Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

There is provided a reader device comprising means for receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is used for receiving an environmental Internet of Things (IoT) response from an environmental IoT device, where the environmental IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device, means for transmitting a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, and means for transmitting the positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information. And means for receiving second information from the at least one further user equipment, the second information relating to a positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment, means for determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment on the basis of the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, means for determining at least one activator device from the at least one further user equipment on the basis of the determined delays, and means for configuring the activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method, apparatus, system, and computer program, particularly but not limited to an activator and a reader for an Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) device under different serving cells. Background Art

[0002] A communication network can be regarded as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing a carrier between the various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session can include, for example, a data communication for carrying the communication, such as voice, video, email, text message, multimedia, and / or content data, etc. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication, or multimedia services, as well as access to a data network system (such as the Internet).

[0003] In a wireless communication system, at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a satellite-based communication system, and different wireless local networks, such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells and are thus commonly referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access a communication system through a suitable communication device or terminal. The user's communication device can be referred to as a User Equipment (UE) or a user device. The communication device is provided with suitable signal receiving and transmitting means for enabling communication, such as enabling access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication device can access a carrier provided by a station (such as a base station of a cell) and transmit and / or receive communication on the carrier.

[0005] Communication systems and associated devices generally operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for connection are usually also defined. An example of a communication system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems include the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) network. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Other examples of communication systems include 5G-Advanced (NR Rel-18 and later) and 6G. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided a first device, the first device comprising means for receiving information associated with receiving a response from another device from a first access node, wherein the information comprises at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, means for receiving the response based on the received information, and means for providing a report related to the response to the first access node or a second device based on the received information and in response to receiving the response.

[0007] The another device may be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0008] The first device may comprise means for providing a request for a gap configuration for receiving the response to the first access node.

[0009] The first device may comprise means for performing a discovery process for the second device.

[0010] The first device may be a reader device. The second device may be an activator device.

[0011] The another device may be an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The response may be an AIoT response.

[0012] In a second aspect, there is provided an access node, comprising means for providing information associated with receiving a response from another device at a first device from the access node to the first device, wherein the information comprises at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, and means for receiving a report related to the response received at the first device at the first access node based on the provided information.

[0013] The another device may be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0014] The access node may comprise means for receiving a trigger from a network function to provide the information to the first device, and means for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0015] The access node may comprise means for receiving a request for a gap configuration for receiving the response from the first device at the access node.

[0016] In a third aspect, a second device is provided, comprising means for receiving, from a second access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information comprises at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and means for providing the activation signal based on the received information.

[0017] A response from another device may be received by the first device. The first device may be associated with a first access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0018] The second device may comprise means for providing, to the second access node, a request for a gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, an access node is provided, comprising means for providing, from the access node to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information comprises at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0020] The access node may comprise: means for receiving, from a network function, a trigger to provide the information to the second device, and means for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, a device is provided, the device comprising a network function, the network function comprising means for providing a trigger from the network function to at least one of the following: a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device, or a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to another device to a second device, where the information comprises at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, a gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0022] The device may further comprise means for receiving, at the network function, a report from the first device related to the response received at the first device, based on the provided information.

[0023] The report may be received at the network function via the second access node.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided, including: receiving, from a first access node, information associated with receiving a response from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response; receiving the response based on the received information; and providing, based on the received information and in response to receiving the response, a report related to the response to the first access node or a second device.

[0025] The other device may be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0026] The method may include providing a request for the gap configuration for receiving the response to the first access node.

[0027] The method may include performing a discovery process for the second device.

[0028] The first device may be a reader device. The second device may be an activator device.

[0029] The other device may be an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The response may be an AIoT response.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided, including: providing, from an access node, to a first device, information associated with receiving a response at the first device from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response; and receiving, at the first access node, a report related to the response received at the first device based on the provided information.

[0031] The other device may be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0032] The method may include receiving a trigger from a network function to provide the information to the first device, and means for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0033] The method may include receiving, at the access node, a request from the first device for the gap configuration for receiving the response.

[0034] In an eighth aspect, a method is provided, including: receiving, from a second access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal; and providing the activation signal based on the received information.

[0035] A response from another device can be received by the first device. The first device can be associated with a first access node. The first access node and the second access node can be different.

[0036] The method can include providing a request for a gap configuration for providing an activation signal to a second access node.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, a method is provided that includes: providing, from an access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to a second device to the second device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0038] The method can include: receiving a trigger from a network function to provide information to the second device, and a component for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0039] In a tenth aspect, a method is provided that includes: at a network function, providing a trigger from the network function to at least one of the following: a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device, or a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to another device to a second device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, a gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0040] The method can further include: receiving, at the network function based on the provided information, a report related to the response received at the first device.

[0041] The report can be received at the network function via the second access node.

[0042] In an eleventh aspect, a first device is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first device to at least: receive information associated with receiving a response from another device from a first access node, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, a gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, receive the response based on the received information, and provide a report related to the response to the first access node or a second device based on the received information and in response to receiving the response.

[0043] The other device can be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device can be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node can be different.

[0044] The first device may be caused to: provide a request for a gap configuration for receiving a response to a first access node.

[0045] The first device may be caused to: perform a discovery process for a second device.

[0046] The first device may be a reader device. The second device may be an activator device.

[0047] The other device may be an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The response may be an AIoT response.

[0048] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided an access node including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the access node to at least: provide information associated with receiving a response at a first device from an other device to the first device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, a gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, and receive a report related to the response received at the first device at the first access node based on the provided information.

[0049] The other device may be activated by a transmission from the second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0050] The access node may include: means for receiving a trigger from a network function to provide information to the first device, and means for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0051] The access node may be caused to: receive, at the access node, a request for a gap configuration for receiving a response from the first device.

[0052] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a second device including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the second device to at least: receive information associated with providing an activation signal to an other device from a second access node, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or a gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and provide the activation signal based on the received information.

[0053] The response from the other device may be received by the first device. The first device may be associated with a first access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0054] The second device may be caused to: provide a request for a gap configuration for providing the activation signal to the second access node.

[0055] In a fourteenth aspect, an access node is provided, the access node including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the access node to at least: provide, from the access node to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0056] The access node may be caused to: receive a trigger from a network function to provide information to the second device, and provide the information based on the trigger.

[0057] In a fifteenth aspect, a device is provided, including a network function, the network function including at least one processor, and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to at least: provide a trigger from the network function to at least one of the following: a first access node, to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device, or a second access node, to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to another device to a second device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0058] The device may further include: means for receiving, at the network function based on the provided information, a report from the first device related to the response received at the first device.

[0059] The report may be received at the network function via the second access node.

[0060] In a sixteenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: receive, from a first access node, information associated with receiving a response from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, receive the response based on the received information, and provide, based on the received information and in response to receiving the response, a report related to the response to the first access node or the second device.

