Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for identifying A-IoT devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatus, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for receiving, by a network function, a transmission signal configuration from each of a plurality of base stations (BSs), the transmission signal configuration for a signal transmitted by each of the plurality of BSs to a respective one of a plurality of environmentally powered Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices; transmitting, by the network function, a transmission signal configuration list including transmission signal configurations received from each of the plurality of BSs; and transmitting a backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, the backscatter configuration indicating a mapping relationship between a signal received by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and backscatter reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for identifying ambient power-enabled Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices. Background Art

[0002] A-IoT devices utilize ambient energy harvesting and backscattering techniques to sustain their own operations and transmit information to other devices. Due to the absence of a power module requirement, A-IoT technology has broad research prospects and wide applications. However, for ultra-low power consumption and complexity, conventional techniques are unable to identify different A-IoT devices at long distances (e.g., more than 100 meters (m)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The example arrangements disclosed herein are intended to address issues related to one or more of the problems existing in the prior art and provide additional features that will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various arrangements, example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these arrangements are provided by way of example and are not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have read this disclosure that various modifications can be made to the disclosed arrangements while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] Some arrangements of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media for: receiving, by a network function, a transmission signal configuration from each of a plurality of base stations (BSs), the transmission signal configuration being for a signal transmitted by each of the plurality of BSs to a corresponding one of a plurality of ambient power-enabled Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices; sending, by the network function, a list of transmission signal configurations, the list of transmission signal configurations including the transmission signal configurations received from each of the plurality of BSs; and sending, to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, a backscattering configuration that indicates a mapping relationship between a signal received by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and a backscattering reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0005] Some arrangements of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media for: sending, by a base station (BS), a transmission signal configuration to a network function, the transmission signal configuration being for a signal transmitted by the BS to a respective one of a plurality of ambient energy-powered Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices; receiving, by the BS, a list of transmission signal configurations, the list of transmission signal configurations including transmission signal configurations received from each of a plurality of BSs; and sending, by the BS, a backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, the backscatter configuration indicating a mapping relationship between a signal received by at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and a backscatter reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0006] The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, the description, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Various example arrangements of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following diagrams or drawings. These drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and these drawings merely depict example arrangements of the present solution for the reader to understand the present solution. Therefore, these drawings should not be regarded as limiting the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of illustration.

[0008] Figure 1A is a flowchart showing an example method for configuring the backscatter of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0009] Figure 1B is a flowchart showing an example method for configuring the backscatter of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0010] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram showing an example method for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0011] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram showing an example method for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0012] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram showing an example method for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0013] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram showing an example method for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0014] Figure 6It is a signaling diagram showing an example method of configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a signaling diagram showing an example method of configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a signaling diagram showing an example method of configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the reflected signals in terms of space (e.g., in airspace) according to various arrangements.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing that an A-IoT device receives a transmitted signal in a reflection time method and reflects the signal to be transmitted at different times configured according to reflection signal resource configuration parameters as a reflected signal (backscattering).

[0019] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the reflected signals of an A-IOT device in the frequency domain using center frequency shift according to various arrangements.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing an example carrier space of center frequency shift according to various arrangements.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the reflected signals of an A-IoT device in the code domain using the OOK code method according to various arrangements.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing a method of joint processing based on time domain and space domain according to various arrangements.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing an example method of separately configuring communication reflection parameters and positioning reflection parameters according to various arrangements.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing an example method of separately configuring communication reflection parameters and positioning reflection parameters according to various arrangements.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a signaling diagram showing an example method of configuring the communication of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements.

[0026] Figure 18 It shows a block diagram of an example BS and an example UE according to various arrangements.

[0027] Figure 19A block diagram of an example A-IoT device according to various arrangements is shown. Detailed implementation

[0028] Various example arrangements of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can make and use the present solution. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the example arrangements and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method or process can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein provide various steps or actions in an example order, and the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy provided unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0029] According to the energy storage capacity, A-IoT devices can be classified into various types, such as Type A, Type B, and Type C, etc. Type A A-IoT devices do not perform energy storage and do not perform independent signal generation / amplification. For example, Type A A-IoT devices use backscatter transmission and can be referred to as passive IoT devices. Type B A-IoT devices perform energy storage without independent signal generation. For example, Type B A-IoT devices use backscatter transmission. The use of the stored energy can include the amplification of the reflected signal. Type B A-IoT devices can also be referred to as semi-passive IoT devices. Type C A-IoT devices perform energy storage and independent signal generation (e.g., active RF (Radio Frequency) components for transmission). Type C A-IoT devices can also be referred to as active IoT devices.

[0030] Conventionally, A-IoT devices use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which is commonly used in low-power devices, as an identification method. As a short-range communication method, RFID can support an identification range of 1m to 10m and various frequency ranges, such as 125KHz, 13.54MHz, 850MHz to 910MHz, and 2.45GHz. RFID devices can receive energy from the transmission carrier by using inductive coupling and use passive tags to achieve object identification, which is widely used in transportation and logistics management. Existing RFID technologies require the reader device to send inventory commands point-to-point, which not only severely limits the identification range but is also not applicable to outdoor scenarios. In addition, due to the limitation of the memory capacity of the tags, the implementation of a large number of tags for identifying A-IoT devices may be costly and cumbersome.

[0031] The arrangements disclosed herein relate to a cellular network architecture for A-IoT identification. Figure 1A FIG. 100a is a flowchart illustrating an example method for configuring backscattering of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements. According to various arrangements, method 100a may be performed by a network function (e.g., LMF (Location Management Function)).

[0032] At 110, the network function receives a transmission signal configuration from each of a plurality of BSs, the transmission signal configuration being for a signal transmitted by each of the plurality of BSs to a respective one of a plurality of A-IoT devices. At 120, the network function sends a list of transmission signal configurations, the list of transmission signal configurations including the transmission signal configurations received from each of the plurality of BSs. At 130, the network function sends a backscattering configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, the backscattering configuration indicating a mapping relationship between a signal received by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and a backscattering reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0033] Figure 1B FIG. 100b is a flowchart illustrating an example method for configuring backscattering of an A-IoT device according to various arrangements. According to various arrangements, method 100b may be performed by a BS.

