Energy level based conflict arbitration

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to conflict arbitration based on energy level. A terminal device is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instruction, when executed by at least one processor, causes the terminal device to at least: receive configuration information of a plurality of energy levels from a second device; determining an energy level corresponding to the first device from a plurality of energy levels based on the configuration information; receiving a query message from a second device; and providing a response message to the second device in a slot selected by the first device from a set of slots associated with the energy level based on the query message. Accordingly, the power consumption of the system is minimized, and the arbitration time is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to an apparatus, method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for energy-level-based conflict arbitration. Background Art

[0002] Communication services enabling energy harvesting in 5G systems have been approved as a new research project for Rel-19. Communication services enabling energy harvesting have been widely applied to various vertical industries, including logistics, manufacturing, transportation, the energy industry, etc. Enabling energy harvesting in 5G systems (including public land mobile networks (PLMNs) and non-public networks (NPNs)) will benefit the entire 5G ecosystem. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for energy-level-based conflict arbitration.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the first device is caused to at least: receive configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; determine, based on the configuration information, an energy level corresponding to the first device from the multiple energy levels; receive a query message from the second device; and provide a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level, based on the query message.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the second device is caused to at least: send configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; send at least one query message to multiple devices; and receive a response message from a first device among the multiple devices in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the multiple energy levels, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first device, receiving configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; determining, based on the configuration information, an energy level corresponding to the first device among the multiple energy levels; receiving a query message from the second device; and providing a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level, based on the query message.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a second device, sending configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; sending at least one query message to the multiple devices; and receiving, in a time slot within a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the multiple energy levels, a response message from a first device among the multiple devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes components for performing the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided. When the instructions are executed by an apparatus, the apparatus is caused to perform the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided. When the instructions are executed by an apparatus, the apparatus is caused to at least perform the method according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a device is provided. The device includes circuitry for at least performing the following: at a first device, receiving configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; determining, based on the configuration information, an energy level corresponding to the first device among the multiple energy levels; receiving a query message from the second device; and providing, based on the query message, a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, a device is provided. The device includes circuitry for at least performing the following: at a second device, sending configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; sending at least one query message to the multiple devices; and receiving, in a time slot within a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the multiple energy levels, a response message from a first device among the multiple devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

[0013] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will also become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, which illustrate the principles of embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are presented by way of example, and their advantages will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An example communication system in which implementations of the present disclosure can be implemented is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 2Illustrates an example flowchart of an example process of energy-level-based conflict arbitration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 Illustrates an example diagram of the relationship between time slots and energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 Illustrates an example diagram of tag deployment and energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 Illustrates an example flowchart of an example detailed process of energy-level-based conflict arbitration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 Illustrates an example diagram of the response for each tag to a query message according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 Illustrates an example flowchart of an example process showing dynamic parameter determination for energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9 Illustrates a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 10 Shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 11 Shows a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Description

[0027] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways than those described below.

[0028] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0029] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment", "embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0030] It should be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the functions of various elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0031] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further understood, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of <list of two or more elements>" and similar phrases (where the list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or") refer to at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or all of the elements.

[0032] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0033] (a) A pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0034] (b) A combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable):

[0035] (i) A combination of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0036] (ii) Any part of (one or more) hardware processors (including (one or more) digital signal processors), software, and (one or more) memories with software, which work together to enable a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions, and

[0037] (c) (One or more) hardware circuits and / or (one or more) processors, such as (one or more) microprocessors or a part of (one or more) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software can be absent when not needed.

[0038] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuits or processors (or multiple processors) or a part of a hardware circuit or processor and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network devices.

[0039] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as a fifth-generation (5G) system, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between a terminal device and a network device in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol known currently or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication, of course, there will also be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above systems.

[0040] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, the network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR next-generation Node B (gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio header (RH), remote radio head (RRH), relay, low-power node (such as femto, pico), etc. The RAN split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit that hosts RRC, SDAP, and PDCP), which controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units that host RLC, MAC, and PHY). The relay node may correspond to the DU part of the IAB node.

[0041] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, IP voice (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDA), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), game terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop in-vehicle devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premise equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., passive IoT devices), watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMD), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automation processing chain), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (also referred to as a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment", and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0042] Although in various example embodiments, the functions described herein may be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes, in other example embodiments, the functions may be implemented in user equipment devices such as mobile phones or tablets or laptops or desktop computers or mobile IoT devices or fixed IoT devices. For example, the user equipment device may be equipped with the corresponding functions described in combination with (one or more) fixed and / or wireless network nodes as needed. The user equipment device may be a user equipment and / or a control device such as a chipset or a processor, which is configured to control the user equipment when installed in the user equipment. Examples of such functions include a bootstrapping server function and / or a home subscriber server, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing software to the user equipment device, the software being configured to cause the user equipment device to perform from the perspective of these functions / nodes.

