Selection system for selecting an environment IoT device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a selection system and an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device. The selection system is configured to select one or more environmental IoT devices. The selection system includes at least one power source configured to provide at least one power signal for wirelessly powering ambient IoT devices in an area. The power signal may embed selection information configured to select one or more ambient IoT devices in the area to cause the selected ambient IoT device to perform an action. An environmental IoT device for use with a selection system may include at least a power harvesting portion, a processing portion, and a storage portion configured to store selection information. The power harvesting portion may be configured to harvest power from a power signal of the selection system to operate the processing portion. A processing portion powered by the power signal may be configured to determine its selection from the received selection information and the stored selection information, and perform an action only when its selection is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a selection system, a telecommunications network including at least a part of the selection system, and an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a selection system and a telecommunications network including at least a part of the selection system, wherein the selection system is configured to select one or more environmental IoT devices, and the present disclosure relates to an environmental IoT device configured to be selected by the selection system. Background Art

[0002] In the past few decades, due to technological advancements, the logistics of product and service delivery have become significantly more efficient. For example, optical barcode scanners and information integration in logistics platforms have given rise to an efficient distribution system for products to enterprises and consumers. Further progress has been made in the collection of invisible information about products in the logistics chain, where radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are used to store relevant information about products. In an RFID-based system, active or passive RFID tags store information, and the information can be retrieved from the tags using an RFID reader. Passive RFID tags are battery-less devices that harvest power from the signal of the RFID reader to be able to transmit the information stored in the passive RFID tag back to the reader.

[0003] Recently, 3GPP has published a study on ambient power-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) in Technical Recommendation 3GPP TR 22.840. This document discloses use cases and requirements for ambient power-enabled IoT devices (hereinafter also referred to as ambient IoT devices), which are battery-less devices with limited energy storage capabilities (which may include capacitors), and the energy is provided by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. This study assumes that the 5G network can be used to send discovery signals to discover ambient IoT devices in the area, and the ambient IoT devices establish communication with the 5G network to send identity and item information to the 5G network for further processing in the management platform. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have realized that the use cases described in TR 22.840 include situations where many ambient IoT devices exist in the area, so that the discovery signals from the 5G network simultaneously trigger many responses from the ambient IoT devices. This is inconvenient for the users of the system and may flood the 5G network with too many responses, resulting in overloading of the network.

[0005] To this end, the present disclosure relates to a selection system configured to select one or more ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices from a plurality of ambient IoT devices in a region. The selection system includes: at least one power source configured to provide at least one power signal for wirelessly powering ambient IoT devices in the region. The power signal may embed selection information configured to select one or more ambient IoT devices in the region such that the selected ambient IoT devices perform an action.

[0006] The present disclosure also relates to a telecommunications network including at least a portion of the selection system as disclosed herein.

[0007] Additionally, the present disclosure relates to an ambient IoT device for use with the selection system as disclosed herein. In particular, the ambient IoT device may at least include a power harvesting portion, a processing portion, and a storage portion configured to store the selection information. The power harvesting portion may be configured to harvest power from the power signal of the selection system to operate the processing portion. The processing portion powered by the power signal may be configured to: determine its selection based on the received selection information and the stored selection information, and perform an action only when its selection is determined.

[0008] The selection system is capable of selecting (targeting) specific ambient IoT devices from a large number of ambient IoT devices in a region to perform an action. By using the power signal that powers the ambient IoT devices for activation, the selection of the ambient IoT devices is efficiently performed. Although all the ambient IoT devices in the region receive power from the power signal, the disclosed selection system and ambient IoT device are capable of achieving that only the selected ambient IoT devices may perform an action, such as initiating communication with, for example, a telecommunications network.

[0009] An example of an ambient IoT device is a device as disclosed in 3GPP TR 22.840. The ambient IoT device may be a simple battery - less device that can be attached to a product, for example, in the form of an adherent.

[0010] It should be understood that the selection system may be a mobile or fixed stand - alone device, or may be partially or fully integrated in another system, such as a telecommunications network.

[0011] In one embodiment, the selection system and ambient IoT device are configured such that the power signal comprises a single power pulse or consists of a single power pulse, where the selection information is modulated in / demodulated from the single power pulse. The power pulse is a transmission or burst of energy that fluctuates at least partially in terms of amplitude, frequency, and / or phase to represent the selection information. An example includes a signal that starts from zero to form a preamble (e.g., a sine wave), then embeds signaling information in the form of fluctuations in frequency, amplitude, and / or phase (e.g., of the sine wave), and may end with a postamble at the original (carrier) frequency before the amplitude returns to zero.

[0012] Combining the power supply and selection aspects of the ambient IoT device in a single pulse, such a selection system and ambient IoT device provide increased efficiency. It should be understood that the amplitude and duration of the power pulse and its modulation should be such that the ambient IoT device can harvest sufficient power to perform the intended action.

[0013] In one embodiment, the power signal (e.g., power pulse) may include at least one of a preamble or a postamble without selection information. The preamble can be used to power up the ambient IoT device before it is ready to receive and process (select) information. The postamble can be used to power the ambient IoT device for a short period after the selection information has been received, e.g., to process further information and / or perform the action of the selected ambient IoT device.