[0034] At 140, the BS sends a transmission signal configuration to a network function (e.g., the LMF), which is for the signal transmitted by the BS to a respective one of a plurality of A-IoT devices. At 150, the BS receives a list of transmission signal configurations, which includes the transmission signal configurations received from each of a plurality of BSs. At 160, the BS sends a backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, where the backscatter configuration indicates the mapping relationship between the signal received by at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and the backscatter reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0035] During communication, several Transmission and Reception Points (TRPs) transmit signals to potential A-IoT devices. The A-IoT devices reflect the received signals through simple processing. If the A-IoT devices use the same processing method for different received signals, the BS cannot distinguish which A-IoT device reflected the received signal. Some arrangements involve reflection parameters for distinguishing different A-IoT devices for the BS, the LMF, or the UE. Several example identification processes for reflection parameters dedicated to different A-IoT devices are described herein. Each of the plurality of reflection parameters or each set of reflection parameters is associated with a UE ID.

[0036] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram showing an example method 200 for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 2 shows one BS 204 and one A-IoT device 206, the method 200 can be implemented for a plurality of BSs (each of the plurality of BSs can be the BS 204) and a plurality of A-IoT devices (each of the plurality of A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 200 involves reflection parameters configured by the LMF 202. That is, Figure 2 is an identification process in which the LMF 202 configures the reflection parameters and directly sends the reflection parameters to the A-IoT device 206.

[0037] At 210, the LMF 202 sends a request ID (Identification) message to each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204). This request ID message can be included in the auxiliary information information element (IE) in a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa / NRPPA) message. At 220, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). At 230, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204) transmits the time / frequency configuration of the transmitted (e.g., transmitted at 220) signal to the LMF 202.

[0038] At 240, the LMF 202 collects the configurations of all the transmitted signals (for the multiple BSs and the multiple A-IoT devices) and sends a list of transmitted signal configurations to each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204). This list of transmitted signal configurations includes the configurations of the signals transmitted by the BSs other than the BS 204. Further, at 250, the LMF 202 may send a backscatter configuration to the multiple A-IoT devices (including A-IoT device 206). This backscatter configuration may indicate the mapping relationship between the received signal (e.g., received by A-IoT device 206 at 220) and the backscatter (e.g., the reflected signal).

[0039] In some examples, the backscatter configuration (e.g., at 250) may include reflection parameters, such as, transmission signal (e.g., time / frequency) resource configuration parameters, reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, and other suitable parameters. In some arrangements, the backscatter configuration may be included in a Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) message. In some examples, the backscatter configuration may be included in the Assistance Data.

[0040] At 260, the A-IoT device 206 can send backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the BS 204. The type-A A-IoT device immediately reflects or sends backscatter in response to receiving a signal at 220. The type-B A-IoT device or type-C A-IoT device stores the received signal energy of the signal received at 220 and reflects or sends backscatter in response to the device reaching its own energy threshold. The BS 204 processes the reflected signal according to the reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters.

[0041] At 270, the BS 204 sends measurements of the backscatter (e.g., the reflected signal) to the LMF 202. The LMF 202 receives measurements from multiple BSs (including the BS 204) and estimates the positions of different A-IoT devices (including the A-IoT device 206) according to positioning methods such as Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA), Round Trip Time (RTT), and Carrier Phase Positioning (CPP).

[0042] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram showing an example method 300 for configuring the communication of the A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 3 shows one BS 204 and one A-IoT device 206, the method 300 can be implemented for multiple BSs (each BS among the multiple BSs can be the BS 204) and multiple A-IoT devices (each A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 300 involves reflection parameters configured by the LMF 202. That is,

[0043] Figure 3 is an identification process in which the LMF 202 configures the reflection parameters and the BS 204 indirectly sends the reflection parameters to the A-IoT device 206.

[0044] As described with respect to Figure 2 At 210, the LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each BS (e.g., the BS 204) among multiple BSs. At 320, the LMF 202 can send backscatter configuration to multiple BSs (e.g., the BS 204) via an NRPPA message. As described with respect to Figure 2As described, at 220, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). At 340, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits a backscatter configuration to each of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206) via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0045] As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 260, A-IoT device 206 may send backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to BS204. As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 270, BS204 sends a measurement value of the backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to LMF 202.

[0046] In some examples, the backscatter configuration at 320 and 340 may include reflection parameters, such as all transmitted signal (time / frequency) resource configuration parameters, reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, or other suitable parameters.

[0047] Figure 4 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example method 400 for configuring the communication of A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 4 illustrates one BS204 and one A-IoT device 206, method 400 may be implemented for multiple BSs (each of the multiple BSs may be this BS204) and multiple A-IoT devices (each of the multiple A-IoT devices may be this A-IoT device 206). Method 400 relates to reflection parameters configured by BS204. That is, Figure 4 is an identification process of configuring reflection parameters by BS204 and sending the reflection parameters to A-IoT device 206.

[0048] As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 210, LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204). As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 230, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits the time / frequency configuration of the transmitted (e.g., to be transmitted at 220) signal to LMF 202. As regarding Figure 2As described, at 240, the LMF 202 collects the configurations of all the transmitted signals (for multiple BSs and multiple A-IoT devices) and sends a list of transmission signal configurations to each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204).

[0049] In response to receiving the list of transmission signal configurations, each BS (e.g., BS204) determines the backscatter configuration applicable to the cell covered by the BS. At 410, each BS (e.g., BS204) sends the backscatter configuration to potential A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206).

[0050] As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 220, each of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 260, the A-IoT device 206 may send backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the BS204. As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 270, the BS204 sends the measurement value of the backscatter (e.g., the reflected signal) to the LMF 202.

[0051] Figure 5 is a signaling diagram showing an example method 500 for configuring the communication of the A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 5 shows 3 BSs (BS204, BS 502, and BS 504) and one A-IoT device 206, the method 500 can be implemented for four or more BSs (each of the four or more BSs can be the BS204, BS 502, or BS 504) and multiple A-IoT devices (each of the multiple A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 500 involves reflection parameters configured by the BS204. That is, Figure 5 is an identification process in which the BS204 configures the reflection parameters and sends the reflection parameters to the A-IoT device 206.

[0052] As regarding Figure 2As described, at 210, the LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each of a plurality of BSs (e.g., BS204, BS 502, and BS 504). At 510, 512, and 514, the plurality of BSs (e.g., BS204, BS 502, and BS 504) can exchange the time / frequency configuration of the signals being transmitted (e.g., to be transmitted at 220) among themselves without routing to the LMF 202. Each of the plurality of BSs can obtain the configuration of all the transmitted signals (for the plurality of BSs and the plurality of A-IoT devices) by exchanging such information at 510, 512, and 514.

