Resource reservation enhancements

Abstract

Disclosed is a method comprising: determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; creating a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources comprising: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to the second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; selecting a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources comprises: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and transmitting a first transmission to the second device in the at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following exemplary embodiments relate to wireless communication. Background Art

[0002] In a wireless communication system, in various wireless applications / services, in device-to-device communication, or in related systems, there may be devices or nodes with different capabilities (e.g., having different operating powers / energies or having different signal processing capabilities). For example, in a wireless system related to the Internet of Things, there may be passive devices that support communication with another device, e.g., partially via reflection or similar signal reception / transmission techniques. For example, it is a challenge how to use at least a part of the device resources of communication for passive Internet of Things. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought by each exemplary embodiment is defined by the independent claims. The exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be construed as examples to assist in understanding each embodiment.

[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided a first device, the first device including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: determine available resources in a resource pool at least partially based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, where the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and send a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, where the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0005] According to another aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising: means for determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; means for creating a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; means for selecting a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and means for sending a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0006] According to another aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: determining, by a first device, available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; creating, by the first device, a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; selecting, by the first device, a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and sending, by the first device, a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0007] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; creating a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; selecting a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and sending a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0008] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and send a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0009] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that includes program instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and send a first transmission to the second device in at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0010] According to another aspect, a first device is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; determine that at least a third device has reserved at least one first resource for a first transmission from the third device to the second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; monitor for a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device; and receive a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0011] According to another aspect, a first device is provided, the first device comprising: means for determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; means for determining at least one first resource reserved by at least a third device for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; means for monitoring a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device; and means for receiving the second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0012] According to another aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: determining, by a first device, available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; determining, by the first device, at least one first resource reserved by at least a third device for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; monitoring, by the first device, a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device; and receiving, by the first device, the second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0013] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; determining at least one first resource reserved by at least a third device for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; monitoring a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device; and receiving a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0014] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; determining at least one first resource reserved by at least a third device for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; monitoring a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device; and receiving a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0015] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: determine available resources in a resource pool at least partially based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; determine that at least a third device has reserved at least one first resource for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; monitor, in at least one second resource reserved by the third device, a second transmission from the second device; and receive, in at least one second resource reserved by the third device, the second transmission from the second device.

[0016] According to another aspect, a second device is provided, the second device including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; determine whether a first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal; and perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0017] According to another aspect, a second device is provided, the second device including: means for monitoring a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; means for determining whether a first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal; and means for performing one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0018] According to another aspect, a method is provided, the method including: monitoring, by a second device, a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; determining, by the second device, whether a first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal; and performing, by the second device, one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a second device, cause the second device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; determine whether the first transmission received from the first device comprises a charging signal or an activation signal; and perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission comprises a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission comprises an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0020] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a second device, cause the second device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; determine whether the first transmission received from the first device comprises a charging signal or an activation signal; and perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission comprises a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission comprises an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a second device, cause the second device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; determine whether the first transmission received from the first device comprises a charging signal or an activation signal; and perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission comprises a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission comprises an activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0022] According to another aspect, there is provided a third device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; detect the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and monitor for a second transmission from the second device in the at least one resource.

[0023] According to another aspect, a third device is provided, the third device including: components for monitoring a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; components for detecting the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and components for monitoring, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method is provided, the method including: monitoring, by a third device, a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; detecting, by the third device, the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and monitoring, by the third device, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

[0025] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions which, when executed by a third device, cause the third device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; detect the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and monitor, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

[0026] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including program instructions which, when executed by a third device, cause the third device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; detect the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and monitor, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

[0027] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions which, when executed by a third device, cause the third device to at least perform the following: monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; detect the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and monitor, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

[0028] According to another aspect, a fourth device is provided that includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to at least: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and transmit the first transmission in the at least one resource.

[0029] According to another aspect, a fourth device is provided that includes: means for determining available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; means for creating a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; means for selecting a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and means for transmitting the first transmission in the at least one resource.

[0030] According to another aspect, a method is provided that includes: determining, by a fourth device, available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; creating, by the fourth device, a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; selecting, by the fourth device, a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and transmitting, by the fourth device, the first transmission in the at least one resource.

[0031] According to another aspect, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a fourth device, cause the fourth device to at least perform the following: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and transmit the first transmission in the at least one resource.

[0032] According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a fourth device, cause the fourth device to perform at least the following: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and transmit the first transmission in at least one resource.

[0033] According to another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by a fourth device, cause the fourth device to perform at least the following: determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission; and transmit the first transmission in at least one resource. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Hereinafter, various example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which

[0035] Figure 1A an example of a cellular communication network is illustrated;

[0036] Figure 1B an example of a system is illustrated;

[0037] Figure 2A a sidelink resource allocation pattern 1 is illustrated;

[0038] Figure 2B a sidelink resource allocation pattern 2 is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 3A an example of a sidelink time slot structure is illustrated;

[0040] Figure 3B an example of a sidelink time slot structure is illustrated;

[0041] Figure 4A a signaling diagram is illustrated;

[0042] Figure 4B a signaling diagram is illustrated;

[0043] Figure 5 Illustrates the relationship between active signal resource allocation and passive signal resource allocation;

[0044] Figure 6 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0045] Figure 7 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0046] Figure 8 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0047] Figure 9 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0048] Figure 10 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0049] Figure 11 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0050] Figure 12 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0051] Figure 13 Illustrates a flowchart;

[0052] Figure 14 Illustrates a flowchart; and

[0053] Figure 15 Illustrates an example of a device. Detailed implementation manners

[0054] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiments at several places herein, this does not necessarily mean that the same embodiment(s) are referred to each time, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.

[0055] In the following, a radio access architecture based on Advanced Long-Term Evolution (LTE-A, LTE-Advanced), New Radio (NR, 5G), Beyond 5G or Sixth Generation (6G) (an example of an access architecture to which example embodiments can be applied) will be used to describe different example embodiments, without limiting the example embodiments to such an architecture. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, by appropriately adjusting parameters and processes, the example embodiments can also be applied to other types of communication networks having appropriate components. Some examples of other options for suitable systems can be Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), Long-Term Evolution (LTE, substantially the same as E-UTRA), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Personal Communication Service (PCS), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad-hoc NETwork (MANET), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) or any combination thereof.

[0056] Figure 1A An example of a simplified system architecture is depicted, which shows some elements and functional entities, all of which are logical units and whose implementation can be different from that shown. Figure 1A The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections can be different. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the system can also include other functions and structures in addition to Figure 1A the functions and structures shown.

[0057] However, the example embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, and those skilled in the art can apply the solution to other communication systems equipped with the necessary attributes.

[0058] Figure 1A The example of... shows a part of an exemplary radio access network.

[0059] Figure 1AUser equipments 100 and 102 are shown, which are configured to wirelessly connect to an access node (AN) 104 that provides a radio cell (such as an evolved Node B (abbreviated as eNB or eNodeB) or a next-generation Node B (abbreviated as gNB or gNodeB)) on one or more communication channels in the radio cell. The physical link from the user equipment to the access node can be referred to as the uplink (UL) or reverse link, while the physical link from the access node to the user equipment can be referred to as the downlink (DL) or forward link. The user equipment can also communicate directly with another user equipment via sidelink (SL) communication. It should be understood that the access node or its functions can be implemented by any entity such as a node, host, server, or access point suitable for this purpose.

[0060] The communication system can include more than one access node. In this case, the access nodes can also be configured to communicate with each other via wired or wireless links designed for this purpose. These links can be used for signaling purposes or for routing data from one access node to another. The access node can be a computing device configured to control the radio resources of the communication system to which it is coupled. The access node can also be referred to as a base station, base transceiver station (BTS), access point, or any other type of interface device, including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The access node can include or be coupled to a transceiver. From the transceiver of the access node, a connection to an antenna unit can be provided, and the antenna unit establishes a two-way radio link to the user equipment. The antenna unit can include multiple antennas or antenna elements. The access node can also be connected to a core network 110 (CN or next-generation core NGC). Depending on the technology deployed, the corresponding party that the access node can be connected to on the CN side can be a serving gateway (S-GW, which routes and forwards user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) for providing connectivity of the user equipment to an external packet data network, a user plane function (UPF), a mobility management entity (MME), or an access and mobility management function (AMF), etc.

[0061] The user equipment illustrates a type of device to which resources on the air interface can be allocated and assigned, and thus any feature described herein using the user equipment can be implemented using a corresponding device (such as a relay node).

[0062] An example of such a relay node can be a layer 3 relay (self-backhaul relay) towards the access node. The self-backhaul relay node can also be referred to as an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. The IAB node can include two logical parts: a mobile terminal (MT) part, which is responsible for the (multiple) backhaul links (i.e., the (multiple) links between the IAB node and the donor node (also referred to as the parent node)); and a distributed unit (DU) part, which is responsible for the (multiple) access links (i.e., the (multiple) sub-links between the IAB node and the (multiple) user equipments, and / or between the IAB node and other IAB nodes in a multi-hop scenario).

