Sensing-based radio frequency signal transmission

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure are generally related to wireless communications. In some aspects, a transmitting device may receive sensing information. The transmission device may transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device based at least in part on the sensed information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of the object. Numerous other aspects are described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 486,449, filed on February 22, 2023, entitled “SENSING-BASED RADIOFREQUENCY SIGNALTRANSMISSION,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 581,840, filed on February 20, 2024, entitled “SENSING-BASED RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALTRANSMISSION,” both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications and techniques and apparatus for sensing-based radio frequency signal transmission. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services, such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasts. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and long term evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0005] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communication for wireless communication devices, such as user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with a network node via downlink and uplink communications. A "downlink" (or "DL") refers to the communication link from a network node to a UE, while an "uplink" (or "UL") refers to the communication link from a UE to a network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communication, for example, via a local link (e.g., a sidelink (SL), a wireless local area network (WLAN) link, and / or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) link, etc.).

[0006] Certain forms of wireless communication devices may rely on harvesting energy from wireless energy transmission to power their operation. These devices are referred to herein as radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting devices and may include, for example, ambient Internet of Things devices, backscattering communication devices, etc. In some examples, the RF energy harvesting device may harvest energy from a received RF signal configured to power the RF energy harvesting device, which RF signal may be sent by a transmitting device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Some aspects described herein relate to a method of wireless transmission performed by a transmitting device. The method may include receiving sensing information. The method may include transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device based at least in part on the sensing information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of an object.

[0008] Some aspects described herein relate to a transmission device for wireless communication. The transmission device may include a memory and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors may be configured to receive sensing information. The one or more processors may be configured to transmit an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device based, at least in part, on the sensing information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of an object.

[0009] Some aspects described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication by a transmitting device. The set of instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the transmitting device, may cause the transmitting device to: receive sensory information; and, when executed by the one or more processors of the transmitting device, may cause the transmitting device to: transmit an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device based at least in part on the sensory information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of an object.

[0010] Some aspects described herein relate to an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include means for receiving sensing information. The apparatus may include means for transmitting an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device based at least in part on the sensing information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of an object.

[0011] In some aspects, a method of wireless transmission performed by a transmitting device includes identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device; and sending the RF signal according to the schedule.

[0012] In some aspects, an apparatus for wireless communication at a transmitting device includes: one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to cause the transmitting device to: identify a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device; and send the RF signal according to the schedule.

[0013] In some aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a transmitting device, cause the transmitting device to: identify a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device; and transmit the RF signal according to the schedule.

[0014] In some aspects, an apparatus for wireless communication includes means for identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device and means for sending the RF signal according to the schedule.

[0015] Aspects generally include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, network entities, network nodes, transmission devices, wireless communication devices, RF energy harvesting devices and / or processing systems as fully described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to the present disclosure have been outlined quite broadly above so that the detailed description below may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein (both their organization and method of operation) and the associated advantages will be better understood from the description below when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the figures in the drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description and not as a definition of limitations to the claims.

[0017] Although various aspects are described in this disclosure by illustrating some examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. Different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes and / or packaging arrangements can be used to implement the technology described herein. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip embodiments and other devices based on non-module components (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchase equipment, medical devices and / or artificial intelligence devices). Various aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components and / or system-level components. The equipment incorporating the described aspects and features may include additional components and features for the implementation and enforcement of the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers). The various aspects intended to be described herein may be implemented in various devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements and / or end-user devices with different sizes, shapes and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more detailed description of the above brief summary may be obtained by reference to various aspects (some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings) so that the above-mentioned features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as the description may admit of other equally effective aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example associated with a backscatter communication device according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal by a transmitting device based at least in part on sensing information according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission of an RF signal by a transmitting device based at least in part on sensing information according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a transmission device according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example apparatus for wireless communications according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling for transmission of RF signals configured to power an RF energy harvesting device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a transmission device or an apparatus of a transmission device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting devices may include ambient Internet of Things (IoT) devices, RF identification (RFID) tags, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) tags, passive devices, semi-passive devices, backscatter radios, user equipment (UE), or any other device that is at least partially powered by wireless energy transmission. The RF energy harvesting device can harvest energy from the environment of the RF energy harvesting device in order to perform operations such as transmission (e.g., backscatter transmission). In some environments, the transmission device can use RF signals to provide energy. For example, the RF energy harvesting device can harvest energy from the RF signal. The transmission device may be referred to as an energizer. The transmission device can send (e.g., wirelessly radiate) an RF signal to provide power to the RF energy harvesting device.

[0027] Some transmission devices may be base stations that can provide access to a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., according to a radio access technology). Other transmission devices may transmit RF signals without providing access to the RAN. The transmission device may be implemented using a power supply that the transmission device can use to power the RF signal transmission. In this context, the RF signal transmission of the transmission device may use a high transmit power (e.g., higher than the typical transmit power of a UE), such as 20-30 dBm in some examples. Some power supplies may be limited in terms of total available energy, available power, etc. For example, the transmission device may be battery-powered, which may be practical in scenarios where the transmission device is deployed without available hard-wired power (e.g., an electrical outlet) due to, for example, cost or safety concerns. If the transmission device is continuously transmitting, significant energy consumption may occur, resulting in increased operating costs and / or battery depletion (if the transmission device is battery-powered), regardless of whether an RF energy harvesting device powered by an RF signal (e.g., the RF signal transmitted by the transmission device) is present in the coverage area of ​​the transmission device.

[0028] Furthermore, in some examples, RF energy harvesting devices may be used to track objects in specific environments, such as in a store environment, a warehouse, or a hospital. For example, the RF energy harvesting device may be attached to the object or may be attached to a vehicle carrying the object. Operations in these environments may tend to be predictable in the time domain. For example, it may be expected that an object will be re-shelved, moved, or used at certain times or for certain lengths of time. In such cases, indiscriminately activating a transmission device for continuous transmission to power the RF energy harvesting device corresponding to the object may consume power (such as battery power), thereby increasing the energy consumption and maintenance requirements of the transmission device.

[0029] Some of the techniques described herein provide for the transmission of RF signals based, at least in part, on sensing information. For example, a transmission device can sense the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device. The transmission device can, in response to sensing the presence of the object, transmit an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device (e.g., an ambient IoT device). By transmitting the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object, the transmission device can transmit the RF signal only when the RF energy harvesting device is likely to be within the transmission device's coverage area (compared to indiscriminately transmitting the RF signal), thereby reducing energy consumption, which results in reduced operating costs and / or battery usage. Furthermore, in some examples, transmitting the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of an object can simplify the implementation of the transmission device and / or RF energy harvesting device, compared to methods involving communication between the RF energy harvesting device and the transmission device, or methods involving active transmission by the RF energy harvesting device to trigger or configure the RF signal. Furthermore, the reduction in power consumption provided by sensing-based RF signal transmission can enable the deployment of the transmission device in locations that typically do not have readily available hardwired power, such as in a store environment, warehouse, or hospital. In other words, the reduction in power consumption can reduce or eliminate the constraint that transmission equipment must be deployed in close proximity to hard-wired power in these environments. In some examples, the techniques described herein can extend the battery life of transmission equipment by a factor of 10 or more.