[0053] In response to determining the configuration of all the transmitted signals by exchanging such information, each BS (e.g., BS204) determines a backscatter configuration applicable to the cell covered by that BS. At 410, each BS (e.g., BS204) sends the backscatter configuration to potential A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206).

[0054] As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 220, each of the plurality of BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each of the plurality of A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 260, the A-IoT device 206 can send backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the BS204. As regarding Figure 2 As described, at 270, the BS204 sends a measurement value of the backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the LMF 202.

[0055] Figure 6 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example method 600 for configuring the communication of the A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 6 illustrates one BS204, one UE 602, and one A-IoT device 206, the method 600 can be implemented for a plurality of BSs (each of the plurality of BSs can be the BS204), a plurality of UEs (each of the plurality of UEs can be the UE 602), and a plurality of A-IoT devices (each of the plurality of A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 600 involves reflection parameters configured by an assisting node (such as, the UE 602). That is, Figure 6It is an identification process in which the UE 602 configures the reflection parameters and sends the reflection parameters to the A-IoT device 206. The UE 602 has the ability to independently design the resource configuration parameters of the reflection signal (time / frequency / code / phase). The UE 602 can provide the auxiliary / anchor position for the A-IoT device.

[0056] At 610, the LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each UE among multiple UEs (e.g., UE 602). The request ID message can be included in the auxiliary information IE in the NRPPa message. At 620, the UE sends a measurement request to the BS 204. In response to the measurement request, at 630, each BS among multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each A-IoT device among multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206).

[0057] At 230, each BS among multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204) transmits the time / frequency configuration of the transmitted signal (e.g., transmitted at 220) to the LMF 202. At 650, the LMF 202 collects the configurations of all the transmitted signals (for multiple BSs and multiple A-IoT devices) and sends a transmission signal configuration list to each UE among multiple UEs (e.g., UE 602). The transmission signal configuration list includes the configurations of the signals transmitted by BSs other than BS 204.

[0058] At 660, multiple UEs (e.g., UE 602) can send the backscattering configuration to multiple A-IoT devices (including A-IoT device 206) through the sidelink between the UE and the A-IoT device. The backscattering configuration can indicate the mapping relationship between the received signal and the backscattering (e.g., reflection signal). In some arrangements, the backscattering configuration sent by the UE to the A-IoT device can include reflection parameters, such as the transmission positioning reference signal (PRS) (time / frequency) resource configuration parameters, the reflection signal (space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, the auxiliary UE ID of each corresponding UE, the auxiliary UE position of each corresponding UE, or other suitable parameters. The auxiliary UE ID is the label of the corresponding UE. The auxiliary UE position provides the anchor position for the A-IoT device.

[0059] At 670, the A-IoT device 206 can send backscattering (e.g., reflection signal) to the BS 204. At 680, the BS 204 sends the measurement value of the backscattering (e.g., reflection signal) to the LMF 202.

[0060] Figure 7is a signaling diagram showing an example method 700 for configuring the communication of the A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 7 shows three UEs (UE 602, UE 702, and UE 704) and one A-IoT device 206, the method 700 can be implemented for multiple UEs (each of the multiple UEs can be the UE 602, UE 702, and UE 704) and multiple A-IoT devices (each of the multiple A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 700 involves reflection parameters configured by the UE 602. That is, Figure 7 is an identification process in which the UE 602 (without the LMF 202 or BS) configures the reflection parameters and sends the reflection parameters to the A-IoT device 206.

[0061] At 710, 712, and 714, multiple UEs (e.g., UE 602, UE 702, and UE 704) can exchange the time / frequency configuration of the transmitted (e.g., to be transmitted at 710) signals among themselves without routing to the LMF 202 or BS. Each of the multiple UEs can obtain the configuration of all the transmitted signals (for the multiple UEs and multiple A-IoT devices) by exchanging such information at 710, 712, and 714.

[0062] In response to determining the configuration of all the transmitted signals by exchanging such information, each UE (e.g., UE 602) transmits a signal at 710. At 660, multiple UEs (e.g., UE 602) can send the backscatter configuration to multiple A-IoT devices (including the A-IoT device 206) via a sidelink between the UE and the A-IoT device.

[0063] At 720, the A-IoT device 206 can send backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the UE 602. At 730, the UE 602 sends a measurement of the backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the LMF 202.

[0064] Figure 8 is a signaling diagram showing an example method 800 for configuring the communication of the A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 8A BS204 and an A-IoT device 206 are shown, but method 800 can be implemented for multiple BSs (each BS of the multiple BSs can be this BS204) and multiple A-IoT devices (each A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices can be this A-IoT device 206). Method 800 relates to reflection parameters reported by the A-IoT device 206. An A-IoT device (e.g., A-IoT device 206) has the ability to independently generate and report signals. Thus, Figure 8 The A-IoT device in

[0065] At 810, the LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). At 820, each A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206) transmits or reports a backscatter configuration to each BS of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) using an RRC message. At 830, each A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206) transmits or reports a backscatter configuration to each LMF 202 using an LPP message.

[0066] As described with respect to Figure 2 At 220, each BS of the multiple BSs (e.g., BS204) transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT device 206). As described with respect to Figure 2 At 260, the A-IoT device 206 can send a backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the BS204. As described with respect to Figure 2 At 270, the BS204 sends a measurement value of the backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the LMF 202.

[0067] In some examples, the backscatter configuration at 820 can include reflection parameters such as transmission signal (time / frequency) resource configuration parameters, reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, or other suitable parameters. In some examples, the backscatter configuration at 830 can include reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, an auxiliary A-IoT ID, or other suitable parameters. The auxiliary IoT ID is an auxiliary tag transmitted by the A-IoT 206 and is stored when the A-IoT device leaves the factory. Thus, the backscatter configuration parameters sent to the LMF are different from the backscatter configuration parameters sent to the gNB.

[0068] In some examples, the backscatter configuration includes reflection parameters configured by a network function for different A-IoT devices among a plurality of A-IoT devices. The backscatter configuration is sent by the network function to at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices via a Long-Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

[0069] In some examples, the backscatter configuration includes reflection parameters configured by a network function for different A-IoT devices among a plurality of A-IoT devices. Sending the backscatter configuration includes: the network function sending the backscatter configuration to at least one BS among a plurality of BSs via an NRPPa message, where the at least one BS among the plurality of BSs sends the backscatter configuration to at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices via an RRC message. In some examples, the reflection parameters include configuration parameters of all transmission signal resources for a plurality of BSs, which means that the LMF notifies each BS of the transmission signal resource configuration parameters of that BS and also notifies the transmission signal resource configuration parameters of other BSs covered by that LMF.