[0061] The other device may be activated by a transmission from the second device. The second device may be associated with the second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0062] The first device may be caused to perform: provide a request for a gap configuration for receiving the response to the first access node.

[0063] The first device may be caused to perform: performing a discovery process for a second device.

[0064] The first device may be a reader device. The second device may be an activator device.

[0065] The other device may be an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The response may be an AIoT response.

[0066] In a seventeenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an access node, cause the access node to perform at least the following: providing, from the access node to a first device, information associated with receiving a response at the first device from an other device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, and receiving, at the first access node based on the provided information, a report related to the response received at the first device.

[0067] The other device may be activated by a transmission from a second device. The second device may be associated with a second access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0068] The access node may be caused to perform: receiving a trigger from a network function to provide information to the first device, and components for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0069] The access node may include components for receiving, at the access node, a request from the first device for a gap configuration for receiving a response.

[0070] In an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a second device, cause the second device to perform at least the following: receiving, from a second access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to an other device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and providing the activation signal based on the received information.

[0071] A response from an other device may be received by the first device. The first device may be associated with a first access node. The first access node and the second access node may be different.

[0072] The second device may be caused to perform: providing, to a second access node, a request for a gap configuration for providing an activation signal.

[0073] In a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by an access node, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: provide information associated with providing an activation signal to a second device from the access node to the second device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0074] The access node may be caused to perform: receive a trigger from a network function to provide information to the second device, and components for providing the information based on the trigger.

[0075] In a twentieth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least perform the following: provide a trigger from a network function to at least one of the following: a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device, or a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to another device to a second device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0076] The apparatus may further include: components for receiving, at the network function, a report from the first device related to the response received at the first device based on the provided information.

[0077] In a twenty-first aspect, there is provided a reader device comprising: components for receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for receiving an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) response from an ambient IoT device, where the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device, components for transmitting a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, components for receiving second information from at least one other user device and receiving a positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, components for determining a delay associated with each of at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, components for determining at least one activator device from at least one other user device based on the determined delay, and components for configuring an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

[0078] The components for determining the activator device may include: components for sorting at least one other user device based on at least one delay threshold.

[0079] Each of the at least one delay threshold may be associated with a type of the ambient IoT device.

[0080] The reader device may include components for determining an activator device based on the type of ambient IoT device.

[0081] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0082] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0083] In a twenty-second aspect, there is provided an activator device including: components for receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is for providing an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, components for an ambient IoT device to respond to reception by a reader device and for transmitting a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, components for: receiving second information from at least one additional user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one additional user equipment, components for determining a delay associated with each of the at least one additional user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, components for determining at least one reader device from the at least one additional user equipment based on the determined delay, and components for configuring a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

[0084] The components for determining the reader device may include: components for sorting at least one additional user equipment based on at least one delay threshold.

[0085] Each of the at least one delay thresholds may be associated with the type of ambient IoT device.

[0086] The activator device may include: components for determining the reader device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0087] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0088] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0089] In a twenty-third aspect, a method is provided, including: receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for receiving an ambient IoT transmission from an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; based on receiving the first information, sending a positioning reference signal; receiving second information from at least one other user equipment, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from at least one other user equipment; based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, determining a delay associated with each of the at least one other user equipment; based on the determined delay, determining at least one activator device from the at least one other user equipment; and based on the first information, configuring an activation session at the determined at least one activator device.

[0090] Determining the activator device may include: sorting the at least one other user equipment based on at least one delay threshold.

[0091] Each of the at least one delay thresholds may be associated with a type of the ambient IoT device.

[0092] The reader device may include: a component for determining the activator device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0093] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0094] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0095] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a method is provided, including: receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for providing an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the ambient IoT device responds to being received by a reader device; based on receiving the first information, sending a positioning reference signal; receiving second information from at least one other user equipment, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one other user equipment; based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, determining a delay associated with each of the at least one other user equipment; based on the determined delay, determining at least one reader device from the at least one other user equipment; and based on the first information, configuring a reading session at the determined at least one reader device.

[0096] Determining the reader device includes: sorting the at least one other user equipment based on at least one delay threshold.

[0097] Each of the at least one delay threshold may be associated with the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0098] The activator device may include components for determining the reader device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0099] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0100] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0101] In a twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided a reader device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the reader device to at least receive first information from an access node, wherein the first information is for receiving an ambient IoT response from an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, wherein the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device, transmit a positioning reference signal based on the received first information, receive second information from at least one other user device, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receive a positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, determine a delay associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, determine at least one activator device from the at least one other user device based on the determined delay, and configure an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

[0102] The device may be caused to: sort at least one other user device based on at least one delay threshold.

[0103] Each of the at least one delay threshold may be associated with the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0104] The reader device may include components for determining the activator device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0105] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0106] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0107] In a twenty-sixth aspect, an activator device is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the activator device to at least: receive first information from an access node, where the first information is for providing an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) transmission to an ambient IoT device, where the ambient IoT device responds to being received by a reader device and transmits a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receive second information from at least one other user device, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, and receive the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device; determine a latency associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determine at least one reader device from the at least one other user device based on the determined latency; and configure a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

[0108] The device may be caused to: sort at least one other user device based on at least one latency threshold.

[0109] Each of the at least one latency thresholds may be associated with the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0110] The activator device may include components for determining a reader device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0111] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0112] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0113] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including instructions which, when executed by a reader device, cause the reader device to perform at least the following: receive first information from an access node, where the first information is for receiving an ambient IoT response from an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; transmit a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receive second information from at least one other user device, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, and receive the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device; determine a latency associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determine at least one activator device from the at least one other user device based on the determined latency; and configure an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

[0114] Determining the activator device may include: sorting at least one other user device based on at least one latency threshold.

[0115] Each of the at least one delay threshold may be associated with a type of ambient IoT device.

[0116] The reader device may include components for determining an activator device based on the type of ambient IoT device.

[0117] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0118] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0119] In a twenty-eighth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by an activator device, cause the activator device to perform at least the following: receive first information from an access node, where the first information is for providing an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the ambient IoT device responds to being received by a reader device and transmits a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, receive second information from at least one other user device, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receive a positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, determine a delay associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, determine at least one reader device from the at least one other user device based on the determined delay, and configure a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

[0120] Determining the reader device may include sorting at least one other user device based on at least one delay threshold.

[0121] Each of the at least one delay threshold may be associated with a type of ambient IoT device.

[0122] The activator device may include components for determining a reader device based on the type of ambient IoT device.

[0123] The first information may include scheduling information.

[0124] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0125] In one aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions for causing a device to perform at least one method according to any of the above aspects.