[0030] Some techniques described herein provide for scheduling the transmission of RF signals configured to power RF energy harvesting devices. For example, a transmitting device may identify a schedule for initiating transmission of RF signals configured to power RF energy harvesting devices. The transmitting device may transmit RF signals according to the schedule. Scheduling the transmission of RF signals can simplify implementation relative to situations in which the transmitting device senses the presence of an object or RF energy harvesting device. In some aspects, the schedule can indicate times at which an object or RF energy harvesting device is predicted to be present relative to the transmitting device. Scheduling the transmission of RF signals during such times can allow for deactivation of the transmitting device when the object or RF energy harvesting device is unlikely to be present, thereby conserving power. This can be particularly beneficial in environments such as warehouses, hospitals, or stores, where the presence or movement of objects may be predictable in the time domain. In some aspects, the schedule can be configured for a transmitting device, enabling system-wide control across multiple transmitting devices, thereby improving the efficiency of powering RF energy harvesting devices. In some aspects, the transmitting device can generate the schedule, for example, using historical information regarding the times at which objects were sensed or RF signals were transmitted. This may enable scheduling to be performed based on information collected at the transmitting device, thereby simplifying the implementation of the schedule relative to externally generating or implementing the schedule.

[0031] In some examples, the transmission device can be associated with a BLE module (e.g., include a BLE module, be connected to a BLE module). For example, the BLE module can be used for communications associated with controlling the transmission device. In this case, costs may be involved in implementing the sensor for collecting the above-mentioned sensing information. Some of the techniques described herein provide for receiving sensing information in the form of an indication from the BLE module of the transmission device based at least in part on the received signal. For example, the received signal can be associated with a second BLE module of a second transmission device. Therefore, costs can be reduced relative to implementing a sensor separate from the BLE module of the transmission device.

[0032] In some examples, a transmission device may be deployed without other transmission devices nearby. For example, a single transmission device may be deployed for a coverage area without being near other transmission devices (e.g., when the other transmission devices are not in the same coverage area or do not cover the same coverage area). In this case, using signals received from other transmission devices (e.g., BLE modules of other transmission devices) to collect sensing information may be impractical or may limit the flexibility of the deployment of the transmission device. Some of the techniques described herein provide sensors associated with (e.g., included in, connected to, or communicating with) a transmission device, such as an RF sensor, a motion sensor, or a light sensor. Such a sensor may be able to collect sensing information (e.g., RF sensing information, motion information, or light information, etc.) without receiving a signal sent by another transmission device, which improves the flexibility and practicality of deploying the transmission device.

[0033] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout the present disclosure. Instead, these aspects are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed herein, whether that aspect is implemented independently of any other aspect of the present disclosure or is implemented in combination with any other aspect. For example, using any number of aspects set forth herein, a device can be implemented or a method can be practiced. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods that are practiced using other structures, functions, or structures and functions in addition to or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed herein can be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0034] Several aspects of telecommunications systems will now be presented with reference to various devices and techniques. These devices and techniques will be described in the following detailed description by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements") and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These elements can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0035] Devices can communicate or transmit power wirelessly using the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc. by frequency or wavelength. For example, devices of a wireless network can communicate using one or more operating frequency bands. In 5G New Radio (NR), two initial operating frequency bands have been identified with the frequency range names FR1 (410 megahertz (MHz)-7.125 gigahertz (GHz)) and FR2 (24.25 GHz-52.6 GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6 GHz" band in various documents and articles. A similar naming issue sometimes arises regarding FR2, which is often (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz–300 GHz), which is identified as the "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0036] Frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR research has identified the operating band of these mid-band frequencies as the frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz–24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and therefore can effectively extend the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation to above 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating frequency bands have been identified as the frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz–71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz–114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz–300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0037] With the foregoing in mind, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the term "sub-6 GHz" or similar terms (if used herein) may broadly refer to frequencies that may be below 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if the term "millimeter wave" or the like is used herein, it may broadly refer to frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR4-a or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band. It is contemplated that the frequencies included in these operating bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) may be modified, and that the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0038] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating an example 100 associated with a backscatter communication device according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Some wireless communication devices can be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as ambient IoT devices (sometimes referred to as ultralight IoT devices) or similar IoT devices. IoT technologies can include passive IoT (e.g., NR passive IoT for 5G Advanced), semi-passive IoT, ultralight IoT, or ambient IoT, among others. In passive IoT, terminals (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, tags, or similar devices) may not include batteries, and the terminals can accumulate energy from radio frequency (RF) signaling. Alternatively, the terminals can accumulate solar energy to supplement the accumulated energy from radio signaling. In passive IoT, the communication range can be up to 30 meters (or more) to facilitate feasible network coverage over large areas (e.g., 5,000 square meters), such as in warehouses. Furthermore, the power consumption of passive IoT terminals can be less than 0.1 milliwatts (mW) to support battery-free operation, and the terminals can be relatively inexpensive to facilitate cost-sensitive applications. The positioning accuracy of passive IoT terminals in the horizontal and vertical directions can be approximately 3-5 meters.

[0040] Passive IoT may be useful in combination with industrial sensors for which battery replacement may be very difficult or undesirable (e.g., for safety monitoring or fault detection in smart factories, infrastructure, or environments). Additionally, the characteristics of passive IoT devices (such as low cost, small size, maintenance-free, durable, long life, etc.) may facilitate smart logistics / warehousing (e.g., combined with automated asset management by replacing RFID tags), such as in the context of a store, hospital, or warehouse. Furthermore, passive IoT may be useful in combination with smart home networks for home item management, wearable devices (e.g., wearable devices for medical monitoring where the patient does not need to replace batteries), and / or environmental monitoring. To achieve further cost reductions and zero-power communications, 5G+ / 6G wireless networks may utilize a type of passive IoT device known as an "environmental backscatter device" or "backscatter device."

[0041] The RF energy harvesting device 105 includes a device (e.g., a tag, a sensor, a passive device such as a passive IoT device, a semi-passive device, an active device, a UE, etc.) that is powered at least in part by receiving an RF signal (e.g., from the transmitting device 110). In some examples, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can adopt a simplified hardware design (e.g., including a power splitter, an energy harvester, and a microcontroller), which does not include a battery so that the RF energy harvesting device 105 is powered using energy harvesting, and does not include a radio wave generating circuit so that the RF energy harvesting device 105 can send information only by reflecting radio waves. In some examples, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may include a battery, a capacitor, or another form of energy storage device. In some examples, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may include a communication module, such as a BLE module, a WiFi module, etc. As mentioned, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can be an active device (e.g., an active ambient IoT device). The active device can include a communication module and an energy storage device, such as a battery or a capacitor. The energy storage device can provide power for communication via the communication module. Active devices can harvest energy from receiving RF signals and / or from other sources. The communication module can be powered at least in part by the RF signal transmitted by the transmission device 110, such that the RF energy harvesting device 105 can communicate with the transmission device 110 or another device using the communication module, such as one powered by the RF signal. In some aspects, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can include radio wave generating circuitry that can be powered by receiving RF signals and / or by an energy storage device of the RF energy harvesting device 105.

[0042] In some aspects, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can communicate with a reader 108 (e.g., which can include a UE, a network node, a base station, or another network device) by modulating a reflected radio signal from a transmission device 110 (referred to herein as a transmission device (e.g., a network node or another network device)). In some examples, the transmission device 110 and the reader 108 can be the same device and / or can be co-located. In some examples, the transmission device can be referred to as an energizer. In some examples, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may not communicate with the reader 108. For example, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can communicate with another device (e.g., the transmission device 110, another RF energy harvesting device, a network node). The reader 108 can be optional.