[0070] In some examples, a first A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices includes a type-A A-IoT device. The first A-IoT device immediately reflects the signal received from a corresponding one of the plurality of BSs in response to receiving the signal.

[0071] In some examples, a second A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices includes a type-B A-IoT device or a type-C A-IoT device. The second A-IoT device stores the received energy of the signal received from a corresponding one of the plurality of BSs and reflects the signal in response to reaching an energy threshold for reflecting the signal.

[0072] In some examples, in response to receiving a transmission signal configuration list, each BS among at least one BS among the plurality of BSs determines a backscatter configuration applicable to the cell of each BS among at least one BS among the plurality of BSs. Each BS among at least one BS among the plurality of BSs sends the backscatter configuration to at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices.

[0073] In some examples, the transmission signal configuration list is sent to a plurality of wireless communication devices (e.g., UEs). The backscatter configuration is determined by at least one UE among the plurality of UEs and sent by at least one UE among the plurality of UEs to at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices via a sidelink. In some examples, the backscatter configuration is exchanged via a sidelink between at least one wireless communication device among the plurality of wireless communication devices and other wireless communication devices among the plurality of wireless communication devices.

[0074] In some examples, the backscatter configuration is determined by each of at least one A-IoT device among a plurality of A-IoT devices. At least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices sends the backscatter configuration to at least one BS among the plurality of BSs in an RRC message or sends the backscatter configuration to a network function in an LPP message.

[0075] In some examples, at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices independently generates and reports the backscatter configuration. Each A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices includes a type-C A-IoT device.

[0076] In some arrangements, the characteristics of the signal received from the BS / UE are modified for backscattering of the transmission, and the received signal is reflected after processing. In some arrangements as described herein, the reflected signal can be processed in terms of space / time / frequency / code. Some arrangements relate to spatial processing applicable to the reflection of signals by A-IoT devices.

[0077] Figure 9 is a diagram showing reflected signals in terms of space (e.g., in the airspace) according to various arrangements. As shown in FIG. 9, A-IoT i 920 and A-IoT j 930 respectively backscatter the received signal 922 and the received signal 932 transmitted from the network node 910 to generate backscattered (reflected signals) 924 and backscattered 934 with different additional angular offsets, the additional angular offsets being Δθ i and Δθ j . respectively. The reflected signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration described herein can be a set of backscatter angle parameters, such as a set of angular offsets for backscattering, or a backscatter angular offset, etc.

[0078] In some arrangements, the set of angular offsets for backscattering provides a list of candidate angular offsets for an A-IoT device to use for backscattering. The backscatter angular offset indicates that the A-IoT device backscatters the received signal at a specific angle, and this specific angle is provided together with an additional offset mechanism. Considering the requirements of a directional antenna, spatial processing may only be applicable to type-B A-IoT devices / type-C A-IoT devices.

[0079] In some arrangements, a network node receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices at a first angular offset, and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices at a second angular offset. The backscatter configuration includes a set of backscatter angle parameters. The set of backscatter angle parameters includes at least a set of angular offsets for performing backscattering or a backscatter angular offset.

[0080] In some arrangements, the reflection time can be used to distinguish different A-IoT devices. Figure 10 is a diagram showing A-IoT devices (e.g., A-IoT i 920 and A-IoT j 930) receiving a transmitted signal 1010 and reflecting the transmitted signal as a reflected signal (backscatter) 1020 and a reflected signal 1030 at different times configured according to reflection signal (e.g., time / frequency / code / phase) resource arrangement parameters. As shown, (e.g., Figure 9 those shown in) A-IoT i and A-IoT j receive the signal 1010 from a network node (e.g., BS, and UE, etc.) at time 1, time 2, and time 3. A-IoT i reflects the transmitted signal 1010 as a reflected signal 1020 at time 4. The A-IoT j reflects the transmitted signal 1010 as a reflected signal 1030 at time 5. Thus, A-IoT i and A-IoT j reflect signals with a delayed response and at different response times. Compared with other processing methods, this method 1000 does not require changing the waveform of the received signal. When configuring the reflection time of different A-IoT devices, it is sufficient to determine that the configured reflection time obtains sufficient energy for each A-IoT device to reflect the transmitted signal 101. The reflection signal (e.g., space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters described herein may include a set of reflection parameters, such as a set of times for performing backscattering, a backscattering time, a set of energy thresholds, a set of energy threshold offsets, etc.

[0081] In some arrangements, the set of times for performing backscattering provides candidate times for an A-IoT device to perform reflection. The backscattering time indicates that an A-IoT device reflects the received signal at a specific time. The set of energy thresholds ensures that different A-IoT devices can perform reflection at different times. For example, A-IoT i and A-IoTj Both receive signal 1010 at time 1, but for A-IoT i the threshold can be E i , while for A-IoT j the threshold can be E j . Thus, A-IoT i and A-IoT j reach their respective thresholds and reflect at time 4 and time 5 respectively. The reflection time can also be determined according to an energy threshold offset set, which provides an increased energy offset. For example, for A-IoT i , the energy threshold can be determined using the following formula:

[0082] E i = E0 + ΔE (1);

[0083] And for A-IoT j , the energy threshold can be:

[0084] E i = E0 + 2ΔE (2),

[0085] where the energy threshold offset nΔE can be configured for type A A-IoT devices / type B A-IoT devices by the LMF, BS or UE, or reported by type C A-IoT devices.

[0086] In some arrangements, a network node (e.g., UE or BS) receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device in a plurality of A-IoT devices at a first reflection time, and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device in a plurality of A-IoT devices at a second reflection time. The backscatter configuration includes an energy threshold offset set. The first reflection time and the second reflection time are determined according to the energy threshold offset set.

[0087] In some arrangements, the received signal can be characterized by a center frequency. By shifting the center frequency, different A-IoT devices can be distinguished with ultra-low power consumption. Figure 11 shows the reflected signals in the frequency domain for identifying A-IoT i 1120 and A-IoT j 1130 using a center frequency shift of 1100 according to various arrangements. As Figure 11 shown, A-IoT i 1120 and A-IoT j1130 Backscatters the received signal 1122 and the received signal 1132 (transmitted from the network node 1110) respectively to generate backscattered (reflected signals) 1124 and 1134 respectively.