[0126] Above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be understood that additional embodiments may be provided by any combination of any two or more of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0128] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of an example 5GS communication system;

[0129] Figure 2 Shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

[0130] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of an example control device;

[0131] Figure 4 Shows an example environmental IoT architecture where reader devices and activator devices are located in different cells;

[0132] Figure 5 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0133] Figure 6 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0134] Figure 7 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0135] Figure 8 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0136] Figure 9 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0137] Figure 10 Shows a signaling diagram for an example solution;

[0138] Figure 11 Shows a signaling diagram for an example solution;

[0139] Figure 12 Shows a signaling diagram for an example solution;

[0140] Figure 13 Shows a signaling diagram for an example solution;

[0141] Figure 14 Shows a signaling diagram for an example solution;

[0142] Figure 15 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0143] Figure 16 Shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0144] Before explaining the examples in detail, certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are referred to Figure 1 、Figure 2 and Figure 3 are briefly explained to assist in understanding the technology on which the examples are based.

[0145] An example of a suitable communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR may be similar to that in LTE-Advanced. The base stations in an NR system may be referred to as next-generation NodeBs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer quality of service (QoS), as well as some requirements, for example, to support QoS levels for quality of experience (QoE) for users. Additionally, network-aware services and applications, and service- and application-aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. These are related to information-centric networking (ICN) and user-centric content delivery network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes (the so-called small cell concept) than LTE, including macro sites operating in cooperation with smaller stations, and may also employ various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0146] Future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operatively connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) may include one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or general-purpose types of servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations are performed at least partially in servers, hosts, or nodes operatively coupled to remote radio heads. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the division of labor between core network operations and base station operations may be different from that in LTE, or may not even exist.

[0147] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system (5GS) 100 is shown. The 5GS may include a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more internal or external application functions (AF) 108, and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

[0148] Example 5G Core Network (CN) includes functional entities. 5G CN 106 may include one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 112, one or more Session Management Functions (SMF) 114, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 116, Unified Data Management (UDM) 118, one or more User Plane Functions (UPF) 120, Unified Data Repository (UDR) 122, and / or Network Exposure Function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from the PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0149] The CN is connected to the UE via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The 5G RAN may include one or more gNodeB (gNB) Distributed Unit (DU) functions that are connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) Central Unit (CU) functions. The RAN may include one or more access nodes.

[0150] The User Plane Function (UPF) known as the PDU Session Anchor (PSA) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN and the tunnel (established through 5G towards the (multiple) UEs that exchange traffic with the DN).

[0151] Possible mobile communication devices will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 more detail,[[]] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is commonly referred to as a User Equipment (UE) or a terminal. A suitable mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a Mobile Station (MS) or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a so-called "smartphone", a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., a USB dongle), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, an IP Voice (VoIP) phone, a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device (such as a digital camera), a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a Laptop Embedded Equipment (LEE), a Laptop Mounted Equipment (LME), a smart device, a Wireless Client Equipment (CPE), or any combination of these etc. The mobile communication device may provide data communication for carrying communications such as voice, email, text messages, multimedia, etc. Thus, users may be supplied and provided with a variety of services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services, or just access to a data communication network system (such as the Internet). Users may also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, TV and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0152] Mobile devices are typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202, and other possible components 203 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks they are designed to perform, including control of access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage, and other related components may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is denoted by reference numeral 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device through a suitable user interface such as a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touch screen or touchpad, combinations thereof, etc. A display 208, speakers, and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, a mobile communication device may include suitable connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (such as a hands-free device) thereto.

[0153] The mobile device 200 may receive signals via a suitable means for reception over an air or radio interface 207 and may transmit signals via a suitable means for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 this case, the transceiver means is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver means 206 may be provided, for example, by radio components and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be disposed inside or outside the mobile device.

[0154] Figure 3 An example of a control device 300 for a communication system is shown, for example, to be coupled to and / or for controlling a station of an access system such as a RAN node (e.g., a base station, eNB, or gNB), a relay node, or a core network node (such as an MME or serving gateway (S-GW) or packet data network gateway (P-GW)), or a core network function (such as an AMF / SMF), or a server or host. The method may be implemented in a single control device or across more than one control device. The control device may be integrated with or external to a node or module of the core network or RAN. In some embodiments, a base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device may be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control device as well as a control device provided in a radio network controller. The control device 300 may be arranged to provide control of communication in the service area of the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. Via this interface, the control device may be coupled to the receiver and transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0155] In recent years, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections has grown rapidly and is expected to reach hundreds of billions by 2030. As more and more "things" are expected to be interconnected to improve production efficiency and increase living comfort, IoT devices need to be further reduced in size, cost, and power consumption. For example, it is impractical to regularly replace the batteries used in all IoT devices due to the consumption of materials and labor. Powering IoT devices using energy harvested from the environment for self-sufficient communication has become a trend, especially in applications with a large number of devices (such as ID tags and sensors).

[0156] Before Release 18, 3GPP has specified NB-IoT / eMTC and NR RedCap to meet the requirements for wide-area IoT communication for low-cost and low-power devices. These IoT devices typically consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power during transceiver operation, while costing only a few dollars. However, to achieve the interconnection of all things, IoT devices with a ten- or even hundred-fold reduction in cost and power consumption are needed, especially for a large number of applications that require battery-free devices.

[0157] One problem with existing 3GPP technologies in terms of target use cases is the ability to collaborate with energy harvesting considering the limited device size. Cellular devices typically consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts of power for transceiver processing. Taking the NB-IoT module as an example, at a supply voltage higher than 3.1V, the typical current consumption for receive processing is about 60mA, while the typical current consumption for transmit processing at a transmit power of 0dBm is 70mA. Considering that the size of an actual device is only a few square centimeters, the output power provided by a typical energy harvester is mostly below 1 milliwatt. Since the available power is much lower than the consumed power, it is impractical to directly power cellular devices through energy harvesting in most cases.

[0158] A possible solution is to integrate energy harvesting with rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. However, there are still some problems to be solved. First, in practical situations, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may suffer from shortened usage times. It is difficult to provide a constant charging current or voltage by energy harvesting, and due to the small output power from the energy harvester, long continuous charging is required. Both the non-constant charging current and long continuous charging will damage the battery life. For supercapacitors, their usage times may be significantly shortened in high-temperature environments (e.g., less than 3 years at 50 degrees Celsius). Second, the device size will be significantly increased. Since small button batteries can only provide a current of dozens of milliamperes, much larger batteries (such as AA batteries) are usually used to power cellular devices, and their sizes may even be larger than the module itself. To store energy during an appropriate working time (e.g., one second), the capacitance required for a supercapacitor is at the level of one hundred millifarads. The size of such a supercapacitor may be larger than the NB-IoT module. Third, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may be more expensive than the module itself. Even when purchased in large quantities, the cost of suitable batteries or supercapacitors may reach one to several dollars, which may double the cost of the device.

[0159] RFID is a well-known technology that supports battery-free tags (also known as IoT devices). The power consumption of commercial passive RFID tags can be as low as 1 micro-watt. The key technologies to achieve such low power consumption are envelope detection for downlink data reception and backscatter communication for uplink data transmission. RFID is designed for short-range communication, and its typical effective range is less than 10 meters. Since the air interface of RFID has hardly changed since 2005, the transmission scheme has become an obstacle to improving the link budget and its ability to support scalable networks.