[0043] As described above, enabling energy harvesting in the 5G system (5GS) will benefit the entire 5G ecosystem. Communication services that enable energy harvesting are targeted at the following usage scenarios:

[0044] 1) In extreme environmental conditions, such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperature, humid environment, vibration, etc.;

[0045] 2) Ultra-low complexity (cost), very small terminal size / form factor (e.g., millimeter thickness), maintenance-free, and longer life cycle, etc.; and

[0046] 3) Other scenarios where battery-powered terminals are not applicable.

[0047] Therefore, using battery-free terminals or terminals with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors) for communication services that enable energy harvesting may become new requirements that cannot be supported by existing 3GPP technologies yet.

[0048] Generally, energy harvesting-based terminals operate in a passive mode. The terminal itself uses the energy harvested from radio waves or any other form of energy that can be harvested in specific use cases, and is expected to support only ultra-low power in the range of dozens of microwatts to hundreds of microwatts.

[0049] The following summarizes some design goals for passive IoT: improved link budget compared to existing radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions; frequency bands for global availability, e.g., licensed and unlicensed bands; ultra-low cost (e.g., $0.02 - $0.5); no need to charge or replace batteries (to achieve low maintenance, long-life operation); ultra-low power (e.g., <100 μW to enable backscatter or energy harvesting operation); smaller device size, form factor; positioning accuracy (e.g., 3 - 5 m); data rate (e.g., 10 - 100 kbps); energy, e.g., devices that use backscatter technology for passive devices and energy harvesting or very small batteries (e.g., <100 mAh) for semi-passive devices; and mobile-originated and mobile-terminated data.

[0050] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to backscatter technology, which will be introduced below. A candidate technology for ultra-low energy or zero-energy devices is backscatter, which is typically used between a reader and a tag. The reader may include an interrogator, access control, electronic toll collection, etc. By convention, a passive IoT device may also be referred to as a tag. Tags may include subway cards, access cards, electronic tags, health monitoring chips, etc. The reader sends a radio frequency (RF) signal incident on the tag, the tag modulates the incident RF signal with an information-bearing signal, and the reflected signal is demodulated at the reader. All backscatter systems are reader-first-talk (RTF), i.e., the tag modulates the reflected wave with the information it stores after receiving the signal sent by the reader.

[0051] RFID based on Electronic Product Code (EPC) Gen2 can support a data rate of 40 kbps - 640 kbps from the tag to the reader with a sensitivity of -85 dBm. Using Miller (M = 4) coding, the typical rate varies between 60 - 70 kbps. For RFID, a typical range of 3 m can be achieved using a passive transponder and a range of 30 m can be achieved using an active transponder. All remote systems operate using ultra-high frequency (UHF) or microwave frequencies and communicate with the reader using backscatter modulation.

[0052] From the perspectives of cost, complexity, and lifecycle, using capacitors for RF collection, backscatter, and energy storage in passive IoT devices in 5G systems can be the best solution. Radio technologies such as those to support backscatter communication and RF energy harvesting need to be studied; to extend the communication range of passive devices, e.g., the harvested energy can be used to enhance the backscatter signal instead of being used for active communication.

[0053] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to the above-mentioned passive IoT in 3GPP cellular network scenarios. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applicable to passive IoT with other types of energy harvesting and energy storage.

[0054] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to conflict arbitration to be introduced below. The purpose of the conflict arbitration sequence is to conduct a census of the tags present in the reader field and receive information about the tag capabilities and data content, all in a single sequence. The information that the tag should backscatter, return, transmit, or otherwise provide is specified by flags set in the command from the reader. The reader is the master communicating with one or more tags.

[0055] Generally, in the ISO-IEC 18000-6 air interface communication of RFID in the 860 - 930 MHz band,

[0056] · The ISO 18000-6A class conflict arbitration mechanism employs the ALOHA algorithm,

[0057] · The ISO 18000-6B class conflict arbitration mechanism employs the binary tree algorithm, and

[0058] · The ISO 18000-6C class conflict arbitration mechanism employs slotted random conflict arbitration.

[0059] As an example, the conflict arbitration mechanism in ISO 18000-6 type C is briefly described. The inventory command set in class 18000-6C includes Query, QueryAdjust, and QueryRep. The arbitration algorithm includes the following steps.

[0060] Step 1: The reader sends a Query command. Query initializes the inventory cycle, which contains the parameter Q (1 - 15).

[0061] Step 2: When receiving the Query command, the participating tags randomly select a number in the range (0, 2Q - 1) and place this number in their slot counters.

[0062] Step 2.1. Tags that select the value zero should respond immediately and reply with RN16; and Step 2.2. Tags that select a non-zero number should wait for the QueryAdjust or QueryRep command.

[0063] Step 3: The reader detects the RN16 (e.g., the unique identifier of the tag) and confirms it to the tag with an ACK command containing the same RN16.

[0064] Step 4: Otherwise, the reader sends QueryRep. After receiving QueryRep, the tag decrements its slot counter by 1. When its slot counter decreases to 0, the tag replies with RN16.