[0063] Another example of such a relay node can be a layer 1 relay called a repeater. The repeater can amplify the signal received from the access node and forward it to the user equipment, and / or amplify the signal received from the user equipment and forward it to the access node.

[0064] The user equipment can also be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, terminal device, or user equipment (UE), to name just a few. The user equipment can refer to a portable computing device, which includes a wireless mobile communication device operating with or without a subscriber identity module (SIM), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile stations (mobile phones), smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, devices using a wireless modem (such as alarm or measurement devices), laptop computers and / or touch screen computers, tablet computers, gaming consoles, laptop computers, multimedia devices, reduced-capability (RedCap) devices, wireless sensor devices, or any device integrated in a vehicle.

[0065] It should be understood that the user equipment can also be an almost exclusive uplink-only device, an example of which can be a camera or video camera that loads images or video clips onto the network. The user equipment can also be a device capable of operating in an Internet of Things (IoT) network, which is a scenario in which the ability to transmit data over the network can be provided to objects without the need for human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. The user equipment can also utilize the cloud. In some applications, the user equipment can include small portable or wearable devices with radio components (such as watches, headphones, or glasses), and the computing can be performed in the cloud or in another user equipment. The user equipment (or the layer 3 relay node in some example embodiments) can be configured to perform one or more of the user equipment functions.

[0066] The various techniques described herein can also be applied to cyber-physical systems (CPSs) (systems of collaborative computing elements that control physical entities). CPSs can enable the implementation and utilization of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processor microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems, where the physical systems under discussion can have inherent mobility. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices carried by humans or animals.

[0067] Additionally, while the apparatus has been depicted as a single entity, different units, processors, and / or memory units (not all shown in FIG. 1) can be implemented.

[0068] 5G enables the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, far more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in cooperation with smaller sites, and the use of various radio technologies depending on service requirements, use cases, and / or available spectrum. 5G mobile communications can support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, different ways of data sharing, and various forms of machine type applications, such as (massive) machine type communication (mMTC), including vehicle safety, different sensors, and real-time control. 5G can have multiple radio interfaces, namely below 6 GHz, cmWave, and mmWave, and is also integrated with existing traditional radio access technologies such as LTE. For example, at least in the early stages, the integration with LTE can be implemented as a system where macro coverage can be provided by LTE, and 5G radio interface access can come from small cells aggregated to LTE. In other words, 5G can support both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as below 6 GHz - cmWave - mmWave). One of the concepts considered for use in 5G networks can be network slicing, where multiple independent and dedicated virtual subnets (network instances) can be created within substantially the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements for latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0069] The current architecture in LTE networks can be fully distributed in the radio and fully centralized in the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G may require bringing content closer to the radio, leading to local breakout and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analysis and knowledge generation at the data source. This approach may need to utilize resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC can provide a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It can also have the ability to store and process content near cellular subscribers for faster response times. Edge computing can cover a wide range of technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data collection, mobile signature analysis, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networking and processing (also classified as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing), dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlet, distributed data storage and retrieval, self-healing autonomous networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, Internet of Things (massive connectivity and / or latency-critical), critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0070] The communication system may also be able to communicate with one or more other networks 113, such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet, or utilize services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the use of cloud services. For example, at least a part of the core network operation may be performed as a cloud service (which is depicted by the "cloud" 114 in Figure 1A ). The communication system may also include a central control entity, etc., to provide facilities for cooperation, such as in spectrum sharing, for networks of different operators.

[0071] The access node can also be split into: a radio unit (RU), including a radio transceiver (TRX), i.e., a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx); one or more distributed units (DU) 105, which can be used for so-called layer 1 (L1) processing and real-time layer 2 (L2) processing; and a central unit (CU) 108 (also referred to as a centralized unit), which can be used for non-real-time L2 and layer 3 (L3) processing. The CU 108 can be connected to one or more DUs 105 via, for example, the F1 interface. Such a split can enable the centralization of the CU relative to the cell site and the DU, while the DU can be more distributed and can even be pre-resident at the cell site. The CU and the DU together can also be referred to as the baseband or baseband unit (BBU). The CU and the DU can also be included in the radio access point (RAP).

[0072] CU 108 can be defined as a logical node hosting the high-layer protocols of an access node, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and / or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). DU 105 can be defined as a logical node hosting the Radio Link Control (RLC), Media Access Control (MAC), and / or Physical (PHY) layer of an access node. The operation of the DU can be at least partially controlled by the CU. The CU can include a control plane (CU-CP), which can be defined as a logical node hosting the control plane part of the RRC and PDCP protocols of the CU for an access node. The CU can also include a user plane (CU-UP), which can be defined as a logical node hosting the user plane part of the PDCP protocol of the CU for an access node and the SDAP protocol.

[0073] A cloud computing platform can also be used to run the CU 108 and / or the DU 105. The CU can run in a cloud computing platform, which can be referred to as a virtualized CU (vCU). In addition to the vCU, there can also be a virtualized DU (vDU) running in the cloud computing platform. Furthermore, there can be a combination where the DU can use a so-called bare-metal solution, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a customer-specific standard product (CSSP) system-on-chip (SoC) solution. It should also be understood that the functional distribution between the above access node units, or different core network operations and access node operations, can be different.

[0074] An edge cloud can be introduced into the radio access network (RAN) by leveraging network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined network (SDN). Using an edge cloud can mean that access node operations are at least partially performed in a server, host, or node operatively coupled to a remote radio head (RRH) or radio unit (RU) or an access node including a radio part. Node operations can also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. The application of the cloudRAN architecture enables RAN real-time functions to be performed on the RAN side (e.g., in the DU 105), and enables non-real-time functions to be performed in a centralized manner (e.g., in the CU 108).

[0075] It should also be understood that the functional distribution between core network operations and access node operations can be different from that of LTE, or even non-existent. Some other technological advancements that can be used include big data and all-IP, which may change the way the network is constructed and managed. A 5G (or New Radio NR) network can be designed to support multiple hierarchies, where an MEC server can be placed between the core and the access node. It should be understood that MEC can also be applied to 4G networks.

[0076] 5G can also utilize non-terrestrial communications (e.g., satellite communications) to enhance or supplement the coverage of 5G services, e.g., by providing backhaul. Possible use cases can be to provide service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or for passengers on vehicles, or to ensure service availability for critical communications and future railway / maritime / aviation communications. Satellite communications can utilize geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite systems or low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, especially megaconstellations (systems in which hundreds (nanosatellites) are deployed). A given satellite 106 in a megaconstellation can cover a network entity of several enabling satellites that create a terrestrial cell. The terrestrial cell can be created by a terrestrial relay node or by an access node 104 located on the ground or in a satellite.

[0077] 6G networks are expected to adopt flexible decentralized and / or distributed computing systems and architectures as well as pervasive computing, with local spectrum licensing, spectrum sharing, infrastructure sharing, and intelligent automation management based on mobile edge computing, artificial intelligence, short-packet communications, and blockchain technology. Key features of 6G can include intelligent interconnected management and control functions, programmability, integrated sensing and communication, reduced energy footprint, trustworthy infrastructure, scalability, and affordability. In addition, 6G also targets new use cases, covering the integration of positioning and sensing capabilities into the system definition to unify the user experience across the physical and digital worlds.

[0078] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the depicted system is only an example of a part of a radio access system, and in practice, the system can include multiple access nodes, user equipment can access multiple radio cells, and the system can also include other devices, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc. At least one of the access nodes can be a home eNodeB or a home gNodeB.

[0079] Additionally, in a geographical area of a radio communication system, multiple different types of radio cells as well as multiple radio cells can be provided. The radio cells can be macrocells (or umbrella cells), which can be large cells with a diameter of up to several tens of kilometers, or smaller cells, such as microcells, femtocells, or picocells. Figure 1A The (multiple) access nodes can provide any of these types of cells. A cellular radio system can be implemented as a multi-layer network including several types of radio cells. In a multi-layer network, one access node can provide one or more types of radio cells, and thus providing such a network structure may require multiple access nodes.

[0080] To meet the requirements of improving the deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of "plug-and-play" access nodes can be introduced. In addition to the home eNodeB or home gNodeB, the network that can use "plug-and-play" access nodes can also include a home node B gateway or HNB-GW ( Figure 1A not shown in). The HNB-GW that can be installed in the operator's network can aggregate traffic from a large number of home eNodeB or home gNodeB back to the core network.

[0081] Regarding IoT applications, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has specified NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC), and NR Reduced Capability (RedCap) before NR Release 18 to meet the requirements of low-complexity and low-power devices for wide-area IoT communication. For example, these IoT devices may consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts of power during transmission and reception. However, to achieve the interconnection of all things, IoT devices with even lower power consumption may be required, such as applications that require battery-free devices.