[0043] To facilitate communication with the RF energy harvesting device 105, the transmission device 110 may transmit an RF signal (e.g., an energy harvesting wave) to the RF energy harvesting device 105. When facilitating communication with the reader 108, the energy harvesting wave may be transmitted for a sufficient duration to achieve a communication phase for a target range between the reader 108 and the RF energy harvesting device 105. Additionally or alternatively, in some cases, the range between the transmission device 110 and the RF energy harvesting device 105 may be limited by a minimum received power (such as -20 decibel milliwatts (dBm)) for triggering energy harvesting at the RF energy harvesting device 105.

[0044] When energy is sufficiently accumulated at the RF energy harvesting device 105, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may begin communicating, or may store energy. As an example, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may reflect radio waves radiated onto the RF energy harvesting device 105 via the backscatter link 115. For example, the transmitting device 110 may initiate a communication session (sometimes referred to as a query-response communication) with a query, which may be a modulated envelope of a continuous wave (CW). The RF energy harvesting device 105 may respond by backscattering the CW. The communication session may include multiple rounds, such as for contention resolution purposes when multiple backscatter devices respond to a query. The channel between the transmitting device 110 and the RF energy harvesting device 105 of the backscatter link 115 may be aligned with a first backscatter link channel response value h BD (sometimes referred to as a first backscatter link channel coefficient or a first backscatter link gain value). As described below, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can have a reflection-on period and a reflection-off period that follow a pattern based at least in part on the transmission of information bits by the RF energy harvesting device 105. The reader 108 can detect the reflection pattern of the RF energy harvesting device 105 and obtain backscatter communication information via the backscatter link 115. The channel between the reader 108 and the RF energy harvesting device 105 of the backscatter link 115 can be related to the second backscatter link channel response value h DU (sometimes referred to as a second backscatter link channel coefficient or a second backscatter link channel gain value). In addition, the transmitting device 110 and the reader 108 can communicate (e.g., reference signals and / or data signals) via the direct link 120. The channel between the transmitting device 110 and the reader 108 of the direct link 120 can be associated with the direct link channel response value h BU (Sometimes referred to as a direct link channel coefficient or a direct link channel gain value). In some aspects, the RF energy harvesting device 105 can use the received energy to power active transmission (eg, using an amplifier) ​​or other operations.

[0045] In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may include a power source (e.g., a portable power source such as a battery or a hardwired power source). The transmission device 110 may include transmitting components, such as an RF chain including a power amplifier and one or more antennas. In some aspects, the one or more antennas may be capable of beamforming (whether based on a hardware configuration of a set of antennas or via a dynamic beamforming method such as analog beamforming or digital beamforming) such that the RF signal transmitted by the transmission device 110 is directed to a coverage area (e.g., an area such as a portion of a sphere, an azimuth, etc.) where the RF energy harvesting device 105 may be energized by the RF signal. In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may include or be connected to one or more sensors, such as an RF sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, etc. In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may be associated with (e.g., include, connect to, or communicate with) a BLE module, which is a module capable of sending and / or receiving BLE signaling (such as BLE communications). In some aspects, the BLE module may include an RF sensor. As shown, the transmission device 110 may include one or more processors that can perform the operations described herein, or be configured to perform the operations described herein. For example, one or more processors can execute instructions stored on one or more memories and / or non-transitory computer-readable media. One or more processors can be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, electronically, electrically) to one or more memories. The term "processor" can refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof.

[0046] The one or more processors may include one or more chips, systems on chips (SoCs), chipsets, packages, or devices that individually or collectively comprise or comprise a processing system. The processing system includes a processor (or "processing") circuit in the form of one or more processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs), and / or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuits (all of which may generally be referred to herein as "processors" individually or collectively as "processors" or "processor circuits"). The one or more processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein. A group of processors that are collectively configurable or configured to perform a set of functions may include a first processor that is configurable or configured to perform a first function in the set and a second processor that is configurable or configured to perform a second function in the set, or may include a group of processors that are all configured or configurable to perform a set of functions.

[0047] The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements, or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include a tangible storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof (all of which may generally be referred to herein as "memory" individually or collectively as "memory" or "memory circuitry"). One or more of the memories may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, electronically, or electrically) to one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code (such as software) that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without being configured by software. In some examples, the processing system may also include or be coupled to one or more modems (e.g., a Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modem, a cellular (e.g., a 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem), or a Bluetooth (e.g., BLE) modem). In some implementations, the one or more processors of the processing system may include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled to one or more radios (collectively, “radios”), one or more RF chains, or one or more transceivers (where the transmit component of the transmission device 110 may include one or more RF chains and / or one or more transceivers), each of which in turn may be coupled to one or more of the plurality of antennas. In some implementations, the one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains, or transceivers.

[0048] If backscatter communication is performed, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may use an information modulation scheme, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation or on-off keying (OOK) modulation. For ASK or OOK modulation, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may turn on reflection when transmitting an information bit "1" and turn off reflection when transmitting an information bit "0". In backscatter communication, the transmission device 110 may transmit a specific radio wave (e.g., a reference signal or a data signal, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)), which may be represented as x(n). The reader 108 may receive the radio wave x(n) directly from the transmission device 110 via a direct link 120, and receive the radio wave from the RF energy harvesting device 105 that modulated and reflected the radio wave to the reader 108 via a backscatter link 115. The signal received at the reader 108 via the direct link 120 (represented as h BU (n)x(n) and indicated by reference numeral 125) is a radio wave x(n) transmitted by the transmission device 110 multiplied by the direct link channel response value h BU The information bit signal of the RF energy harvesting device 105 can be represented as s(n), where s(n)∈{0,1}. Therefore, the signal received at the reader 108 via the backscatter link 115 (denoted as σ f h BD (n)h DU (n)s(n)x(n) and indicated by reference numeral 130) is the signal x(n) sent by the transmission device 110 multiplied by the first backscatter link channel response value h BD , the second backscatter link channel response value h DU , the information bit signal s(n) from the RF energy harvesting device 105 and the reflection coefficient σ associated with the RF energy harvesting device 105 f plus any noise.

[0049] Thus, if backscatter communication is performed, the resulting signal received at the reader 108 (which is a superposition of the signal received via the direct link 120 and the signal received via the backscatter link 115) can be expressed as y(n), where y(n) = (h BU (n)+σ f h BD (n)h DU(n)s(n))x(n)+noise. The signal y(n) is shown by reference numeral 135. As shown in the figure, when s(n)=0 (indicated by reference numeral 145 in the graph shown by reference numeral 130), the RF energy harvesting device 105 can turn off the reflection so that the signal component σ f h BD (n)h DU (n)s(n) is equal to zero, and therefore the reader 108 receives only the direct link 120 signal (eg, y(n) = h BU (n) x (n) + noise). When s(n) = 1 (indicated by reference numeral 140 in the graph shown by reference numeral 130), the RF energy harvesting device 105 may turn on reflection so that the signal component σ f h BD (n)h DU (n)s(n) equals σ f h BD (n)h DU (n), and thus the reader 108 receives a superposition of both the direct link 120 signal and the backscatter link 115 signal (e.g., y(n) = (h BU (n)+σ f h BD (n)h DU To receive the information bits transmitted by the RF energy harvesting device 105, the reader 108 may first determine the signal based at least in part on the direct link channel response value h by treating the backscatter link 115 signal as interference. BU (n) decodes x(n). The reader 108 can then decode x(n) by subtracting h from y(n). BU (n)x(n) to detect the signal component σ f h BD (n)h DU In some cases, the RF energy harvesting device 105 may not maintain state from communication session to communication session, other than what is stored in the RF energy harvesting device 105 memory, such as an Electronic Product Code (EPC) or similar information associated with the RF energy harvesting device 105.