[0065] Step 5: QueryAdjust repeats the Query operation and can increase or decrease Q, but does not introduce new tags.

[0066] In the cellular network scenario, some passive IoT devices will be far from the gNB, while other passive IoT devices will be close to the gNB. The far-end passive IoT devices need to collect more energy to send signals strong enough for the gNB to receive. For example, the far-end UE can receive the command signals (e.g., query messages) from the gNB multiple times, but only respond once with the support of stored energy. However, the near passive IoT devices can respond after receiving only one command signal from the gNB.

[0067] This problem is not considered in the current collision arbitration mechanism. If it is intended that the far-end passive IoT devices respond immediately after collecting energy from one command signal, the gNB needs to send signals with very high power. For the receiving-end passive IoT devices, too much power may be wasted. Therefore, a collision arbitration scheme is needed that solves this problem without using high-energy signals. It is necessary to develop an energy level-based collision arbitration for energy harvesting passive IoT in 5GS.

[0068] In the collision arbitration mechanism, the tag loads a random number into its slot counter. According to the reader's instruction, the slot counter continuously decrements by 1. When the slot counter reaches 0, the tag responds to the reader's command. Traditional RFID is a near-field communication, and RFID does not have energy harvesting and storage functions, so there is no need to consider that far tags may not be able to receive signals or the power efficiency of the reader. But in cellular deployments, some passive IoT devices will be far from the gNB or the reader, while other passive IoT devices will be close to the gNB or the reader. The far-end passive IoT devices need to collect more energy to send signals strong enough for the gNB or the reader to use.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a solution for energy level definition and conflict arbitration based on energy levels for energy harvesting passive IoT in 5GS is provided. Based on an energy level selection criterion, the energy levels can be associated with different measured values at the passive IoT device. The time slots used by the passive IoT device to provide responses can be divided into several groups according to the number of energy levels. The passive IoT device can determine its energy level based on the measured level, such as a received signal power (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP)) measurement result, a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) index measurement result, or a distance measurement to a reference location based on the position of the passive IoT device. Then, during the conflict arbitration process, the passive IoT device can respond to a query (e.g., a query message, a query signal, a command signal, etc.) from a reader (e.g., a gNB or a reader device, such as a terminal device acting as a reader, etc.) in the time slot assigned to the corresponding energy level. In this way, the reader can repeatedly send the query message without increasing the transmission power, and then, the nearby passive IoT device can respond first, while the far passive IoT device can respond later, for example, after receiving a certain number of queries. Therefore, the power consumption can be minimized. In addition, the number of time slots can be configurable between query cycles. After each subsequent query cycle, the conflict arbitration can be performed more accurately and / or more efficiently, thereby also reducing the arbitration time.

[0070] Figure 1 FIG. illustrates an example communication system 100 in which implementation aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented. As Figure 1 shown, the communication network 100 may include a network device 110 (e.g., a base station, such as a gNB) and terminal devices 121-125 (e.g., energy harvesting devices). The network device 110 may communicate with the terminal devices 121-123 via respective wireless communication channels. In some cases, the terminal device 123 may directly communicate with other terminal devices (e.g., terminal devices 122, 124, and 125) using a suitable communication technology (e.g., sidelink or backscatter). For example, the terminal device 123 may act as a relay for the network device 110.

[0071] It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices and their specific interactions therebetween are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent any limitation. The system 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices adapted to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the terminal device may also be referred to as a passive IoT device or a tag. Therefore, the terms "first device", "terminal device", "UE", "energy harvesting device", "passive IoT device", and "tag" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0072] It should be understood that Figure 1The number of devices given is for illustrative purposes and does not represent any limitation on the present disclosure. Communication in system 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and fifth generation (5G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Additionally, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDMA), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0073] Figure 2 FIG. illustrates an example flowchart of an example process 200 for configuring energy levels and conflict arbitration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of discussion, process 200 will be described with reference to Figure 1 Process 200 can involve a second device 202 (e.g., Figure 1 network device 110 or terminal device 123 in Figure 1 ), and first devices 201-1, …, 201-N (collectively referred to as first devices 201). The first devices 201 can be, for example,

[0074] As Figure 2 shown, the second device 202 sends 212 configuration information of multiple energy levels 214 to the first devices 201. After receiving 216 the configuration information of the multiple energy levels, the first devices 201 determine 218, based on the configuration information, the energy levels corresponding to the first devices 201 from the multiple energy levels. The second device 202 sends 220 a query message 222. After receiving 224 the query message 222, the first devices 201 provide 226 (e.g., backscatter, return, send, etc.) a response message 228 to the second device 202 in a time slot selected by the first devices 201 from a set of time slots associated with the energy levels. The second device 202 receives the response message 228.