[0014] In an additional embodiment, the power signal (e.g., power pulse) may include a repetition of the selection information or consist of a repetition of the selection information. For example, the power pulse can be modulated two, three, four, or five times with the selection information to increase the chance of selecting the ambient IoT device in cases where the ambient IoT device has not been fully powered up or due to some interference at a previous time.

[0015] In one embodiment, the selection information comprises at least one of or consists of at least one of the following: at least one selection identifier of one or more selected ambient IoT devices; and at least one selection condition of one or more selected ambient IoT devices.

[0016] The selection identifier in the power signal that can be modulated, for example, in a single power pulse, may include identifiers of one or more ambient IoT devices, such as individual device identifiers or group identifiers. The ambient IoT device may also store the selection identifier such that: if the ambient IoT device is powered by the power signal and subsequently determines that the identifier in the power signal corresponds to its stored identifier, the ambient IoT device can perform the indicated or pre - programmed action. Only the ambient IoT devices selected in this way can, for example, initiate a connection to an external network, so that the response is restricted to the selected devices.

[0017] The selection information may include or consist of selection conditions. For example, a power signal (such as a single power pulse) may include a condition that an ambient IoT device that senses only temperatures within a specific temperature range or humidity above or below a specific humidity threshold should respond. In such a case, the ambient IoT device may include or be connected to a temperature or humidity sensor, and may directly read values from the sensor or from memory when receiving a power signal (such as a single power pulse), and may determine whether to respond based on the selection condition.

[0018] It should be understood that the selection information may also include both one or more selection identifiers and one or more selection conditions.

[0019] It should be understood that several examples of actions are contemplated, and as a result of further information in the power signal (such as in a power pulse), one or more of such actions may be performed by the powered ambient IoT device when the powered ambient IoT device is selected.

[0020] In one embodiment, the further information may include a reference to pre-programmed code in the ambient IoT device for performing an action. One action is to execute local instructions on the ambient IoT device (e.g., using sensors on the ambient IoT device or sensors connected to the ambient IoT device) to perform measurements, power something on (such as an indicator light), operate another component (such as an actuator or relay), determine a location, store information, etc. It should be understood that the reference may be the selection information itself, i.e., the ambient IoT device automatically performs a single task programmed in the ambient IoT device upon selection. In one embodiment, the selection system is configured such that the power signal has embedded further information related to the action. The action may involve storing information in a storage portion of the ambient IoT device. The further information may include storage instructions for storing the information in the storage portion of the ambient IoT device. In one embodiment, the ambient IoT device is configured to have the information stored in the storage portion of the ambient IoT device by a processing portion. The information to be stored may be (a part of) further information from the selection system, or may be other information, such as information obtained via sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, location sensors, etc.). The storage of the further information may be triggered by the further information (i.e., instructions) in the power signal (such as a single power pulse).

[0021] Further information may include connection instructions (e.g., parameters) for initiating a connection to another device or an external network such as a telecommunications network. The connection may be used to transfer information (such as stored or sensed values of an ambient IoT device) to an application such as a logistics operator, and may also be used to receive further information or instructions from the network. Connecting to another device or an external network may be triggered by connection instructions in a power signal such as a single power pulse, or may be the result of pre-programmed code executed by the processing part of the ambient IoT device.

[0022] Connecting to another device may facilitate various purposes, including storing in and / or communicating via another device, e.g., for relaying information. The other device may be, for example, a conventional UE or 5G-RG. Such communication via another device may be useful, for example, when the ambient IoT device cannot reach the network on its own due to its limited power.

[0023] In one embodiment, the power source of the selection system is configured to provide a power signal or a single power pulse in the form of a radio frequency electromagnetic signal or a single electromagnetic power pulse. The power signal may be configured to use radio resources different from those of the radio resources of the telecommunications network, and the ambient IoT device is configured to initiate a connection to the telecommunications network. This embodiment enables relatively independent operation of the selection system and the telecommunications network, taking into account the interference of the selection system with the normal operation of the telecommunications network. For example, the power signal (such as a single power pulse) may not have to be included in the radio frame structure of the telecommunications network, but can be transmitted at a different frequency and / or using different timing compared to other downlink and / or uplink communications.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ambient IoT device includes one or more sensor connections for sensors that sense one or more environmental or physical parameters such as temperature, humidity, location, etc. Optionally, the values of one or more environmental parameters may be stored in the storage part. The embodiment facilitates at least one of the following: selecting the ambient IoT device based on selection conditions embedded in the power signal such as embedded in a single power pulse; and storing and / or transmitting the sensed values to the operator.

[0025] In one embodiment, a power source of the selection system can be connected to a telecommunications network. This facilitates controlling the operation of the power source from the telecommunications network to select ambient IoT devices. In such an arrangement, the power source of the selection system can be included in a mobile or fixed device to select devices in a coverage area, and the control part of the selection system can be part of the telecommunications network. The power source of the selection system can also be integrated in the telecommunications network, such as integrated in at least one base station of the telecommunications network, where at least one base station defines a coverage area that contains one or more ambient IoT devices to be selected by the selection system. Integrating the power source in the network facilitates efficient control of the power source from the telecommunications network.