[0082] In recent years, the number of IoT connections has been growing rapidly and is expected to reach hundreds of billions by 2030. As more and more "things" are expected to be interconnected to improve productivity and increase the comfort of life, IoT devices may need to further reduce their size, complexity, and power consumption. For example, due to the large consumption of materials and labor, replacing the batteries of IoT devices may be impractical.

[0083] A passive IoT device (or part of a UE operating as a passive IoT device, or a UE or device configured to operate as a passive IoT device) can support communication with a reader UE via reflection (backscattering) or similar means, which can be supported by very low-complexity hardware. A passive IoT device can harvest energy from the environment, such as from radio frequency (RF) signals, solar energy, vibration, thermal energy, etc. A passive IoT device is potentially equipped with a small-capacity battery or capacitor that can be charged using the harvested energy. Therefore, compared with other cellular IoT technologies (such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, RedCap, etc.), passive IoT is a promising technology for achieving lower power requirements. Passive IoT devices can also be referred to as passive devices or tags in this document.

[0084] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have become a key technology for various enterprise and consumer use cases such as highway toll collection, livestock tagging, warehouse asset management, and retail anti-theft. RFID tag devices can communicate via backscatter radio, where a transmitter illuminates the tag with an RF signal, the tag modulates the incoming RF signal, and the reflected signal reaches the receiver. Thus, RFID tags can operate without an active radio or local power source. However, the communication range of RFID systems can be short.

[0085] To overcome the challenge of the short range between the tag and the reader (receiver), backscatter IoT tag devices can operate in a multi-static architecture where the transmitter and receiver are decoupled.

[0086] Figure 1B Illustrates an example of a system to which some example embodiments can be applied. Refer to Figure 1B , the IoT tag 121 reflects the signal received from the activator UE (UE-A) 120, and the reflected signal is received by one or more reader UEs (UE-R) 122, 123, 124. The activator UE 120 can also act as a receiver, in which case the activator UE 120 can also receive the reflected signal from the IoT tag 121. The IoT tag 121 can be within the power boundary 125 of the activator UE 120, and one or more reader UEs 122, 123, 124 can be within the communication boundary 126 of the IoT tag 121. Similar to RFID, the IoT tag 121 can modulate the incoming signal with information that can be transmitted to one or more reader UEs 122, 123, 124 via backscatter reflection. For example, the information can include the identifier (ID) of the tag 121 and can also include sensor information from an attached sensor. One or more reader UEs 122, 123, 124 can demodulate the reflected signal and extract the ID to register the presence of the tag 121. If sensor information is included in the signal, one or more reader UEs 122, 123, 124 can also demodulate the sensor information. In addition to backscatter communication, the system can also use RF measurements of the reflected tag signal to support the placement (localization) of the backscatter tag 121. Compared with RFID systems, this multi-static architecture can significantly extend the backscatter range when coupled with higher antenna gain and higher transmit power.

[0087] In NR Release 16 and later, NR SideLink (SL) enables a UE to communicate directly with one or more other nearby UEs via sidelink communication. Two resource allocation modes have been specified for SL, and an SL transmitter (Tx) UE can be configured with one of these resource allocation modes to perform its (multiple) sidelink transmissions. These modes are denoted as NR SL Mode 1 and NR SL Mode 2. In NR SL Mode 1, the network allocates sidelink transmission resources to the SL Tx UE, while in NR SL Mode 2, the SL Tx UE autonomously selects its SL transmission resources.

[0088] Figure 2A Figure shows NR SL Mode 1. In NR SL Mode 1, the gNB 211 is responsible for SL resource allocation for SL UEs 212, 213, and the configuration and operation are similar to those on the Uu interface. Refer to Figure 2A , the SL Tx UE 212 sends a sidelink scheduling request (SL-SR) to the gNB 212. The gNB 211 indicates the SL resource allocation for the SL Tx UE 212 in response to the SL-SR. After receiving the SL resource allocation, the SL Tx UE 212 sends an SL transmission to the SL Rx UE 213 based on the SL resource allocation via the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH) or Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH). In response to the SL transmission, the SLRx UE 213 sends an SL feedback transmission to the SL Tx UE 212 via the Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH).

[0089] Figure 2B Figure shows NR SL Mode 2. In NR SL Mode 2, the SL UE autonomously performs resource selection by means of a sensing process. More specifically, in NR SL Mode 2, the SL Tx UE first performs a sensing process on the (multiple) configured SL transmission resource pools during the sensing time window 221 in order to obtain knowledge of the (multiple) resources reserved by the (multiple) other nearby SL Tx UEs. Based on the knowledge obtained from the sensing, the SL Tx UE can correspondingly select (multiple) resources from the available SL resources during the selection time window 222. The resources selected as available for the next time period may still need to undergo a listen-before-talk (LBT) check before access.

[0090] To enable the SL UE to perform sensing and obtain the information needed to receive SL transmissions, it may be necessary to decode the sidelink control information (SCI). In NR Release 16, the SCI associated with data transmission includes first-order SCI and second-order SCI. In other words, the SCI follows a two-order SCI structure, whose main motivation is to support the size difference between SCIs for various NR vehicle-to-everything (V2X) SL service types (e.g., broadcast, multicast, and unicast).

[0091] The first-order SCI (SCI format 1-A) is carried by the PSCCH and contains information for implementing the sensing operation, as well as information needed to determine the resource allocation of the PSSCH and decode the second-order SCI.

[0092] In other words, SCI format 1-A can be used for the scheduling of the PSSCH and the second-order SCI on the PSSCH. The following information can be sent by means of SCI format 1-A:

[0093] - Priority: 3 bits.

[0094] - Frequency resource allocation: When the value of the higher-layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, it is bits; otherwise, when the value of the higher-layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, it is bits. is the number of subchannels in the resource pool provided according to the higher-layer parameter sl-NumSubchannel.

[0095] - Time resource allocation: When the value of the higher-layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, it is 5 bits; otherwise, when the value of the higher-layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, it is 9 bits.

[0096] - Resource reservation period: If the higher-layer parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, it is bits, where N rsv_period is the number of entries in the higher-layer parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise it is 0 bits.

[0097] - Demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pattern —— bits, where

[0098] Npattern is the number of DMRS patterns configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList; if sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList is not configured, it is 0 bits.

[0099] - Second-order SCI format: 2 bits defined in Table 1 below.

[0100] - Beta_offset indicator: 2 bits provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI and Table 2 below.

[0101] - Number of DMRS ports: 1 bit defined in Table 3 below.

[0102] - Modulation and coding scheme (MCS): 5 bits.

[0103] - Additional MCS table indicator: 1 bit if one MCS table is configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table; 2 bits if two MCS tables are configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table; otherwise 0 bits.

[0104] - PSFCH overhead indicator: 1 bit if the higher layer parameter sl-PSFCH-Period is 2 or 4; otherwise 0 bits.

[0105] - Reserved: The number of bits determined by the higher layer parameter sl-NumReservedBits, with values set to zero.

[0106] Value of the second - order SCI format field Second - order SCI format 00 SCI format 2 - A 01 SCI format 2 - B 10 Reserved 11 Reserved

[0107] Table 1

[0108] The second-order SCI (SCI formats 2-A and 2-B) is carried by the PSSCH (multiplexed with the SL-SCH) and contains: source and destination identification, information identifying and decoding the associated sidelink shared channel (SL-SCH) transport block (TB), control of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback in unicast / multicast, and triggering of channel state information (CSI) feedback in unicast.

[0109] SCI format 2-A can be used for decoding the PSSCH, when the HARQ-ACK information includes an acknowledgement (ACK) or a negative acknowledgement (NACK), or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information, using HARQ operations. The following information can be sent with the help of SCI format 2-A:

[0110] - Number of HARQ processes: 4 bits

[0111] - New data indicator: 1 bit

[0112] - Redundancy version: 2 bits

[0113] - Source ID: 8 bits

[0114] - Destination ID: 16 bits

[0115] - HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator: 1 bit

[0116] - Propagation type indicator: 2 bits defined in Table 4 below

[0117] - CSI request: 1 bit

[0118] Value of the propagation type indicator Propagation type 00 Broadcast 01 Multicast 10 Unicast 11 Reserved

[0119] Table 2

[0120] SCI format 2-B can be used for the decoding of PSSCH. When the HARQ-ACK information only includes NACK, or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information, HARQ operations are utilized. The following information can be sent by means of SCI format 2-B:

[0121] - Number of HARQ processes: 4 bits

[0122] - New data indicator: 1 bit

[0123] - Redundancy version: 2 bits

[0124] - Source ID: 8 bits

[0125] - Destination ID: 16 bits

[0126] - HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator: 1 bit

[0127] - Region ID: 12 bits

[0128] - Communication range requirement: 4 bits

[0129] Therefore, the SCI can indicate information for sensing purposes. For example, the SL Tx UE can send the SCI to nearby UEs and indicate the reserved sidelink resources, so that the nearby UEs can avoid using these reserved resources. In addition, the SCI can also contain information for identifying the (multiple) receivers that should receive the data payload, for example, by using the source ID and / or destination ID carried in the second-order SCI.

