Environmental power supply device and mobile telecommunications network

Abstract

A method of controlling an environmental power supply device over a mobile telecommunications network is provided. The method includes receiving a signal indicating that an ambient power supply device is to perform a desired operation. In response to receiving the signal, the method includes transmitting a first communication to initiate charging of the environmentally powered device, and transmitting a second communication over the mobile telecommunications network to cause the environmentally powered device to perform a desired operation. A method of operating an environmental power device using a mobile telecommunications network is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the Internet of Things (IoT). In particular, the present disclosure relates to IoT devices that communicate with a mobile telecommunications network. Background Art

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) involves devices (IoT devices) having various sensing, processing, and communication technologies, which communicate with other devices and systems via a network (such as a mobile telecommunications network).

[0003] For example, IoT devices can include objects such as lights, heating systems, air conditioning systems, media systems, camera systems, and the like. IoT devices differ from their traditional counterparts in that they include at least some ability to communicate with other devices via a network (such as a wireless network).

[0004] To provide network connection functionality, IoT devices need to access some form of power supply. For many IoT devices, it may be possible to connect the IoT device to the mains power. In cases where access to the mains power is not easy, the IoT device can be equipped with some form of battery to power the IoT device. In some applications where the IoT device is to be installed in an inaccessible location, for example, the IoT device can be designed to have very low power consumption so that the battery equipped in the IoT device can power the IoT device for an extended period (such as several months or even years). It will be understood that incorporating a battery into an IoT device, especially in cases where the battery is intended to power the device for several years, increases the cost, weight, and size of the IoT device.

[0005] Instead of being equipped with a traditional battery, some IoT devices are equipped with alternative energy sources. In particular, some battery - less IoT devices are configured to harvest energy from their surrounding environment. Generally, this involves harvesting energy from a source of radiated electromagnetic radiation, such as the radiated electromagnetic radiation provided by the network through which the IoT device communicates. Such IoT devices are effectively powered by their surrounding environment and can be referred to as ambient - powered devices.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to improvements or at least commercially important alternatives in methods for controlling ambient - powered devices via a mobile telecommunications network and methods for operating ambient - powered devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling an ambient - powered device via a mobile telecommunications network. The method includes:

[0008] Receiving a signal indicating that the ambient - powered device is to perform a desired operation;

[0009] In response to receiving the signal, transmit a first communication to initiate charging of the ambient power supply device; and

[0010] Transmit a second communication via a mobile telecommunications network to cause the ambient power supply device to perform a desired operation.

[0011] Generally, it is to be understood that for a device (e.g., a mobile phone) that is to communicate continuously with a mobile telecommunications network (i.e., be continuously connected to the network), there is a need for continuous exchange of messages between the mobile phone and the mobile telecommunications network. Such an exchange requires the bandwidth of the mobile telecommunications network as well as the power supply of the device (e.g., the battery of the mobile phone).

[0012] According to the present disclosure, an ambient power supply device is understood to be a battery - less electronic device. Thus, an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure obtains the energy for its operation by harvesting energy from its surrounding environment. For example, an ambient power supply device may harvest energy from a radiated electromagnetic charging signal transmitted by a transmitter (or transmitters) associated with the ambient power supply device. An ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure can harvest energy from its surrounding environment and use the harvested energy to immediately power the device. In some embodiments, the ambient power supply device may include a limited amount of energy storage means, such as a capacitor. Thus, in some embodiments, the ambient power supply device may accumulate charge from, for example, a radiated electromagnetic charging signal for a period of time before they have accumulated enough charge to perform a desired operation. Generally, it will be understood that an ambient power supply device may not be able to harvest enough energy from its surrounding environment to operate continuously, e.g., to continuously communicate with a mobile telecommunications network.

[0013] Thus, according to the method of the first aspect, the mobile telecommunications network may not continuously communicate with the ambient power supply device (i.e., the ambient power supply device may not be continuously connected to the mobile telecommunications network). Instead, upon receiving a signal indicating that the ambient power supply device is to perform a desired operation, a first communication may be transmitted to initiate charging of the ambient power supply device. In some embodiments, the first communication may be a radiated electromagnetic charging signal transmitted by the mobile telecommunications network to charge the ambient power supply device. That is, in some embodiments, the ambient power supply electronic device may harvest energy from the first communication transmitted by the mobile telecommunications network. It will be understood that the first communication is only transmitted in response to a signal indicating that the ambient power supply device is to perform a desired operation. Thus, the mobile telecommunications network can save bandwidth by not attempting to continuously charge the ambient power supply device.