[0026] In one embodiment, the telecommunications network can include: a control system configured to control the provision of a power signal. The control system is capable of controlling the selection of ambient IoT devices from the telecommunications network. The control system can be integrated in the core network part of the telecommunications network, can be partially integrated in the core network and partially integrated in the radio access network of the telecommunications network, or can be fully integrated in the radio access network.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control system is configured to: store at least a part of the selection information for the selection system and provide at least a part of the selection information to the selection system to select ambient IoT devices according to the selection information. By providing pre-stored selection information in the telecommunications network, a party can simply instruct the telecommunications network to trigger the transmission of appropriate selection information in the power signal.

[0028] In one embodiment, the control system is further configured to store start-up information related to starting the supply of a power signal from the power source, where the start-up information can include at least one of the following: one power source or multiple power sources that should provide the power signal; the power level of the power signal; the geographical area where the power should be provided; and the time and duration for which one power source or multiple power sources should provide the power signal.

[0029] In one embodiment, a telecommunications network includes a selection service system. The selection service system may include an interface for receiving an input for establishing selection information. The interface may include at least one of the following: an interface for a subscriber of the telecommunications network; and a third-party interface. The selection service system may be included in a core network portion of the telecommunications network. The embodiment is capable of controlling the selection system (e.g., the type of selection information to be embedded in the power signal, further information to be embedded in the power signal, etc.) from a subscriber terminal of the telecommunications network (such as a user equipment UE) or from a third-party application accessing the selection service system via another network (such as the Internet). The present disclosure also relates to a selection method for selecting one or more ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices from a plurality of ambient IoT devices in a region, wherein the selection system includes at least one power source. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one power signal for wirelessly powering the ambient IoT devices in the region, wherein the power signal has selection information embedded therein, and the selection information is configured to: select one or more ambient IoT devices in the region such that the selected ambient IoT devices perform an action.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to a method in a telecommunications network, including the steps of: providing at least one power signal for wirelessly powering the ambient IoT devices in the region, wherein the power signal has selection information embedded therein, and the selection information is configured to: select one or more ambient IoT devices in the region such that the selected ambient IoT devices perform an action.

[0031] Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a method in an ambient IoT device, wherein the ambient IoT device includes at least a power harvesting portion, a processing portion, and a storage portion, and the storage portion is configured to store selection information. The method may include the steps of: harvesting power from the power signal of the selection system to operate the processing portion; and determining a selection by the processing portion (powered by the power signal) based on the received selection information and the stored selection information; and performing an action only when its selection is determined.

[0032] The present disclosure also relates to a computer program, which includes a software code portion configured to cause a computer system to perform one or more of the methods defined herein (specifically, in the previous paragraphs) when executed on the computer system.

[0033] Finally, the present disclosure relates to a system, which includes: a selection system, possibly at least partially included in a telecommunications network; and an ambient IoT device. In one embodiment of the methods, computer programs, and systems defined above, the power signal includes a single power pulse or consists of a single power pulse, wherein the selection information is modulated in / demodulated from the single power pulse.

[0034] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." The functions described in this disclosure may be implemented as algorithms executed by a processor / microprocessor of a computer. Additionally, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media, on which one or more computer-readable media have embodied thereon (e.g., stored) computer-readable program code.

[0035] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example but 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 a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, the following: 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. In the context of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0036] A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal embodying computer-readable program code, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can transmit, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0037] The program code embodied on a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The computer program code for performing the operations of aspects of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including: object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, or the like; and traditional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on a personal computer, can be partially executed on a personal computer, can be executed as a stand-alone software package, can be partially executed on a personal computer and partially on a remote computer, or can be executed entirely on a remote computer or server. In the last case, the remote computer can be connected to the personal computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0038] Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus (in particular, a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU)), to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0039] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture, the article including instructions that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0040] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0041] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a portion of code, a segment, or a module that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the accompanying drawings. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, depending on the functionality involved, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. It will also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions, the system based on dedicated hardware performing the specified functions or acts.

[0042] In addition, a computer program for performing the methods described herein and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are provided.

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment or regarding a particular embodiment may be appropriately combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. With reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated, the accompanying drawings schematically showing embodiments according to the present invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited in any way to these particular embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Aspects of the present invention will be explained in more detail by reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1A-1C is a schematic illustration of a selection system and an environmental IoT device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an environmental IoT device including a plurality of functional parts according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the environmental IoT device;

[0048] Figure 4 is according to Figure 2 an example of an operation-time diagram of various parts of the environmental IoT device;

[0049] Figure 5A-5E is an example of a power signal transmitted from the selection system and received by the environmental IoT device;

[0050] Figure 6A and 6B is a timing diagram of the operation of a selection system according to an embodiment of the present invention with a telecommunications network or of a selection system in a telecommunications network;