[0088] In some examples, the backscattering (e.g., time / frequency / code / phase) resource configuration described herein may include a set of frequency reflection parameters, such as a set of frequencies for backscattering, backscattering frequencies, a set of frequency offsets for backscattering, backscattering frequency offsets, the number of frequencies (or frequency offsets) for backscattering, carrier frequency spacing, or other suitable parameters.

[0089] In some arrangements, the set of frequencies for backscattering provides a list of candidate frequencies for the A-IoT device to reflect. The backscattering frequency indicates that the A-IoT device reflects the received signal at a specific center frequency. The set of frequency offsets for backscattering and the backscattering frequency offset may indicate that the A-IoT device reflects the received signal at a certain frequency. In some examples, such as using the following formula, the backscattering frequency may indicate the absolute center frequency and the backscattering frequency offset may indicate the relative center frequency:

[0090]

[0091] where Δf i and Δf j are reflection parameters, which may be configured by the LMF, BS or UE or reported by the A-IoT device itself.

[0092] Regarding the number of frequencies (or frequency offsets) for backscattering, if the A-IoT device is configured with a set of reflection frequency (offset) candidates, the A-IoT device may select one or more frequencies (or frequency offsets) from the candidate set. If the processing parameter specifies the number of frequencies (or frequency offsets) (e.g., if the parameter is equal to 2), the A-IoT device selects two frequencies (or frequency offsets) from the candidate set.

[0093] In some examples, the subcarriers of the reflected signal generated by the A-IoT device are square waves, which have spectral leakage in the frequency domain, resulting in interference between A-IoT devices. The carrier frequency space is similar to the subcarrier spacing (SCS) in NR (New Radio), and is a reflection parameter that limits the minimum frequency interval between different A-IoT devices to reduce frequency interference between different A-IoT devices. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example carrier space 1230 of center frequency shift according to various arrangements. In the frequency domain, for A-IoT separated by the carrier space 1230i 1120 and A-IoT j The uplink frequency resources 1210 and 1220 of 1130 to reduce A-IoT i 1120 and A-IoT j interference between 1130.

[0094] In some arrangements, the network node receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices using a first center frequency, and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices using a second center frequency. The backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following: a set of frequencies for performing backscatter, backscatter frequencies, a set of frequency offsets for performing backscatter, backscatter frequency offsets, the number of frequencies or frequency offsets for performing backscatter, or carrier frequency spacing.

[0095] In some arrangements, the first center frequency and the second center frequency are shifted using corresponding absolute values. In some arrangements, the first center frequency and the second center frequency are shifted using corresponding relative offsets with respect to the center frequency of the transmitted signal. In some arrangements, the carrier frequency spacing reduces interference between the first A-IoT device and the second A-IoT device.

[0096] In some arrangements, based on envelope detection, A-IoT devices can be processed in the code domain to distinguish different A-IoT devices. To reduce implementation complexity, On Off Keying (OOK) codes can be used for A-IoT device identification. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the reflected signals of A-IoT i 1320 and A-IoT j 1330 in the code domain. As Figure 13 shown, A-IoT i 1320 and A-IoT j 1330 respectively perform backscatter on the received signals 1322 and 1332 transmitted by the network node 1310 to generate backscatters (reflected signals) 1324 and 1334 respectively, and the backscatters 1324 and 1334 are square waves respectively.

[0097] As Figure 13 shown, A-IoT i 1320 and A-IoT j1330 receives the transmission signals 1322 and 1332 respectively and reflects them within different OOK codes. For A-IoT i 1320, the OOK code can be "1001011", while for A-IoT j 1330, the OOK code can be "1101101". The reflected signal (space / time / frequency / code) resource configuration can include a parameter set, such as one or more of the following: coding rules, backscatter OOK codes, pulse width (PW), signal level threshold, or other suitable parameters.

[0098] The coding rules provide candidate amplitude OOK processing methods for different A-IoT devices. The backscatter OOK code indicates a certain OOK code associated with the A-IoT ID. PW and signal level threshold are parameters for OOK.

[0099] In some arrangements, the network node receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices using a first on-off keying (OOK) code and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one A-IoT device of a plurality of A-IoT devices using a second OOK code. The backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following: coding rules, backscatter OOK codes, pulse width (PW), signal level threshold, or other suitable parameters.

[0100] In some arrangements, in order to reduce the resource consumption and identification errors of A-IoT devices during multi-user multiplexing, the received signals can be jointly processed based on the processing methods for the spatial domain, time domain, frequency domain, and code domain described herein. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a joint processing method 1400 based on the time domain (T) and spatial domain (θ) according to various arrangements.

[0101] As Figure 14 shown, the received signals can be processed together in the spatial domain and time domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the spatio-temporal configuration of the reflected signal is (Time i , Δθ i ), for A-IoT j , the spatio-temporal configuration of the reflected signal is (Time j , Δθ j ), for A-IoT g , the spatio-temporal configuration of the reflected signal is (Time i , Δθ j ), and for A-IoT k , the spatio-temporal configuration of the reflected signal is (Timej , Δθ i ).

[0102] In some arrangements, the received signal can be jointly processed in the spatial domain and the frequency domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the spatial-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency i , Δθ i ), for A-IoT j , the spatial-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency j , Δθ j ), for A-IoT g , the spatial-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency i , Δθ j ), and for A-IoT k , the spatial-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency j , Δθ i ).

[0103] In some arrangements, the received signal can be jointly processed in the spatial domain and the code domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the spatial-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Δθ i ), for A-IoT j , the spatial-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Δθ j ), for A-IoT g , the spatial-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Δθ j ), and for A-IoT k , the spatial-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Δθ i ). The code can be the OOK code as described herein.

[0104] In some arrangements, the received signal can be jointly processed in the time domain and the frequency domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the time-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency i , Time i ), for A-IoT j , the time-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency j , Time j ), for A-IoT g , the time-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency i , Timej ), and for A-IoT k , the time-frequency configuration of the reflected signal is (Frequency j , Time i ).