[0014] According to the first aspect, the mobile telecommunications network transmits a second communication to cause the ambient power supply device to perform a desired operation. According to the first aspect, the mobile telecommunications network thus only attempts to contact the ambient power supply device after attempting to charge the device, thereby operating the network in a bandwidth - efficient manner.

[0015] By transmitting different communications to charge an ambient power supply device (first communication) and to cause the ambient power supply device to perform a desired operation (second communication), the communication (i.e., RF signal) from which the ambient power supply device obtains energy can be different (e.g., different frequencies) from the second communication transmitted by a mobile telecommunications network for communicating with the ambient power supply device.

[0016] Preferably, the signal is received by the mobile telecommunications network. Preferably, in response to receiving the signal, the mobile telecommunications network transmits the first communication to initiate charging of the ambient power supply device. Thus, in some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network can be used to relay a signal requesting an operation of the ambient power supply device to the ambient power supply device, which causes the ambient power supply device to perform the desired operation. Since the mobile telecommunications network controls both the charging of the ambient power supply device and the instruction for the ambient power supply device to perform the desired operation, the mobile telecommunications network provides a single interface to the party (e.g., control unit) sending the signal indicating that the ambient power supply device is to perform the desired operation.

[0017] For example, in some embodiments, the method of the first aspect can be used to alert a user to a medical treatment to be administered by the user. It has been recognized that improved health outcomes can be achieved by providing a fast and efficient way to notify service personnel (ser) of the medical treatment to be administered. For example, some medical conditions require rapid diagnosis and treatment in order to achieve positive health outcomes. Thus, such situations can benefit from providing communication to assist the user in locating and identifying the device for administering the medical treatment. In this way, the ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure can be physically associated with the medical treatment, or associated with the device for administering the medical treatment. According to the first aspect, the ambient power supply device can be operated to assist the user in locating the associated medical treatment / medical treatment device so that the user can administer the medical treatment in a timely manner.

[0018] Thus, in some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network can receive a signal indicating a medical treatment to be administered by the user. The signal can be transmitted from a control unit associated with the user. For example, the control unit can monitor the user's medical condition, and when it is determined that a medical treatment is to be administered by the user, the control unit transmits the signal to the mobile telecommunications network. The mobile telecommunications network can then cause the ambient power supply device to perform an operation associated with the medical treatment and the user. In this way, the mobile telecommunications network can provide an interface between the control unit and the ambient power supply device.

[0019] Operations to be performed by an ambient power supply device may be to assist a user in locating the ambient power supply device and an associated medical treatment / medical treatment device. For example, the ambient power supply device may output an alert to remind so that the user can locate the associated medical treatment / medical treatment device. Outputting the alert may include causing the ambient power supply device to emit a sound (e.g., operating a speaker or buzzer of the ambient power supply device) or lighting one or more lights of the ambient power supply device.

[0020] In some embodiments, after transmitting a first communication, the method further includes waiting to receive a message from the ambient power supply device indicating that the ambient power supply device has been charged before transmitting a second communication. For example, once fully charged, the ambient power supply device may transmit a communication to a mobile telecommunications network in order to establish a connection with the mobile telecommunications network, at which time the mobile telecommunications network transmits the second communication. In some embodiments, in the case where the mobile telecommunications network does not receive a message from the ambient power supply device indicating that the ambient power supply device has been charged within a predetermined period of time, the mobile telecommunications network may re-transmit the first communication to attempt to start charging the ambient power supply device again. The predetermined period of time may correspond to the expected charging time of the ambient power supply device. For example, in the case where it is expected that the ambient power supply device 16 will be charged within 1 second of the transmission of the first communication, the predetermined period of time may be, for example, approximately 2 seconds.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first communication transmitted is a radiated electromagnetic charging signal for charging the ambient power supply device. That is, the mobile telecommunications network may transmit a first communication including a radiated electromagnetic charging signal in order to directly charge the ambient power supply device. Thus, the ambient power supply device obtains energy from the radiated electromagnetic charging signal.