[0051] Figure 7 is an example of the practical application of an embodiment of the disclosed selection system and an ambient IoT device; and

[0052] Figure 8 depicts an example of a processing system according to an embodiment of a selection system or a part thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1A is a schematic illustration of system 100, which includes selection system 10 and ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device 20. Selection system 10 includes: a power source 11 configured to provide a power signal PS for wirelessly powering ambient IoT devices 20 in an area and for selecting one or more ambient IoT devices 20 based on selection information in the power signal PS. It should be understood that multiple ambient IoT devices 20 may be present in system 100. In Figure 1A the selection system 10 is a stand-alone device. The selection device may be: portable, or fixedly installed in the area. By modulating the power signal PS, the power signal PS may include selection information and possibly other information. When the power signal PS is provided by a stand-alone selection system 10 (e.g., a hand-held “gun”), information for modulating the power signal PS can be supplied to it, for example, by manually entering an ID and code or downloading the required information from a web server.

[0054] Figure 1B is a schematic illustration of selection system 10 and ambient IoT device 20, where a part of selection system 10 is housed in a telecommunications network 30. For example, the power source 11 of the selection system may be located in the area of ambient IoT device 20, while a control system 12 (a part of it) is housed in the telecommunications network 30. The power source 11 may be connected to the telecommunications network 30 in a wireless or wired manner, particularly to the control system 12. The control system 12 may be housed in a radio access network, or may be housed in the core network of the telecommunications network, or may be housed in both. The control system 12 may be configured to control the operation of the power source 11 regarding the transmission of the power signal PS, such as controlling when the power signal PS is to be transmitted and / or where the power signal PS is to be transmitted and / or which selection information and / or further information is to be embedded in the power signal PS.

[0055] Figure 1CSchematic illustration of selection system 10 and ambient IoT device 20, where the entire selection system 10 is part of a telecommunications network 30. For example, power source 11 may be part of a radio access network (e.g., a base station), and control system 12 may be part of the core network of the telecommunications network.

[0056] In one embodiment, the telecommunications network 30 may be a 4G, 5G, or 6G network standardized by 3GPP or a combination thereof. For example, the base station of the telecommunications network may be a 4G base station (e.g., eNodeB), while other components of the core network, for example, are standardized in 5G or 6G. In some embodiments, the ambient IoT device 20 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the telecommunications network, as schematically indicated by the thin double-headed arrow "communication". The communication may also reach directly another device (not shown).

[0057] The power signal PS may be configured to use radio resources different from those of the telecommunications network 30, and the ambient IoT device 20 is configured to initiate a connection to the telecommunications network 30. This embodiment enables relatively independent operation of the selection system 10 and the telecommunications network 30, taking into account the interference of the selection system with the normal operation of the telecommunications network. For example, the power signal PS may not have to be included in the radio frame structure of the telecommunications network 30, but can be transmitted at a different frequency and / or with a different timing compared to downlink and / or uplink communications. For example, the power signal PS may be transmitted at the radio frequency used in the communication network or in a radio frequency block reserved for the power signal.

[0058] Figure 2 Schematic illustration of ambient IoT device 20, which is configured to receive and process power signal PS. The ambient IoT device 20 includes: a power harvesting section 21; a processing section 22; and a storage section 23 configured to store at least selection information. The ambient IoT device 20 may optionally include at least one of the following: a communication section 24; and at least one sensor 25 (or a connector for a sensor). It should be understood that the ambient IoT device 20 may include multiple sensors 25 or connectors for sensors. Examples of sensors include position sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, etc. A timestamp generator may also be a function available in the device to store timestamps together with the stored data.

[0059] The ambient IoT device 20 is configured to harvest power from the power signal PS of the selection system 10 to at least operate the processing section 22 and optionally other sections, such as at least one of the following: storage section 23; communication section 24; and sensor 25. The power supply lines to these sections are indicated by the solid lines in Figure 2 in.

[0060] The processing section 22 is configured to: determine a selection based on selection information received in the power signal PS and selection information stored in the storage section 23, and perform an action only when its selection is determined. The signal line(s) for such action(s) is / are indicated by the dashed line in Figure 2 the figure.

[0061] It is understood that the ambient IoT device 20 may include more or fewer parts. In essence, the ambient IoT device 20 is a battery-less device, and even if it has an energy storage capacity, it has a limited energy storage capacity (which may include one or more capacitors), where energy is provided by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. The ambient IoT device 20 cannot store any significant amount of power provided to it in the power signal PS and uses the supplied power almost immediately to complete its intended action.

[0062] Figure 3 FIG. is a flowchart for operating the ambient IoT device 20 according to the disclosed embodiments. In the first step S1, all ambient IoT devices 20 in the selected area of the system receive a power signal PS including embedded selection information and are thus powered. Each ambient IoT device 20 that receives sufficient power from the power signal PS checks in step S2 whether it is selected based on the selection information in the power signal PS. If it is not selected, then in step S3: no further action is performed. If it is selected, then in step S4: the selected ambient IoT device 20 can perform an action. The ambient IoT device 20 may, for example, not respond (even when selected), may respond by reading one or more attached sensors 25 and storing the results in the storage section 23, and / or may respond by communicating with an external network (e.g., by sending a simple "I'm here" message such as its identifier or by transmitting more detailed information (e.g., having data from one or more sensors 25) to a telecommunications network 30, for example).

