Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus configured to: receive (1700), from a control unit, a configuration message for transmitting an activation signal with or without a phase rotation; and transmitting (1702) an activation signal with or without a phase rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method, and computer program for sending an activation signal in a communication system. Background Art

[0002] A communication system may be viewed as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities (such as communication devices, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between the various entities involved in the communication path.

[0003] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs) operating based on radio standards (such as those provided by 3GPP), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification, which specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how this should be achieved. It also typically defines the communication protocols and / or parameters used for the connection. An example of a standard is the so-called 5G standard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: receive a configuration message from a control unit for sending an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and send an activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0006] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send position information to a control unit indicating that the apparatus has a static or semi-static position.

[0007] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send capability information to a control unit, the capability information indicating that the apparatus has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation.

[0008] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive identification information from the control unit, the identification information indicating an identifier of another apparatus configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0009] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive, from another apparatus, a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus.

[0010] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus.

[0011] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus to a control unit.

[0012] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus.

[0013] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive, from another apparatus, a distance from the apparatus to a reflector.

[0014] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a distance from the apparatus to a reflector.

[0015] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send a distance from the apparatus to a reflector to a control unit.

[0016] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on a distance from the apparatus to a reflector.

[0017] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send the number of phase rotations to a control unit.

[0018] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive a resource allocation from the control unit for transmitting an activation signal; and transmit the activation signal with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0019] The activation signal may be configured to activate a passive tag.

[0020] The device may be an activator.

[0021] The device may be a user equipment or a fixed wireless access point.

[0022] The apparatus may include a dipole antenna configured to transmit an activation signal.

[0023] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for: receiving a configuration message from a control unit to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and sending the activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0024] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a circuit system configured to: receive a configuration message from a control unit to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and send the activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0025] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: receiving a configuration message from a control unit to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and sending the activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0026] According to one aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable code is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to: receive a configuration message from a control unit to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and send the activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0027] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: send a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and send a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0028] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive position information from an activator indicating that the activator has a static or semi-static position; and select an activator to send an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0029] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive capability information from an activator, the capability information indicating that the activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and select an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation.

[0030] The at least one memory may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive position information from another activator, the position information indicating that the other activator has a static or semi-static position, or does not have a static or semi-static position; and select another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0031] The at least one memory may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive capability information from another activator, the capability information indicating whether the other activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation, or does not have the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and select the other activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0032] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send identification information indicating an identifier of another activator to the activator.

[0033] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive, from an activator, a distance from the activator to another activator; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the activator to another activator.

[0034] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive from the activator a distance from the activator to the reflector; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the activator to the reflector.

[0035] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive a number and / or value of phase rotation from an activator.

[0036] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a resource allocation for sending an activation signal based on the number of phase rotations; and send the resource allocation to the activator.

[0037] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: send a resource allocation to another activator.

[0038] The apparatus may comprise a control unit.

[0039] The apparatus may be part of an access network or a core network.

[0040] The apparatus may be part of a base station or a location management function.

[0041] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for sending a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation and sending a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0042] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to: send a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and send a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0043] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: sending a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and sending a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0044] According to one aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable code is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to: send a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation; and send a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0045] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least: determine whether the device has a static or semi-static position; and determine whether to send an activation signal with phase rotation based on whether the device has a static or semi-static position.

[0046] The at least one memory may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: determine whether the device has received a configuration message for sending an activation signal with phase rotation; and determine whether to send an activation signal with phase rotation based on whether the device has received a configuration message for sending an activation signal with phase rotation.

[0047] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine that the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; determine that the apparatus has received a configuration message to send an activation signal with a phase rotation; and send an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0048] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine the number and / or value of phase rotations; and send an activation signal with phase rotation based on the number and / or value of phase rotations.

[0049] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a wavelength of the activation signal; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the wavelength of the activation signal.

[0050] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: determine a distance from the device to another device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the device to the other device.

[0051] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: receive a distance from the device to another device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation, the distance being determined by the other device; and determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the device to the other device.

[0052] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a distance from the apparatus to a reflector; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the apparatus to the reflector.

[0053] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: receive a distance from the other device to the reflector, the distance being determined by the other device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation; and determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the other device to the reflector.

[0054] The at least one memory may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: determine a maximum distance among the distance from the device to another device, the distance from the device to a reflector, and / or the distance from another device to a reflector; and determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on the maximum distance.

[0055] The at least one memory may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine a first number and / or a first value of phase rotation when the maximum distance is less than the first number of wavelengths of the activation signal; determine a second number and / or a second value of phase rotation when the maximum distance is greater than the first number of wavelengths of the activation signal and less than the second number of wavelengths of the activation signal; or determine a third number and / or a third value of phase rotation when the maximum distance is greater than the second number of wavelengths of the activation signal and less than the third number of wavelengths of the activation signal.

[0056] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive a resource allocation for transmitting an activation signal; and transmit the activation signal with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0057] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine that the apparatus does not have a static or semi-static position; and transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0058] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: determine that the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; determine that the apparatus has not received a configuration message for sending an activation signal with phase rotation; and send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0059] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: determine that the device has received a configuration message for determining the distance from the device to the other device from another device configured to send an activation signal with phase rotation; determine the distance from the device to the other device; and send the distance from the device to the other device to the other device.

[0060] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to at least: determine that the device has received a configuration message from another device configured to send an activation signal with phase rotation to determine the distance from the device to a reflector; determine the distance from the device to the reflector; and send the distance from the device to the reflector to the other device.

[0061] The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: receive a resource allocation for sending an activation signal without rotation; and send the activation signal without rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0062] The activation signal may be configured to activate a passive tag.

[0063] The device may be an activator.

[0064] The device may be a user equipment or a fixed wireless access point.