[0022] In some embodiments, transmitting a first communication to initiate charging of the ambient power supply device includes transmitting the first communication to a local charging transmitter associated with the ambient power supply device via a mobile telecommunications network. The first communication is configured such that the local charging transmitter transmits a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to the ambient power supply device. Thus, the mobile telecommunications network may act as an interface between a signal requesting operation of the ambient power supply device and a local charging transmitter capable of charging the ambient power supply device. By using the mobile telecommunications network to act as an interface between the signal source and the local charging transmitter, the local charging transmitter can interface with a variety of different devices or applications. That is, the local charging device may interface with one or more Internet-connected applications via the mobile telecommunications network, or with one or more devices also connected to the mobile telecommunications network (or the Internet).

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving location information of the ambient-powered device via a mobile telecommunications network. In some embodiments, a plurality of local charging transmitters may be provided, where each local charging transmitter has an associated location. Based on the location information of the ambient-powered device, one of the local charging transmitters may be associated with the ambient-powered electronic device. That is, in some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network may instruct one or more of the local charging transmitters to charge the ambient-powered device. In the case where location information is provided, based on the location information of the ambient-powered device received via the mobile telecommunications network, one of the plurality of local charging transmitters may be associated with the ambient-powered device. Thus, the mobile telecommunications network may instruct the associated local charging transmitter to initiate charging of the ambient-powered device based on the location information, but does not instruct other non-associated local charging transmitters to initiate charging of the ambient-powered device. In some embodiments, location information is received from a user terminal associated with the ambient-powered device. In some embodiments, the user terminal may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or any other computing device that communicates with the mobile telecommunications network. The user terminal may provide location information via a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or similar location tracking technology. In such a case, the location information of the user terminal may be used to infer the proximity of the ambient-powered device in order to provide an indication of which of the plurality of local charging transmitters should be used to attempt to charge the ambient-powered device.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an ambient-powered device using a mobile telecommunications network is provided. The method includes receiving, by the ambient-powered device, a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to charge the ambient-powered device. The method further includes receiving, by the ambient-powered device, a communication from the mobile telecommunications network indicating an operation to be performed by the ambient-powered device. In response to the communication, the ambient-powered device performs the operation. Thus, it will be understood that the ambient-powered device of the second aspect may be used in combination with the method of operating a mobile telecommunications network of the first aspect. Thus, the method of the second aspect may incorporate equivalent features of operating the ambient-powered device corresponding to those of the optional features and any associated advantages of the first aspect.

[0025] In some embodiments, the radiated electromagnetic charging signal is received from the mobile telecommunications network or from a local charging transmitter.

[0026] In some embodiments, the operation to be performed includes outputting an alert, which is preferably audible and / or visual. Thus, the ambient-powered device may include a speaker, a buzzer, or one or more lights (such as light-emitting diodes) in order to output the alert.

[0027] In some embodiments, the radiated electromagnetic charging signal charges a capacitor of the ambient power supply device until the ambient power supply device has stored a predetermined amount of charge, where optionally, when the predetermined amount of charge has been stored, the ambient power supply device transmits a message to the mobile telecommunications network.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mobile telecommunications network. The mobile telecommunications network is configured to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ambient power supply device. The ambient power supply device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect. It will be understood that the ambient power supply device of the fourth aspect can operate in conjunction with the mobile telecommunications network of the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system including a mobile telecommunications network and an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A block diagram of the ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A block diagram of a method for controlling an ambient power supply device via a mobile telecommunications network according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A block diagram of a method for operating an ambient power supply device using a mobile telecommunications network is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A block diagram of a system including a mobile telecommunications network, a local transmitter, and an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 Another block diagram of a system including a mobile telecommunications network, a local transmitter, and an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown; and

[0037] Figure 7 A further block diagram of a system including a mobile telecommunications network, a local transmitter, and an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided system 10. Figure 1 A block diagram of system 10 according to the first embodiment is shown. As Figure 1The system 10 shown in [Figure] is provided to notify a user of a medical treatment to be administered. The system 10 includes a user device 14, a mobile telecommunications network 17, a control unit 13, and an ambient power supply device 16. The ambient power supply device 16 is associated with a device 15 for administering a medical treatment (or with the medical treatment). For example, in Figure 1 an embodiment, the ambient power supply device 16 is physically connected to the device 15 for administering a medical treatment.