[0063] Figure 4 is Figure 2 A schematic illustration of an example of subsequent operation in time of the ambient IoT device 20 of FIG.. The ambient IoT device 20 receives a power signal PS, such as a power pulse of duration T. Through the modulation of the power pulse, the pulse contains selection information, as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5A -5F. From the power pulse, the power harvesting section 21 collects energy and makes this energy available to other parts of the ambient IoT device 20. It should be understood that the available energy is typically available for a slightly longer period compared to the duration T of the power pulse, as Figure 4is schematically shown by the slowly decreasing slope of the available energy. The available energy is used to demodulate the power pulse, which can be performed by the general processing section 22 or a dedicated demodulator (not shown). The demodulation provides selection information, and the processing section 22 determines whether the ambient IoT device is selected based on the selection information ( Figure 3 step S2 in). This step may involve comparing the selection information received in the power pulse with the selection information obtained from the storage section 23, which is also powered by the power pulse. If selected, the processing section 22 determines whether an action is to be performed. In particular, the processing section 22 may start running the code from the storage section 23 in the ambient IoT device 20 and be able to determine (e.g., calculate) whether it needs to respond and how to respond. It can: collect data from a sensor or from its storage section 23, for example, and start communicating with the telecommunications network.

[0064] More generally, it should be understood that the inventors envision several examples of actions, and one or more of such actions may be performed by the powered ambient IoT device 20 as a result of further information in the power pulse, if the powered ambient IoT device 20 is selected.

[0065] In one embodiment, the further information in the power pulse may include a reference to pre-programmed code in the storage section 23 of the ambient IoT device 20 for performing an action. One action is to execute local instructions on the ambient IoT device (e.g., using the sensor 25 on the ambient IoT device 20 or a sensor 25 connected to the ambient IoT device 20) to perform measurements, power on something (e.g., an indicator light), operate another component (such as an actuator or a relay), determine a location, store information, etc. It should be understood that the reference can be the selection information itself, i.e., the ambient IoT device 20 automatically performs a single task programmed in the ambient IoT device 20 upon selection.

[0066] In one embodiment, the selection system 10 is configured such that the power pulse has embedded further information related to an action. The action may involve storing information in the storage section 23 of the ambient IoT device 20. The further information may include storage instructions for storing the information in the storage section 23 of the ambient IoT device 20. In one embodiment, the ambient IoT device 20 is configured to store the information in the storage section 23 of the ambient IoT device 20 by the processing section 22. The information to be stored may be (a part of) the further information from the selection system 10, or it may be other information, such as information obtained via the sensor 25. The storage of the further information may be triggered by the further information (i.e., instructions) in the power pulse.

[0067] Further information may include connection instructions (e.g., parameters) for initiating a connection to an external network (such as telecommunications network 30) or directly to another device, which may or may not forward the information to the network. The connection can be used to transfer information (such as stored or sensed values of ambient IoT device 20) to an application of, for example, a logistics operator and can also be used to receive further information or instructions from network 30. Connecting to the external network can be triggered by a connection instruction in a power pulse or can be the result of pre-programmed code executed by the processing part of ambient IoT device 20.

[0068] In one example, ambient IoT device 20 is powered by a power pulse that has been modulated to embed selection information including an (group) identifier. For example, amplitude, frequency, or phase modulation of the power pulse may be utilized with an (group) identifier. Ambient IoT device 20 can respond based on whether the power pulse contains an (group) identifier relevant to it. The response of ambient IoT device 20 can be a communication action, where the response includes, for example, "tag no.xyz present" or, for example, includes additional sensor data, resulting in a response such as "tag no.xyz present; temperature 21 degrees; humidity 65%". It is also possible that ambient IoT device 20 does not need to respond at all but only stores such values, for example, after being selected.

[0069] The selection information in the power pulse can also include or consist of selection conditions. For example, the power pulse can include the condition that ambient IoT devices 20 that sense only temperatures in a specific temperature range and / or humidity above or below a specific humidity threshold should respond. In such a case, ambient IoT device 20 can include or be connected to a temperature or humidity sensor 25 and can directly read values from the sensor or from memory when receiving the power signal PS and can determine whether to respond based on the selection conditions.

[0070] Figure 5A-5EThis is an example of a single power pulse of duration T. A power pulse is a delivery or burst of energy that fluctuates at least in part in terms of amplitude, frequency, and / or phase to represent selection information and (optionally) further information. It should be understood that prior to receiving the power pulse, the ambient IoT device 20 has little energy and can scarcely even maintain an idle state. Similarly, after the available energy harvested from the power pulse is consumed, the ambient IoT device cannot perform any actions such as communicating or storing (sensor) data. It should be understood that the power pulse duration T can vary according to circumstances. For example, when only selection information needs to be transmitted, a short pulse can be selected, while for actions that require more power from the ambient IoT device 20, or when further information needs to be transmitted using the power pulse, a longer pulse can be selected.