[0075] Figure 3 FIG. illustrates an example diagram of the relationship between time slots and energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the time slot random conflict arbitration algorithm, if the parameter Q = 4 and the number of time slots is 2 4 = 16, it can be assumed that the number of energy levels is 4. Thus, as Figure 3As shown, the time slots are divided into four groups. For example, time slots 0 - 3 are allocated to the terminal devices with energy level 1, time slots 4 - 7 are allocated to the terminal devices with energy level 2, and so on. In some example embodiments, the time slots can also be divided into groups with non-uniform or unequal sizes.

[0076] The gNB indicates the energy level division and threshold to the terminal device according to the received signal power (e.g., RSRP) level. For example, energy level 1 means that the terminal devices at this level can respond after receiving the query message once, while the terminal devices at energy level K receive the signal at least K times. There is a query number in the query so that the tag knows its Kth round. The terminal device determines which level it belongs to based on its measured received signal power.

[0077] Figure 4 FIG. 400 illustrates an example diagram of tag deployment and energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Describe FIG. 400. FIG. 400 may relate to Figure 1 the network device 110 and the terminal devices 121 - 125 in

[0078] Generally, in this example, the terminal devices close to the network device can be classified as belonging to energy level 1, while the terminal devices far from the network device can be classified as belonging to energy level 4. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the terminal devices 121 and 123 can determine that they belong to energy level 1, the terminal device 124 can determine that it belongs to energy level 2, the terminal device 125 can determine that it belongs to energy level 3, and the terminal device 122 can determine that it belongs to energy level 4. During the conflict arbitration process, the terminal devices at each energy level only select random time slots within their allocated ranges.

[0079] In Figure 4 the terminal devices near the network device can preferentially respond to the query signal sent by the network device, for example, in time slots 0 - 3. The terminal devices far from the network device can perform RF energy harvesting from multiple query signals before responding in their selected time slots. The harvested energy can be stored in a capacitor, a battery, or some other form of energy storage, and is used to enhance the backscattered signal, that is, backscatter the query signal in its selected time slot. In other example embodiments, the terminal device can harvest RF energy from the signal sent by the network device and send data in the selected corresponding time slot at a later time, that is, harvest - then - transmit (HTT).

[0080] In some embodiments, the energy level division can be based on beam reports, such as SSB indexes. The 2D beam grid and SSB indexes can approximately indicate the location of the terminal device.

[0081] It should be understood that Figure 4It is given for illustrative purposes and does not represent any limitation to the present disclosure. The energy-level-based conflict arbitration mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to the scenario between a network device and a terminal device. More generally, tags (e.g., terminal devices such as terminal devices 121, 122, 124, and 124) can determine their corresponding energy levels based on the measurement of signals from a reader (e.g., network device 110 or a terminal device such as terminal device 123), and the tags can respond to the query signals sent by the reader in the time slots selected by them.

[0082] Figure 5 FIG. illustrates an example flowchart showing an example detailed process 500 of energy-level-based conflict arbitration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, process 500 may involve a reader 202 (e.g., network device 110 or terminal device 123) and tags 201-1, …, 201-N (collectively referred to as tags 201). Note that tags 201 may include any suitable number of tags. The reader 202 can communicate with each of the tags 201-1, …, 201-N.

[0083] As Figure 5 shown, at step 501 (e.g., an initial step), the reader broadcasts an energy-level division criterion (which can be RSRP measurement, SSB index, etc., or a combination thereof), a threshold of the criterion, and the number of time slots in the SIB. The process for configuring these energy levels will be described later.

[0084] At step 502, the reader sends a query message, which may include parameters such as the type of the tag (e.g., query of all temperature sensors in the cell), an index of the list in step 501 (e.g., 4 energy levels and 16 time slots), etc.

[0085] At step 503, when the query message is received, the tags with energy level 1 respond to the query message. For example, each participating tag with energy level 1 selects a random time slot within the range (0, 3), tags with energy level 2 select a random time slot within the range (4, 7), and so on. The tags will respond by using backscattering or directly sending a response message in the time slots they select, using their ID (e.g., unique identifier (UID)). Steps 502 and 503 can be repeated. The participating tags with energy levels 1-4 respond accordingly in the time slots they select. The reader can determine the existence of conflicting tags with energy levels 2 and 4 based on the response messages received from conflicting tags in the same time slot. Then, the conflicting tags wait for a subsequent query cycle.

[0086] In the second query cycle, at step 504, the reader sends a query message including the number of time slots (e.g., the NofSlot field is 8), and the query message corresponds to energy level 2. At step 505, the colliding tags with energy level 2 in the first query cycle can respond in these time slots.

[0087] In the third query cycle, at step 506, the reader sends a query message including the number of time slots (e.g., the NofSlot field is 8), and the query message corresponds to energy level 4. At step 507, the colliding tags with energy level 4 in the first query cycle can respond in these time slots.

[0088] Figure 6 The figure illustrates an example diagram of the response of each tag to a query message according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 6 shown, tag1, tag4, and tag6 are in the group with energy level 1, and they respond to the query message in time slots 0 - time slot 3. When receiving the query message, tag1, tag4, and tag6 select a random number in the range (0, 3) and put the number into their time slot counters. The tag that selects the zero value responds immediately and replies with its corresponding UID; the tag that selects a non-zero number can wait for the query in the corresponding time slot. Similarly, other tags with different energy levels can respond to the query in their selected time slots later.