[0105] In some arrangements, the received signal can be jointly processed in the frequency domain and the code domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the frequency-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Frequency i ), for A-IoT j , the frequency-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Frequency j ), for A-IoT g , the frequency-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Frequency j ), and for A-IoT k , the frequency-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Frequency i ). The code can be the OOK code described herein.

[0106] In some arrangements, the received signal can be jointly processed in the time domain and the code domain. Specifically, for A-IoT i , the time-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Time i ), for A-IoT j , the time-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Time j ), for A-IoT g , the time-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code i , Time j ), and for A-IoT k , the time-code configuration of the reflected signal is (Code j , Time i ). The code can be the OOK code described herein.

[0107] In some arrangements, the network node receives the backscattering reflected by two or more A-IoT devices among multiple A-IoT devices, and the network node jointly processes the backscattering in the following two or more domains: the spatial domain, the time domain, the frequency domain, or the code domain.

[0108] In some arrangements, in RFID, the bandwidth supported by the terminal device may be only on the order of hundreds of kHz. Although this can obtain tag information, it is insufficient for positioning. Although bandwidth-independent positioning methods such as CPP have been studied for many scenarios, there is still a performance degradation in the absence of prior knowledge. In some arrangements, there may be two sets of reflection parameters applicable to communication or positioning respectively.

[0109] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing an example method 1500 for separately configuring communication reflection parameters and positioning reflection parameters according to various arrangements. As Figure 15 shown, the A-IoT i device reflects at time 4. The A-IoT i device reflects for communication in time slots 1 (slot1) and 2 (slot2), and reflects for positioning in time slots n - 1 (slot n-1 ) and n (slot n ). Thus, signals for communication and signals for positioning can be reflected in different time-domain resources.

[0110] In some examples, the configured time granularity can also be larger or smaller. Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing an example method 1600 for separately configuring communication reflection parameters and positioning reflection parameters according to various arrangements. As Figure 16 shown, the A-IoT i device reflects for communication (e.g., communication reflection signal 1620) in symbol 4 and reflects for positioning (e.g., positioning reflection signal 1620) in symbol 5 in response to receiving a signal 1610 transmitted by a network node (e.g., BS, or UE, etc.). In other words, communication reflection parameters and positioning reflection parameters are configured at the symbol level.

[0111] For communication purposes, the A-IoT device reflects the received signal 1610 in a narrowband. For positioning purposes, to ensure positioning accuracy, the A-IoT device reflects the received signal 1610 without bandpass filtering.

[0112] In some arrangements, the backscatter configuration includes a first reflection parameter for reflecting signals for communication and a second reflection parameter for reflecting signals for positioning. The network node receives the first backscatter corresponding to the signal for communication in a narrowband. The network node receives the second backscatter corresponding to the signal for positioning without bandpass filtering.

[0113] In some arrangements, different A-IoT devices can be distinguished based on backscatter configurations. Specifically, the LMF, BS, or UE can determine the relationship between the A-IoT ID and the reflection signal (e.g., spatial / temporal / frequency / code) resource configuration parameters, which requires a prior estimate of the number of A-IoT devices present in the cell.

[0114] In some examples, the backscatter configuration can only configure the processing method or modulation method. Information about the ID is carried by the A-IoT device(s) itself and is factory-set.

[0115] Figure 17 is a signaling diagram illustrating an example method 1700 for configuring the communication of an A-IoT device 206 according to various arrangements. Although Figure 17 illustrates one BS 204 and one A-IoT device 206, the method 1700 can be implemented for multiple BSs (each BS in the multiple BSs can be the BS 204) and multiple A-IoT devices (each A-IoT device in the multiple A-IoT devices can be the A-IoT device 206). The method 1700 involves reflection parameters configured by the LMF 202 for only the processing method.

[0116] As described with respect to Figure 2 at 210, the LMF 202 sends a request ID message to each BS (e.g., BS 204) among the multiple BSs. At 320, the LMF 202 can send a backscatter configuration to the multiple BSs (e.g., BS 204) via an NRPPA message.

[0117] As described with respect to Figure 2 at 220, each BS (e.g., BS 204) among the multiple BSs transmits a signal (e.g., a measurement signal or a signal to be measured) to each A-IoT device (e.g., A-IoT device 206) among the multiple A-IoT devices. As described with respect to Figure 2 at 260, the A-IoT device 206 can send a backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the BS 204. As described with respect to Figure 2 at 270, the BS 204 sends a measurement value of the backscatter (e.g., a reflected signal) to the LMF 202.

[0118] In method 1700, the LMF 202 may determine the time / frequency resource configuration of all signals transmitted by the BS 204 and the spatial / temporal / frequency / code resource configuration of all signals reflected by the A-IoT devices. In some examples, the backscatter configuration sent by the LMF 202 contains information only for processing the method, e.g., center frequency shift and / or OOK. The A-IoT device 206 reflects the received signals and carries its predetermined sequence ID. In method 1700, the A-IoT device 206 reports its own reflection parameters. In method 1700, the backscatter configuration may also include the cell ID of the BS 204, and the BS 204 may report the group information of the covered A-IoT devices.

[0119] Figure 18 A block diagram of an example BS 1800 and an example UE 1820 according to various arrangements is shown. The BS 1800 is a network node, such as, an evolved node B (eNB), a g Node B (gNB), a femto cell, a pico cell, a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), a relay node, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, and a Network Controlled Repeater (NCR) node, etc. The BS 1800 includes a transceiver module 1810 (also referred to as transceiver 1810, or base station transceiver 1810), an antenna 1812 (also referred to as antenna arrangement 1812), a processor module 1814, a memory module 1816, and a network communication module 1818, each module being coupled and interconnected to each other via a data communication bus 1811 as needed. The UE 1820 (e.g., a wireless communication device) includes a transceiver module 1830 (also referred to as transceiver 1830, or UE transceiver 1830), an antenna 1832 (also referred to as antenna arrangement 1832), a memory module 1834, and a processor module 1836, each module being coupled and interconnected to each other via a data communication bus 1840 as needed. The BS 1800 communicates with the UE 1820 via a communication channel, link, connection, or beam, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for the transmission of the data described herein.

[0120] In some arrangements, the backscatter configuration includes an indicator and a cell ID. The indicator indicates to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices to backscatter a signal using one of the following methods: a time domain method, a frequency domain method, or a code domain method. The parameter indicates that the method is determined by a sequence ID carried by at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices. The cell ID is used to report group information of at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices covered by a network node.