[0160] Backscatter represents a battery-free technology that uses incoming radio frequency (RF) signals for data transmission. This method relies on the passive reflection and modulation of RF signals to convert them into a small amount of electrical energy, usually ranging from dozens to hundreds of micro-watts. Then the collected energy is utilized to encode data and facilitate communication without an external power source.

[0161] Due to the extremely low power consumption of backscatter communication, many non-3GPP technologies have started related research, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, and LoRa. Various studies have shown that power consumption of several micro-watts or dozens of micro-watts can be supported by passive tags based on or with minor modifications to the above air interfaces. A considerable part of the research targets long-range communication. Among them, LoRa tags implemented using commercial off-the-shelf components can send their sensing data to a receiver 381 meters away.

[0162] Passive / Ambient IoT involves IoT devices that can operate without a dedicated power source. These devices may have no battery or have limited energy storage, deriving energy from various environmental sources such as radio waves, light, motion, heat, or other suitable power sources.

[0163] A passive radio is a device that uses the energy from incoming wireless signals transmitted on a specific carrier and / or bandwidth to power its circuitry. Once triggered by the incoming energy, the passive radio activates and transmits or reflects a signal. A typical passive radio architecture includes an activator (a device that sends an activation signal), a passive radio (a device that harvests energy and listens for the activation signal), and a reader (a device that listens for and detects the passive radio signal).

[0164] Three different types of devices have been identified, Device A, Device B, and Device C.

[0165] Device A is a passive device with no energy storage. Device B is a passive device with energy storage, and Device C is an active device with energy storage.

[0166] The design goals for power consumption are: for Device A, less than or equal to 10 μW, for Device C, less than or equal to 1 mW, and for Device B, between these two values. The design goals for device complexity are: for Device A, comparable to UHF RFID, for Device C, several orders of magnitude lower than NB-IoT, and for Device B, between Device A and Device C.

[0167] The coexistence of AIoT and cellular communication can be achieved via fully integrated AIoT and cellular communication, where their coexistence is achieved via network-controlled resource scheduling (i.e., the activation and reading of AIoT devices are scheduled), so the network always knows the impact of AIoT communication on "normal" cellular operation. One advantage of this approach is the (radio) network's control over AIoT, so any issues related to coexistence (such as interference) can be mitigated. One disadvantage is that AIoT devices need to implement at least the basic parts of the 3GPP communication stack in both the user and control planes, which may be problematic at least for Type A and Type B AIoT devices.

[0168] Alternatively, or in addition, the coexistence of AIoT and cellular communication can be achieved via fully decoupled AIoT and cellular communication, where their coexistence is achieved via the deployment of AIoT in different carriers outside of cellular communication. Then, the only impact on cellular devices (acting as activators or readers) is the need to configure measurement gaps in order to minimize interference to their "normal" cellular communication. One advantage of this approach is that AIoT devices (such as Type A and Type B) will no longer need to implement a complete user and control plane stack.

[0169] Alternatively, or in addition, the coexistence of AIoT and cellular communication can be achieved via partially decoupled AIoT and cellular communication, where activation and reading can be performed on a carrier different from "normal" cellular communication, or the activator and reader can be controlled by different cells (even operators). In this case, a combination of resource scheduling and measurement gaps can be deployed to achieve the coexistence of AIoT and cellular communication. One advantage of this approach is that the activator and reader no longer need to be under the same serving cell.

[0170] A measurement gap (MG), also referred to as a "gap" in this document, is a specific time interval during which the UE does not participate in sending or receiving data from its serving cell. These gaps are deliberately designed to allow the UE to focus on measuring signals from sources outside of its current active bandwidth part (BWP). These measurement gaps can be configured by the gNB or requested by the UE. However, in both cases, the gNB configures the MG for a given purpose with a given duration and a given period. The MG length should be long enough for the UE to switch to (one or more) new carriers, perform all the necessary measurements (on one or more new carriers), and then switch back to its original serving carrier.

[0171] A measurement gap (MG) can be defined as the time interval during which the UE is free from UL / DL TX / RX with its serving cell (e.g., the device is not participating in sending or receiving data from its serving cell), such that the UE can perform measurements of signals outside of the UE's current active BWP. The measurement gap can be configured by the gNB or requested by the UE. However, in both cases, the gNB configures the MG for a given purpose with a given duration and a given period.

[0172] The 3GPP standard can define different MG patterns depending on whether the UE should perform intra-frequency cell and / or inter-frequency cell and / or inter-RAT E-UTRAN cell or PRS measurements and / or whether the UE supports an independent measurement gap pattern for different frequency ranges.

[0173] In an A-IoT system, the activator and the reader can be configured to detect and manage hundreds or even thousands of A-IoT devices. Some of these A-IoT devices may operate at different carrier frequencies or utilize various subsets of carriers for their communication (different from the activator / reader UE carrier and also different among themselves depending on the device type).

[0174] When a UE is requested to support AIoT device detection / communication (i.e., activation / reading) on a carrier different from the active cell carrier, an MG for activation (also known as an activation gap (AG)) or an MG for reading is required. Given the current specifications, it may not be straightforward to configure the MG for the activator UE and the reader UE because the NR NW does not know which AIoT devices are near which activator and / or reader, and the current MG configuration does not provide measurements for thousands of potentially concurrent signals.

[0175] Another problem may arise if the selected activator UE and reader UE are served by different cells because, in this case, the activator UE and the reader UE need to coordinate with their respective serving cells on how to cooperate with each other.

[0176] Figure 4 An example architecture is shown where the activator device for the AIoT device has one serving cell (Cell A), while the reader device for the AIoT device has another serving cell (Cell B).

[0177] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method can be executed at a first device.

[0178] In 501, the method includes: receiving, from a first access node, information associated with receiving a response from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response.

[0179] In 502, the method includes receiving the response based on the received information.

[0180] In 503, the method includes: providing, based on the received information and in response to receiving the response, a report associated with the response to the first access node or a second device.

[0181] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method can be executed at an access node. The access node can be the first access node mentioned in the Figure 5 method described in the reference.

[0182] In 601, the method includes: providing, from an access node to a first device, information associated with receiving a response at the first device from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response.

[0183] In 602, the method includes: receiving, at a first access node based on the provided information, a report related to a response received at the first device.

[0184] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed at a second device. The second device may include an activator device. The second device may include a UE.

[0185] In 701, the method includes receiving, from a second access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0186] In 702, the method includes providing the activation signal based on the received information.

[0187] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed at an access node. The access node may be a second access node, as mentioned in the method described in the reference Figure 6 described.

[0188] In 801, the method includes: providing, from an access node to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0189] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method may be performed at a device including a network function. The network function may be an SCU.