[0039] The device 15 for administering a medical treatment may include, for example, a container adapted to hold a drug. In such an example, the medical treatment to be administered may include administering the drug contained in the container. In other examples, the device 15 for administering a medical treatment may include a medical device for administering a treatment. In such an example, the medical treatment to be administered may include a treatment using the medical device.

[0040] The user device 14 can be any suitable device, such as a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone), a tablet computer, a personal computer, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch or other form of wearable electronic device), and the like. The user terminal 14 can register with the mobile telecommunications network 17 and can be capable of exchanging communications via the mobile telecommunications network 17 over an air interface. The user terminal 14 can register with the mobile telecommunications network and a specific user of the user terminal 14.

[0041] In Figure 1 an embodiment, the user terminal 14 can be a wearable device configured to monitor one or more conditions of the user. For example, the monitored condition(s) can include one or more of the following: user movement, heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose level. The user terminal 14 can transmit the one or more monitored conditions to the control unit 13 via the mobile telecommunications network 17.

[0042] The mobile telecommunications network 17 includes a radio access network (RAN) and a core network (CN) 12. The RAN typically includes a plurality of base stations 11 serving at least one cell. For ease of illustration, Figure 1 a single base station 11 is depicted in [Figure]. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the base station 11 is a next-generation node B (gNB) suitable for use as part of a 5G new radio (NR) network. The base station 11 includes at least one antenna configured to exchange communications (e.g., radio frequency signals with devices located within a geographic coverage area) (the geographic coverage area can be referred to as the cell served by the base station 11 over the air interface).

[0043] Base station 11 can communicate by transmitting and / or receiving communications in one or more frequency bands allocated to the radio access technology (RAT) used by base station 11 and utilize the communications and protocols specified for the RAT (e.g., the standardized communication protocol of the RAT) to exchange communications. Suitable RATs can include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GMS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or 5G New Radio (NR). Base station 11 can take any suitable form and can include, for example, GSM- and / or UMTS-compatible base stations such as nodeB and evolved nodeB (eNB) and / or 5G NR gNodeB. Base station 11 communicates with core network 12 via a suitable connection. Core network 12 provides network services to devices connected to the mobile telecommunications network 17 via the RAN. For example, core network 12 can enable user terminal 14 to connect to the Internet via mobile telecommunications network 17.

[0044] Control unit 13 includes one or more electronic devices configured to determine whether an operation is to be performed by ambient power supply device 16. In Figure 1 an embodiment, control unit 13 is configured to determine a medical treatment to be administered by a user. Control unit 13 can take any suitable form, such as one or more computing devices, which can include a server, personal computer, tablet computer, or smart phone and one or more of the like. Control unit 13 is capable of exchanging communications with user terminal 14 via mobile telecommunications network 17. For example, control unit 13 can be connected to the Internet and can receive communications from user terminal 14 via its Internet connection (which can be provided by mobile telecommunications network 17). Additionally or alternatively, control unit 14 can send communications to one or more devices connected to mobile telecommunications network 17 via its Internet connection. In an embodiment in which user terminal 14 monitors one or more conditions of the user, the monitored conditions can be transmitted to control unit 14. Control unit 14 can determine a medical treatment to be administered by the user based on one or more monitored conditions from user terminal 14. In making such a determination, the control unit can send a signal to mobile telecommunications network 17 that indicates that ambient power supply device 16 associated with device 15 is to perform a desired operation (output an alert).

[0045] In Figure 1 an embodiment, control unit 13 is shown as being separate from mobile telecommunications network 17. In other embodiments, control unit 13 can form part of mobile telecommunications network 17. For example, control unit 13 can form part of core network 12 and / or base station 11 or communicate directly with core network 12 and / or base station 11. In some embodiments, control unit 13 can communicate with user terminal 14 and ambient power supply device 16 via mobile telecommunications network 17 using any suitable connection arrangement.