[0050] Some IoT devices can be referred to as semi-passive IoT devices because communication between the reader and the IoT device does not require an energy harvesting waveform. For example, a semi-passive IoT device may include a battery or similar energy source that can power the receiver and / or logic circuitry. For such devices, energy harvesting can still be triggered in some circumstances, such as for long-range communications. In such an example, the rectifier circuit of the IoT device may have a warm start from the battery or other energy source and may therefore be associated with a lower minimum receive power requirement than a passive IoT device (e.g., -30 dBm instead of -20 dBm). However, long-range communications may require battery power to be expended to power each decode. More specifically, for long-range communications where the energy harvesting rate is lower than the decoding circuitry requirement, such as when the energy harvesting rate is lower than -30 dBm, a semi-passive IoT device may expend battery power to power each decode. Consequently, continuous IoT device monitoring, such as for the purpose of receiving long-range inquiry communications, may result in excessive battery drain at the IoT device.

[0051] In this regard, passive and semi-passive IoT devices may be inherently limited to certain applications. For example, passive IoT devices may be associated with low cost and form factor because no RF chain is required at the IoT device. However, these devices require energy-harvesting waveforms, thereby limiting the application of such passive IoT devices to short-range communications. While semi-passive IoT devices may eliminate the need for energy-harvesting waveforms and / or enable long-range communications, such devices increase cost and complexity because the devices require the use of batteries or similar energy sources. Furthermore, because passive and semi-passive devices may be associated with communication sessions initiated by an RF source, these devices may be inherently limited to use in sensing scenarios or similar latency-critical applications that require non-periodic traffic, and the devices may not scale well for high-density IoT applications.

[0052] In some cases, ambient IoT devices (sometimes referred to as ultra-light IoT devices) may be employed to overcome some of the deficiencies of passive and semi-passive IoT devices. An ambient IoT device may be a device that is capable of sending an uplink trigger and, therefore, may initiate a communication session from the IoT device side. For example, an ambient IoT device may be associated with uplink transmissions that do not utilize a PA (e.g., transmissions in the range of 0 to 5 dBm) and have limited transmission capabilities for that uplink transmission, such as the ability to simply send a preamble transmission to indicate uplink traffic. Ambient IoT devices, passive devices, and semi-passive devices are referred to herein as RF energy harvesting devices (although RF energy harvesting devices may include another form of device that is capable of harvesting RF energy from an RF signal to power the operation of the device).

[0053] As pointed out above, Figure 1is provided as an example. Other examples may be Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0054] Figure 2 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of transmission of an RF signal by a transmission device (e.g., transmission device 110) in an environment 200 based at least in part on sensing information 230, in accordance with the present disclosure. Transmission device 110 can use sensing information 230 from sensor 210 to sense the presence of object 220. Sensing information 230 can include any information that can be collected by sensor 210 or an RF receiver, or can include information derived from such information. In example 200, sensor 210 is a passive infrared sensor, but one or more types of sensors (e.g., RF sensors, motion sensors, light sensors) can be implemented in addition to, or in combination with, a passive infrared sensor.

[0055] As shown, sensor 210 provides sensing information 230 (e.g., an indication of the presence of object 220 in the coverage area of ​​sensor 210 and / or transmission device 110, or a sensor signal that can be used to identify the presence of object 220) to the transmission device. Thus, the sensor can be associated with the transmission device. In some examples, sensor 210 can be at the transmission device. For example, sensor 210 can be included in or connected to the transmission device. Sensor 210 can be separate from the transmission component that transmits the RF signal. In some examples, sensing information 230 can satisfy a condition (as indicated by "hot"). The condition can be associated with the presence of object 220 in the coverage area of ​​the RF signal that can be transmitted by transmission device 110 (e.g., can indicate the presence). For example, the condition can be satisfied based at least in part on the presence of object 220 in the coverage area of ​​sensor 210. In some aspects, the condition can be based at least in part on a threshold associated with a motion value (e.g., if a threshold level of motion is detected, the condition is satisfied), a light value (e.g., if a threshold change in light is detected, the condition is satisfied), an RF value (e.g., if a threshold change in an RF condition is detected, the condition is satisfied), a channel measurement (e.g., if the channel measurement is below a threshold, the condition is satisfied), a signal strength (e.g., if the received signal strength is below a threshold, the condition is satisfied), etc. For example, the sensor information 210 can include a signal from a motion sensor, a signal from a light sensor indicating an illumination level, an indication from a passive infrared sensor that an object is present within the coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, etc. It should be noted that the transmitting device can sense the presence of an object based on the sensed information without performing a sensing operation.

[0056] As shown, the transmission device 110 (e.g., a transmitting component of the transmission device 110, which may be separate from or a distinct component of the sensor 210) may transmit an RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object 220. For example, the transmission device 110 may initiate transmission of the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object 220. The RF signal may be configured to power an RF energy harvesting device. For example, the transmission device 110 may be configured to transmit the RF signal at a strength sufficient to power an RF energy harvesting device within the coverage area of ​​the RF signal (e.g., in some examples, at least 20 dBm). In some aspects, the RF signal may be in the 900 MHz frequency band and may have a maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 36 dBm. In some aspects, the RF signal may be in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and may have a maximum EIRP of 20 dBm.

[0057] In some aspects, the transmission device 110 can sense the presence of the object 220 and / or transmit an RF signal (or initiate transmission of an RF signal) independently of receiving a transmission (e.g., an RF transmission) from the RF energy harvesting device. For example, the sensor 210 can enable the transmission device 110 to sense the presence of the object 220 when the RF energy harvesting device is powered off or in a dormant or non-transmitting state. The transmission device 110 can initiate transmission of the RF signal when the RF energy harvesting device is powered off, or independently of whether the RF energy harvesting device is powered off. Thus, even in situations where the RF energy harvesting device is completely powered off or unable to transmit (e.g., an RF transmission), the techniques described herein can be used to initiate transmissions from the transmission device 110 to power the RF energy harvesting device.

[0058] In some examples, environment 200 may be a store. For example, object 220 may include a cart carrying merchandise, an item of merchandise, a worker, or other individual associated with the store, etc. The RF energy harvesting device may include a tag for the cart, merchandise, or individual. In some examples, environment 200 may be a warehouse. For example, object 220 may include a cart carrying inventory, an item of inventory, a worker, or other individual associated with the warehouse, etc. The RF energy harvesting device may include a tag for the cart, inventory, or individual. In some examples, environment 200 may be a hospital. For example, object 220 may include an individual associated with the hospital, medical equipment (e.g., any instrument, device, appliance, machine, appliance, implant, reagent for in vitro use, software, material, or other similar or related items, used alone or in combination for medical purposes), an item associated with a billable event, etc. The RF energy harvesting device may include a tag for the individual, medical equipment, or item.