[0089] The second device can detect that there are collisions in time slots 4 and time slot 12 corresponding to energy level 2 and energy level 4 respectively. In the second query cycle, the second device can initialize a query message dedicated to the tags in energy level 2. In the third query cycle, the second device can initiate a query message dedicated to the tags in energy level 4 until the collision is resolved.

[0090] Figure 7 The figure illustrates an example flowchart of an example process 700 showing the determination of dynamic parameters for energy levels according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 7 to discuss how the second device determines the number of energy levels, the energy level thresholds, and the number of time slots.

[0091] In some embodiments, the reader can start with a certain default number of levels (e.g., 3 or 4). As shown in 710, it can also configure some default thresholds and an equal number of time slots for each level. For example, the default values can vary depending on the type and distribution of tags in the cell. The parameter "number of levels" is a dynamic number, and based on the location and density of the tags, it is dynamically configured how many levels are needed.

[0092] At 720, the reader can broadcast default parameters. Then, at 730 and 740, the tag can obtain and send some reports (e.g., SSB index reports for beam management or timing advance) or signal measurements from the reader. The reader can determine how many tags are in each level based on the reports and measurements.

[0093] At 750, the reader can update the threshold to distribute the tags according to the desired level distribution, e.g., distribute the tags evenly across all levels. Additionally or alternatively, at 760, the reader can reconfigure the number of time slots in each energy level such that the energy levels with more tags have more time slots. Thus, the number of time slots in different energy levels can be unequal. Then, at 770, the updated parameters can be re-broadcast in the SIB.

[0094] According to the above embodiments of the present disclosure, a solution for energy level definition and energy level-based conflict arbitration for energy harvesting passive IoT in 5GS is provided. With the proposed solution, the reader (e.g., gNB or terminal device) will repeatedly send query messages at normal power, so that the near passive IoT devices can respond first, while the far passive IoT devices can respond later, e.g., after receiving the query signal multiple times. In this way, the power consumption is minimized. In addition, the number of time slots can be configurable between query cycles. After each subsequent query cycle, conflict arbitration can be performed more accurately and / or more efficiently, thus also reducing the arbitration time.

[0095] Figure 8 A flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a first device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For purposes of discussion, method 800 will be described from the perspective of the first device 201, for example Figure 2 as shown.

[0096] At block 810, the first device 201 receives configuration information of multiple energy levels from the second device 202. At block 820, based on the configuration information, the first device 201 determines the energy level corresponding to the first device 201 from the multiple energy levels. At block 830, the first device 201 receives a query message from the second device 202. At block 840, based on the query message, the first device 201 provides a response message to the second device 202 in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level.

[0097] In some embodiments, multiple energy levels may be associated with different measured values at a first device based on an energy level selection criterion. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include the energy level selection criterion. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may include one or more thresholds for determining an energy level corresponding to the first device from among the multiple energy levels based on the energy level selection criterion. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may include the number of time slots associated with one or more of the multiple energy levels.

[0098] In some embodiments, the energy level selection criterion may include a received signal power measurement result. Additionally or alternatively, the energy level selection criterion may include an SSB index measurement result. Additionally or alternatively, the energy level selection criterion may include a distance measurement to a reference location based on the position of the first device.

[0099] In some embodiments, the query message may include the type of the first device. Additionally or alternatively, the query message may include: a range of identifiers including the UID of the first device. Additionally or alternatively, the query message may include a group identifier associated with the first device. In some embodiments, the response message may include the UID of the first device.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first device 201 may harvest energy from multiple query messages transmitted in multiple time slots prior to the selected time slot. The query message may be one of the multiple query messages. Additionally, the first device 201 may store the harvested energy in an energy storage element and, based on the stored energy, provide a response message to the second device in the selected time slot.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first device 201 may backscatter a signal with low incident power by using the stored energy to amplify the power of the backscattered signal and carry the query message or follow the query message. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 201 may use the stored energy to directly transmit the response message.

[0102] In some embodiments, after providing the response message to the second device, the first device 201 may receive an additional query message including an additional set of time slots for an energy level. Additionally, the first device 201 may provide an additional response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from the additional set of time slots.

[0103] In some embodiments, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots may be different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots. Additionally or alternatively, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots may be the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots. In some embodiments, the configuration information may indicate a dynamic update configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may be received in the SIB.

[0104] In some embodiments, multiple sets of time slots may be associated with corresponding multiple energy levels. The multiple sets of time slots may have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots. In some embodiments, the first device may be a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device may be a network device or another terminal device.

[0105] Figure 9 The flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a second device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, method 900 will be described from the perspective of, for example Figure 2 the second device 202 as shown.