[0190] In 901, the method includes providing a trigger from a network function to at least one of the following:

[0191] a first access node to provide, to a first device, information associated with receiving a response from another device, or a second access node to provide, to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0192] In the method referred to Figures 5 to 9 above, an additional device can be activated by a transmission from a second device, where the second device is associated with a second access node. A response from the additional device can be received by a first device, where the first device is associated with a first access node and the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0193] In the method referred to Figures 5 to 9 above, the first device can include a reader device. The first device can include a UE. The first access node can be a gNB (also referred to as a serving gNB). The second device can include an activator device. The second device can include a UE. The second access node can be a gNB (also referred to as a serving gNB). The additional device can be an Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) device. The response can be an AIoT response.

[0194] Direct scheduling is possible if the activator device and / or the reader device use the same communication operating frequency carrier as that assigned by the respective serving gNB for the AIoT device. Whenever the operating frequency carrier of the activator device or the reader device for AIoT communication is different from the operating frequency carrier assigned by the serving gNB, an AG or an MG is in principle required.

[0195] To achieve inter-cell coordination for activation and reading sessions (i.e., when the activator device and the reader device belong to different cells), the following set of solutions related to the specific deployment scenarios listed in Table 1 are provided.

[0196]

[0197] Table 1

[0198] In Solution 1, there is resource scheduling for both the activator device and the reader device.

[0199] In an example embodiment, the SCU issues a request to the serving gNBs of both the activator and the reader UEs, and in turn the gNBs trigger resource allocation in their respective UEs. Then, the serving gNB of the reader UE receives a report of the AIoT response and forwards it to the SCU.

[0200] Figure 10 An example signaling diagram for the method according to Solution 1 is shown.

[0201] In step 1, the SCU triggers the start of an AIoT activation / read session by contacting both gNB A and gNB B. Here is an example: providing a trigger from a network function to a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device, and providing a trigger to a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to another device to a second device.

[0202] The assumption here is that the SCU already knows the specific activator device and reader device to be triggered and the associated serving gNB.

[0203] In step 2, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB A sends an indication that the activator needs to send an activation signal to the AIoT device and sends resource scheduling information to the activator so that the activator can actually send its activation signal. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a second device and providing information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes scheduling information for providing the activation signal.

[0204] In step 3, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB B sends resource scheduling information to the reader so that the reader can receive a reply from the AIoT device and report the AIoT device response to gNB B. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a first device and the component for providing information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response or scheduling information for reporting the response.

[0205] In step 4, the activator device sends an activation signal to the AIoT device.

[0206] In step 5, after receiving the activation signal, the AIoT device provides its reply (either by backscattering the activation signal or by performing an active transmission).

[0207] In step 6, the reader device receives the AIoT device response and reports it to gNB B. This is an example of providing a report related to the response from a first device to a first access node.

[0208] In step 7, gNB B reports the AIoT device response back to the SCU. This is an example of receiving a report related to the response received at a first device from a first device at a network function based on the provided information.

[0209] In Solution 2, there is an AG activation gap (AG) for the activator device and there is a schedule for the reader device.

[0210] In an example embodiment, the SCU sends requests to the serving gNBs of both the activator and the reader UEs, and in turn the gNBs trigger (AG) configuration and resource allocation in their respective UEs. Then, the serving gNB of the reader UE receives the AIoT response report and forwards it to the SCU.

[0211] Figure 11 Shows an example signaling diagram for the method according to Solution 2.

[0212] In step 1, the SCU triggers the start of an AIoT activation / reading session by contacting both gNB A and gNB B. This is an example of the following: providing a trigger from a network function to a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from a second device, and providing a trigger to a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to a second device. The assumption here is that the SCU already knows the specific activator device and reader device to be triggered and the associated serving gNBs.

[0213] In step 2, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB A sends an indication regarding the need for the activator device to send an activation signal to the AIoT device and the configuration of the activation gap, such that the activator can actually send its activation signal. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a second device and providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes the gap configuration for providing the activation signal. The gap configuration may include the duration and which carriers gNB A will assume cannot contact the activator during the gap period.

[0214] In step 3, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB B sends resource scheduling information to the reader such that the reader can receive a reply from the AIoT device and report the AIoT device response to gNB B. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a first device and the component for providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response or scheduling information for reporting the response.

[0215] In step 4, the activator sends an activation signal to the AIoT device.

[0216] In step 5, the AIoT device provides its reply (either by backscattering the activation signal or by performing an active transmission) after receiving the activation signal.

[0217] In step 6, the reader receives the AIoT device response and reports it to gNB B. This is an example of providing a report related to the response from a first device to a first access node.

[0218] In step 7, gNB B reports the AIoT device response back to the SCU. This is an example of receiving, at a network function, a report from a first device related to a response received at the first device, based on the provided information.

[0219] In Solution 3, there is a scheduler for the activator device and an MG for the reader device, which is triggered via the interaction enabled by the activator device. The SCU sends a request to the serving gNB of the activator device, and in turn, the gNB triggers the resource allocation of the activator device.

[0220] The activator UE finds a suitable reader device and in turn triggers the reader device to request the configuration of the MG. The activator device may receive assistance information for finding the reader. For example, an adjacent gNB may indirectly (via the SCU) provide a list of candidate readers.

[0221] After the activation and reading session ends, the reader device sends a report of the AIoT response back to the activator, and the activator in turn sends it back to the SCU via the serving gNB.

[0222] Figure 12 An example signaling diagram of the method according to Solution 3 is shown.

[0223] In step 1, the SCU triggers the start of an activator-initiated AIoT activation / reading session by contacting gNB A. The assumption here is that the SCU already knows a specific activator device but does not know the reader device that should be part of the session. This is an example of providing, from a network function, a trigger to a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to a second device, to another device.

[0224] In step 2, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB A sends an indication that the activator device needs to send an activation signal to the AIoT device, and sends resource scheduling information to the activator device so that the activator device can send its activation signal. This is an example of receiving, from a network function (e.g., the SCU), a trigger to provide information to a second device and providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes scheduling information for providing the activation signal.

[0225] In step 3, the activator device finds, requests, and configures an activation / reading session with the reader device. This is an example of performing a discovery process at a second device for a first device. The finding can be based on sidelink discovery (e.g., using the Prose framework).

[0226] In step 4, after the activator device is found, the reader device requests the configuration of a measurement gap from its serving gNB (i.e., gNB B), in which it can perform the AIoT response reading and provide the report back to the activator. This is an example of providing a request for gap configuration to the first access node to receive a response. The gap configuration may include the duration and which carriers gNB A will assume that the activator cannot be reached during the gap period.

[0227] In step 5, the activator sends an activation signal to the AIoT device.

[0228] In step 6, the AIoT device provides its response (either by backscattering the activation signal or performing an active transmission) after receiving the activation signal.

[0229] In step 7, the reader device receives the AIoT device response and reports it to the activator device. This is an example of providing a report related to the response from the first device to the second device. This report can be performed via the side chain.