[0046] The ambient power supply device 16 is an electronic device configured to obtain energy from the environment. Figure 2 A block diagram of an ambient power supply device according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The ambient power supply device includes a receiver 32, a capacitor 34, a processor 36, an alarm module, and a transmitter 39.

[0047] The ambient power supply device 16 is a battery-less device that is instead powered by obtaining energy from an energy source, which is characterized by the lowest lower limit of power density among commonly known energy sources, such as radio frequency signals. The ambient power supply device 16 can be optimized for the specific requirements of services and applications that typically require minimizing static data readout. Thus, depending on the operating requirements of the ambient power supply device, the maximum instantaneous communication power consumption of the ambient power supply device can be no greater than a few tens of μW to a few hundred μW.

[0048] Figure 2 The ambient power supply device is configured to obtain energy from a radiated electromagnetic charging signal. Such a radiated electromagnetic charging signal can include radio frequency waves propagating at the location of the ambient power supply device 16. Such electromagnetic waves can originate from a variety of different sources and can include, for example, signals transmitted through a mobile telecommunications network 17, Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth (RTM) signals, and the like. Generally, the ambient power supply device 16 does not include an in-situ power source. For example, Figure 2 the ambient power supply device 16 does not include a battery and may not be connected to the mains (e.g., by a wired or wireless connection). The ambient power supply device 16 can include a limited energy storage capacity, such as the capacitor 34. Such a limited energy storage capacity can be capable of storing a small amount of energy suitable for performing limited operations of the ambient power supply device 16. It will be understood that such a limited energy storage capacity cannot operate the ambient power supply device for an extended period of time.

[0049] The capacitor 34 can be selected to provide sufficient energy storage to allow the ambient power supply device 16 to perform the desired operation(s) once it is properly charged. For example, to provide approximately 100 μW of power to the ambient power supply device 16 for approximately 60 seconds, a capacitor with a capacitance of approximately 3.2 mF would be required.

[0050] The ambient power supply device further includes a processor 36, which is configured to perform computational tasks. For example, the processor 36 can be configured to process communications received from the mobile telecommunications network 17 via the receiver 32. The processor 36 can also communicate with the mobile telecommunications network 17 via the transmitter 39 of the ambient power supply device 16. In some embodiments, the transmitter 39 and the receiver 32 can be provided as a transceiver.

[0051] The processor 36 of the ambient power supply device 16 can be configured to perform an operation when receiving a second communication indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 performs an operation from a mobile telecommunications network. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the ambient power supply device 16 can be configured to output an alarm using the alarm module 38. The alarm module 38 can include one or more of a speaker, a buzzer, or one or more lights (such as light emitting diodes).

[0052] In other embodiments, the ambient power supply device 16 can be configured to perform other operations. For example, in some embodiments, the ambient power supply device 16 can include one or more sensor modules configured to obtain readings from sensors. The ambient power supply device 16 can then transmit the sensor readings to, for example, a server or a control unit via the mobile telecommunications network. Thus, it will be understood that the desired operations to be performed by the ambient power supply device can include obtaining one or more sensor readings, issuing an alarm, and the like.

[0053] Next, a method 100 of the mobile telecommunications network of the system 10 shown in Figure 3 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Figure 1 .

[0054] As shown in step 101 of the method 100, the mobile telecommunications network 17 receives a signal indicating that the ambient power supply device is to perform a desired operation. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the mobile telecommunications network receives the signal from the control unit 13. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the control unit 13 monitors the user. When the control unit 13 determines that a medical treatment is to be administered to the user, the control unit 13 sends a signal to the mobile telecommunications network 17 to cause the ambient power supply device 16 associated with the device 15 to output an alarm for the user.

[0055] In response to receiving the signal, in step 102, the mobile telecommunications network 17 transmits a first communication to initiate charging of the ambient power supply device 16. It will be understood that due to the limited energy storage capacity of the ambient power supply device 16, the ambient power supply device 16 is not continuously powered. Thus, the ambient power supply device 16 does not continuously communicate with the mobile telecommunications network 17. Therefore, in order to operate the ambient power supply device 16, the ambient power supply device 16 must first be charged. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the first communication transmitted by the base station 11 is a radiated electromagnetic charging signal for charging the ambient power supply device 16.

