust the power of the incident signal based on the estimated distance to the A-IoT device or on the signal quality received from the A-IoT device. If the A-IoT device is close or the received signal quality is good, the UE reader or gNB can reduce the power of the incident signal. If the A-IoT device is far or the received signal quality is poor, the UE reader or gNB can increase the power of the incident signal.

[0235] 3. Power Ramping: The UE reader or gNB can start transmitting commands at a low power level and gradually increase the power until the A-IoT device responds. This helps ensure that the power of the incident signal is just sufficient to reach the A-IoT device, thus minimizing the likelihood of interference or receiver overload.

[0236] Modifying the Reflection Coefficient

[0237] To implement the strategy, the A-IoT device can change the impedance of its antenna to modulate the reflected signal. This can be done in the following ways:

[0238] 1. Impedance Matching: The antenna impedance of an A-IoT device can have two states: one is the "matched" state, where the impedance of the antenna matches the impedance of the air (resulting in maximum power transfer and minimum reflection), and the other is the "mismatched" state, where the impedance of the antenna does not match the impedance of the air (resulting in maximum reflection). By quickly switching between these two states, the A-IoT device can modulate the reflected signal to encode information.

[0239] 2. Electronic Switch: The A-IoT device can use an electronic switch to change the state of the antenna. When the switch is in one state, the antenna is in the "matched" state. When the switch is in another state, the antenna is in the "mismatched" state. The A-IoT device can control the state of the switch according to the data it wants to transmit.

[0240] 3. Energy Harvesting: The A-IoT device can use the energy it harvests to power the electronic switch. This allows the A-IoT device to change the state of the antenna when it is not receiving signals from the UE reader or gNB.

[0241] Control Amplifier Gain

[0242] To implement the strategy according to the given protocol, the A-IoT device can dynamically adjust the gain of the reflection amplifier. This can be done in the following ways:

[0243] 1. Signal Quality-Based Control: The A-IoT device can estimate the quality of the signal received from the UE reader or gNB. If the signal quality is good, the A-IoT device can reduce the gain of the reflection amplifier. If the signal quality is poor, the A-IoT device can increase the gain of the reflection amplifier. This can be achieved by using a feedback loop that adjusts the gain based on the error between the estimated signal quality and the target signal quality.

[0244] 2. Distance-Based Control: The A-IoT device can estimate the distance to the UE reader or gNB. If the A-IoT device is close to the UE reader or gNB, it can reduce the gain of the reflection amplifier. If the A-IoT device is far from the UE reader or gNB, it can increase the gain of the reflection amplifier. This can be achieved by using a feedback loop that adjusts the gain based on the error between the estimated distance and the target distance.

[0245] Adaptive Power Control

[0246] To implement the strategy according to the given protocol, the UE reader or gNB can adaptively adjust the power of the incident signal. This can be done in the following ways:

[0247] 1. Signal Quality-based Control: The UE reader or gNB can estimate the quality of the signal received from the A-IoT device. If the signal quality is good, the UE reader or gNB can reduce the power of the incident signal. If the signal quality is poor, the UE reader or gNB can increase the power of the incident signal. This can be achieved by using a feedback loop that adjusts the incident signal power based on the error between the estimated signal quality and the target signal quality.

[0248] 2. Distance-based Control: The UE reader or gNB can estimate the distance to the A-IoT device. If the A-IoT device is close to the UE reader or gNB, it can reduce the power of the incident signal. If the A-IoT device is far from the UE reader or gNB, it can increase the power of the incident signal. This can be achieved by using a feedback loop that adjusts the incident signal power based on the error between the estimated distance and the target distance.

[0249] Power Ramping

[0250] To implement the strategy according to the given protocol, the UE reader or gNB can start transmitting commands at a low power level and gradually increase the power until the A-IoT device responds. Here's how to do it:

[0251] 1. Initial Transmission: The UE reader or gNB starts transmitting commands at a low power level. This initial power level should be high enough to reach the nearest A-IoT device but low enough to minimize the potential for interference or receiver overload.