[0130] The configuration of resources in the sidelink resource pool defines the minimum information required for the SL Rx UE to decode the transmission, which may include the number of subchannels, the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs) per subchannel, the number of symbols in the PSCCH, which time slots have the PSFCH, and other configuration aspects.

[0131] However, for each individual transmission, the details of the actual sidelink transmission (i.e., the payload) can be provided in the PSCCH (first-order SCI), which includes: time and frequency resources, DMRS configuration of the PSSCH, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), PSFCH, etc.

[0132] NR SL transmissions can utilize demodulation reference signals (DMRS) to enable the SL Rx UE to decode the associated SL physical channels, namely the PSCCH, PSSCH, or physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH). The DMRS can be transmitted within the associated sidelink physical channel.

[0133] Figure 3A An example of an SL time slot structure 310 with PSCCH / PSSCH is illustrated.

[0134] Figure 3B An example of an SL time slot structure 320 with PSCCH / PSSCH is illustrated, where the last symbol is used for the PSFCH.

[0135] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B the PSSCH symbols with DMRS are shown as DMRS. Figure 3A and Figure 3B the numbers 0 - 13 in

[0136] refer to the symbols in the time domain. The configuration of the PSCCH (e.g., DMRS, MCS, number of symbols used) is part of the resource pool configuration. Additionally, the indication of which time slots have PSFCH symbols can also be part of the resource pool configuration. However, the configuration of the PSSCH (e.g., number of symbols used, DMRS mode, and MCS) can be provided by the first-order SCI, which is the payload transmitted within the PSSCH and follows the configuration shown in Table 3 below.

[0137] To support different channel conditions, the DMRS associated with the PSSCH can be carried on different symbols within the PSSCH time slot, e.g., in 2, 3, or 4 SL symbols, i.e., having different time patterns. The different time patterns for the PSSCH DMRS can depend on the number of symbols used for the PSCCH, the number of symbols having the PSSCH DMRS, and the number of symbols for the PSSCH within the time slot. Table 3 below lists the currently supported time patterns for the PSSCH DMRS in NR SL, where the (multiple) positions of the DMRS symbols are given by Here, l d is the duration of the scheduling resource for the transmission of the PSSCH and the associated PSCCH (including replicated orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). For a resource pool, one or more time patterns for the PSSCH DMRS can be (pre)-configured. In the case where multiple patterns are (pre)-configured, the DMRS time pattern used in the PSSCH can be indicated in the associated first-order SCI.

[0138]

[0139] Table 3

[0140] As described above, in NR SL mode 2, a given UE autonomously selects resources by: decoding the PSCCH (or SCI) and performing a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement on the (multiple) (pre)-configured resource pools based on the sensing procedure over the candidate resource pools during the sensing time window. The (multiple) resource pools include the available SL resources. For example, the (multiple) resource pools can include the PRBs and time slots that have been (pre)-configured for SL transmission. The resource pools can be monitored and information to be used in the resource selection process can be obtained before the SL Tx UE knows that it has a transmission to perform. After the SL Tx UE obtains sufficient information from its monitoring of the resource pools, it can form a set of candidate resources.

[0141] The formation of the set of candidate resources occurs on the resources within the candidate resource pool that is monitored during the sensing time window. During this sensing time window, the UE collects or identifies the set S A of potential candidate resource time slots within the defined selection time window, and excludes all resources / time slots as follows: 1) those that the UE did not monitor during the sensing period (e.g., due to its own transmission or other activities, including discontinuous reception DRX); and 2) those for which the decoded SCI format 1-A indicates that the candidate time slot is reserved and the corresponding measured RSRP is higher than a pre-configured RSRP threshold.

[0142] If the number of remaining single time slot candidates is greater than |X.S A|(e.g., where X = 0.2, 0.35, 0.5), the UE forwards the potential candidate time slots to the higher layer for the final resource selection. Otherwise, it increases the RSRP threshold by one step (i.e., RSRP threshold = RSRP threshold + step, where the step is currently defined as 3 dB), and repeats the process. Then, the final candidate time slots are forwarded to the higher layer for the final resource selection.

[0143] The interaction between the SL UE and the passive device can be as Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrate some examples of different types of sidelink passive IoT communications.

[0144] In Figure 4A , the SL UE has both an activator and a receiver / reader function (UE-A / R). The activator device is the device that selects when to initiate the transmission of the activation signal (e.g., based on user input or network trigger), and the passive device is expected to respond to the activation signal. The UE-A / R can also be referred to as the first device in this document. The passive device can also be referred to as the second device in this document.

[0145] Referring to Figure 4A , in box 411, the SL UE (UE-A / R) sends an activation signal to the passive device. The main purpose of the activation signal is to indicate that the passive device should perform a transmission and to indicate in which resource(s) the passive device should perform its transmission. The activation signal can also be used as a charging signal. Alternatively, there can be separate activation and charging signals. The passive device can harvest energy from the charging signal to charge the battery or capacitor of the passive device.

[0146] In principle, any resource (or transmission) can be used for charging, including transmissions that are not related to passive communication. However, if the only activity in the resource pool is the transmission from the activator UE, the activator UE can send a charging signal whose only purpose can be to charge the passive device.

[0147] In one example, the passive device can be a single simple tag that responds to the activation signal (e.g., using a specific frequency or specific sequence) only when it receives the activation signal or after a delay after receiving the activation signal (e.g., allowing the activator UE to transition from the transmission mode to the reception mode).

[0148] In another example, the passive device can be a more complex tag that demodulates and decodes the activation signal and is based on being able to determine which resource(s) it should use to send its response signal. The more complex tag can include at least one processor and at least one memory.

[0149] In block 412, the passive device responds to the activation signal by sending a response signal to the SL UE. The response can be sent after a specific processing time between the reception of the activation signal and the transmission of the response signal.

[0150] In one option, the passive device receives the charging / activation signal, and when it has acquired sufficient charge, it can start its transmission immediately or after the charging / activation signal stops. The former case (immediate transmission) can correspond to Figure 5 the behavior shown in block 530 of Figure 5 and the latter case (after the charging / activation signal stops) can correspond to

[0151] the behavior shown in block 510 of Figure 5 In another option, the passive device receives the charging / activation signal and gets charged. Then, based on the resource indication in the activation signal, the passive device determines the resource(s) that should be used for its transmission. This corresponds to

[0152] In Figure 4B the first SL UE (UE-A) acts as an activator, and the second SL UE (UE-R) acts as a reader / receiver. UE-A can also be referred to as the first device in this document. The passive device can also be referred to as the second device in this document. UE-R can also be referred to as the third device in this document.

[0153] Referring to Figure 4B in block 421, the first SL UE (UE-A) sends an activation signal to the passive device.

[0154] In block 422, after a specific processing time between the reception of the activation signal and the transmission of the response signal, the passive device responds to the activation signal by sending a response signal to the second SL UE (UE-R).

[0155] Assuming that the activation signal and the response signal are sent in the same carrier (i.e., the passive device does not perform down-conversion or up-conversion of the operating frequency) and in the same sidelink resource pool, then in terms of the mapping of the activation signal and the response signal to the resources in the sidelink resource pool, there can be, for example, three resource allocation types as shown in Figure 5 : type A, type B, and type C.

[0156] Figure 5 illustrates the relationship between the activation signal resource allocation and the passive signal resource allocation.

[0157] In type A 510, the activation signal and the response signal appear in consecutive time slots of the same subchannel 512 or different subchannels 511.

[0158] In type B 520, the activation signal and the response signal appear at discontinuous time slots in the same subchannel 522 or different subchannels 521.

[0159] In type C 530, the activation signal and the response signal appear in a single time slot resource.

[0160] Any of these resource allocation types is feasible and can, in principle, coexist in the same resource pool. However, the expected type C requires a new SL time slot design (compared to the NR SL design in NR Release 16) to allow the activation signal and the passive device response signal to appear within the same time slot. As long as both the activation signal and the response signal follow Figure 3A or Figure 3B the SL time slot structure shown, types A and B are expected to be less disruptive as they do not affect the SL time slot design.

[0161] However, if other SL communications are expected to coexist in the same resource pool, then all three of these resource allocation types may have an impact on resource allocation. That is, the resources for the passive device response signal should not be used by other SL transmissions, both to protect the response signal from interference and to protect other SL transmissions.

[0162] Some example embodiments may provide changes to the NR SL mode 2 resource allocation process (i.e., UE autonomous resource selection without network support) to address joint activator UE and passive device transmissions for types A and B. The activation resource and the passive resource can be paired. If the activation resource has not been used (i.e., it is a future resource), then the resource can still be taken over by another SL transmission with a higher priority. If the activation resource has been used, then the passive resource may need to be protected (i.e., other UEs should not use it to perform their transmissions). However, this condition can be relaxed if another UE has a higher traffic priority.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the NR SL mode 2 resource allocation process can be enhanced to support discovery, charging, and activation of passive devices (hereinafter referred to as tags) by the SL UE. More specifically, the process describes the reserved resources for the UE to send the activation signal (and charge the tag), and the resources in which the (multiple) tags are expected to send their responses.