[0056] The ambient power supply device 16 can receive a radiated electromagnetic charging signal and obtain the energy in the signal to charge the capacitor 34. As an example, the ambient power supply device 16 can be configured to obtain energy from the radiated electromagnetic charging signal at a rate of at least 0.1 μW, preferably at least 1 μW, more preferably at least 10 μW. For example, the ambient power supply device 16 can be configured to obtain energy from the radiated electromagnetic charging signal at a rate of approximately 10 μW, 20 μW, or 30 μW. In the case of providing a local charging transmitter, a higher charging rate can be particularly achieved (see details below).

[0057] Once the ambient power supply device 16 is fully charged, the ambient power supply device 16 can attempt to contact the mobile telecommunications network 17. In this way, the ambient power supply device 16 can transmit a message to the mobile telecommunications network 17 to indicate that the charging of the ambient power supply device 16 is successful. The message can also prompt the mobile telecommunications network 17 to issue further instructions to the ambient power supply device 16.

[0058] As Figure 3 shown, after transmitting the first communication, in step 103, the mobile telecommunications network 17 waits to receive a message from the ambient power supply device 16 indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 has been charged. If the message is not received after a predetermined period of time, the mobile telecommunications network can re-transmit the first communication (i.e., repeat step 102). The predetermined period of time can be based on the expected charging time of the ambient power supply device 16. For example, in the case where it is expected that the ambient power supply device 16 is charged within approximately 1 second, the mobile telecommunications network can wait for approximately 2 seconds before re-transmitting the first communication.

[0059] In some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network can repeat steps 102 and 103 to attempt to successfully charge the ambient power supply device 16 a predetermined number of times. For example, steps 102 and 103 can be repeated, for example, at least 3, 5, 7, or 10 times. In the case where the mobile telecommunications network 17 does not receive the expected message (for example, the ambient power supply device 16 cannot be charged or is inoperable), the mobile telecommunications network 17 can send a warning message to the control unit 13 or the user terminal 14, and the warning message indicates that the ambient power supply device 16 cannot be instructed to perform an operation. Therefore, the mobile telecommunications network 17 can remind the user of any interruption in the operation of the ambient power supply device 16.

[0060] According to step 104, when the mobile telecommunications network 17 does receive a message from the ambient power supply device 16, the mobile telecommunications network continues to transmit a second communication to the ambient power supply device 16. The second communication causes the ambient power supply device to perform the desired operation indicated by the control unit 13. In Figure 1 the embodiment, the desired operation is for the ambient power supply device 16 to output an alarm using the alarm module 38 of the ambient power supply device 16.

[0061] Upon receiving the second communication, the ambient power supply device 16 outputs an alert. The second communication transmitted by the mobile telecommunications network may include information describing the type of alert to be output. For example, the second communication may specify the duration of the alert to be output.

[0062] It will be understood that method 100 describes steps performed by the mobile telecommunications network 17. Figure 4 A block diagram of a method 200 of operating an ambient power supply device 16 using a mobile telecommunications network 17 is shown. The ambient power supply device 16 and the mobile telecommunications network 17 may be provided as part of the system 10 as shown in Figure 1 shown.

[0063] As will be understood from the above description, the ambient power supply device 16 does not have a battery or access to another power source to allow its continuous operation. Therefore, prior to step 201, the ambient power supply device 16 may not be powered. As shown in step 201 of method 200, the ambient power supply device receives a radiated electromagnetic charging signal from the mobile telecommunications network 17. The radiated electromagnetic charging signal charges the ambient power supply device 16. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the radiated electromagnetic charging signal charges a capacitor 34 of the ambient power supply device 16 until the ambient power supply device has stored a predetermined amount of charge. When the voltage across the capacitor 34 reaches a predetermined level, the predetermined amount of charge may be detected by the ambient power supply device 16.

[0064] When the predetermined amount of charge has been stored, the ambient power supply device 16 transmits a message to the mobile telecommunications network (step 202 of method 200).