[0252] 2. Power Increment: If the A-IoT device does not respond, the UE reader or gNB increases the power of the incident signal by a small increment. The size of this increment should be selected based on the specific characteristics of the UE reader or gNB and the A-IoT device, as well as the environment in which they are deployed.

[0253] 3. Repeat until Response: The UE reader or gNB repeats the process of increasing the power and waiting for a response from the A-IoT device until it receives a response. Once the A-IoT device responds, the UE reader or gNB stops increasing the power.

[0254] In the given protocol, the UE reader or gNB initiates communication by broadcasting commands to the A-IoT device. The A-IoT device then responds in a random sequence for a selected duration. The UE reader or gNB acknowledges this transmission, and when there is a match, the A-IoT device replies with a unique identifier. By using power ramping, the UE reader or gNB can ensure that the power of the incident signal is just sufficient to reach the A-IoT device, thus minimizing the potential for interference or receiver overload.

[0255] In a first aspect, a UE includes:

[0256] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon, and at least one processor connected to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0257] If the UE is in a state of starting to communicate with the backscatter device, receive a command from the BS to adjust the power of the incident signal,

[0258] If the estimated distance to the backscatter device or the quality of the signal received from the backscatter device is known, determine the power of the incident signal to be transmitted to the backscatter device,

[0259] If the UE is in a state of broadcasting a command to the backscatter device, perform power adjustment of the incident signal according to the determined power,

[0260] If the backscatter device responds with a unique identifier, transmit a confirmation of the transmission to the BS.

[0261] In a second aspect, a UE includes:

[0262] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions thereon, and at least one processor connected to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0263] If the UE is in a state of communicating with the backscatter device, receive a command from the BS to control the gain of the reflection amplifier,

[0264] If the quality of the signal received from the backscatter device or the estimated distance to the backscatter device is known, determine the gain of the reflection amplifier on the backscatter device,

[0265] If the backscatter device is in a state of amplifying the reflected signal, perform adjustment of the reflection amplifier gain according to the determined gain,

[0266] If the backscatter device is in a state of reflecting the incident signal, transmit the modulated reflected signal to the BS.

[0267] UL power control of random sequences

[0268] To support uplink power control between a user equipment / base station (UE / gNB) reader and an A-IoT device, we can make minimal changes to the existing PRACH power control mechanism. The following is an overview of the revised PRACH power control mechanism, including the necessary modifications:

[0269] 1. Command Transmission: The UE / gNB reader initiates the process by transmitting a command to the A-IoT device. This command outlines basic communication parameters such as the tag rate, tag data encoding method, and the total available duration. This is similar to the reception of SSB and SIB1 in the original PRACH power control mechanism.

[0270] 2. Initial Reflection Coefficient and Amplifier Gain Calculation: After receiving the command, the A-IoT device calculates the initial reflection coefficient and the gain of its reflection amplifier. The formulas used for this calculation are similar to those used in the original PRACH power control mechanism but adapted for the reflection coefficient and amplifier gain:

[0271]

[0272] 3. Random Sequence Generation and Signal Reflection: The A-IoT device generates a random sequence based on its unique identifier and the command parameters. This sequence is then used to modulate the reflected signal and transmit it back to the UE / gNB reader within the selected duration.

[0273] 4. Reflection Coefficient and Amplifier Gain Adjustment: If the UE / gNB reader does not respond to the reflected signal (i.e., the A-IoT device does not receive an acknowledgment within the specified time window), the A-IoT device increases its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain by a certain step size (reflectionRampingStep and gainRampingStep respectively) and uses the new values when it receives another command from the gNB or UE reader. This process is repeated until the UE / gNB reader responds or the maximum number of transmissions is reached.

[0274] 5. Acknowledgment Reception: If the UE / gNB reader detects the reflected signal, it sends an acknowledgment to the A-IoT device. This acknowledgment includes the decoded random sequence and is sent within a predetermined duration.

[0275] 6. Reflection Coefficient and Amplifier Gain Adjustment: Based on the acknowledgment from the UE / gNB reader, the A-IoT device adjusts its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain. This adjustment is to ensure that the UE / gNB reader can detect the reflected signal while minimizing interference with other devices.