[0121] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, BS1800 and UE 1820 may also include any number of modules other than Figure 18 the modules shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logics described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functions. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Persons familiar with the concepts described herein can implement such functions in a suitable manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the transceiver 1830 may be referred to herein as an uplink transceiver 1830, which includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, both of which include circuits coupled to an antenna 1832. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternately couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the transceiver 1810 may be referred to herein as a downlink transceiver 1810, which includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, both of which include circuits coupled to an antenna 1812. A downlink duplex switch may alternately couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna 1812 in a time-division duplex manner. The operations of the two transceiver modules 1810 and 1830 may be coordinated in time such that while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 1812, the uplink receiver circuit is coupled to the uplink antenna 1832 to receive transmissions on the wireless transmission link. In some embodiments, there is a tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between multiple changes in the duplex direction.

[0123] Transceivers 1830 and 1810 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link (such as a channel, connection, and beam), and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna arrangement 1812 / 1832 that can support a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, transceivers 1810 and 1830 are configured to support industry standards such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G (5th Generation) / 6G (6th Generation) standards, etc. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to applications to specific standards and associated protocols. Instead, transceivers 1830 and 1810 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols (including future standards or their variants).

[0124] In some embodiments, UE 1820 can be various types of message clients, such as, mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable computing devices, etc. The processor modules 1814 and 1836 can be implemented or realized by using the following items designed to perform the functions described herein: general-purpose processors, content-addressable memories, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The processor can be implemented in this way as a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine, etc. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of multiple computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with digital signal processor cores, or any other such configured combination.

[0125] In addition, the steps in the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly implemented in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836 respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 can be implemented as: RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 can be coupled to processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836 respectively, such that processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836 can read information from memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 respectively and write information to memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 respectively. Memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836. In some embodiments, memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 can both include cache memory, which is used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836 respectively. Memory modules 1816 and memory module 1834 can also both include non-volatile memory, which is used to store instructions to be executed by processor modules 1814 and processor module 1836 respectively.

[0126] The network communication module 1818 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the BS 1800 that implement two-way communication between the transceiver 1810 and other network components and communication nodes (e.g., another node, such as the BS 1800) configured to communicate with the BS 1800. For example, the network communication module 1818 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) services. In a typical deployment, but not limited to this typical deployment, the network communication module 1818 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface such that the transceiver 1810 can communicate with a conventional Ethernet-based computer network. In this way, the network communication module 1818 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). As used herein, the terms “configured for,” “configured to,” and their various variants with respect to a specified operation or function refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0127] Figure 19 Block diagrams of example A-IoT devices 1900A, A-IoT devices 1900B, and A-IoT devices 1900C according to various arrangements are shown. In some examples, the A-IoT device 1900A is a type A A-IoT device. The A-IoT device 1900A includes an antenna 1910, such as the antenna 1812 or the antenna 1832. In some examples, the antenna 1910 may include a reflecting surface, an antenna array, etc., which, as described, may reflect a signal as a reflected signal or backscatter. In some examples, the A-IoT device 1900B is a type B A-IoT device. In some examples, the antenna 1910 is coupled to an envelope detector module, and the envelope detector module is coupled to a power excitation module and a modulator module.

[0128] The A-IoT device 1900B includes an antenna 1910 and an energy storage device 1920. The energy storage device 1920 may be a battery, a power interface, a capacitor, etc. In some examples, the antenna 1910 is coupled to an envelope detector module. The energy storage device 1920 may be managed by a power management module. In some examples, the A-IoT device 1900B includes a processor module (e.g., the processor module 1814 or the processor module 1836), and the processor module controls an amplifier module configured to amplify a received signal and / or a reflected signal.

[0129] In some examples, the A-IoT device 1900C is a type-C A-IoT device. The A-IoT device 1900C includes an antenna 1910, an energy storage device 1920, and a processor module 1930 and a memory module 1940. The processor module 1930 can be a module such as the processor module 1814 or the processor module 1836. The memory module 1834 can be a module such as the memory module 1816 or the memory module 1834. In some examples, the antenna 1910 is operatively coupled to a transceiver module (such as, the transceiver module 1810 or the transceiver module 1830), which is in turn coupled to the processor module 1930 and the memory module 1940. The energy storage device 1920 can be managed by a power management module.

[0130] Although various arrangements of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that these arrangements are provided only as examples and not as limitations. Similarly, the various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, intended to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, these persons will understand that the solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that one or more features of some arrangements can be combined with one or more features of another arrangement described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described illustrative arrangements.

[0131] It should also be understood that any reference to elements using names such as "first", "second", etc. generally does not limit the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or two or more instances of an element. Thus, referring to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be employed, nor does it mean that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0132] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any of a variety of different techniques and methods can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols, as may be mentioned in the above description, can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0133] Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which for convenience may be referred to herein as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have generally been described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0134] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented in or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein.

[0135] If these functions are implemented in software form, they can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any medium capable of transferring a computer program or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and be accessible by a computer.

[0136] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purposes of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to the arrangement of the present solution.