[0059] In some aspects, sensor 210 can be associated with multiple transmission devices 110. Sensor 210 can transmit sensing information 230 to multiple transmission devices 110, and multiple transmission devices 110 can each transmit an RF signal based on the sensing information 230. Additionally or alternatively, a particular transmission device 110 can selectively transmit an RF signal based at least in part on the sensing information 230. For example, the sensing information can indicate a direction or location of an object, and transmission device 110 can transmit an RF signal only when the direction or location corresponds to a coverage area of ​​transmission device 110.

[0060] In some aspects, while the transmitting device 110 is waiting for the presence of an object to be sensed, the transmitting device 110 may refrain from transmitting RF signals. For example, the transmitting device 110 may transmit RF signals only when the presence of an object is sensed. As another example, the transmitting device 110 may place the transmitting component in a shutdown state (where one or more components of the transmitting component are powered off or the transmitting component is inactive) until the presence of an object is sensed. As another example, the transmitting component may not transmit RF signals while the transmitting device is waiting for the presence of an object to be sensed.

[0061] In some aspects, transmission device 110 may determine that the presence of an object is no longer sensed and / or the absence of an object is no longer sensed. For example, transmission device 110 may receive second sensing information 230 after initiating transmission of an RF signal. The second sensing information may not indicate the presence of object 220 and / or may indicate the absence of object 220. For example, transmission device 110 may use the second sensing information to not sense the presence of object 220 and / or to sense the absence of object 220. Transmission device 110 may cease transmitting RF signals in response to not sensing the presence of object 220 and / or sensing the absence of object 220. For example, transmission device 110 may set a transmitting component to an off state. As another example, transmission device 110 may not transmit RF signals. In some aspects, transmission device 110 may cease transmitting RF signals after a configured length of time. The configured length of time may be configured, for example, by a controller, administrator, etc. of transmission device 110. In some aspects, transmission device 110 may receive network signaling instructing it to cease transmitting RF signals. Network signaling may include, for example, radio resource control signaling, downlink control information, medium access control information, backhaul interface (e.g., F1) signaling, non-access stratum signaling, signaling using local area network or personal area network protocols, etc.

[0062] As pointed out above, Figure 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to Figure 2 Examples described.

[0063] Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating an example 300 of transmitting an RF signal by a transmitting device (e.g., transmitting device 110) based at least in part on sensing information according to the present disclosure. The transmitting device (e.g., transmitting device 110) can receive sensing information from a BLE module 310 associated with the transmitting device. As shown, the BLE module 310 provides sensing information (e.g., an indication of the presence of an object within the coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor and / or the transmitting device) to the transmitting device. The sensing information can be derived based on the received signal. The received signal can be sent by a second BLE module 320 of a second transmitting device. For example, based on whether the BLE module 310 receives or does not receive a signal sent by the second BLE module 320, the BLE module 310 or the transmitting device can derive the sensing information. The received signal can include any signal that can be sent by the BLE modules 310 / 320.

[0064] For example, the sensing information may indicate that the received signal is at least partially blocked by an object in the coverage area of ​​the transmitting device. Thus, the sensing information may satisfy a condition. The condition may be associated with (e.g., indicate the presence of) an object in the coverage area of ​​the RF signal that can be transmitted by the transmitting device. For example, the condition may be based at least in part on a channel measurement, signal strength, pulse measurement (e.g., the condition is satisfied if the pulse of the channel is below a threshold), etc. In some aspects, the condition may be satisfied when no receive signal is received (e.g., due to obstruction by an object). For example, the first BLE module 310 may fail to receive a signal at a predetermined time, a configured time, or a time negotiated between BLE modules, and sensing information may be provided indicating that the first BLE module 310 failed to receive a signal. In this example, the condition may be that the first BLE module 310 failed to receive a signal. The RF signal may be configured to power an RF energy harvesting device. For example, the transmitting device may be an energizer configured to transmit the RF signal at a strength sufficient to energize an RF energy harvesting device in the coverage area of ​​the RF signal.

[0065] As pointed out above, Figure 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to Figure 3 Examples described.

[0066] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process 400 performed, for example, at a transmission device or an apparatus of a transmission device, according to the present disclosure. The example process 400 is a diagram in which an apparatus or a transmission device (e.g., Figure 2-3 An example of a transmission device, transmission device 110) performing operations associated with sensing-based radio frequency signal transmission.

[0067] like Figure 4As shown in , in some aspects, process 400 may include: obtaining sensed information (block 410). For example, a transmitting device or apparatus (e.g., using a receiving component 502, an interface with a sensor or BLE module, and / or a communication manager 506, such as Figure 5 ) can receive or determine sensory information, as described above.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, in some aspects, process 400 may include sensing the presence of an object based on the sensed information (block 420). For example, a transmitting device or apparatus (e.g., using Figure 5 The communication manager 506 described in FIG) can sense the presence of an object based on the sensing information, as described above in conjunction with Figure 2 and 3 described.

[0069] like Figure 4 As further shown, in some aspects, process 400 may include transmitting an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device in response to sensing the presence of an object (block 430). For example, as described above, a transmitting device or apparatus (e.g., using transmitting component 504, Figure 1 Tx components of the transmission device 110 and / or Figure 5 The communication manager 506 depicted in FIG may transmit an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device (eg, RF energy harvesting device 105) in response to sensing the presence of an object. As another example, a transmitting device or apparatus may initiate transmission of an RF signal.

[0070] Process 400 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of the aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0071] In the first aspect, receiving the sensing information further includes: receiving the sensing information from a sensor.

[0072] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the sensor comprises at least one of a motion sensor, a light sensor, or an RF sensor.

[0073] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, the condition is satisfied to indicate that the object is present in the coverage area of ​​the RF signal.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, receiving the sensing information further comprises: receiving an indication from the passive infrared sensor that an object is present in a coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, wherein the condition is satisfied based at least in part on the object being present in the coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, as described in conjunction with Figure 2 described.

[0075] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, receiving the sensing information further comprises: receiving an indication based at least in part on the received signal from the BLE module of the transmitting device, the sensing information comprising the indication, wherein the condition is satisfied based at least in part on the indication, as in combination Figure 3 described.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, the received signal is associated with a second BLE module of the second transmitting device.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, process 400 includes ceasing transmission of the RF signal after a configured length of time.

[0078] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, process 400 includes receiving second sensing information after transmitting the RF signal, and stopping transmission of the RF signal based at least in part on the second sensing information failing to satisfy a condition.

[0079] although Figure 4 Example blocks of process 400 are shown, but in some aspects process 400 may include Figure 4 The blocks depicted in the process 400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks in the blocks of process 400 may be executed in parallel.

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example apparatus 500 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Apparatus 500 may be a transmission device (e.g., Figure 2-3 , a transmission device, a transmission device 110), or the transmission device may include an apparatus 500. In some aspects, the apparatus 500 includes a receiving component 502, a sending component 504, and / or a communication manager 506, which can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). As shown, the apparatus 500 can communicate with another apparatus 508 (such as a sensor, a BLE module, a UE, or a network node (such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), or a base station)) using the receiving component 502, the sending component 504, or an interface with another apparatus 508.

[0081] In some aspects, the apparatus 500 may be configured to perform the Figure 2-3Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 500 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein, such as Figure 4 In some aspects, Figure 5 The apparatus 500 and / or one or more components shown in FIG. 5 may include a combination of Figure 1 Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of a transmission device (e.g., transmission device 110) described herein. Figure 5 One or more of the components shown in the Figure 1 In addition or alternatively, one or more components in the component set may be at least partially implemented as software stored in a memory. For example, a component (or a portion of a component) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by a controller or processor to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0082] Receive component 502 (or interface) may receive communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, sensing information, or a combination thereof, from apparatus 508. Receive component 502 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of apparatus 500. In some aspects, receive component 502 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, among other examples) on the received communications and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of apparatus 500. In some aspects, receive component 502 may include one or more antennas of a transmitting device, a modem, a demodulator, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detector, a receive processor, a controller / processor, memory, an interface, or a combination thereof.