[0164] This enhancement addresses two challenges: (i) the activation UE must perform resource reselection when the (multiple) resources for the transmission of the activation signal can be pre-empted by other UEs; and (ii) the activation UE must select new resources (for both activation and tag response) when the (multiple) resources to be used by the passive tag are pre-empted, as it is assumed that the tag cannot detect the occurrence of the pre-emption.

[0165] Thus, some example embodiments may be able to reserve resources by one UE by considering both the activation channel and the response channel and their potential use by other coexisting UEs. It may be assumed that the tag complies with the reservation of another device, and both "links" affect resource allocation. If the quality of the resource is not sufficient, e.g., via sensing (measurement-based decision, e.g., LBT) or via reservation (known or assumed due to interference from other devices), then the resource may not be preferred.

[0166] Some example embodiments may allow tag communication (and associated charging and activation) to coexist in a resource pool where other non-tag traffic occurs. In this way, dedicated resources for these types of communication are not required.

[0167] In an example embodiment, the NR SL mode 2 resource allocation process may be enhanced to consider the relationship between different types of resource reservations (i.e., between charging, activation, and tag response signals).

[0168] In the enhancement process, single-slot resource selection may include the selection of resources for charging, activation signals, and tag response signals.

[0169] The reservation of resources for charging, activation, and tag response signals may indicate the purpose of the reserved resources. The rationale is that regardless of the priority of the traffic, resources indicated for charging may be preempted, while the preemption of resources indicated for activation and tag response may depend on the priority (both of passive communication and communication of other SL UEs).

[0170] The reselection and re-evaluation process may consider the following items: 1) The preemption of resources selected for tag charging does not trigger the selection of new resources for charging because any other transmission occurring in these resources can still charge the tag; 2) The preemption of the selected resources for activation and tag response triggers the selection of new resources for both; and 3) The preemption of the selected resources for tag response triggers the resource reselection for activation and tag response. This reselection may be based on priority. It should be noted that only the activator or other non-passive SL UEs can perform resource selection and re-evaluation (i.e., the tag may not be able to perform resource selection and re-evaluation). It may be assumed that the tag response occurs as a response to the reception of the activation signal.

[0171] Here, the term "preemption" refers to a UE taking over resources previously reserved by another UE.

[0172] The mapping between activation resources and tag responses can be defined as, for example, one of the following: a) a fixed mapping (e.g., defined in a specification), b) a configurable mapping, defined in a resource pool configuration (e.g., in the form of a bitmap, distance between resources, frequency hopping); or c) an adaptive mapping, defined in the SCI of the activator.

[0173] In the following, the enhanced impacts are described from the perspective of different devices involved in passive and non - passive communications.

[0174] Figure 6 Illustrated is a flowchart of an example embodiment according to a method performed by a first device. For example, the first device can be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4A a UE - A / R (Activator Reader UE).

[0175] Refer to Figure 6 , in block 600, the first device triggers the transmission of an activation signal to a specific tag or group of tags, and thereby initiates a sensing process for resource selection. In other words, the first device can receive an indication for triggering the transmission of the activation signal to the (multiple) tags. For example, the trigger can come from: a) the application layer of the first device (e.g., due to a trigger from a user, or an automatic trigger from an application associated with the passive tag), or b) the network (e.g., due to a trigger from a network function, or a trigger from an application at the edge of the network). The (multiple) tags can also be referred to as the second device herein.

[0176] In block 601, the first device continuously monitors / senses a resource pool for sidelink transmissions for one or more other UEs to determine the available resources in the resource pool. In other words, the first device is collecting sensing information, including reserved resources and SL - RSRP measurements. During this monitoring, the first device can decode the first - order SCI and measure the associated RSRP. The first - order SCI can indicate whether the current resources (and associated future reservations) are associated with passive IoT transmissions. Here, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources, such as time resources and / or frequency resources.

[0177] In the case where the first device acts as an activator, the first device can also decode the second - order SCI to determine whether the transmission is from or to the target tag. If the transmission is from the target tag, the first device can attempt to decode the transport block (TB) sent in the associated PSSCH.

[0178] In block 602, the first device determines whether there are any future resource reservations (based on the monitoring in block 601), where activation signals and / or expected tag responses for the target tag are expected. In other words, the first device determines whether there are resource reservations to activate the (multiple) target tags.

[0179] If the content transmitted by the tag is not expected to change regardless of whether the first device sends an activation signal, then in the absence of such a reservation (block 602: No), the process can continue from block 602 to block 605. Otherwise (block 602: Yes), the process can continue from block 602 to block 603.

[0180] In the case where the content transmitted by the tag is expected to change according to the first device that sends the activation signal, the process can continue from block 602 to block 605.

[0181] In block 603, the first device monitors the resources reserved for the response of the tag (i.e., the first device attempts to receive a passive signal in the resources reserved by another active UE). In other words, based on determining that at least one other device has reserved at least one resource for transmission from another device to the second device (tag) and at least one resource for transmission (response) from the second device (tag), the first device monitors the transmission from the second device in at least one resource reserved by at least one other device for the tag response.

[0182] In block 604 after block 603, the first device determines whether there is a transmission in the reserved resources and attempts to decode the associated TB. In other words, the first device determines whether it receives a passive transmission in the reserved resources.

[0183] If no tag transmission is detected in the reserved resources (block 604: No), this may indicate that the tag needs further charging, and the process can continue from block 604 to block 605. In other words, in block 605, the first device can create a set of candidate resources while monitoring the transmission in at least one resource reserved by other devices, based on not detecting a transmission (response) from the second device (tag).

[0184] If a tag transmission is detected (i.e., at least the first-order SCI is detected and decoded, and it is indicated in the first-order SCI that it belongs to a passive IoT transmission), but the TB in the associated PSSCH is not successfully decoded, the process can continue from block 604 to block 605.

[0185] If a tag transmission is detected, it belongs to the target tag, and the associated TB is successfully decoded (block 604: Yes), the process can end in block 613 after block 604.

[0186] In block 605, the first device forms or creates a set of candidate resources, from which a subset of resources will be selected to send the charging and activation signals and the associated tag response.

[0187] Candidate resources can include: (multiple) resources in which an activation signal can be sent (which can include one or more resources as the tagging may require multiple rounds of charging) and (multiple) resources suitable for tag response.

[0188] If multiple resources can be configured for charging and / or activation, the resources for charging can include an indication of these resources for charging. In other words, the first device can send an indication of at least one resource for the charging signal. This indication can be present both during the resource reservation period and during the actual transmission of the charging signal. The indication during the resource reservation period allows other UEs to know that they can pre-empt the (multiple) charging resources without having to apply priority criteria to decide whether they should pre-empt the resources. The indication during the actual charging signal transmission serves a dual purpose: 1) it allows the tag to transition from the receiving mode to the charging mode; and 2) it allows other UEs to stop decoding the resource as it can contain only energy.

[0189] The last transmission in the set of transmissions can be the transmission carrying the activation signal. Since the use of the field destination ID in the second-order SCI can indicate which tag is the target device, the activation signal indication can also be expected to be carried in the second-order SCI.

[0190] The set of valid candidate resources can include one or more resources for the charging / activation signal and at least one resource for tag response.

[0191] In a first example, there can be a mapping between the resources in which the activation signal is sent and the resources in which the tag response is expected. This fixed mapping can be provided in the form of a time offset value (e.g., as the number of time slots), where the starting sub-channel is the sub-channel to be used by the tag transmission in the time slot indicated by the time offset value. This offset can be part of the specification, or part of the resource pool configuration, or it can be part of the tag operation, or part of other network-provided configurations associated with the operation of the tag.

[0192] In a second example, a configurable mapping (e.g., in the form of a bitmap, distance between resources, frequency hopping) can be defined in the resource pool.

[0193] In a third example, there can be an adaptive mapping, which means that the first-order SCI of the activation signal reserves the resources to be used for tag response.

[0194] In all three examples above, it is expected that the first-order SCI can indicate future reserved resources for charging, activation, or tag response time slots. This information combined with the indication of resource reservation for tag activity can be used in the resource selection process of other UEs (e.g., to decide whether a given resource can be pre-empted).

[0195] When a resource has not been reserved by another UE in the past, or when the resource is reserved but the associated reservation signal (i.e., the first-order SCI) is below a configured RSRP threshold, the resource can be considered a valid candidate resource. For example, the RSRP threshold can be associated with the priority indicated in the reservation signal (i.e., the transmission priority in the first-order SCI). As another example, the RSRP threshold can be associated with the transmission type. For example, communications associated with passive communication can have a different mapping between the RSRP threshold and the reservation signal priority. Alternatively, when detected, resources reserved for passive communication can be excluded from the set of candidate resources.