[0230] In step 8, the activator reports the AIoT response received from the reader back to the serving gNB (i.e., gNB A).

[0231] In step 9, gNB A reports the AIoT device response to the SCU. This is an example of receiving, at a network function, a report related to the response received at the first device from the first device based on the provided information, where the report is received at the network function via the second access node.

[0232] In Solution 4, there is a schedule for the reader device and an activation gap (AG) for the activator device, which is triggered via the interaction initiated by the reader device. The SCU issues a request to the serving gNB of the reader device, and in turn, the gNB triggers the resource allocation of the reader device.

[0233] The reader device finds the appropriate activator device (which may be in the same serving cell as the activator or in a different serving cell, with the latter case being the focus of this disclosure), which in turn triggers the activator device to request the configuration of the AG. The reader UE may receive auxiliary information for finding the activator device. For example, an adjacent gNB may indirectly (via the SCU) provide a list of candidate activator devices.

[0234] After the activation and reading session ends, the reader device sends a report of the AIoT response to the SCU via the serving gNB.

[0235] Figure 13 An example signaling diagram of the method according to Solution 4 is shown.

[0236] In step 1, the SCU triggers the start of a reader-initiated AIoT activation / read session by contacting gNB B. This is an example of providing a trigger from a network function to a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from another device to a first device. The assumption here is that the SCU already knows a specific reader device but does not know the activator device that should be part of the session.

[0237] In step 2, upon receiving the SCU trigger, gNB B sends resource scheduling information to the reader such that the reader can receive replies from the AIoT devices and report the AIoT device responses to gNB B. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function to provide information to a first device, and the component for providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving a response or scheduling information for reporting a response.

[0238] In step 3, the reader device finds, requests, and configures an activation / read session with the activator device. This is an example of performing a discovery process for a second device at a first device. The finding can be based on sidelink discovery (e.g., using the Prose framework).

[0239] In step 4, after being found by the reader, the activator device requests the configuration of an activation gap from its serving gNB (i.e., gNB A), in which it can perform the transmission of an activation signal to the AIoT device. This is an example of providing a request to a second access node for the configuration of a gap for providing an activation signal.

[0240] In step 5, the activator device sends an activation signal to the AIoT device.

[0241] In step 6, upon receiving the activation signal, the AIoT device provides its reply (either by backscattering the activation signal or performing an active transmission).

[0242] In step 7, the reader receives the AIoT device response and reports it to gNB B. This is an example of providing a report associated with a response from a first device to a first access node.

[0243] In step 8, gNB B reports the AIoT device response to the SCU. This is an example of receiving, at a network function based on the provided information, a report from a first device related to a response received at the first device.

[0244] In Solution 5, there is a gap configuration for the activator device and the reader device. The activator device is provided with an activation gap (AG), and the reader device is provided with a measurement gap (MG). The session control unit (SCU) issues a request to the serving gNBs of both the activator and the reader devices, and in turn, the gNBs trigger the gap configuration in their respective UEs. The serving gNB of the reader device then receives the report of the AIoT response and forwards it to the SCU.

[0245] Figure 14 An example signaling diagram of the method according to Solution 5 is shown.

[0246] In step 1, the SCU triggers the start of the AIoT activation / reading session by contacting both gNB A and gNB B. This is an example of: providing a trigger from a network function to a first access node to provide information associated with receiving a response from a first device, and providing a trigger to a second access node to provide information associated with providing an activation signal to a second device.

[0247] The assumption here is that the SCU already knows the specific activator device and reader device to be triggered and the associated serving gNBs.

[0248] In step 2, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB A sends an indication that the activator needs to send an activation signal to the AIoT device, and sends activation gap information to the activator so that the activator can send its activation signal. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a second device and providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes the gap configuration for providing the activation signal. The activation gap configuration can include the duration and which carriers gNB A will assume cannot contact the activator during the gap period.

[0249] In step 3, after receiving the SCU trigger, gNB B sends measurement gap information to the reader so that the reader can receive the reply from the AIoT device and report the AIoT device response to gNB B. This is an example of receiving a trigger from a network function (e.g., the SCU) to provide information to a first device and providing the information based on the trigger. In this example, the information includes the gap configuration for receiving the response. The measurement gap configuration can include the duration and which carriers gNB A will assume cannot contact the activator during the gap period.

[0250] In step 4, the activator device sends an activation signal to the AIoT device.

[0251] In step 5, after receiving the activation signal, the AIoT device provides its reply (either by backscattering the activation signal or by performing an active transmission).

[0252] In step 6, the reader device receives the AIoT device response and reports it to gNB B. This is an example of providing a report related to the response from a first device to a first access node.

[0253] In step 7, gNB B reports the AIoT device response to the SCU. This is an example of receiving, at a network function based on the provided information, a report related to the response received at a first device from the first device.

[0254] In each solution, the SCU does not necessarily reside in any one serving gNB. For example, the SCU may be an additional function of the LMF. In this case, the SCU-gNB interaction may require the definition of NRPPa auxiliary information and (multiple) IEs in the NRPPa report. The SCU–UE (activator device / reader device) interaction may require the definition of LPP auxiliary information and (multiple) IEs in the LPP report.

[0255] The information can be received via radio resource control signaling or downlink control information.

[0256] If both the activator device and the reader device are UEs, the session request and configuration can be achieved via the SL control channel.

[0257] The trigger can be received in the MAC CE. If the activator or the reader is a UE, the session request and configuration can be achieved via the RRC IE or the MAC CE. For example, RRC signaling can be used to configure the UE as an activator, which can be part of the RRC reconfiguration signaling. The resource allocation and the trigger for sending the activation signal can include DCI, or the resource allocation can be DCI and then the trigger for sending the activation signal can be in the DL MAC CE.

[0258] The physical attributes of the response from another device (e.g., an ambient IoT device) can be a backscatter signal (in the case of type A and type B devices) or an active signal (in the case of type C devices). The AIoT signal design can be UL transmission (e.g., it will have a PUSCH component) or SL transmission (e.g., it will have both PSCCH and PSSCH components), or a container type such as PBSCH (Physical Backscatter Shared Channel) can be introduced. The response can be carried by at least one of the following: Physical Uplink Shared Channel PUSCH, Physical Sidelink Control Channel PSCCH, Physical Sidelink Shared Channel PSSCH, or Physical Backscatter Shared Channel PBSCH.

[0259] The report can be a MAC CE, an RRC level report, or a higher level report (e.g., in a NAS container).

[0260] Figure 15 The flowchart shows an example method that can be executed at a reader device. This method is an example of a discovery process performed by a first device (e.g., a reader device) for a second device (e.g., an activator device).

[0261] In 1501, the method includes receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for receiving an ambient IoT response from an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, and the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device.

[0262] In 1502, the method includes sending a positioning reference signal based on the received first information.

[0263] In 1503, the method includes receiving second information related to the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, and receiving the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device.

[0264] In 1504, the method includes determining a delay associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal.