[0083] The transmitting component 504 (or interface) may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or a combination thereof, to the apparatus 508. In some aspects, one or more other components of the apparatus 500 may generate communications and may provide the generated communications to the transmitting component 504 for transmission to the apparatus 508. In some aspects, the transmitting component 504 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, among other examples) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to the apparatus 508. In some aspects, the transmitting component 504 may transmit RF signals configured to power an RF energy harvesting device. In some aspects, the transmitting component 504 may be collocated with the receiving component 502 in a transceiver.

[0084] The communication manager 506 can support the operation of the receiving component 502 and / or the sending component 504. For example, the communication manager 506 can receive information associated with configuring the reception of communications by the receiving component 502 and / or the sending of communications by the sending component 504. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 506 can generate and / or provide control information to the receiving component 502 and / or the sending component 504 to control the reception and / or sending of communications.

[0085] Receiving component 502 can receive the sensing information. Transmitting component 504 can transmit an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device based at least in part on the sensing information satisfying a condition associated with the presence of the object.

[0086] The communications manager 506 may cease transmission of the RF signal after a configured length of time.

[0087] The receiving component 502 may receive the second sensing information after transmitting the RF signal.

[0088] The communication manager 506 may stop transmitting the RF signal based at least in part on the second sensing information failing to satisfy the condition.

[0089] Figure 5 The number and arrangement of components shown in the are provided as examples. In practice, there may be Figure 5 Components may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently than those shown in FIG. Figure 5 Two or more components shown in may be implemented within a single component, or Figure 5 A single component shown in can be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 5 The assembly of (one or more) components shown in the FIGURES may perform the operations described by Figure 5 One or more functions performed by another set of components shown in .

[0090] Figure 6 6 is a diagram illustrating an example 600 for scheduling the transmission of an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, example 600 includes a transmission device 110 and an RF energy harvesting device (e.g., RF energy harvesting device 105). In some aspects, the RF energy harvesting device can be attached to or otherwise associated with an object (e.g., object 220). The transmission device 110 and the RF energy harvesting device can be included in or otherwise associated with an environment (e.g., environment 200), which can include, for example, a store, a hospital, or a warehouse.

[0091] As shown at reference numeral 610, the transmission device 110 may identify a schedule. The schedule may indicate one or more time intervals 620 during which transmission of RF signals configured to power the RF energy harvesting device is permitted. For example, the time intervals 620 may correspond to times at which objects are predicted to be present relative to the transmission device 110 (e.g., within the coverage area of ​​the transmission device 110). As another example, the time intervals 620 may correspond to times at which objects are predicted to be present in an environment, such as during business hours or restocking hours at a store, or loading or unloading times at a warehouse.

[0092] In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may generate a schedule. For example, the transmission device 110 may generate a schedule based on historical information regarding times at which objects were sensed by the transmission device 110 or when RF signals were transmitted by the transmission device 110. More specifically, the transmission device 110 may identify time intervals 620 in which objects were repeatedly sensed (e.g., within a threshold number of days, exceeding a threshold number of occurrences, with a threshold probability), and may generate a schedule indicating that RF signals are to be transmitted during the time intervals 620.

[0093] In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may receive configuration information indicating a schedule. For example, a controller (e.g., another transmission device 110, a management device) may send the configuration information, and the transmission device 110 may receive the configuration information. The configuration information may indicate the schedule. For example, the configuration information may identify the time interval 620, the period of the schedule, the direction for the RF signal, etc.

[0094] In some aspects, a controller may generate a schedule for multiple transmitting devices 110. For example, the controller may receive or obtain information regarding the presence of an object associated with each of the multiple transmitting devices 110. Using this information, the controller may generate a schedule for the multiple transmitting devices 110. For example, the schedule may cause the transmitting devices 110 to transmit during common time intervals 620 in which the presence of an object has been observed in any transmitting device 110. As another example, different transmitting devices 110 may have different schedules. For example, the schedule for a first transmitting device 110 may indicate time intervals 620 in which objects have historically been sensed near the first transmitting device 110, and the schedule for a second transmitting device 110 may indicate time intervals 620 in which objects have historically been sensed near the second transmitting device 110.

[0095] As shown at 630, the transmission device 110 may transmit the RF signal according to a schedule. For example, the transmission device 110 may transmit the RF signal in a time interval 620 identified by the schedule. In some aspects, the transmission device 110 may transmit continuously in the time interval 620. In some other aspects, the transmission device 110 may transmit in the time interval 620 based on sensing the presence of an object. For example, the time interval 620 may be a time interval in which the transmission device 110 performs sensing to identify the presence of an object, and if the transmission device 110 senses the presence of an object during the time interval 620, the transmission device 110 may transmit the RF signal. Figure 2 and 3 Sensing for identifying the presence of an object and transmission of an RF signal in response to sensing the presence of an object are described.

[0096] As pointed out above, Figure 6 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to Figure 6 Examples described.

[0097] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example process 700 performed, for example, at a transmission device or an apparatus of a transmission device, according to the present disclosure. The example process 700 is a diagram in which an apparatus or a transmission device (e.g., Figure 2-3 An example of a transmission device, transmission device 110) performing operations associated with sensing-based radio frequency signal transmission.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, in some aspects, process 700 may include identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device (block 710). For example, a transmitting device (e.g., using receiving component 502, an interface with a sensor or BLE module, and / or communication manager 506, such as Figure 5 ) can identify a schedule for initiating transmission of an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device (eg, RF energy harvesting device 105), as described above.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown in , in some aspects, process 700 may include: transmitting RF signals according to the schedule (block 720). For example, a transmitting device or apparatus (e.g., using transmitting component 504, Figure 1 Tx components of the transmission device 110 and / or Figure 5 The communication manager 506 depicted in FIG may send the RF signal according to the schedule, as described above. As another example, the transmission device or apparatus may trigger the transmission of the RF signal.

[0100] Process 700 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of the aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0101] In a first aspect, the schedule indicates times at which objects or RF energy harvesting devices are predicted to be present relative to transmitting devices.

[0102] In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, the schedule indicates time intervals in which transmission of an RF signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device is permitted.

[0103] In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second aspects, identifying a schedule further comprises: receiving configuration information indicating the schedule.

[0104] In a fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, identifying a schedule further comprises: generating a schedule.

[0105] In a fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, generating the schedule further comprises generating the schedule based on historical information regarding times at which objects were sensed or RF signals were transmitted.

[0106] In a sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, the RF signal is in the 2.4 GHz band and has an effective isotropically radiated power of up to 20 dBm.

[0107] In a seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, the RF signal is in the 900 MHz band and has an effective isotropically radiated power of up to 34 dBm.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventh aspects, process 700 includes transmitting an RF signal in response to sensing the presence of an object.

[0109] In a ninth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to eighth aspects, process 700 includes obtaining sensed information from a sensor.

[0110] In a tenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to ninth aspects, transmitting the RF signal further comprises: transmitting the RF signal using a transmitting component, wherein the sensor is separate from the transmitting component.