[0276] 7. Unique Identifier Transmission: Once the A-IoT device has adjusted its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain and the decoded sequence in the acknowledgment matches the selected sequence, it reflects a signal encoding its unique identifier.

[0277] The following terms are part of the A-IoT device power control mechanism. They allow the A-IoT device to adaptively adjust its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain to ensure that its reflected signal can be detected by the UE / gNB reader, while also minimizing interference with other devices.

[0278] REFLECTION_COEFFICIENT: This is a measure of how much of the incident signal is reflected by the A-IoT device. The higher the reflection coefficient, the more signal is reflected back to the source (UE / gNB reader).

[0279] initialReflectionCoefficient: This is the starting value of the reflection coefficient before any adjustment. This is the base value from which the A-IoT device begins its power adjustment process.

[0280] DELTA_REFLECTION: This is the change in the reflection coefficient from its initial value. It represents the adjustment to the initial reflection coefficient based on commands received from the UE / gNB reader.

[0281] REFLECTION_RAMPING_COUNTER: This is a counter that keeps track of the number of times the A-IoT device increases its reflection coefficient due to not receiving a response from the UE / gNB reader.

[0282] reflectionRampingStep: This is the step size by which the A-IoT device increases its reflection coefficient each time it does not receive a response from the UE / gNB reader. It determines the rate at which the reflection coefficient increases.

[0283] AMPLIFIER_GAIN: This is a measure of how much the A-IoT device amplifies the reflected signal. The higher the amplifier gain, the stronger the reflected signal.

[0284] initialAmplifierGain: This is the starting value of the amplifier gain before any adjustment. This is the base value from which the A-IoT device begins its power adjustment process.

[0285] DELTA_GAIN: This is the change in the amplifier gain from its initial value. It represents the adjustment to the initial amplifier gain based on commands received from the UE / gNB reader.

[0286] GAIN_RAMPING_COUNTER: This is a counter that keeps track of the number of times the A-IoT device increases its amplifier gain due to not receiving a response from the UE / gNB reader.

[0287] gainRampingStep: This is the step size for increasing the amplifier gain each time the A-IoT device does not receive a response from the UE / gNB reader. It determines the rate at which the amplifier gain increases.

[0288] This revised mechanism allows the A-IoT device to adjust its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain based on commands and acknowledgments from the UE / gNB reader, ensuring that the reflected signal can be detected by the UE / gNB reader while minimizing interference. This approach makes minimal changes to the existing PRACH power control mechanism and can effectively support uplink power control between the UE / gNB reader and the A-IoT device.

[0289] The A-IoT device can decide whether to reset the power adjustment process based on the acknowledgment received from the UE / gNB reader.

[0290] When the A-IoT device receives an acknowledgment from the UE / gNB reader, it means that the reflected signal has been successfully detected. In this case, the A-IoT device can reset the reflection coefficient and amplifier gain to their initial values for the next transmission.

[0291] If the A-IoT device does not receive an acknowledgment signal within the specified time window, it means that the reflected signal has not been detected. In this case, the A-IoT device increases its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain to receive the next command from the gNB or UE reader. This process repeats until the UE / gNB reader responds or the maximum number of transmissions is reached.

[0292] Figure 15 is the timing diagram 1500 of the interaction between the UE reader / gNB and the A-IoT device. In this timing diagram:

[0293] The UE reader / gNB (r) starts the process by transmitting a command to the A-IoT device (a) and indicating the number of durations.

[0294] The A-IoT device calculates the initial reflection coefficient and amplifier gain.

[0295] The A-IoT device generates a random sequence and reflects the signal for the selected duration.

[0296] If the A-IoT device does not receive an acknowledgment signal, it increases its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain.

[0297] The UE reader / gNB sends an acknowledgment signal within the specified duration.

[0298] The A-IoT device adjusts its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain based on the acknowledgment signal.