[0106] At block 910, the second device 202 sends configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices. At block 920, the second device 202 sends at least one query message to multiple devices 201. At block 930, the second device 202 receives a response message from a first device 201 among the multiple devices in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the multiple energy levels, where the response message corresponds to the query message in the at least one query message.

[0107] In some embodiments, the multiple energy levels may be associated with different measured values at multiple devices based on an energy level selection criterion. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include the energy level selection criterion. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may include one or more thresholds for determining the multiple energy levels based on the energy level selection criterion. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may include the number of time slots associated with one or more of the multiple energy levels.

[0108] In some embodiments, the energy level selection criterion may include a received signal reception power measurement result. Additionally or alternatively, the energy level selection criterion may include an SSB index measurement result. Additionally or alternatively, the energy level selection criterion may include a distance measurement to a reference position based on the position of a first device among the multiple devices.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second device 202 may determine the configuration information based on a default configuration, which includes default values for parameters in the configuration information, where the default values depend on at least one of the types of the multiple devices and the distribution of the multiple devices in the service area. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may also determine the configuration information based on the at least one position of one or more of the multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, the second device 202 may also determine the configuration information based on at least one report of SSB index measurements from one or more of the multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, the second device 202 may also determine the configuration information based on at least one report of received signal power measurements from one or more of the multiple devices.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second device 202 may perform load balancing between multiple energy levels based on multiple response messages from multiple devices. Additionally, the second device 202 may update configuration information based on the load balancing. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may update the configuration information by: updating the threshold of the energy level selection criterion to distribute the multiple devices according to the desired distribution among the multiple energy levels. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may update the configuration information by: updating the configuration information such that the number of time slots in an energy level among the multiple energy levels corresponds to the number of devices associated with the energy level.

[0111] In some embodiments, at least one query message may include the types of multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, at least one query message may include: a range of identifiers including the UIDs of the multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, at least one query message may include a group identifier associated with the multiple devices. In some embodiments, the response message may include the UID of the first device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second device 202 may determine a conflicting device based on response messages received from conflicting devices in the same time slot. Additionally, the second device 202 may determine the energy level corresponding to the conflicting device. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may send additional query messages intended for the conflicting device. The additional query messages may include an additional set of time slots for the energy level corresponding to the conflicting device. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may receive additional response messages from the conflicting device among the conflicting devices in the time slot selected by the conflicting device from the additional set of time slots.

[0113] In some embodiments, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots may be different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots. Additionally or alternatively, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots may be the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots. In some embodiments, the second device 202 may send the configuration information by sending the configuration information in the SIB.

[0114] In some embodiments, multiple sets of time slots may be associated with corresponding multiple energy levels. The multiple sets of time slots may have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots. In some embodiments, the first device may be a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device may be a network device or another terminal device.

[0115] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., the first device 201) capable of performing any of the methods in method 800 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 800. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0116] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes components for: at a first device, receiving configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; determining, based on the configuration information, an energy level corresponding to the first device among the multiple energy levels; receiving a query message from the second device; and providing a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level, based on the query message.

[0117] In some embodiments, the multiple energy levels are associated with different measured values at the first device based on an energy level selection criterion. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following parameters: the energy level selection criterion; one or more thresholds for determining, based on the energy level selection criterion, an energy level corresponding to the first device among the multiple energy levels; and the number of time slots associated with one or more of the multiple energy levels.

[0118] In some embodiments, the energy level selection criterion includes at least one of the following: a received signal power measurement result; a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) index measurement result; and a distance measurement to a reference location based on the location of the first device. In some embodiments, the query message includes at least one of the following: the type of the first device; and a range of identifiers including a unique identifier (UID) of the first device; or a group identifier associated with the first device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the response message includes the UID of the first device. In some embodiments, the component for providing the response message to the second device includes components for: collecting energy from multiple query messages transmitted in multiple time slots before the selected time slot, where the query message is one of the multiple query messages; storing the collected energy in an energy storage element; and providing the response message to the second device in the selected time slot based on the stored energy.

[0120] In some embodiments, the component for providing the response message based on the stored energy includes components for: backscattering a signal with low incident power and carrying the query message or following the query message by amplifying the power of the backscattered signal using the stored energy; or directly transmitting the response message using the stored energy.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for: after providing the response message to the second device, receiving an additional query message including an additional set of time slots for the energy level; and providing an additional response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from the additional set of time slots. In some embodiments, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots; or the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots.

[0122] In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates dynamic configuration updates; or the configuration information is received in a system information block (SIB). In some embodiments, multiple sets of time slots are associated with corresponding multiple energy levels, and the multiple sets of time slots have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots. In some embodiments, the first device is a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device is a network device or another terminal device.

[0123] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 800. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0124] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., the second device 202) capable of performing any of the methods in method 900 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 900. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

[0125] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes components for: at the second device, sending configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; sending at least one query message to multiple devices; and receiving, in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the multiple energy levels, a response message from a first device among the multiple devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

[0126] In some embodiments, the multiple energy levels are associated with different measured values at multiple devices based on an energy level selection criterion. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following parameters: the energy level selection criterion; one or more thresholds for determining the multiple energy levels based on the energy level selection criterion; and the number of time slots associated with one or more of the multiple energy levels.