[0265] In 1505, the method includes determining at least one activator device from the at least one other user device based on the determined delay.

[0266] In 1506, the method includes configuring an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

[0267] The positioning reference signal may include a sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0268] The first information may include scheduling information. The second information may include an RX-TX time difference, which is calculated at another UE based on PRS measurements of the provided PRS at the other UE.

[0269] An example embodiment of how a reader UE can select an activator UE is described below.

[0270] In an example embodiment, to select an activator, the reader UE can trigger a simplified SL positioning session, i.e., it can initiate SL anchor discovery. Once the anchor discovery is complete, the reader UE can interrupt the SL positioning session and continue with activator selection.

[0271] For example, in the first step, the UE can send an SL PRS for anchor selection. This is an example of sending a positioning reference signal, where the positioning reference signal is an SL PRS.

[0272] In a second step, all nearby UEs receiving the SL PRS measure the PRS and respond to the reader UE using the SL PRS and their RX-TX time differences calculated using the PRS measurements. This is an example of receiving second information related to a positioning reference signal from at least one additional user device and receiving the positioning reference signal from at least one additional user device.

[0273] In a third step, the reader UE calculates its own RX-TX time difference and, using the reports from step 2, it calculates the delay to each nearby UE that has now become a candidate activator, i.e.:

[0274] a. d1 to candidate activator UE1, ……

[0275] b. ……

[0276] c. di to candidate activator UEi, and so on.

[0277] The third step is an example of determining the delay associated with each user device in at least one additional user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal.

[0278] Determining the activator device may include ranking at least one additional user device based on at least one delay threshold. Each of the at least one delay thresholds may be associated with an environmental IoT device type.

[0279] For example, in a fourth step, depending on the type of AIoT device the reader is configured to detect, the reader UE selects one or more activator UEs as follows:

[0280] a. For device type A, with a maximum activation range aA and a corresponding reading range rA, so the maximum activation / reading delay is daA = aA / c, drA = rA / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daA + drA are selected down as activator UEs, and their IDs are collected in the set SA = {ID1, …… IDx}.

[0281] b. For device type B, with a maximum activation range aB and a corresponding reading range rB, so the maximum activation / reading delay is daB = aB / c, drB = rB / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daB + drB are selected down, and their IDs are collected in the set SB.

[0282] c. For device type C, the maximum activation range aC and the corresponding reading range rC, so the maximum activation / reading latency is daC = aC / c, drC = rC / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daC + drC are selected downward, and their IDs are collected in the set SC.

[0283] d. Using these three sets, the reader UE selects multiple candidate layers:

[0284] i. Layer 1: The activator UEs in all sets, i.e.,

[0285] S1 = SA ∩ SB ∩ SC.

[0286] ii. Layer 2: The activators in the sets:

[0287] SA ∩ SB,

[0288] SA ∩ SC,

[0289] SC ∩ SB.

[0290] iii. Layer 3: The activators in the sets:

[0291] SA

[0292] SB

[0293] SC

[0294] The activator device can be determined based on the type of the environmental IoT device.

[0295] For example, in the fifth step, the reader UE selects the activator UE from Layer 1, then Layer 2, and then from Layer 3 according to the type of the AIoT device targeted for reading.

[0296] Figure 16 The flowchart of an example method that can be executed at the activator device is shown. This method is an example of the discovery process performed by a second device (e.g., the activator device) for a first device (e.g., the reader device).

[0297] In 1601, the method includes receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is used to provide environmental IoT transmission to an environmental IoT device, and the environmental IoT device responds to be received by the reader device.

[0298] In 1602, the method includes sending a positioning reference signal based on the received first information.

[0299] In 1603, the method includes receiving second information related to the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, and receiving the positioning reference signal from at least one other user device.

[0300] In 1604, the method includes: determining a latency associated with each of at least one other user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal.

[0301] In 1605, the method includes determining at least one reader device from at least one other user equipment based on the determined latency.

[0302] In 1606, the method includes configuring a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

[0303] An example embodiment of how an activator UE can select a reader UE is described below.

[0304] In an example embodiment, to select a reader device, the activator UE can trigger a simplified SL positioning session, i.e., it can initiate SL anchor discovery. Once the anchor discovery is complete, the activator UE can interrupt the SL positioning session and proceed with reader selection.

[0305] For example, in the first step, the activator UE can send an SL PRS for anchor selection. This is an example of sending a positioning reference signal, where the positioning reference signal is an SL PRS.

[0306] In the second step, all nearby UEs that receive the SL PRS measure the PRS and respond to the activator UE using the SL PRS and their RX-TX time difference calculated using the PRS measurement. This is an example of receiving second information related to the positioning reference signal from at least one other user equipment and receiving the positioning reference signal from at least one other user equipment.

[0307] In the third step, the activator UE calculates its own RX-TX time difference and uses the reports from step 2 to calculate the latency to each nearby UE that has now become a candidate reader, i.e.:

[0308] a. d1 to candidate reader UE1, ……

[0309] b. ……

[0310] c. di to candidate reader UEi, and so on.

[0311] The third step is an example of determining a latency associated with each of at least one other user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal.

[0312] Determining the activator device may include sorting at least one additional user device based on at least one latency threshold. Each of the at least one latency threshold may be associated with an environmental IoT device type.

[0313] In the fourth step, depending on the type of AIoT device the activator is configured to detect, the activator UE selects one or more reader UEs as follows:

[0314] e. For device type A, the maximum activation range is aA and the corresponding reading range is rA, so the maximum activation / reading latency is daA = aA / c, drA = rA / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daA + drA are selected as reader UEs, and their IDs are collected in the set SA = {ID1, …… IDx}.

[0315] f. For device type B, the maximum activation range is aB and the corresponding reading range is rB, so the maximum activation / reading latency is daB = aB / c, drB = rB / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daB + drB are selected, and their IDs are collected in the set SB.

[0316] g. For device type C, the maximum activation range is aC and the corresponding reading range is rC, so the maximum activation / reading latency is daC = aC / c, drC = rC / c, where c = 3e8 m / s. Then, all UEs that satisfy the condition di <= daC + drC are selected, and their IDs are collected in the set SC.

[0317] h. Using these three sets, the reader UEs select multiple candidate layers:

[0318] iv. Layer 1: Reader UEs in all sets, i.e.,

[0319] S1 = SA ∩ SB ∩ SC.

[0320] v. Layer 2: Reader UEs in the sets:

[0321] SA ∩ SB,

[0322] SA ∩ SC,

[0323] SC ∩ SB.

[0324] vi. Layer 3: Reader UEs in the sets:

[0325] SA

[0326] SB

[0327] SC

[0328] The activator device can be determined based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

[0329] For example, in the fifth step, the reader UE selects the reader UE from layer 1, then layer 2, and then from layer 3 according to the type of the AIoT device targeted for reading.