[0111] In an eleventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to tenth aspects, the sensor comprises at least one of a motion sensor, a light sensor, or an RF sensor.

[0112] In a twelfth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to eleventh aspects, the sensed information includes a signal from a motion sensor indicating the presence of an object.

[0113] In a thirteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twelfth aspects, the sensed information includes a signal from a light sensor indicating that an illumination level is below a threshold.

[0114] In a fourteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to thirteenth aspects, process 700 includes receiving an indication from a passive infrared sensor that an object is present in a coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, the sensed information including the indication.

[0115] In a fifteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourteenth aspects, process 700 includes receiving an indication based at least in part on a received signal from a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module of a transmitting device, the sensing information including the indication.

[0116] In a sixteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifteenth aspects, the received signal is associated with a second BLE module of the second transmitting device.

[0117] In a seventeenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixteenth aspects, sensing the presence of the object further comprises sensing the presence of the object without receiving a transmission from the RF energy harvesting device.

[0118] In an eighteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to seventeenth aspects, sensing the presence of the object further comprises: sensing the presence of the object while the RF energy harvesting device is in a dormant state.

[0119] In a nineteenth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to eighteenth aspects, the RF energy harvesting device is attached to or associated with the object.

[0120] In a twentieth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to nineteenth aspects, the object comprises at least one of a cart, a commodity, an individual, or warehouse inventory.

[0121] In a twenty-first aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to twentieth aspects, the time interval indicated by the schedule corresponds to a working time or a replenishment time of the store.

[0122] In a twenty-second aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of aspects one to twenty-first, the time intervals indicated by the schedule correspond to loading or unloading times of the warehouse.

[0123] although Figure 7 Example blocks of process 700 are shown, but in some aspects process 700 may include Figure 7 The blocks depicted in the process 700 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 700. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks of the blocks in the process 700 may be executed in parallel.

[0124] The following provides an overview of some aspects of the disclosure:

[0125] Aspect 1: A method of wireless transmission performed by a transmission device, comprising: sensing the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device; and transmitting an RF signal configured to power a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device in response to sensing the presence of the object.

[0126] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein sending the RF signal further comprises: initiating transmission of the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object.

[0127] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of aspects 1-2, further comprising: obtaining sensing information from a sensor associated with the transmission device.

[0128] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3, wherein transmitting the RF signal further comprises: transmitting the RF signal using a transmitting component, wherein the sensor is separate from the transmitting component.

[0129] Aspect 5: The method of aspect 3, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a motion sensor, a light sensor, or an RF sensor.

[0130] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the sensed information comprises a signal from a motion sensor associated with the transmission device indicating the presence of the object.

[0131] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the sensed information comprises a signal from a light sensor associated with the transmission device indicating that the illumination level is below a threshold.

[0132] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of aspects 1-7 further comprising: receiving an indication from a passive infrared sensor associated with the transmitting device that an object is present in a coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, the sensing information comprising the indication.

[0133] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 1-8 further comprises: receiving an indication based at least in part on the received signal from a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module of the transmitting device, the sensing information comprising the indication.

[0134] Aspect 10: The method according to Aspect 9, wherein the received signal is associated with a second BLE module of the second transmitting device.

[0135] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of aspects 1-10, further comprising: stopping the transmission of the RF signal after a configured length of time.

[0136] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1-11 further includes: after initiating the transmission of the RF signal, receiving second sensing information, wherein the second sensing information does not indicate the presence of the object; and after receiving the second sensing information, stopping the transmission of the RF signal.

[0137] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 1-12, further comprising: avoiding transmission of the RF signal while the transmitting device awaits the presence of an object to be sensed.

[0138] Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 1-13, wherein sensing the presence of the object further comprises sensing the presence of the object independently of receiving a transmission from an RF energy harvesting device.

[0139] Aspect 15: The method according to any one of aspects 1-14, wherein sensing the presence of the object further comprises: sensing the presence of the object when the RF energy harvesting device is in a dormant state.

[0140] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of aspects 1-15, wherein sending the RF signal further comprises: sending the RF signal according to scheduling.

[0141] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, wherein the schedule indicates time intervals in which transmission of RF signals configured to power the RF energy harvesting device is permitted.

[0142] Aspect 18: The method according to Aspect 16, further comprising: receiving configuration information for indicating scheduling.

[0143] Aspect 19: The method according to Aspect 16 further includes: generating a schedule.

[0144] Aspect 20: The method of aspect 19, wherein generating the schedule further comprises generating the schedule based on historical information about times at which objects are sensed or RF signals are transmitted.

[0145] Aspect 21: The method of aspect 16, wherein the schedule is associated with a time at which the object or RF energy harvesting device is predicted to be present relative to the transmitting device.

[0146] Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 1-21, wherein the RF signal is in the 2.4 GHz band and has a transmit power of approximately 20 dBm.

[0147] Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 1-22, wherein the RF signal is in the 900 MHz band and has a transmit power of approximately 30 dBm.

[0148] Aspect 24: The method of any of aspects 1-23, wherein the RF energy harvesting device is attached to or associated with the object.

[0149] Aspect 25: The method of any one of aspects 1 to 24, wherein the object comprises at least one of: a cart, merchandise, an individual, stock, or a medical device.

[0150] Aspect 26: A method of wireless transmission performed by a transmitting device, comprising: identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device; and transmitting the RF signal according to the schedule.

[0151] Aspect 27: The method of aspect 26, wherein the schedule indicates times at which the object or RF energy harvesting device is predicted to be present relative to the transmitting device.

[0152] Aspect 28: The method of any of aspects 26-27, wherein the schedule indicates time intervals in which transmission of RF signals configured to power an RF energy harvesting device is permitted.

[0153] Aspect 29: The method according to any one of aspects 26-28, wherein identifying the schedule further comprises: receiving configuration information indicating the schedule.

[0154] Aspect 30: The method according to any one of aspects 26-29, wherein identifying a schedule further comprises: generating a schedule.

[0155] Aspect 31: The method of aspect 30, wherein generating the schedule further comprises generating the schedule based on historical information regarding times at which objects were sensed or RF signals were transmitted.

[0156] Aspect 32: The method of any of aspects 26-31, wherein the RF signal is in the 2.4 GHz band and has a transmit power of approximately 20 dBm.

[0157] Aspect 33: The method of any of aspects 26-32, wherein the RF signal is in the 900 MHz band and has a transmit power of approximately 30 dBm.

[0158] Aspect 34: The method according to any one of aspects 26-33 further includes: sensing the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device, wherein sending the RF signal further includes: sending the RF signal based on sensing the presence of the object.

[0159] Aspect 35: The method according to Aspect 34, further comprising: obtaining sensing information from a sensor associated with the transmission device.

[0160] Aspect 36: The method according to aspect 35, wherein transmitting the RF signal further comprises: transmitting the RF signal using a transmitting component, wherein the sensor is separate from the transmitting component.

[0161] Aspect 37: The method of aspect 35, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a motion sensor, a light sensor, or an RF sensor.

[0162] Aspect 38: The method of aspect 34, wherein the sensed information comprises a signal from a motion sensor associated with the transmission device indicating the presence of the object.

[0163] Aspect 39: The method of aspect 34, wherein the sensed information comprises a signal from a light sensor associated with the transmission device indicating that the illumination level is below a threshold.

[0164] Aspect 40: The method of aspect 34, further comprising: receiving an indication from a passive infrared sensor associated with the transmitting device that an object is present in a coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, the sensing information comprising the indication.