[0299] If the A-IoT device finds a match, it reflects a signal encoding the unique identifier.

[0300] In a first aspect, the UE includes:

[0301] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having embodied thereon computer-executable instructions, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0302] Receive a command from the BS outlining basic communication parameters such as the tag rate, the tag data encoding method, and the total available duration if the UE is in the process of performing uplink power control with the A-IoT device.

[0303] Determine an initial reflection coefficient and amplifier gain according to the received command if the UE does not receive an acknowledgement signal from the BS within a specified time window.

[0304] Generate a random sequence based on its unique identifier and the command parameters and modulate the reflected signal with this sequence if the UE is in the process of reflecting a signal to the BS.

[0305] Transmit a signal encoding the unique identifier to the BS if the UE has adjusted its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain and the decoded sequence in the acknowledgement matches the selected sequence.

[0306] In a second aspect, the UE includes:

[0307] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having embodied thereon computer-executable instructions, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0308] Receive an acknowledgement signal from the BS containing a decoded random sequence and transmit it within a predetermined duration if the BS detects a reflected signal from the UE.

[0309] Determine whether to reset the power ramp process according to the acknowledgement signal received from the BS if the reflected signal has been successfully detected.

[0310] Increase its reflection coefficient and amplifier gain by a certain step size and use the new values if the UE does not receive an acknowledgement signal within a specified time window and it receives another command from the BS.

[0311] Transmit a reflected signal to the BS within a selected duration if the UE generates a random sequence based on its unique identifier and the command parameters.

[0312] UL power control for the EPC

[0313] As a passive device and using backscattering for communication, A-IoT devices require a unique uplink power control method. This section outlines how to adapt NR UL power control to support A-IoT devices and within the context of the specified protocol.

[0314] 1. Initial power calculation for A-IoT: Different from active devices, A-IoT devices do not transmit power. They modulate the reflected signals from the UE reader / gNB. The intensity of this reflected signal depends on the incident power of the UE reader / gNB and the reflection coefficient of the A-IoT device. When the UE reader / gNB broadcasts a command and indicates the number of durations, the A-IoT device decodes the command and selects a random duration.

[0315] 2. Power control adjustment for A-IoT: Instead of adjusting the uplink transmission power, A-IoT devices modulate the reflection coefficient or the reflection amplifier gain to change the intensity of the backscattered signal. The UE reader / gNB modifies its transmission power according to the power control command to ensure that the backscattered signal from the A-IoT device can be detected. These power control commands can include parameters such as the desired backscattered signal intensity, modulation scheme, and data coding method. When the A-IoT device responds to a random sequence using FM0 modulation during the selected duration, the UE reader / gNB decodes the random sequence and sends an acknowledgment signal.

[0316] 3. Power ramping for A-IoT: Power ramping is not applicable to A-IoT devices because they do not actively transmit power. However, if the UE reader / gNB does not receive an acknowledgment signal, it can increase its transmission power to enhance the incident power on the A-IoT device, thereby increasing the intensity of the backscattered signal. The A-IoT device can also adjust its reflection amplifier gain to ensure that the backscattered signal intensity meets the requirements.

[0317] 4. Power limit for A-IoT: Since A-IoT devices do not actively transmit power, power limits are not applicable. However, the UE reader / gNB should still limit its transmission power to prevent excessive interference. The maximum transmission power can be determined based on the reflection characteristics of the A-IoT device, interference limits, and regulatory limits.

[0318] 5. Power control for A-IoT: When the A-IoT device receives an acknowledgment signal within the specified duration, it matches the decoded sequence in the acknowledgment with the selected sequence. If there is a match, the A-IoT device replies with a unique identifier. During this process, the A-IoT device adjusts its reflection coefficient or reflection amplifier gain according to the power control command received from the UE reader / gNB.

[0319] The following is a simplified formula for A-IoT power control:

[0320] P_reflection = min(P_max, P_O_REFLECTION + α*(PL) + ΔTF + f(i))

[0321] Where:

[0322] P_reflection is the reflection power of A-IoT.

[0323] P_max is the maximum reflection power.