[0071] Figure 5A This is a single power pulse of the selection system 10 of duration T that includes selection information. Before t = 0 and after t = T, the power pulse does not exist. Through amplitude modulation, the selection information is encoded in the power pulse to power the ambient IoT device and select the ambient IoT device. The amplitude of the signal should be high enough to provide sufficient available energy so that the selected ambient IoT device can determine its selection and perform one or more actions as needed. The amplitude modulation can represent not only the selection information but also further information (including instructions), as described above.

[0072] Figure 5B This is an illustration of a variation of an amplitude - modulated power pulse where there is a preamble before the selection information and (optionally) further information, which contains no information. The preamble can be used to power up the ambient IoT device 20 so that the ambient IoT device is prepared to properly read the selection information.

[0073] Figure 5C This is another variation of a single power pulse where the amplitude - modulated selection information is followed by a postamble to continue the power supply to the ambient IoT devices in the area and thus end the process. It should be understood that a single power pulse can contain both a preamble and a postamble. It should also be understood that Figure 5A-5C This illustration represents the envelope of the amplitude - modulated power pulse, rather than the power pulse itself, which can oscillate at a constant carrier frequency.

[0074] Figure 5D and 5E This is a further illustration of a single power pulse of duration T where the selection information and (optionally) further information are embedded using frequency modulation and phase modulation respectively. It should be understood that these power pulses can also include a preamble and / or a postamble by oscillating at the carrier frequency. Frequency modulation and phase modulation may be more beneficial for providing sufficient power to the ambient IoT device 20.

[0075] Figure 6A and 6B is a time diagram of the operation of the selection system 10 with the telecommunications network 30 or the operation of the selection system 10 within the telecommunications network 30.

[0076] exist Figure 6A In FIG. 1 , the radio access network RAN ​​is shown to include a plurality of base stations gNb. In addition, a power source 11 and a control system 12 are provided as Figure 1A A part of the selection system 10 of -C is located in the area of ​​the radio access network RAN. A power source 11 and a control system 12 are provided separately from the base station gNb, and different radio resources from the base station gNb can be used to minimize interference with normal communications on the radio path of the telecommunication network 30. In other words, by using a power source 11 separate from the base station gNB, the power pulse does not have to be included in the 5G radio frame structure. It can be on a different frequency band and can also be completely independent of the 5G RAN in terms of timing.

[0077] The 5G telecommunications network 30 also includes a 5G core network 5GC. Some functions of the 5GC are shown, including an access and mobility function AMF and an authentication function AUSF. As the skilled person will know, the 5GC will typically include Figure 6A and 6B Further functionality omitted.

[0078] 5GC includes: a new control function, abbreviated as PPSF (Power Pulse Service Function), which is used as a control system 12 such as Figure 1B -C controls the provision of the power signal PS. The PPSF is capable of controlling the selection of the ambient IoT device 20 from the telecommunication network 30. The PPSF is configured to store at least a portion of the selection information of the selection system 10, and possibly provide at least a portion of the selection information in cooperation with the control system in the RAN to select (one or more) ambient IoT devices 20 according to the selection information. By providing the pre-stored selection information in the telecommunication network 30, a party can simply instruct the telecommunication network 30 to trigger the transmission of the appropriate selection information in the power signal, as will be described in more detail below.

[0079] The PPSF is also configured to store startup information related to starting to supply a power signal from the power source 11, wherein the startup information may include at least one of the following: one power source or multiple power sources 11 that should provide the power signal PS; the power level of the power signal PS; the geographical area where power should be provided; and the time and duration when one power source or multiple power sources should provide the power signal PS.

[0080] The PPSF may include: an interface for receiving an input for establishing selection information and / or an instruction for transmitting a power signal PS. The interface may include at least one of the following: an interface for a subscriber of a telecommunications network (such as, Figure 6A UE4 in Figure 6B ); and a third-party interface for a computer system PC in

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[0086] Figure 6A Figure 6BTypically, there will be an operator to decide when and where to initiate the power pulse. This can be the owner of an environmental IoT application, such as a factory owner, a warehouse manager, or the like. By pressing a button or through a web interface, the activation of system 10 can be done on a stand-alone or hand-held device (see Figure 1A ), and for other implementations, through the AMF as shown in Figure 6A , through the application function AF in the 5GC as shown in Figure 6B , or through the web interface of the application function AF in the 5GC, the activation can be initiated in the 5GC.

[0087] As mentioned before, the PPSF may also have an interface with an application function or a (third-party) application server, which docks or runs an application that wants to activate the environmental IoT device 20. The PPSF may have a direct connection to one or more power sources 11, or may be connected to the PPCF in the RAN. The responsibility of the PPCF may be to send broadcast instructions to different gNBs or power sources 11 in the area where the power pulse must be broadcast.

[0088] Figure 6A The message flow in

[0089] shows the user equipment UE4, which is configured to transmit an instruction for transmitting power PS to the telecommunication network in step S10. The user equipment UE4 is configured to provide an application and a user interface, for example, by enabling the selection of an icon corresponding to the selection of certain environmental IoT devices 20, so that the operator can provide such an instruction.