[0127] In some embodiments, the energy level selection criterion includes at least one of the following: a received signal reception power measurement result; a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) index measurement result; and a distance measurement to a reference location based on the position of a first device among the multiple devices.

[0128] In some embodiments, the component for determining the configuration information includes a component for determining the configuration information based on a default configuration, the default configuration including default values for the parameters in the configuration information, the default values depending on at least one of the type of the multiple devices and the distribution of the multiple devices in the service area.

[0129] In some embodiments, the component for determining configuration information further includes a component for determining configuration information based on: at least one location of one or more devices among a plurality of devices; at least one report of SSB index measurements from one or more devices among the plurality of devices; and at least one report of received signal strength measurements from one or more devices among the plurality of devices.

[0130] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for: performing load balancing among a plurality of energy levels based on a plurality of response messages from a plurality of devices; and updating configuration information based on the load balancing. In some embodiments, the component for updating configuration information includes a component for updating a threshold of an energy level selection criterion to distribute the plurality of devices according to a desired distribution among the plurality of energy levels.

[0131] In some embodiments, the component for updating configuration information includes a component for updating the configuration information such that the number of time slots in an energy level among the plurality of energy levels corresponds to the number of devices associated with the energy level. In some embodiments, at least one query message includes at least one of the following: the type of a plurality of devices; and a range of identifiers including unique identification UIDs of the plurality of devices; or a group identifier associated with the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the response message includes the UID of a first device.

[0132] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for: determining colliding devices based on response messages received from colliding devices in the same time slot; and determining an energy level corresponding to the colliding devices.

[0133] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for: sending an additional query message intended for the colliding devices, where the additional query message includes an additional set of time slots for the energy level corresponding to the colliding devices; and receiving an additional response message from the colliding devices among the colliding devices in a time slot selected by the colliding devices from the additional set of time slots.

[0134] In some embodiments, the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots; or the number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots. In some embodiments, the component for sending configuration information includes a component for sending configuration information in a system information block (SIB). In some embodiments, a plurality of sets of time slots are associated with corresponding plurality of energy levels, and the plurality of sets of time slots have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots. In some embodiments, the first device is a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device is a network device or another terminal device.

[0135] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 900. In some embodiments, the components include at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0136] Figure 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as a first device 201, a second device 202, and a network device 230. As shown, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1040 coupled to the processors 1010, and one or more communication modules (TX / RX) 1040 coupled to the processors 1010.

[0137] TX / RX 1040 is for two-way communication. TX / RX 1040 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0138] The processor 1010 may be of any type suitable for a local technical network and, by way of non-limiting example, may include one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is subordinate in time to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0139] The memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that do not persist during a power outage.

[0140] The computer program 1030 includes computer-executable instructions executed by the associated processor 1010. The program 1030 may be stored in the ROM 1020. The processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 1030 into the RAM 1020.

[0141] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 1030 such that the device 1000 may perform with reference to Figures 2 to 9Any process of the present disclosure discussed. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0142] In some embodiments, the program 1030 can be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, which can be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 1000. The device 1000 can load the program 1030 from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1022 for execution. The computer-readable medium can include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 11 An example of a computer-readable medium 1100 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The program 1030 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0143] Generally, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while other aspects can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although the various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0144] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a transient or non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as the instructions included in the program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods 800-900 described above with reference to Figures 8 to 9 As described. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split as needed among the program modules. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules can be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0145] The program code for performing the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when the program codes are executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams are implemented. The program codes may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0146] In the context of the present disclosure, the instructions or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier such that the device, apparatus, or processor can perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like.

[0147] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium will include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0148] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0149] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the above specific features or acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; determine, based on the configuration information, an energy level corresponding to the first device from the multiple energy levels; receive a query message from the second device; and based on the query message, provide a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the multiple energy levels are associated with different measured values at the first device based on an energy level selection criterion.

3. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following parameters: the energy level selection criterion; one or more thresholds for determining, based on the energy level selection criterion, the energy level corresponding to the first device from the multiple energy levels; and the number of time slots associated with one or more of the multiple energy levels.

4. The first device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the energy level selection criterion includes at least one of the following: a received signal power measurement result; a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) index measurement result; and a distance measurement to a reference position based on the position of the first device.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the query message includes at least one of the following: the type of the first device; and a range of an identifier including a unique identifier (UID) of the first device; or a group identifier associated with the first device.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the response message includes the UID of the first device.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first device is caused to provide the response message to the second device by: collecting energy from multiple query messages transmitted in multiple time slots before the selected time slot, the query message being one of the multiple query messages; storing the collected energy in an energy storage element; and based on the stored energy, providing the response message to the second device in the selected time slot.