[0196] In block 606, the first device selects a subset of resources that it will use for charging, activating, and receiving tag responses. The first device can select resources semi-persistently or up to a maximum reservation with a start time of "m". The chronological order of these resources can be: charging, activation, and tag response.

[0197] The charging signal and / or the activation signal can also be referred to as the first transmission herein. The tag response can also be referred to as the second transmission herein. The subset of resources can include at least one first resource for the first transmission and at least one second resource for the second transmission.

[0198] In block 607, after selecting a subset of resources (e.g., for charging, activation, and tag response), the first device monitors the resource pool reserved for reservations from other UEs, with the aim of detecting: a) whether any of the selected resources (e.g., for charging, activation, or tag response) have been reserved by other UEs for passive communication; and whether other UEs have reserved resources to activate and receive responses from the (multiple) target tags. In other words, the first device re-evaluates the resource selection by continuing to decode the PSCCH of other UEs and measuring the corresponding PSSCH energy (including reservations intended to activate the same tag).

[0199] In the case where the content of the tag transmission is not expected to change regardless of whether the first device sends an activation signal, when these resources (especially the resources associated with the reception of the tag transmission) appear before the resources reserved by the first device, the process can continue from block 607 to block 603. Additionally, if the TB of the tag transmission has been successfully decoded (block 604: yes), the process can end in block 613. Otherwise, the process can continue from block 607 to block 608.

[0200] If the content of the tag transmission is expected to change according to the first device that sends the activation signal, the process can continue from block 607 to block 608.

[0201] In block 608, based on the re-evaluation in block 607, and based on detecting that another UE has declared (via the resource reservation indication in the first-order SCI of that other UE) that it will transmit in these resources, the first device checks whether it is necessary to trigger re-selection of resources associated with the charging or activation signal. If the trigger condition is met (block 608: Yes), the process may return to block 601 after block 608. Otherwise (block 608: No), the process may continue to block 609 after block 608.

[0202] In the case where another UE pre-empts the resources selected / reserved for charging, the first device may not perform resource re-selection for that transmission. Then, the first device may still decide whether to continue transmitting the charging signal in the selected resources based on, for example, whether the RSRP associated with the resource reservation of the other UE is higher than the configured threshold.

[0203] In block 609, based on the re-evaluation in block 607, and based on detecting that another UE has declared (via the resource reservation indication in the first-order SCI of that other UE) that it will transmit in the resources associated with the tag response, the first device checks whether it is necessary to trigger re-selection of resources associated with the activation signal and the tag response. In other words, the first device determines whether one or more other devices have reserved one or more resources that conflict with at least one second resource. If the trigger condition is met (block 609: Yes), the process may return to block 601 after block 609. Otherwise (block 609: No), the process may continue to block 610 after block 609.

[0204] In block 610, the first device initiates transmission of the charging and activation signals in its corresponding time slot. In other words, at least based on determining that one or more other devices have not reserved resources that conflict with at least one second resource, the first device sends a first transmission to the tag (second device) in at least one first resource. As part of this transmission, the first device may (in its first-order SCI) indicate the future resources in which additional charging time slots and / or activation signal time slots will occur, and the time slots in which tag responses are expected (i.e., at least one second resource). The future resources may be short-term or long-term.

[0205] In the short term (short-term aperiodic transmission), for example, in NR SL of NR Release 17, up to 2 additional resources are allowed to be indicated within a period of 32 time slots starting from the occurrence of the initial transmission. This will be indicated in the frequency and time resource allocation field of the first-order SCI of the initial transmission.

[0206] In the long term (periodic transmission), e.g., in NR SL of NR Release 17, it is allowed to indicate a resource reservation period which notifies all UEs in the resource pool when it is expected that the first device performs transmission again.

[0207] The charging signal towards the tag may include a charging indication. For example, the charging indication may be in the form of an indication in the first-order SCI or the second-order SCI, or it may be a signal sequence (e.g., Zadoff-Chu sequence) occurring in one or several resource elements of the SL resources selected for the charging signal transmission.

[0208] The activation signal may include an activation indication. The activation indication may be, for example, in the form of an indication in the first-order SCI or the second-order SCI, or it may be a signal sequence (e.g., Zadoff-Chu sequence) occurring in one or several resource elements of the SL resources selected for the activation signal transmission.

[0209] In block 611, after the charging and activation signals have been sent in their respective time slots, the first device checks whether the tag provides a response in the associated reserved resources. In other words, the first device monitors the second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource. If a response (second transmission) is received from the tag (block 611: yes), the process may end in block 613 after block 611. Otherwise (block 611: no), the process may continue to block 612 after block 611.

[0210] In block 612, the first device checks whether it needs to select new resources. In the case of short-term aperiodic transmission, the process may return to block 601 after block 612 (i.e., restart the process). In the case of periodic transmission, if the maximum number of allowed periodic reservations has been reached, the process may return to block 601. Otherwise, the process may return to block 607 after block 612.

[0211] In block 613, the first device has been able to detect the tag and thus ends the process. The first device may report the content of the tag transmission payload to the network or to its own upper layer for further processing.

[0212] For the case where there is a UE acting as an activator and another UE acting as a reader, the process on the activator UE side may be the same as the process described above with reference to Figure 6 However, there may be additional triggers to initiate the process. For example, if the reader UE does not detect the tag transmission, it may request the activator UE to initiate the process.

[0213] Figure 7The figure illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment according to a method performed by a third device. For example, the third device may be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4B a UE-R (Reader UE) such as

[0214] Referring to Figure 7 , in block 700, the Reader UE is triggered to expect a response from the tag. For example, the trigger may be an indication from the network, or a direct indication from the activator UE, or an indirect indication based on the detection of an activation signal. The trigger may include information about the ID of the tag for the expected response, for example in the form of an L2 ID or other identifier that can be mapped to the destination ID field in the second-order SCI.

[0215] In block 701, based on the trigger, the Reader UE monitors, in the activity in the resource pool, the occurrence of the activation signal and the indication of the resource(s) in which the tag is expected to provide its response. The activation signal may also be referred to herein as the first transmission. The tag response may also be referred to herein as the second transmission. In other words, the Reader UE monitors the resource pool for the first transmission from the activator UE (first device) to the tag (second device).

[0216] For example, the detection of the activation signal may be based on the detection of an activation indication, which may be in the form of an indication in the first-order SCI or the second-order SCI, or it may be a signal sequence (e.g., Zadoff-Chu sequence) occurring in one or more resource elements of the SL resource selected for the activation signal transmission.

[0217] The second-order SCI may include the ID of the target tag.

[0218] In block 702, if the activation signal is not detected (block 702: No), the process may return to block 701 after block 702. Otherwise, if the activation signal (first transmission) is detected (block 702: Yes), the process may continue to block 703 after block 702.

[0219] In block 703, the Reader UE starts monitoring the resource(s) in which the tag response is expected to be received. In other words, the Reader UE monitors the second transmission (tag response) from the second device (tag) in at least one resource indicated by the first transmission (activation signal).

[0220] In block 704, the Reader UE checks whether the tag response has been received. If the tag response has been received (block 704: Yes), the process may continue to block 705 after block 704. Otherwise (block 704: No), the process may continue to block 706 after block 704.

[0221] In block 705, the reader UE has been able to successfully detect the tag response (and additionally or optionally collect the payload from the tag response if any), and thus end the process. The reader UE may report the content of the tag response payload to the network or its own upper layer for further processing. The reader UE may send an indication to the activating UE (the first device) to indicate that the tag response has been successfully received.

[0222] In block 706, in the case where the tag response is not received in the expected resource, the reader UE may send an indication to the activating UE (the first device) to indicate that the tag reply has not been received, and thereby trigger the activating UE to re-initiate the tag charging / activation process.

[0223] Figure 8 The figure illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method performed by a second device. For example, the second device may be, or include, or be included in a user equipment, such as Figure 4A or Figure 4B a tag (a passive device), or a device that partially includes a passive device or passive processing, or any other communication device.

[0224] Refer to Figure 8 , in block 801, the tag monitors a resource pool for a charging signal and / or an activation signal (the first transmission) from the activating UE (the first device).

[0225] In block 802, the tag checks whether the charging signal or the activation signal has been detected. In other words, the tag determines whether the first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal. If charging has been detected, the process may continue to block 803 after block 802. If the activation signal has been detected, the process may continue to block 804 after block 802.

[0226] In block 803, if the charging signal has been detected (i.e., there is an indication that the tag should charge its battery or capacitor using the received energy), the tag charges its battery or capacitor using the energy collected from the first transmission. The process may return to block 801 after block 803, i.e., the tag may continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device.

[0227] In block 804, upon receiving the activation signal, the tag checks if it has acquired sufficient charge to perform the transmission. In other words, the tag determines if its charge level is above a threshold. If the charge level is insufficient (block 804: No), e.g., if the charge level is below the threshold, the process can return to block 801 after block 804. If the charge level is sufficient (block 804: Yes), e.g., if the charge level is above the threshold, the process can continue to block 805 after block 804.