[0065] In some embodiments, the ambient power supply device 16 may then wait to receive a further instruction from the mobile telecommunications network 17 (i.e., the second communication discussed above). In some embodiments, the ambient power supply device 16 may be configured to retransmit the message (i.e., repeat step 202) if no second communication is received from the mobile telecommunications network 17 within a predetermined period of time. For example, if no second communication is received, the ambient power supply device 16 may wait for approximately 10 seconds before repeating step 202. It will be understood that the ambient power supply device 16 has only limited power. Therefore, the ambient power supply device 16 may only have enough power to repeat step 202 one or two times.

[0066] As discussed above, the ambient power supply device 16 receives a communication from the mobile telecommunications network 17 indicating an operation to be performed by the ambient power supply device 16. Upon receiving the communication, in step 204, the ambient power supply device 16 performs the operation. In Figure 1 an embodiment, the operation to be performed by the ambient power supply device 16 is to output an alert as discussed above.

[0067] The above has been referenced Figure 1 Systems 10 shown in describe methods 100 and 200. It will be understood that methods 100 and 200 can also be applied to different system architectures, as discussed further below.

[0068] In some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network 17 may not directly charge the ambient power supply device 16. Instead, a local charging transmitter 20 associated with the ambient power supply device 16 may be provided. That is, a user may have a local charging transmitter 20 configured to transmit a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to charge the ambient power supply device 16. For example, for applications where the ambient power supply device 16 is expected to be located within a predetermined area (e.g., the user's home), the local charging device 20 may be used to transmit a radiated electromagnetic charging signal. By using the local charging device 20, the local charging device may be able to transmit a radiated charging signal of an appropriate intensity to the ambient power supply device 16. Figure 5 An example of a system 10a including a mobile telecommunications network 17, an ambient power supply device 16, and a local charging transmitter 20 (RF transmitter) is shown. It will be understood that there are various similarities between the components of the above-described system 10 and Figure 5 the system 10a shown. Where similar features are provided, the same reference numerals are used.

[0069] As Figure 5 shown, the local charging transmitter 20 may communicate with the mobile telecommunications network 17 to receive a first communication indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 is to be charged. The first communication is configured to cause the local charging transmitter 20 to transmit a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to the ambient power supply device 16.

[0070] The radiated electromagnetic charging signal transmitted by the local charging transmitter to the ambient power supply device 16 may be any suitable signal for charging the ambient power supply device. For example, in some embodiments, the ambient power supply device 16 is configured to obtain energy from RF frequencies within a predetermined range. Accordingly, the local charging transmitter 20 may transmit a radiated electromagnetic charging signal having a corresponding frequency to improve the efficiency of energy acquisition. For example, in some embodiments, the local charging transmitter may transmit a radiated electromagnetic charging signal in an RF band having a frequency of at least 3 kHz and not greater than about 300 GHz.

[0071] In some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network 17 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of local charging transmitters 20. Each local charging transmitter 20 may be associated with one or more ambient power supply devices 16. The ambient power supply devices 16 may be associated with one or more local charging transmitters. Thus, in some embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network 17 may instruct only the local charging transmitters 20 associated with the ambient power supply devices 16 to operate to output radiated electromagnetic charging signals. Thus, the system 10a may selectively charge only the ambient power supply devices 16 intended to operate.

[0072] In other embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network 17 may send a first communication to one of the plurality of local charging transmitters 20 based on the location information of the ambient power supply device 16. For example, the location information of the ambient power supply device 16 may be received by the mobile telecommunications network 17 from the control unit 13 or from the user terminal 14 associated with the user of the ambient power supply device 16. In some embodiments, the location information of the user terminal 14 or the location information of the control unit 13 may indicate the location of the ambient power supply device 16. In this way, the mobile telecommunications network may send the first communication to the local charging device 20 closest to the location indicated by the location information.

[0073] Once the local charging transmitter 20 has charged the ambient power supply device 16, the ambient power supply device 16 may send a message to the mobile telecommunications network 17 as described above. Alternatively, the mobile telecommunications network may wait for a period of time after sending the first communication and before sending a second communication to the ambient power supply device 16.