[0324] P_O_REFLECTION is the configured nominal reflection power.

[0325] α is the path loss compensation factor.

[0326] PL is the path loss.

[0327] ΔTF is the power adjustment due to the selected transmission format.

[0328] f(i) is the power control adjustment function, which depends on the power control command received from the UE reader / gNB.

[0329] Considering the passive nature of A-IoT devices and their use of backscattering for communication, the power control process can be adaptively adjusted to ensure efficient communication while minimizing interference.

[0330] Figure 16 is another timing diagram 1600 for the interaction between the UE reader / gNB and the A-IoT device. In this timing diagram:

[0331] The UE reader / gNB (u) starts the process by sending a command to the A-IoT device (a) and indicating the number of durations.

[0332] The A-IoT device decodes the command and selects a random duration.

[0333] The A-IoT device responds with a random sequence using FM0 modulation.

[0334] The UE reader / gNB decodes the random sequence and sends an acknowledgement.

[0335] If the A-IoT device does not receive an acknowledgement, it adjusts its reflection amplifier gain.

[0336] If the UE reader / gNB does not receive an acknowledgement, it increases its transmission power.

[0337] The A-IoT device adjusts its reflection coefficient or reflection amplifier gain according to the power control command received from the UE reader / gNB.

[0338] If the A-IoT device finds a match, it replies with a unique identifier.

[0339] In a first aspect, the UE includes:

[0340] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0341] If the UE is an A-IoT device that communicates using backscattering, receive a command and a number of durations from the BS.

[0342] If the UE is an A-IoT device and does not actively transmit power, determine a random duration from the received number of durations.

[0343] If the UE is an A-IoT device and receives a power control command from the BS, perform modulation of the reflection coefficient or reflection amplifier gain to change the intensity of the backscattered signal.

[0344] If the UE is an A-IoT device and receives an acknowledgement within a specified duration, transmit the unique identifier to the BS when the decoded sequence in the acknowledgement matches the selected sequence.

[0345] In a second aspect, the UE includes:

[0346] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0347] If the UE is an A-IoT device and modulates the reflection coefficient or reflection amplifier gain, receive a power control command from the BS to ensure that the backscattered signal of the UE is detectable.

[0348] If the UE is an A-IoT device and does not actively transmit power, determine the reflection power of the A-IoT device using the formula P_reflection = min(P_max, P_O_REFLECTION + α*(PL) + ΔTF + f(i)).

[0349] If the UE is an A-IoT device and does not receive an acknowledgement from the BS, perform an adjustment of its reflection amplifier gain to ensure that the backscattered signal intensity meets the requirements.

[0350] If the UE is an A-IoT device and decodes a command from the BS, transmit a response with a random sequence to the BS using FM0 modulation in a selected duration.

[0351] In a third aspect, the UE includes:

[0352] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions embedded thereon, and at least one processor coupled to the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to:

[0353] If the UE is an A-IoT device and modulates the reflection coefficient or reflection amplifier gain, receive a power control command from the BS to ensure that the backscatter signal of the UE is detectable.

[0354] If the UE is an A-IoT device and does not actively transmit power, determine the reflection power of the A-IoT device using the formula P_reflection = min(P_max, P_O_REFLECTION + α*(PL) + ΔTF + f(i)).

[0355] If the UE is an A-IoT device and does not receive an acknowledgement from the BS, perform an adjustment of its reflection amplifier gain to ensure that the backscatter signal strength meets the requirements.

[0356] If the UE is an A-IoT device and decodes a command from the BS, transmit a response with a random sequence to the BS using FM0 modulation for a selected duration.

[0357] Figure 17 Illustrative example communication system 1700, which system has an example communication device 1710 and an example network device 1720, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication device 1710 and the network device 1720 may perform various functions to implement the network energy saving schemes, techniques, processes, and methods for mobile communication using on-demand reference signals described herein, including the scenarios / schemes described above and the processes 1800 and 1900 described below.