[0165] Aspect 41: The method according to aspect 34 further includes: receiving an indication based at least in part on the received signal from a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module of the transmitting device, the sensing information including the indication.

[0166] Aspect 42: The method according to Aspect 41, wherein the received signal is associated with a second BLE module of the second transmitting device.

[0167] Aspect 43: The method of aspect 34, wherein sensing the presence of the object further comprises sensing the presence of the object without receiving a transmission from the RF energy harvesting device.

[0168] Aspect 44: The method of aspect 43, wherein sensing the presence of the object further comprises: sensing the presence of the object when the RF energy harvesting device is in a dormant state.

[0169] Aspect 45: The method of any of Aspects 26-44, wherein the RF energy harvesting device is attached to or associated with the object.

[0170] Aspect 46: The method of aspect 45, wherein the object comprises at least one of: a cart, a commodity, an individual, or warehouse inventory.

[0171] Aspect 47: The method according to any one of aspects 26-46, wherein the time interval indicated by the schedule corresponds to a working hour or a replenishment time of the store.

[0172] Aspect 48: The method according to any one of aspects 26-47, wherein the time interval indicated by the schedule corresponds to a loading or unloading time of the warehouse.

[0173] Aspect 49: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to one or more of Aspects 1-48.

[0174] Aspect 50: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1-48.

[0175] Aspect 51: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one means for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 1-48.

[0176] Aspect 52: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1-48.

[0177] Aspect 53: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set for wireless communication, the instruction set comprising one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of aspects 1-48.

[0178] Aspect 54: A device for wireless communication, the device comprising a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects of Aspects 1-48.

[0179] Aspect 55: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured, individually or collectively, to cause the device to perform a method according to one or more of Aspects 1-48.

[0180] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the various aspects.

[0181] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as a combination of hardware and / or hardware and software. Regardless of being referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or other names, "software" should be broadly interpreted as meaning instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, processes and / or functions and other examples. As used herein, a processor is implemented with a combination of hardware and / or hardware and software. It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented with a combination of hardware and / or hardware and software in different forms. The actual specialized control hardware or software code for implementing these systems and / or methods is not intended to limit various aspects. Therefore, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without citing specific software codes, because it will be understood by those skilled in the art that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods at least in part based on the description herein.

[0182] As used herein, "satisfying a threshold" may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0183] Even if the specific combination of feature is recorded in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of each aspect. Many features in these features can be combined in a manner not specifically recorded in the claims and / or specifically disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of each aspect includes the combination of each dependent claim and each other claim in the claim set. As used herein, the phrase of "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including single members. For example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to encompass a, b, c, a+b, a+c, b+c and a+b+c, and any combination of identical elements (e.g., a+a, a+a+a, a+a+b, a+a+c, a+b+b, a+c+c, b+b, b+b+b, b+b+c, c+c and c+c+c or any other sorting of a, b and c) in multiples.

[0184] Any element, action or instruction used herein should not be interpreted as critical or necessary, unless clearly described as such. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more projects and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more projects quoted in conjunction with the article "the", and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used herein, the terms "set" and "group" are intended to include one or more projects and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". If only want to refer to an entry, phrase "only one" or similar terms will be used. In addition, as used herein, the terms "has", "have", "having" etc. are intended to be open terms, and these open terms do not limit the elements (for example, "having" A elements may also have B) that they modify. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on", unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" when used in a series is intended to be inclusive and can be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in conjunction with "either" or "only one of").

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a transmission device, comprising: one or more memories; as well as One or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, are configured to cause the transmission device to perform the following operations: sensing the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device; as well as A radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device is transmitted in response to sensing the presence of the object.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to send the RF signal are configured to cause the transmission device to initiate transmission of the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors are configured to cause the transmission device to obtain the sensing information from a sensor associated with the transmission device.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to transmit the RF signal are configured to cause the transmission device to transmit the RF signal using a transmission component, wherein the sensor is separate from the transmission component.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein The sensor includes at least one of the following: Motion sensor, Light sensor, or RF sensor.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein The sensed information includes a signal from a motion sensor associated with the transmission device indicating the presence of the object.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein The sensed information includes a signal from a light sensor associated with the transmission device indicating that an illumination level is below a threshold.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors are further configured to cause the transmitting device to receive an indication from a passive infrared sensor associated with the transmitting device that the object is present in a coverage area of ​​the passive infrared sensor, the sensing information including the indication.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors are further configured to cause the transmitting device to cease transmission of the RF signal after a configured length of time.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors are further configured to cause the transmission device to perform the following operations: receiving second sensing information after initiating transmission of the RF signal, wherein the second sensing information does not indicate the presence of the object; and The transmission of the RF signal is stopped after receiving the second sensing information.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors are further configured to cause the transmitting device to refrain from transmitting the RF signal while the transmitting device awaits the presence of the object to be sensed.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmitting device to sense the presence of the object are configured to cause the transmitting device to sense the presence of the object independently of receiving a transmission from the RF energy harvesting device.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to sense the presence of the object are configured to cause the transmission device to sense the presence of the object while the RF energy harvesting device is in a dormant state.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to transmit the RF signal are configured to cause the transmission device to transmit the RF signal according to a schedule.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein The RF signal is in the 2.4 GHz band and has an effective isotropic radiated power of up to 20 dBm.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein The RF signal is in the 900 MHz band and has an effective isotropic radiated power of up to 34 dBm.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein The RF energy harvesting device is attached to or associated with the object.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein The object includes at least one of the following: cart, commodity, individual, medical devices, or Warehouse inventory.

19. An apparatus for wireless communication at a transmission device, comprising: one or more memories; as well as One or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, are configured to cause the transmission device to perform the following operations: identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power an RF energy harvesting device; and The RF signal is transmitted according to the schedule.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The schedule indicates times at which objects or RF energy harvesting devices are predicted to be present relative to the transmitting device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The schedule indicates time intervals in which transmission of RF signals configured to power the RF energy harvesting device is permitted.

22. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to identify the schedule are configured to cause the transmission device to receive configuration information indicating the schedule.

23. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmitting device to identify the schedule are configured to cause the transmitting device to generate the schedule.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein The one or more processors that cause the transmission device to generate the schedule are configured to cause the transmission device to generate the schedule based on historical information regarding times at which objects were sensed or RF signals were transmitted.

25. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The one or more processors are configured to cause the transmission device to perform the following operation: sense the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device, wherein, in order to cause the one or more processors to send the RF signal, the one or more processors are configured to cause the transmission device to perform the following operation: send the RF signal based on the sensed presence of the object.

26. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The time intervals indicated by the schedule correspond to the working hours or replenishment times of a store or the loading or unloading times of a warehouse.

27. A wireless transmission method performed by a transmission device, comprising: sensing the presence of an object based on sensing information obtained by the transmission device; as well as A radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device is transmitted in response to sensing the presence of the object.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein Sending the RF signal further includes initiating transmission of the RF signal in response to sensing the presence of the object.

29. A wireless transmission method performed by a transmission device, comprising: identifying a schedule for initiating transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal configured to power a radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting device; as well as The RF signal is transmitted according to the schedule.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The schedule indicates times at which objects or RF energy harvesting devices are predicted to be present relative to the transmitting device, or time intervals in which transmission of RF signals configured to power the RF energy harvesting devices is permitted.

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