[0090] As described above, the PPSF processes the instruction from the user equipment UE4 by determining the selection information and (optionally) further information for modulating the power pulse and determining when and where to provide the power pulse for the selected environmental IoT device. In Figure 6A , the selection information is determined to select the environmental IoT devices UE1, UE3. In step S14, the selection information and (optionally) further information may be sent to the power source 11 via the control system 12 in the RAN. Step S15 indicates that the power pulse is broadcast to all environmental IoT devices UE1, UE2, UE3 in the area where the power pulse is to be transmitted. The environmental IoT devices UE1, UE2, and UE3 harvest power from the power pulse to determine their selection, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 .

[0091] In step S16, only the selected environmental IoT devices UE1, UE3 perform an action, that is, initiate communication with the telecommunications network.

[0092] Similarly, in Figure 6B step S20: The user device PC (computer system, such as a personal computer, or UE) is used to initiate a power pulse by providing an instruction to the application function AF in the 5GC. After the authentication verification in step S21, in step S22, the instruction is forwarded to the PPSF to determine the selection information and (optionally) further information. In step S23, the PPSF provides this information to the base station gNb in the RAN (possibly via the control system 12) to transmit the power pulse to the target environmental IoT devices UE1, UE3. In step S24, these devices initiate communication with the telecommunications network.

[0093] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a practical example using the selection system 10 and the environmental IoT device 20.

[0094] The warehouse W includes: a fixed selection system 10, including a batch of products carrying the environmental IoT devices 20A, 20B, 20C. By transmitting a power pulse PS(20A) embedded with the selection information for the environmental IoT device 20A, a group of products carrying the IoT device 20A is selected from the selection system 10. The power pulse PS also includes an instruction to store the position information and temperature information from the sensor 25 in the storage section 23 at a specific time (see Figure 2 ).

[0095] The products carrying the environmental IoT device 20A are transported using a carrier C with a power source 11'. The power source 11' can be a power source only for powering the environmental IoT device 20A (i.e., not including the selection information), but can also be a power source that embeds the selection information in the power signal. For example, the power source 11' can include the selection information in the power signal to select a subset of the environmental IoT devices and indicate, for example, to also store the humidity data of humidity-sensitive products. During transportation, such instances may occur several times.

[0096] Upon arrival, the selection system 10 embodied in the telecommunications network 30 can be applied to read the stored data from the environmental IoT device 20A in the manner shown in Figure 6B .

[0097] Although the above exemplary embodiments use radio frequency signals as power signals, it should be understood that when other signals can provide sufficient power to ambient IoT devices, other signals can be used, such as light, sound, vibration, temperature changes, etc., and the ambient IoT device has an appropriate power harvesting section to collect sufficient available energy and make a determination. The selection information should be customized according to the signals of the application.

[0098] Figure 8 Depicts a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary processing system according to the disclosed embodiments, such as the selection system 10, user device UE4, and / or computer system PC used in system 100 as described above. As Figure 8 shown, the processing system 80 may include: at least one processor 81, coupled to a memory element 82 via a system bus 83. Thus, the processing system may store program code within the memory element 82. Additionally, the processor 81 may execute program code accessed from the memory element 82 via the system bus 83. In one aspect, the processing system may be implemented as a computer system suitable for storing and / or executing program code. However, it should be understood that the processing system 80 may be implemented in the form of any system including a processor and a memory capable of performing the functions described in this specification.

[0099] The memory element 82 may include one or more physical memory devices, such as, for example, local memory 84 and one or more mass storage devices 85. Local memory may refer to random access memory or other non-permanent memory devices (one or more) typically used during the actual execution of program code. The mass storage device may be implemented as a hard disk drive or other permanent data storage device. The processing system 80 may also include: one or more cache memories (not shown), and one or more cache memories provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from the mass storage device 85 during execution.

[0100] Input / output (I / O) devices depicted as input device 86 and output device 87 are optionally capable of being coupled to the processing system. Examples of input devices may include, but are not limited to, a space access keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), or the like. Examples of output devices may include, but are not limited to, a monitor or display, a speaker, or the like. The input and / or output devices may be coupled to the processing system directly or via an intervening I / O controller.

[0101] In an embodiment, the input and output devices may be implemented as a combined input / output device (in Figure 8(illustrated by the dashed lines surrounding input device 86 and output device 87). An example of such a combined device is a touch-sensitive display that may be provided with the UE and is sometimes referred to as a "touch screen display" or simply as a "touch screen". In such an embodiment, input to the device can be provided by the movement of a physical object (such as, for example, a stylus or a person's finger) on or near the touch screen display.

[0102] Network adapter 88 may also be coupled to the processing system to enable it to be coupled to other systems, computer systems, remote network devices, and / or remote storage devices via an intervening private or public network. The network adapter may include: a data receiver for receiving data transmitted to the processing system 80 by the systems, devices, and / or networks; and a data transmitter for transmitting data from the processing system 80 to the systems, devices, and / or networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are examples of different types of network adapters that may be used with the processing system 80.