[0358] The communication device 1710 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 1710 may be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, or a computing device, such as a tablet, a laptop, or a notebook computer. The communication device 1710 may also be part of a machine type device, which may be an Internet of Things (IoT), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), or Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) device, such as a fixed or static device, a home appliance, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 1710 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, the communication device 1710 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processors, or one or more Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors. The communication device 1710 may include Figure 17 at least some of the components shown in, such as the processor 1712. The communication device 1710 may also include one or more other components that are not relevant to the solution proposed in the present invention (e.g., an internal power supply, a display device, and / or a user interface device), and thus, for simplicity and conciseness, these components of the communication device 1710 are neither shown in Figure 17 nor described hereinafter.

[0359] The network device 1720 may be part of a network device, which may be a network node, such as a satellite, a base station, a small cell, a router, or a gateway. For example, the network device 1720 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE network, a gNB in a 5G / NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network, or a satellite or a base station in a 6G network. Alternatively, the network device 1720 may be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. The network device 1720 may include Figure 17 at least some of the components shown in, such as the processor 1722. The network device 1720 may also include one or more other components that are not relevant to the solution proposed in the present invention (e.g., an internal power supply, a display device, and / or a user interface device), and thus, for simplicity and conciseness, these components of the network device 1720 are neither shown in Figure 17 nor described hereinafter.

[0360] In one aspect, each of processors 1712 and 1722 may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, even though the singular term "a processor" is used herein to refer to processors 1712 and 1722, each of processors 1712 and 1722 may include multiple processors or a single processor according to different implementations of the present disclosure. In another aspect, each of processors 1712 and 1722 may be implemented in the form of hardware (and, optionally, firmware) that includes electronic components such as, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more variable capacitors, which are configured and arranged according to the specific purposes of the present disclosure. In other words, in at least some implementations, each of processors 1712 and 1722 is a special-purpose machine that is specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform specific tasks of autonomous reliability enhancement included in a device (e.g., represented by communication device 1710) and a network (e.g., represented by network device 1720) according to various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0361] In some implementations, communication device 1710 may further include a transceiver 1716 coupled to processor 1712 and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, communication device 1710 may further include a memory 1714 coupled to processor 1712 and accessible by processor 1712 for storing data therein. In some implementations, network device 1720 may further include a transceiver 1726 coupled to processor 1722 and capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, network device 1720 may further include a memory 1724 coupled to processor 1722 and accessible by processor 1722 for storing data therein. Accordingly, communication device 1710 and network device 1720 may communicate wirelessly via their respective transceivers 1716 and 1726. For better understanding, a description of the operations, functions, and capabilities of communication device 1710 and network device 1720 is provided below in the context of a mobile communication environment where communication device 1710 is implemented as or serves as a communication device or UE, and network device 1720 is implemented as or serves as a network node of a communication network.

[0362] FIG. 18(A) is a flowchart 1800 of an uplink power control process for a reader device and an A-IoT device. The process involves interactions among a gNB, a UE (e.g., UE 904), and an A-IoT device (e.g., A-IoT device 906).

[0363] At block 1802, the reader device may transmit an incident signal to the A-IoT device. The reader device may be the UE 904 or the gNB.

[0364] Then, at block 1804, the reader device such as the UE 904 may receive a response from the A-IoT device.

[0365] Finally, at block 1806, the reader device may adjust the power of the incident signal according to the status of the response so that the power of the incident signal reaches a sufficient level for communicating with the A-IoT device while controlling interference with other devices.

[0366] In some embodiments, when the reader device is the UE 904, the method may further include: receiving a command from the gNB to perform the transmission.

[0367] In some embodiments, transmitting the incident signal may include initially transmitting the incident signal at a fixed power level. In some embodiments, adjusting the power of the incident signal may include adjusting the power based on at least one of path loss, a set of power control parameters, and the reflection characteristics of the A-IoT device. For example, the set of power control parameters may include at least one of a desired reflected signal strength, a modulation scheme, and a data coding method.