[0137] Furthermore, a memory or other storage device and communication components can also be employed in the arrangement of the present solution. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description has described the arrangement of the present solution in terms of different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that, without detracting from the present solution, any suitable functional allocation can be made between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers can be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, reference to a particular functional unit is only a reference to a suitable means for providing the described function and does not imply a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0138] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as recited in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a network function, a transmission signal configuration from each of a plurality of base stations (BSs), the transmission signal configuration being for a signal transmitted by each of the plurality of BSs to a respective one of a plurality of ambient energy-powered Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices; sending, by the network function, a transmission signal configuration list that includes the transmission signal configurations received from each of the plurality of BSs; and sending, to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, a backscatter configuration that indicates a mapping relationship between a signal received by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and a backscatter reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the backscatter configuration includes reflection parameters configured by the network function for different A-IoT devices among the plurality of A-IoT devices; and the backscatter configuration is sent by the network function to the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices via a Long-Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) message.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the backscatter configuration includes reflection parameters configured by the network function for different A-IoT devices among the plurality of A-IoT devices; sending the backscatter configuration includes: sending, by the network function, the backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of BSs via a New Radio Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) message, wherein the at least one of the plurality of BSs sends the backscatter configuration to the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The reflection parameters include all transmission signal resource configuration parameters for the plurality of BSs.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein A first A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices includes a type-A A-IoT device, and the first A-IoT device immediately reflects the signal received from a respective one of the plurality of BSs in response to receiving the signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, A second A-IoT device among the plurality of A-IoT devices includes a type-B A-IoT device or a type-C A-IoT device, and the second A-IoT device stores received energy of the signal received from a respective one of the plurality of BSs and reflects the signal in response to reaching an energy threshold for reflecting the signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein in response to receiving the transmission signal configuration list, each of at least one of the plurality of BSs determines the backscatter configuration for a cell applicable to each of at least one of the plurality of BSs; and Each of the at least one BS among the multiple BSs sends the backscatter configuration to the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission signal configuration list is sent to multiple wireless communication devices; and the backscatter configuration is determined by at least one wireless communication device among the multiple wireless communication devices and sent by the at least one wireless communication device among the multiple wireless communication devices to the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices via a sidelink.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The backscatter configuration is exchanged by at least one wireless communication device among the multiple wireless communication devices with other wireless communication devices among the multiple wireless communication devices via the sidelink.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the backscatter configuration is determined by each of the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices, and the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices sends the backscatter configuration to at least one BS among the multiple BSs in a radio resource control (RRC) message, or sends the backscatter configuration to the network function in a long term evolution positioning protocol (LPP) message.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices independently generates and reports the backscatter configuration; and each of the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices includes a type-C A-IoT device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein a network node receives first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices with a first angle offset and second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices with a second angle offset; the backscatter configuration includes a set of backscatter angle parameters, and the set of backscatter angle parameters includes at least a set of angle offsets for performing backscatter or a backscatter angle offset.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein a network node receives first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices at a first reflection time and second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices at a second reflection time; the backscatter configuration includes a set of energy threshold offsets, wherein the first reflection time and the second reflection time are determined according to the set of energy threshold offsets.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein The network node receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices using a first center frequency and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices using a second center frequency; The backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following: a set of frequencies for performing backscatter, a backscatter frequency, a set of frequency offsets for performing backscatter, a backscatter frequency offset, a number of frequencies or frequency offsets for performing backscatter, or a carrier frequency spacing.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, the first center frequency and the second center frequency are shifted using corresponding absolute values; or the first center frequency and the second center frequency are shifted using corresponding relative offsets with respect to the center frequency of the signal being transmitted.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein The carrier frequency spacing reduces interference between the first A-IoT device and the second A-IoT device.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the network node receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices using a first on-off keying (OOK) code and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one A-IoT device of the multiple A-IoT devices using a second OOK code; and the backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following: an encoding rule, a backscatter OOK code, a pulse width (PW), a signal level threshold, or other suitable parameters.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein The network node receives backscatters reflected by two or more A-IoT devices among the multiple A-IoT devices, and the network node jointly processes the backscatters in two or more of the following domains: spatial domain, time domain, frequency domain, or code domain.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the backscatter configuration includes a first reflection parameter for reflecting a signal for communication and a second reflection parameter for reflecting a signal for positioning; the network node receives a first backscatter corresponding to the signal for communication in a narrowband; and the network node receives a second backscatter corresponding to the signal for positioning without band-pass filtering.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the backscatter configuration includes an indicator and a cell ID; the indicator indicates to at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices to perform backscatter on the signal using one of the following methods: a time domain method, a frequency domain method, or a code domain method; a parameter indicates determining the method through a sequence ID carried by at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices; and the cell ID is used to report group information of at least one A-IoT device among the multiple A-IoT devices covered by the network node.

21. A wireless communication device includes at least one processor and a memory, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to read the code from the memory and implement the method according to claim 1.

22. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium having code stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method according to claim 1.

23. A method comprising: sending, by a base station (BS), a transmission signal configuration to a network function, the transmission signal configuration being for a signal transmitted by the BS to a respective one of a plurality of ambient-powered Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices; receiving, by the BS, a transmission signal configuration list, the transmission signal configuration list including transmission signal configurations received from each of a plurality of BSs; and sending, by the BS, a backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices, the backscatter configuration indicating a mapping relationship between a signal received by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices and a backscatter reflected by the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: determining, by the BS, a backscatter configuration applicable to a cell of the BS in response to receiving the transmission signal configuration list; and sending the backscatter configuration to at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices.

25. The method according to claim 23 further comprises: receiving, by the BS, a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices at a first angular offset and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices at a second angular offset, wherein the backscatter configuration includes a set of backscatter angle parameters, and wherein the set of backscatter angle parameters includes at least a set of angular offsets for performing backscattering or a backscatter angular offset.

26. The method according to claim 23 further comprises: receiving, by the BS, a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices at a first reflection time and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among the at least one of the plurality of A-IoT devices at a second reflection time, wherein the backscatter configuration includes a set of energy threshold offsets, and wherein the first reflection time and the second reflection time are determined according to the set of energy threshold offsets.

27. The method according to claim 23 further comprises: The BS receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one of the multiple A-IoT devices using a first center frequency and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one of the multiple A-IoT devices using a second center frequency, wherein the backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following items: a frequency set for backscattering, a backscattering frequency, a frequency offset set for backscattering, a backscattering frequency offset, a number of frequencies or frequency offsets for backscattering, or a carrier frequency interval.

28. The method according to claim 23 further comprises: The BS receives a first backscatter reflected by a first A-IoT device among at least one of the multiple A-IoT devices using a first on-off keying (OOK) code and a second backscatter reflected by a second A-IoT device among at least one of the multiple A-IoT devices using a second OOK code, wherein the backscatter configuration includes at least one of the following items: a coding rule, a backscatter OOK code, a pulse width (PW), a signal level threshold, or other suitable parameters.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising: receiving, by the BS, backscatter reflected by two or more A-IoT devices among the plurality of A-IoT devices; and The backscatter is jointly processed by the BS in two or more domains of spatial domain, time domain, frequency domain or code domain.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein: The backscatter configuration includes a first reflection parameter for reflecting a signal for communication and a second reflection parameter for reflecting a signal for positioning; The method further comprises: receiving, by the BS, a first backscatter in a narrowband corresponding to the signal for communication; and A second backscatter corresponding to the signal for positioning is received by the BS without bandpass filtering.

31. A wireless communication device includes at least one processor and a memory, wherein, The at least one processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement the method according to claim 23.

32. A computer program product, comprising a computer-readable program medium, on which codes are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement the method according to claim 23.

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