[0103] As Figure 8 depicted, memory element 82 may store application 89. In various embodiments, application 89 may be stored in local memory 84, one or more mass storage devices 85, or elsewhere other than local memory and mass storage devices. It should be understood that the processing system 80 may further execute an operating system ( Figure 8 (not shown in ) that is capable of facilitating the execution of application 89. Application 89, implemented in the form of executable program code, can be executed by the processing system 80, for example, by the processor 81. In response to the execution of the application, the processing system 80 may be configured to perform one or more operations or method steps described herein.

[0104] In one aspect of the present invention, one or more components of the base station selection support system as disclosed herein and / or a user device for use with such a base station selection support system may represent the processing system 80 as described herein.

[0105] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system, where the program(s) of the program product define the functionality of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). In one embodiment, the program(s) can be embodied on various non-transitory computer-readable storage media, where, as used herein, the phrase "non-transitory computer-readable storage media" includes all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being transitory, propagating signals. In another embodiment, the program(s) can be embodied on various transitory computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer, such as a CD-ROM disc readable by a CD-ROM drive, a ROM chip, or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory), where information is permanently stored on the storage media; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., flash memory, a floppy disk within a floppy disk drive, or a hard disk drive or any type of solid-state random access semiconductor memory), where changeable information is stored on the writable storage media. The computer program can run on the processor 81 described herein.

[0106] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0107] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all "means-plus-function" elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the implementations in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the claims. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and some of its practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention with various modifications for the various embodiments that are suited to the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. A selection system configured to select one or more environmental Internet of Things (IoT) devices from a plurality of environmental IoT devices in an area, wherein the selection system includes at least one power source configured to provide at least one power signal for wirelessly powering the environmental IoT devices in the area, and wherein the power signal is embedded with selection information configured to: select one or more environmental IoT devices in the area such that the selected environmental IoT devices perform an action.

2. The selection system according to claim 1, wherein the power signal includes a single power pulse, and wherein the selection information is modulated in the single power pulse.

3. The selection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection information includes at least one of the following: a selection identifier of the one or more selected environmental IoT devices; and a selection condition of the one or more selected environmental IoT devices.

4. The selection system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the power signal is embedded with further information related to the action, and wherein the further information optionally includes: - a reference to pre-programmed code in a storage portion of the environmental IoT device for performing the action; - storage instructions for storing information in a storage portion of the environmental IoT device; - connection instructions for initiating a connection to a telecommunications network and / or another device.

5. The selection system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the power source is configured to provide the power signal in the form of a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, and wherein optionally, the power signal is configured to use radio resources different from those of the telecommunications network, and the environmental IoT device is configured to initiate a connection to the telecommunications network.

6. A telecommunications network including at least a part of the selection system according to one or more of the preceding claims.

7. The telecommunications network according to claim 6, wherein the power source: - can be connected to the telecommunications network, or - is integrated in the telecommunications network, such as being integrated in at least one base station of the telecommunications network, wherein the at least one base station defines a coverage area containing one or more environmental IoT devices to be selected by the selection system.

8. The telecommunications network according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the telecommunications network includes: a control system configured to control the provision of the power signal, and wherein optionally, the control system includes a selection service system in a core network portion of the telecommunications network.

9. The telecommunications network according to claim 8, wherein the control system is configured to: store at least a part of the selection information for the selection system and provide the at least a part of the selection information to the selection system to select environmental IoT devices according to the selection information.

10. The telecommunications network according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control system is further configured to store startup information related to starting the supply of the power signal from the power source, and the startup information may include at least one of the following: one power source or multiple power sources from which the power signal should be provided; and when the one power source or multiple power sources should provide the power signal.

11. The telecommunications network according to one or more of claims 6 - 10, wherein the telecommunications network includes a selection service system, and the selection service system includes an interface for receiving an input for establishing selection information, and the interface may include at least one of the following: - An interface for a subscriber of the telecommunications network, and - A third - party interface.

12. An environmental IoT device for use with the selection system according to one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the environmental IoT device at least includes a power harvesting section, a processing section, and a storage section, the storage section being configured to store selection information, the power harvesting section being configured to harvest power from the power signal of the selection system to operate the processing section, and the processing section powered by the power signal being configured to: determine its selection based on the received selection information and the stored selection information, and perform an action only when its selection is determined.

13. The environmental IoT device according to claim 12, wherein the environmental IoT device includes a demodulation section configured to demodulate the selection information from a single power pulse after power has been harvested from the single power pulse.

14. The environmental IoT device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the storage section contains code for performing the action after selection, and the action includes at least one of the following: - Initiating a connection with a telecommunications network by a communication section of the environmental IoT device, wherein the communication section is powered by the power harvesting section, - Storing information in the storage section by the processing section.

15. The environmental IoT device according to one or more of claims 12 - 14, wherein the environmental IoT device includes one or more sensor connections for sensors for sensing one or more environmental parameters, and values of the one or more environmental parameters may be stored in the storage section or transmitted using the network.

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