[0074] In some of the above embodiments, the control unit 13 is a device separate from the mobile telecommunications network 17. In other embodiments, the control unit 13 may be provided as part of the mobile telecommunications network 17. Figure 6 A block diagram of the system 10b is shown, where the control unit 13 is provided as part of the mobile telecommunications network 17. For example, the control unit 13 may form part of the core network 12 and / or the base station 11, or communicate directly with the core network 12 and / or the base station 11. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 13 may be located at the base station (gNB). This provides the possibility of local control of the ambient power supply device 16, which may provide a faster response. Such an application may be particularly suitable for embodiments of the present disclosure in a medical or care home setting.

[0075] As will be apparent from Figure 6As understood from the embodiments, the mobile telecommunications network 17 can receive a signal from the control unit 13 forming part of the mobile telecommunications network, the signal indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 is to perform a desired operation. The mobile telecommunications network can continue to control the ambient power supply device 16 according to the method 100 as described above.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first communication initiating the charging of the ambient power supply device 16 may not be transmitted via the mobile telecommunications network 17. For example, Figure 7 A block diagram of a system 10c according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 The system 10c includes a local charging transmitter 20 that communicates directly with the control unit 13 to receive a first communication indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 is to be charged. The first communication is configured such that the local charging transmitter 20 transmits a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to the ambient power supply device 16 in a manner similar to the embodiments discussed above. Once charged, the ambient power supply device 16 can transmit a message to the control unit 13 via the mobile telecommunications network 17, as described above. Thus, similar to other embodiments, the ambient power supply device is configured to communicate with the mobile telecommunications network 17 and receive messages from the mobile telecommunications network 17. The mobile telecommunications network 17 is then configured to transmit a second communication indicating that the ambient power supply device 16 should perform a desired operation.

[0077] Thus, according to the above embodiments, it will be understood that systems 10, 10a, 10b, 10c can be provided to use the mobile telecommunications network 17 to control the ambient power supply device 16.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an environment power supply device through a mobile telecommunications network, comprising: Receiving a signal indicating that the environment power supply device is to perform a desired operation; In response to receiving the signal, transmitting a first communication to initiate charging of the environment power supply device; And Transmitting a second communication through the mobile telecommunications network to cause the environment power supply device to perform the desired operation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The signal is received by the mobile telecommunications network; and In response to receiving the signal, the mobile telecommunications network transmits the first communication.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising After transmitting the first communication and before transmitting the second communication, waiting to receive a message from the environment power supply device indicating that the environment power supply device has been charged.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first communication transmitted is a radiated electromagnetic charging signal for charging the environment power supply device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Transmitting the first communication to initiate charging of the environment power supply device includes transmitting the first communication through the mobile telecommunications network to a local charging transmitter associated with the environment power supply electronic device, Wherein the first communication is configured such that the local charging transmitter transmits a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to the environment power supply device.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Receiving, through the mobile telecommunications network, location information of the environment power supply device, wherein A plurality of local charging transmitters are provided, each local charging transmitter having an associated location, and one of the local charging transmitters is associated with the environment power supply electronic device based on the location information of the environment power supply device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein Receiving location information from a user terminal associated with the environment power supply device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The signal is a signal indicating a medical treatment to be administered by the user; and The environment power supply device is associated with the user and the medical treatment.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The operation performed by the environment power supply device includes outputting an alarm.

10. The method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein Receiving a signal indicating a medical treatment or medical procedure from a control unit for determining the medical treatment or medical procedure to be administered by the user.

11. A method for operating an environment power supply device using a mobile telecommunications network, comprising: Receiving, by the environment power supply device, a radiated electromagnetic charging signal to charge the environment power supply device; Receiving, by the environment power supply device, a communication from the mobile telecommunications network indicating an operation to be performed by the environment power supply device; And In response to the communication, the environment power supply device performs the operation.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein Receiving the radiated electromagnetic charging signal from the mobile telecommunications network or from a local charging transmitter.

13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12, Wherein the operation to be performed includes outputting an alarm, and the alarm is preferably sound and / or light.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein The radiated electromagnetic charging signal charges a capacitor of the ambient power supply device until the ambient power supply device has stored a predetermined amount of charge, where optionally when the predetermined amount of charge has been stored, the ambient power supply device transmits a message to the mobile telecommunications network.

15. A mobile telecommunications network configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. An ambient power supply device configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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