8. The first device according to claim 7, wherein the first device is caused to provide the response message based on the stored energy by at least one of the following: amplifying the power of a backscattered signal by using the stored energy, backscattering a signal with low incident power and carrying the query message or following the query message; or using the stored energy to directly transmit the response message.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first device is further caused to: after providing the response message to the second device, receive another query message including an additional set of time slots for the energy level; and In a time slot selected by the first device from the set of additional time slots, provide an additional response message to the second device.

10. The first device according to claim 9, wherein: the number of time slots in the set of additional time slots is different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots; or the number of time slots in the set of additional time slots is the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots.

11. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the following: the configuration information indicates dynamic update configuration; or the configuration information is received in a system information block SIB.

12. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of sets of time slots are associated with the respective plurality of energy levels, and the plurality of sets of time slots have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots.

13. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first device is a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device is a network device or another terminal device.

14. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: send configuration information of a plurality of energy levels to a plurality of devices; send at least one query message to the plurality of devices; and receive, in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with an energy level among the plurality of energy levels, a response message from a first device among the plurality of devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

15. The second device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of energy levels are associated with different measured values at the plurality of devices based on an energy level selection criterion.

16. The second device according to claim 15, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following parameters: the energy level selection criterion; one or more thresholds for determining the plurality of energy levels based on the energy level selection criterion; and the number of time slots associated with one or more of the plurality of energy levels.

17. The second device according to claim 16, wherein the energy level selection criterion includes at least one of the following: received signal reception power measurement results; synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block SSB index measurement results; and distance measurement to a reference position based on the position of the first device among the plurality of devices.

18. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second device is further caused to determine the configuration information based on: a default configuration including default values for the parameters in the configuration information, the default values depending on at least one of the type of the plurality of devices and the distribution of the plurality of devices in the service area.

19. The second device according to claim 18, wherein the second device is further caused to determine the configuration information based on at least one of the following: the at least one position of one or more of the plurality of devices; At least one report of SSB index measurements from one or more of the plurality of devices; and At least one report of received signal strength measurements from one or more of the plurality of devices.

20. The second device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second device is further caused to: Perform load balancing between the plurality of energy levels based on a plurality of response messages from the plurality of devices; and Update the configuration information based on the load balancing.

21. The second device according to claim 20, wherein the second device is caused to update the configuration information by: Updating the threshold of the energy level selection criterion to distribute the plurality of devices according to a desired distribution among the plurality of energy levels.

22. The second device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the second device is further caused to update the configuration information by: Updating the configuration information such that the number of time slots in an energy level among the plurality of energy levels corresponds to the number of devices associated with the energy level.

23. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the at least one query message includes at least one of the following items: The types of the plurality of devices; and A range of identifiers including the unique identifier UID of the plurality of devices; or A group identifier associated with the plurality of devices.

24. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the response message includes the UID of the first device.

25. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the second device is further caused to: Determine the conflicting devices based on response messages received from conflicting devices in the same time slot; and Determine the energy levels corresponding to the conflicting devices.

26. The second device according to claim 25, wherein the second device is further caused to: Send additional query messages intended for the conflicting devices, wherein the additional query messages include: An additional set of time slots for the energy level corresponding to the conflicting devices; and Receive additional response messages from the conflicting devices among the conflicting devices in the time slots selected by the conflicting devices from the additional set of time slots.

27. The second device according to claim 26, wherein: The number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is different from the number of time slots in the set of time slots; or The number of time slots in the additional set of time slots is the same as the number of time slots in the set of time slots.

28. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the second device is caused to send the configuration information by: Sending the configuration information in a system information block SIB.

29. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein a plurality of sets of time slots are associated with the respective plurality of energy levels, and the plurality of sets of time slots have the same number of time slots or different numbers of time slots.

30. The second device according to any one of claims 14 to 29, wherein the first device is a terminal device including an energy harvesting device, and the second device is a network device or another terminal device.

31. A method, comprising: at a first device, receiving configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; based on the configuration information, determining, among the multiple energy levels, the energy level corresponding to the first device; receiving a query message from the second device; and based on the query message, providing a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level.

32. A method, comprising: at a second device, sending configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; sending at least one query message to the multiple devices; and receiving, in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with the energy level among the multiple energy levels, a response message from a first device among the multiple devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

33. An apparatus, comprising components for: at a first device, receiving configuration information of multiple energy levels from a second device; based on the configuration information, determining, among the multiple energy levels, the energy level corresponding to the first device; receiving a query message from the second device; and based on the query message from the second device, providing a response message to the second device in a time slot selected by the first device from a set of time slots associated with the energy level.

34. An apparatus, comprising components for: at a second device, sending configuration information of multiple energy levels to multiple devices; sending at least one query message to the multiple devices; and receiving, in a time slot in a set of time slots associated with the energy level among the multiple energy levels, a response message from a first device among the multiple devices, the response message corresponding to the query message in the at least one query message.

35. A computer-readable medium, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least one of the methods according to claims 31 to 32.

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