[0330] A device (such as a first device) can include components for receiving, from a first access node, information associated with receiving a response from another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, components for receiving the response based on the received information; and components for providing, based on the received information and in response to receiving the response, a report associated with the response to the first access node or the second device.

[0331] A device (such as an access node) can include components for providing, from the access node to a first device, information associated with receiving a response from another device at the first device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, or scheduling information for reporting the response, and components for receiving, at the first access node based on the provided information, a report associated with the response received at the first device.

[0332] A device (such as a second device) can include components for receiving, from a second access node, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and components for providing the activation signal based on the received information.

[0333] A device (such as an access node) can include: components for providing, from the access node to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for providing the activation signal or gap configuration for providing the activation signal.

[0334] A device, including a network function, can include components for providing a trigger from the network function to at least one of the following: a first access node for providing, to a first device, information associated with receiving a response from another device, or a second access node for providing, to a second device, information associated with providing an activation signal to another device, where the information includes at least one of the following: scheduling information for receiving the response, gap configuration for receiving the response, scheduling information for reporting the response, scheduling information for providing the activation signal, or gap configuration for providing the activation signal, and where the first access node and the second access node are different.

[0335] A reader device may include components for receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for receiving an ambient IoT response from an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device, components for sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, components for receiving second information from at least one other user device and receiving a positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, components for determining a delay associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, components for determining at least one activator device from the at least one other user device based on the determined delay, and components for configuring an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

[0336] An activator device may include: components for receiving first information from an access node, where the first information is for providing an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient Internet of Things (IoT) device, where the response of the ambient IoT device is received by the reader device, components for sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information, components for receiving second information from at least one other user device and receiving a positioning reference signal from at least one other user device, where the second information is related to the positioning reference signal, components for determining a delay associated with each of the at least one other user device based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal, components for determining at least one reader device from the at least one other user device based on the determined delay, and components for configuring a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

[0337] The components may include at least one processor and at least one memory, where the at least one memory stores instructions that are executed by the processor.

[0338] A device may include a user equipment such as a mobile phone, or an access node such as a gNB, or a network function (NF) such as a session control unit (SCU), may be a user equipment, a gNB, or an NF, may also be included in a user equipment, a gNB, or an NF, or a chipset for performing at least some actions of a user equipment, a gNB, or an NF.

[0339] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules for transmission and / or reception, such as radio components or radio heads. Although the device has been described as one entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0340] It should be noted that although some embodiments have been described in relation to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems, such as 6G networks or 5G-Advanced networks. Thus, although certain embodiments are described above by way of example with reference to certain exemplary architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards, the embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system other than the communication systems shown and described herein.

[0341] It should also be noted herein that although exemplary embodiments are described above, various changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0342] 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 phrasings, where the list of two or more elements is joined by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0343] In general, the various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Certain aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while other aspects can be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although the various aspects of the present disclosure can be shown and described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general hardware or a controller or other computing device, or a combination thereof.

[0344] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0345] (a) only hardware circuit implementations (e.g., only implementations in analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0346] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable:

[0347] (i) combinations of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware and

[0348] (ii) any portions of (one or more) hardware processors with software, including (one or more) digital signal processors, software, and (one or more) memories (which work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions) and

[0349] I (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a part of (multiple) microprocessors) require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not exist when the operation does not require software.

[0350] 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 (or their) attendant software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" also encompasses, for example, if applicable to a particular claim element, 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.

[0351] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (such as in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The computer software or program (also referred to as a program product) includes software routines, applets, and / or macros, and may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components, and the one or more computer-executable components are configured to perform the embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or a part thereof.

[0352] In this regard, it should also be noted that any block of the logical flow shown in the figures may represent a program step, or interconnected logical circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logical circuits, blocks, and functions. The software may be stored on a physical medium, such as a memory chip or a memory block implemented within a processor, a magnetic medium (such as a hard disk or a floppy disk), and an optical medium (such as, for example, a DVD and its data variant CD). The physical medium is a non-transitory medium. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0353] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0354] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Sophisticated and powerful software tools can be used to transform a logic-level design into a semiconductor circuit design that is ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0355] The scope of protection sought by the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims (if any) should be construed as examples that help in understanding the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0356] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In fact, there are additional embodiments that include combinations of one or more embodiments with any other previously discussed embodiments.

Claims

1. A reader device comprising: means for receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to receive an ambient IoT response from an ambient IoT device, wherein the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; means for sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; means for: receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; means for determining a delay associated with each of said at least one further user equipment based on said second received information and said received positioning reference signal; means for determining at least one activator device from said at least one further user device based on said determined delay; as well as Means for configuring an activation session at the determined at least one activator device based on the first information.

2. The reader device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining the activator device comprises: Means for ranking the at least one further user equipment based on at least one delay threshold.

3. The reader device of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one delay threshold is associated with a type of ambient IoT device.

4. The reader device of claim 3, comprising means for determining the activator device based on the type of the ambient IoT device.

5. A reader device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first information comprises scheduling information.

6. A reader device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positioning reference signal comprises a sidelink positioning reference signal.

7. An activator device comprising: means for receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to provide an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient IoT device, wherein a response of the ambient IoT device is received by a reader device; means for sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; means for: receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; means for determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; means for determining at least one reader device from said at least one further user device based on said determined delay; as well as Means for configuring a reading session at the determined at least one reader device based on the first information.

8. A method for communication, comprising: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to receive an ambient IoT response from an ambient IoT device, wherein the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one activator device from among the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, an activation session is configured at the determined at least one activator device.

9. A method for communication, comprising: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to provide an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient IoT device, wherein a response of the ambient IoT device is received by a reader device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one reader device from the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, a reading session is configured at the determined at least one reader device.

10. A reader device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the reader device to at least: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to receive an ambient IoT response from an ambient IoT device, wherein the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one activator device from among the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, an activation session is configured at the determined at least one activator device.

11. An activator device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the activator device to at least: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to provide an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient IoT device, wherein a response of the ambient IoT device is received by a reader device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one reader device from the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, a reading session is configured at the determined at least one reader device.

12. A computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a reader device, cause the reader device to perform at least the following: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to receive an ambient IoT response from an ambient IoT device, wherein the ambient IoT device is activated by a transmission from an activator device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one activator device from among the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, an activation session is configured at the determined at least one activator device.

13. A computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by an activator device, cause the activator device to perform at least the following: receiving first information from an access node, wherein the first information is used to provide an ambient IoT transmission to an ambient IoT device, wherein a response of the ambient IoT device is received by a reader device; Sending a positioning reference signal based on receiving the first information; receiving second information from at least one further user equipment, the second information being related to the positioning reference signal, and receiving a positioning reference signal from the at least one further user equipment; determining a delay associated with each of the at least one further user equipment based on the received second information and the received positioning reference signal; determining at least one reader device from the at least one further user device based on the determined delay; as well as Based on the first information, a reading session is configured at the determined at least one reader device.

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