[0228] In block 805, the tag prepares a response transmission (i.e., the TB to be sent) for the resource(s) indicated by the activation signal, and prepares the first-order SCI and the second-order SCI to be included in the response transmission.

[0229] In block 806, after block 805, the tag performs a response transmission in the resource(s) indicated by the activation signal. Herein, the response transmission can also be referred to as the second transmission.

[0230] Figure 9 The figure illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method performed by a fourth device. For example, the fourth device can be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as an inactive UE.

[0231] Reference Figure 9 , in block 900, the upper layer of the fourth device notifies the fourth device that it has data to send, and thus the fourth device initiates a sensing process for resource selection.

[0232] In block 901, the fourth device continuously monitors / senses a resource pool for sidelink transmissions from other UEs to determine the available resources in the resource pool. In other words, the fourth device collects sensing information including reserved resources and SL-RSRP measurements.

[0233] During this monitoring, the fourth device can decode the first-order SCI and measure the associated RSRP.

[0234] In block 902, based on the available resources, the fourth device forms a set of candidate resources, from which a subset of resources will be selected to perform its transmission. The set of candidate resources can include one or more resources suitable for the first transmission from the fourth device.

[0235] If protection of passive communication from non - passive communication transmissions is desired, resources associated with passive communication (e.g., activation signals and tag response signals) can be excluded from the set of candidate resources. In other words, resources associated with activation signals going to one or more passive devices (tags) and resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices (tags) can be excluded from the set of candidate resources. This exclusion can be achieved based on an indication on a first - order SCI of the passive communication (i.e., a given resource reservation is associated with passive communication).

[0236] Resources associated with charging can not be excluded from the set of candidate resources. In other words, resources associated with charging signals going to one or more passive devices (tags) can be included in the set of candidate resources.

[0237] When passive communication resources can be pre - empted by other communications (e.g., based on priority), if the resource has not been reserved by another UE in the past, or when the resource is reserved but the associated reservation signal (i.e., the first - order SCI) is below a configured RSRP threshold, the resource can be considered effectively included in the set of candidate resources. For example, the RSRP threshold can be associated with the priority indicated in the reservation signal (i.e., the transmission priority in the first - order SCI). As another example, the RSRP threshold can be associated with the type of transmission. For example, communications associated with passive communication can have a different mapping between the RSRP threshold and the reservation signal priority.

[0238] If a reserved resource is indicated for passive communication, the fourth device can apply the RSRP threshold associated with the passive communication and the associated priority.

[0239] In block 903, the fourth device selects the resources it will use for transmission. The fourth device can select transmission resources semi - persistently or up to a maximum reservation with a start time of “m”.

[0240] In block 904, after the resources are selected, the fourth device monitors the resource pool for reservations from other UEs, with the aim of detecting whether any other UE has reserved the same resources. Thus, the fourth device can re - evaluate the resource selection by continuing to decode the PSCCH of other UEs and measuring the corresponding PSSCH energy.

[0241] In block 905, based on a re-evaluation, i.e., based on detecting whether another UE has declared (via the resource reservation indication in the first-order SCI of that other UE) that it will transmit in these resources, the fourth device checks whether it is necessary to trigger a re-selection of its resources. If the trigger condition is met (block 905: Yes), the process can return to block 901 after block 905. If the trigger condition is not met (block 905: No), the process can continue to block 906 after block 905.

[0242] In block 906, the fourth device performs its transmission.

[0243] In block 907, the fourth device checks whether it is necessary to select new resources. In the case of short-term aperiodic transmission, the process can return to block 901 after block 906. In the case of periodic transmission, if the maximum number of allowed periodic reservations has been achieved, the process can return to block 901 after block 906. Otherwise, the process can return to block 904 after block 906.

[0244] Figure 10 The figure illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment according to a method performed by a first device. For example, the first device can be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4A a UE-A / R (Activator-Reader UE) such as Figure 4B or a UE-A (Activator UE) such as

[0245] Referring to Figure 10 in block 1001, determine the available resources in the resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information.

[0246] Channel sensing can represent, for example, monitoring transmissions from one or more other devices in the resource pool.

[0247] Channel occupancy information can include, for example, information on interference or resources already used by other nearby devices.

[0248] In block 1002, create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to the second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to the third device.

[0249] The second device can include a passive device (e.g., a tag) or any other communication device.

[0250] In block 1003, select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, where the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission.

[0251] In block 1004, a first transmission is sent to a second device in at least one first resource, where the first transmission indicates: at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0252] The first transmission may include at least one of the following: an activation signal indicating at least one second resource for the second transmission, and / or a charging signal for charging a battery or capacitor of the second device by harvesting energy from the charging signal.

[0253] In this document, the terms "first resource" and "second resource" are used to distinguish resources, and they do not necessarily represent specific identifiers of the resources.

[0254] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method performed by a first device is shown. For example, the first device may be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4A a UE-A / R (Activator-Reader UE) such as Figure 4B or a UE-A (Activator UE) such as

[0255] Referring to Figure 11 , in block 1101, available resources in a resource pool are determined based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information.

[0256] Channel sensing may represent, for example, monitoring transmissions from one or more other devices in the resource pool.

[0257] Channel occupancy information may include, for example, information on interference or resources already used by other nearby devices.

[0258] In block 1102, the first device determines at least one first resource reserved by at least a third device for a first transmission from the third device to the second device, and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0259] In block 1103, the first device monitors a second transmission from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0260] In block 1104, a second transmission is received from the second device in at least one second resource reserved by the third device.

[0261] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method performed by a second device is shown. For example, the second device may be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4A or Figure 4Btags of (passive devices), or parts of devices including passive devices or passive processing, or any other communication devices.

[0262] Reference Figure 12 , in block 1201, the second device monitors a resource pool for a first transmission from the first device.

[0263] In block 1202, the second device determines whether the first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal.

[0264] In block 1203, the second device performs one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes a charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or for activation signals from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes an activation signal, send a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0265] In other words, if the first transmission includes a charging signal, the second device can continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals or for activation signals. Alternatively, if the first transmission includes an activation signal, the second device can send a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

[0266] Figure 13 Illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method performed by a third device. For example, the third device can be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as Figure 4B a UE-R (Reader UE) etc.

[0267] Reference Figure 13 , in block 1301, the third device monitors a resource pool for a first transmission from the first device to the second device.

[0268] In block 1302, detect the first transmission, where the first transmission indicates: at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device.

[0269] In block 1303, the third device monitors a second transmission from the second device in at least one resource.

[0270] Figure 14 Illustrates a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method performed by a fourth device. For example, the fourth device can be, or include, or be included in a user equipment such as an inactive UE.

[0271] Reference Figure 14 , in block 1401, determine available resources in the resource pool at least partially based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information.

[0272] Channel sensing may represent, for example, monitoring transmissions from one or more other devices in a resource pool.

[0273] Channel occupancy information may include, for example, information about interference or resources already used by other nearby devices.

[0274] In block 1402, a set of candidate resources is created based on available resources, the set of candidate resources including one or more resources suitable for a first transmission from a fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources.

[0275] Resources associated with charging signals to one or more passive devices may be included in the set of candidate resources.

[0276] In block 1403, a subset of resources is selected from the set of candidate resources, the subset of resources including at least one resource for the first transmission.

[0277] In block 1404, the first transmission is sent in at least one resource.

[0278] Above by means of Figures 6 to 14 The blocks, associated functions, and information exchanges (messages) described above are not in absolute chronological order, and some of them may be executed simultaneously or in an order different from the described order. Other functions may also be executed between or within them, and other information may be sent, and / or other rules may be applied. Some of the blocks, or parts of blocks, or one or more pieces of information in the blocks may also be omitted or replaced with corresponding blocks, or parts of blocks, or one or more pieces of information.

[0279] In this document, the terms "first device", "second device", "third device", and "fourth device" are used to distinguish devices, and they do not necessarily represent specific identifiers of the devices.

[0280] As used herein, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of <list of two or more elements>" and similar phrases (where the list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or") mean at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0281] Figure 15FIG. illustrates an example of an apparatus 1500 including components for implementing one or more of the above example embodiments. For example, the apparatus 1500 may be an apparatus such as a user equipment, or may be an apparatus including the user equipment, or may be an apparatus included in the user equipment. The user equipment may correspond to the user equipment 100, 102 of FIG. 1. The user equipment may also be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a terminal device, or a user equipment (UE), UE-A, UE-A / R, UE-R, a passive device, a passive IoT device, a tag, a first device, a second device, a third device, or a fourth device.