[0368] In some embodiments, adjusting the power of the incident signal may include adjusting the power based on at least one of an estimated distance to the A-IoT device and the quality of the reflected signal received from the A-IoT device. In some embodiments, adjusting the power of the incident signal may further include: starting to transmit the incident signal at an initial power level; and gradually increasing the power of the incident signal until a response is received from the A-IoT device. For example, gradually increasing the power of the incident signal may include increasing the power by an increment, where the size of each increment is selected based on at least one of the characteristics of the reader device, the characteristics of the A-IoT device, and the environment in which the reader device and the A-IoT device are deployed.

[0369] In some embodiments, transmitting the incident signal may include transmitting an incident signal containing a set of parameters during a startup process, the set of parameters including at least one of a tag rate, a tag data coding method, and a total available duration.

[0370] In some embodiments, the process may further include: when a reflected signal is detected from the A-IoT device, transmitting an acknowledgment signal to the A-IoT device, where the acknowledgment signal contains a decoded random sequence and is sent within a predetermined duration.

[0371] In some embodiments, adjusting the power of the incident signal may include determining the maximum power of the incident signal based on at least one of the reflection characteristics, interference limitations, and regulatory limitations of the A-IoT device.

[0372] FIG. 18(B) is a flowchart 1850 of another process for UL power control of a reader device and an A-IoT device.

[0373] In block 1852, for example, the A-IoT device 906 may receive an incident signal from the reader device. The reader device may be a UE, such as UE 904, or a gNB.

[0374] Then, in block 1854, the A-IoT device 906 may respond to a random sequence for a selected duration.

[0375] In block 1856, the A-IoT device 906 may adjust the power of the reflected signal according to the response status of the reader device until an acknowledgment signal is received from the reader device, so that the power of the reflected signal reaches a sufficient level for communication with the reader device while controlling interference with other devices.

[0376] Finally, in block 1858, when the decoded sequence in the acknowledgment signal matches the random sequence, the A-IoT device 906 may reply with a unique identifier.

[0377] In some embodiments, adjusting the power of the reflected signal may include changing at least one of the reflection coefficient of the A-IoT device and the reflection amplifier gain of the A-IoT device. For example, changing the reflection coefficient may include changing the antenna impedance of the A-IoT device.

[0378] In some embodiments, adjusting the reflection coefficient or the reflection amplifier gain may be based on a power control command received from the reader device.

[0379] In some embodiments, the process may further include: when an acknowledgment signal is not received within a specified time window, increasing the reflection coefficient or the reflection amplifier gain by a step size and repeating until a response from the reader device is received or the maximum number of transmissions is reached.

[0380] In some embodiments, the random sequence may be modulated using FM0 modulation.

[0381] In some embodiments, adjusting the reflection amplifier gain may include at least one of the following: estimating the signal quality of the signal received from the reader device and using a feedback loop to adjust the reflection amplifier gain based on the error between the estimated signal quality and a target signal quality; and estimating the distance to the reader device and using a feedback loop to adjust the reflection amplifier gain based on the error between the estimated distance and a target distance.

[0382] In some embodiments, the process may further include: when a confirmation signal is received, resetting the reflection coefficient and the reflection amplifier gain to their initial values for the next transmission.

[0383] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the process flow diagrams of the present invention is an example of an exemplary method. Therefore, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the process flow diagrams can be rearranged based on design preferences, and some blocks can be further combined or omitted. The appended method claims the elements presented in various blocks in an exemplary order, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0384] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described in the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications to these aspects and can apply the general principles defined in the present invention to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown in the present invention, but should be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Herein, unless otherwise specified, the mention of an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more". The word "exemplary" is used in the present invention to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any aspect described as "exemplary" in the present invention is not necessarily to be understood as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" means one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "any combination of A, B, C, or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B, and / or C and may include multiple A's, multiple B's, or multiple C's. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, and C", and "any combination of A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, where any of these combinations can include one or more of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in the present invention that are known or will be known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Additionally, the disclosure of the present invention is not intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. The words "module", "mechanism", "element", "device", etc. are not intended to be substitutes for the word "means". Thus, unless the element in the claim is expressly stated using the phrase "means for...", the element should not be construed as a means-plus-function limitation.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, performed by a reader device, comprising: Transmitting input signals to ambient IoT devices; receiving a response from the environmental IoT device; as well as The power of the incident signal is adjusted according to the state of the response.

2. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: The reader device comprises a user equipment or a gNB.

3. The method for wireless communication according to claim 2, wherein: When the reader device is a user device, the method further comprises: Receive a command from the gNB to perform the transmission.

4. The method for wireless communication of claim 1, wherein transmitting the incident signal comprises: The incident signal is initially transmitted at a fixed power level.

5. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Adjusting the power of the incident signal includes: The power is adjusted based on at least one of a path loss, a set of power control parameters, and a reflective characteristic of the ambient IoT device.

6. The method for wireless communication according to claim 5, wherein: The set of power control parameters includes at least one of a desired reflected signal strength, a modulation scheme, and a data encoding method.

7. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Adjusting the power of the incident signal includes: The power is adjusted based on at least one of an estimated distance to the ambient IoT device and a quality of a reflected signal received from the ambient IoT device.

8. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Adjusting the power of the incident signal includes: Beginning to transmit the incident signal at an initial power level; and The power of the incident signal is gradually increased until a response is received from the ambient IoT device.

9. The method for wireless communication according to claim 8, wherein: Gradually increasing the power of the incident signal includes: The power is increased by increments, wherein a size of each increment is selected based on at least one of a characteristic of the reader device, a characteristic of the ambient IoT device, and an environment in which the reader device and the ambient IoT device are deployed.

10. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Transmitting the incident signal includes: An incident signal including a parameter set including at least one of a tag rate, a tag data encoding method, and a total available duration is transmitted during the startup process.

11. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: When a reflected signal is detected from the ambient IoT device, a confirmation signal is transmitted to the ambient IoT device, wherein the confirmation signal includes the decoded random sequence and is sent within a predetermined duration.

12. The method for wireless communication according to claim 1, wherein: Adjusting the power of the incident signal includes: The maximum power of the incident signal is determined based on at least one of a reflection characteristic, interference limit, and regulatory limit of the environmental IoT device.

13. A method for wireless communication, performed by an ambient IoT device, comprising: receiving an incident signal from a reader device; respond to a random sequence for a selected duration; adjusting the power of the reflected signal according to the response status of the reader device until a confirmation signal is received from the reader device; and When the decoded sequence in the confirmation signal matches the random sequence, a unique identifier is returned.

14. The method for wireless communication according to claim 13, wherein: Adjusting the power of the reflected signal includes changing at least one of a reflection coefficient of the ambient IoT device and a reflection amplifier gain of the ambient IoT device.

15. The method for wireless communication according to claim 14, wherein: Changing the reflection coefficient involves: Change the antenna impedance of the IoT device in this environment.

16. The method for wireless communication according to claim 14, wherein: Adjusting the reflection coefficient or the reflection amplifier gain is based on a power control command received from the reader device.

17. The method for wireless communication according to claim 14, wherein: Further including: When the confirmation signal is not received within the specified time window, the reflection coefficient or the reflection amplifier gain is increased by one step size and repeated until a response is received from the reader device or a maximum number of transmissions is reached.

18. The method for wireless communication according to claim 13, wherein: The random sequence is modulated using FM0 modulation.

19. The method for wireless communication according to claim 14, wherein: Adjusting the gain of the reflection amplifier includes at least one of the following: estimating a signal quality of a signal received from the reader device and adjusting the reflection amplifier gain using a feedback loop based on an error between the estimated signal quality and a target signal quality; and The distance to the reader device is estimated, and a feedback loop is used to adjust the reflective amplifier gain based on the error between the estimated distance and the target distance.

20. The method for wireless communication according to claim 14, wherein: Further including: When the confirmation signal is received, the reflection coefficient and the reflection amplifier gain are reset to initial values ​​for the next transmission.

21. A device for wireless communication, comprising: A processor, the processor being configured to execute the method for wireless communication according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A memory storing program instructions, wherein when the program instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method for wireless communication according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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