[0282] The apparatus 1500 may include circuitry or a chipset suitable for implementing one or more of the above example embodiments. For example, the apparatus 1500 may include at least one processor 1510. The at least one processor 1510 interprets instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) and processes data. The at least one processor 1510 may include one or more programmable processors. The at least one processor 1510 may include programmable hardware with embedded firmware and, alternatively or additionally, may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0283] At least one processor 1510 is coupled to at least one memory 1520. The at least one processor is configured to write data to and read data from the at least one memory 1520. The at least one memory 1520 may include one or more memory cells. The memory cells may be volatile or non-volatile. It should be noted that there may be one or more non-volatile memory cells and one or more volatile memory cells, or alternatively, there may be one or more non-volatile memory cells, or alternatively, there may be one or more volatile memory cells. Volatile memory may be, for example, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory, or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). Non-volatile memory may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. Generally, the memory may be referred to as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). The at least one memory 1520 stores computer-readable instructions that are executed by the at least one processor 1510 to perform one or more of the example embodiments described above. For example, the non-volatile memory stores the computer-readable instructions, and the at least one processor 1510 uses the volatile memory for temporarily storing data and / or instructions to execute the instructions. The computer-readable instructions may refer to computer program code.

[0284] The computer-readable instructions may have been pre-stored in the at least one memory 1520, or alternatively or additionally, they may be received by the device via an electromagnetic carrier signal, and / or may be copied from a physical entity such as a computer program product. The execution of the computer-readable instructions by the at least one processor 1510 causes the device 1500 to perform one or more of the example embodiments described above. That is, the at least one processor and the at least one memory storing the instructions may provide components for providing or causing the execution of any one of the above methods and / or blocks.

[0285] In the context of this specification, "memory" or "computer-readable medium" or "plural computer-readable media" may be any non-transitory medium or media or component that can contain, store, transmit, propagate, or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device such as a computer. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, rather than a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0286] The apparatus 1500 may also include or be connected to an input unit 1530. The input unit 1530 may include one or more interfaces for receiving inputs. The one or more interfaces may include, for example, one or more temperature, motion, and / or orientation sensors, one or more cameras, one or more accelerometers, one or more microphones, one or more buttons, and / or one or more touch detection units. Additionally, the input unit 1530 may include an interface to which external devices may be connected.

[0287] The apparatus 1500 may also include an output unit 1540. The output unit may include or be connected to one or more displays capable of rendering visual content, such as light-emitting diode (LED) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and / or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) displays. The output unit 1540 may also include one or more audio outputs. The one or more audio outputs may be, for example, speakers.

[0288] The apparatus 1500 further includes a connectivity unit 1550. The connectivity unit 1550 enables wireless connectivity to one or more external devices. The connectivity unit 1550 includes at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, which may be integrated into the apparatus 1500, or the apparatus 1500 may be connected to the at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The at least one transmitter includes at least one transmission antenna, and the at least one receiver includes at least one reception antenna. The connectivity unit 1550 may include an integrated circuit or a collection of integrated circuits that provide wireless communication capabilities for the apparatus 1500. Alternatively, the wireless connectivity may be a hard-wired application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The connectivity unit 1550 may also provide components for performing at least some of the blocks in the one or more example embodiments described above. The connectivity unit 1550 may include one or more components controlled by a corresponding control unit, such as a power amplifier, a digital front end (DFE), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a frequency converter, a modulator (demodulator), and / or encoder / decoder circuitry.

[0289] It should be noted that the apparatus 1500 may also include Figure 15 various components not shown in

[0290] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following: a) only hardware circuit implementations (such as implementations only in analog and / or digital circuitry); and b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (where applicable): i) combinations of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and ii) any portion 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 enable a device (such as a mobile phone) to perform various functions); and c) (one or more) hardware circuits and / or (one or more) processors, such as (one or more) microprocessors or a portion of (one or more) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when not needed for operation.

[0291] 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 one or more processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0292] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented in various ways. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. For a hardware implementation, the (one or more) devices of the example embodiments can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) of at least one chipset that perform the functions described herein. The software code can be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit can be implemented within the processor or externally to the processor. In the latter case, as is known in the art, the memory unit can be communicatively coupled to the processor in various ways. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the systems described herein can be rearranged and / or supplemented by additional components to facilitate the implementation of the various aspects described, and they are not limited to the exact configurations set forth in the given figures.

[0293] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, as technology progresses, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The embodiments are not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, but may vary within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, all words and expressions should be construed broadly, and they are intended to illustrate rather than limit the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; Create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; Select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and Send the first transmission to the second device in the at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: the at least one second resource for the second transmission from the second device.

2. The first device according to claim 1, further being caused to: Receive an indication for triggering the first transmission to the second device, wherein the determination, the creation, the selection, and the sending are performed based on receiving the indication.

3. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmission includes at least one of the following: an activation signal indicating the at least one second resource for the second transmission, or the charging signal for charging a battery or a capacitor of the second device by collecting energy from the charging signal.

4. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, further being caused to: Monitor the second transmission in the at least one second resource; and Receive the second transmission from the second device in the at least one second resource.

5. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel sensing comprises: Monitor transmissions from one or more other devices in the resource pool.

6. The first device according to claim 5, further being caused to: Determine that at least one other device among the one or more other devices has reserved at least one third resource for a third transmission from the second device; and Monitor the third transmission from the second device in the at least one third resource, wherein the set of candidate resources is created based on not detecting the third transmission while monitoring the third transmission.

7. The first device according to claim 5, further being caused to: Determine whether the one or more other devices have reserved one or more resources conflicting with the at least one second resource, wherein the first transmission is sent to the second device based at least on determining that the one or more other devices have not reserved resources conflicting with the at least one second resource.

8. The first device according to any one of the preceding claims, further being caused to: Send an indication indicating the at least one first resource.

9. A first device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Determine available resources in a resource pool based at least in part on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; Determine that at least a third device has reserved at least one first resource for a first transmission from the third device to a second device and at least one second resource for a second transmission from the second device; Monitor, in the at least one second resource reserved by the third device, the second transmission from the second device; And Receive, in the at least one second resource reserved by the third device, the second transmission from the second device.

10. A second device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: Monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; Determine whether the first transmission received from the first device comprises a charging signal or an activation signal; and Perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission comprises the charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or the activation signal from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission comprises the activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

11. The second device according to claim 10, further caused to: Charge a battery or capacitor by harvesting energy from the first transmission based on determining that the first transmission comprises the charging signal, wherein the charging signal indicates performance of the charging.

12. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 11, further caused to: Determine whether a charge level of the device is higher than a threshold based on determining that the first transmission comprises the activation signal, wherein based on determining that the charge level is higher than the threshold, the second transmission is transmitted.

13. The second device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second device comprises a passive device.

14. A third device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: Monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device to a second device; Detect the first transmission, wherein the first transmission indicates at least one resource for a second transmission from the second device; and Monitor, in the at least one resource, the second transmission from the second device.

15. The third device according to claim 14, further caused to: Receive an indication indicating a desire for the second transmission from the second device, wherein the monitoring of the second transmission from the second device is at least partially based on the indication.

16. The third device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, further caused to: Detect the second transmission from the second device in the at least one resource.

17. The third device according to claim 16, further caused to: Send an indication to the first device that the second transmission from the second device has been successfully received.

18. The third device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, further configured to: Send an indication to the first device that the second transmission from the second device has not been received.

19. A fourth device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the fourth device to at least: Determine available resources in a resource pool at least in part based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; Create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: One or more resources suitable for a first transmission from the fourth device, wherein resources associated with transmissions from one or more passive devices are excluded from the set of candidate resources; Select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes at least one resource for the first transmission; and Send the first transmission in the at least one resource.

20. The fourth device according to claim 19, wherein resources associated with a charging signal to the one or more passive devices are included in the set of candidate resources.

21. A method includes: A first device determines available resources in a resource pool at least in part based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; The first device creates a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; The first device selects a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and The first device sends the first transmission to the second device in the at least one first resource, wherein the first transmission indicates: the at least one second resource for the second transmission from the second device.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions that, when executed by a first device, cause the first device to at least perform the following: Determine available resources in a resource pool at least in part based on channel sensing or channel occupancy information; Create a set of candidate resources based on the available resources, the set of candidate resources including: one or more first resources suitable for a first transmission from the first device to a second device, and one or more second resources suitable for a second transmission from the second device to the first device or to a third device; Select a subset of resources from the set of candidate resources, wherein the subset of resources includes: at least one first resource for the first transmission, and at least one second resource for the second transmission; and Transmit the first transmission to the second device in the at least one first resource, where the first transmission indicates: the at least one second resource for the second transmission from the second device.

23. A method, comprising: Monitoring, by a second device, a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; Determining, by the second device, whether the first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal; And Performing, by the second device, one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes the charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or the activation signal from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes the activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising program instructions that, when executed by a second device, cause the second device to at least perform the following: Monitor a resource pool for a first transmission from a first device; Determine whether the first transmission received from the first device includes a charging signal or an activation signal; and Perform one of the following: based on determining that the first transmission includes the charging signal, continue to monitor the resource pool for additional charging signals from the first device or the activation signal from the first device; or based on determining that the first transmission includes the activation signal, transmit a second transmission in at least one resource indicated by the activation signal.

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