[0065] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes means for determining whether the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; and determining whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the apparatus has the static or semi-static position.

[0066] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes circuitry configured to: determine whether the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; and determine whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the apparatus has the static or semi-static position.

[0067] According to one aspect, a method is provided that includes determining whether the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; and determining whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the apparatus has the static or semi-static position.

[0068] According to one aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable code is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to: determine whether the device has a static or semi-static position; and determine whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the device has a static or semi-static position.

[0069] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which program instructions are stored. The program instructions are used to execute at least one of the above methods.

[0070] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, on which program instructions are stored. The program instructions are used to execute at least one of the above methods.

[0071] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided, having stored thereon program instructions for executing at least one of the above methods.

[0072] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be understood that other aspects can be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects.

[0073] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims.

[0074] List of abbreviations

[0075] AF: Application Function

[0076] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0077] API: Application Programming Interface

[0078] BS: Base Station

[0079] CU: Centralized Unit

[0080] DL: Downlink

[0081] DU: Distributed Unit

[0082] eMTC: Enhanced Machine Type Communication

[0083] gNB: gNodeB

[0084] GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications

[0085] HSS: Home Subscriber Server

[0086] IoT: Internet of Things

[0087] LORA: Long Range

[0088] LMF: Location Management Function

[0089] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0090] MAC: Media Access Control

[0091] MS: Mobile Station

[0092] MTC: Machine Type Communication

[0093] NB: Narrow Band

[0094] NEF: Network Exposure Function

[0095] NF: Network Function

[0096] NR: New Radio

[0097] NRF: Network Repository Function

[0098] PDU: Packet Data Unit

[0099] RAM: Random Access Memory (R)AN: (Radio) Access Network RedCap: Reduced Capacity

[0100] RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

[0101] ROM: Read-Only Memory

[0102] SCU: Session Control Unit

[0103] SMF: Session Management Function

[0104] TR: Technical Report

[0105] TS: Technical Specification

[0106] UE: User Equipment

[0107] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System UWB: Ultra-Wideband 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G: Fifth Generation

[0108] 5GC: 5G core network 5GS: 5G system BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0110] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G system;

[0111] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the control device;

[0112] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a user equipment is shown;

[0113] Figure 4 Shown is the power flow of an activator comprising a single 900 MHz dipole antenna with (a) and without (b) a reflecting surface two meters away;

[0114] Figure 5 The amount of attenuation in the blind zone is shown;

[0115] Figure 6 A first process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown;

[0116] Figure 7 A second process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown;

[0117] Figure 8 A third process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown;

[0118] Figure 9 The power flow for two activators in free space with 1 m separation and no nearby reflectors is shown (10 m x 5 m);

[0119] Figure 10 Shown are the power envelopes of activation signals from two activators using phase rotations: a) two phase rotations and b) four phase rotations;

[0120] Figure 11The power flow for two activators in free space with 2 m separation and no nearby reflectors is shown (10 m x 5 m);

[0121] Figure 12 Shown are the power envelopes of activation signals from two activators using phase rotations: a) four phase rotations and b) eight phase rotations;

[0122] Figure 13 Shown is the power flow for two activators (1.85m and 2.15m) with 2m spacing and a nearby reflector about 2m away (10m x 5m, top view);

[0123] Figure 14 Shown is the power flow for two activators (1.85m and 2.15m) with 1m separation and a nearby reflector about 2m away (10m x 4m, side view);

[0124] Figure 15 Shown are the power envelopes of activation signals from two activators using phase rotations: a) four phase rotations and b) eight phase rotations;

[0125] Figure 16 Shown with Figure 13 and Figure 14 Power flow for a single activator for a similar use case in Figure 1 (top and side views);

[0126] Figure 17 A block diagram illustrating a method performed by an apparatus, such as an activator, for sending an activation signal in a communication system;

[0127] Figure 18 A block diagram illustrating a method performed by an apparatus (such as a control unit) for sending an activation signal in a communication system;

[0128] Figure 19 A block diagram illustrating a method performed by an apparatus, such as an activator, for sending an activation signal in a communication system;

[0129] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform Figures 17 to 19 One or more of the steps of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to a mobile communication device capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and a mobile communication system serving such a mobile communication device. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 ,as well as Figure 3Certain general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to help understand the technology behind the described examples.

[0131] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system (5GS) is shown. The 5G system may include user equipment (UE), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks (DNs).

[0132] The 5G(R)AN may include: one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions.

[0133] 5GC may include: access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), authentication server function (AUSF), user data management (UDM), user plane function (UPF), network exposure function (NEF), and / or location management function (LMF) (not shown).

[0134] Figure 2 Diagram for controlling Figure 1 1. An example of a control device 200 for a function of a (R)AN or 5GC is shown. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may, for example, enable execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of a 5G (R)AN or 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the (R)AN or 5GC includes a control device 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the (R)AN or 5GC may share a control device.

[0135] The network element may be configured to configure the UE to send an activation signal with or without rotation for activating the passive tag. The network element may be referred to as a session control unit (SCU). The network element may be part of the (R)AN. For example, the network element may be a gNB. The network element may be part of the 5GC. For example, the network element may be a LMF.

[0136] Figure 3 An example of a UE 300 is shown, such as Figure 1 UE 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device (such as a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone"), a computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (such as a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet equipped with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) device, a cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device, or any combination of these devices. UE 300 may provide communications, such as for carrying data for communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, data, machine data, and the like.

[0137] The UE 300 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 307 via suitable means for receiving, and may transmit signals via suitable means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3 In FIG, the transceiver arrangement is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver arrangement 306 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio component and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0138] The UE 300 may be equipped with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware-assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, enable execution of one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0139] The processor, storage device, and other related control devices can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, a combination thereof, or the like. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, a speaker, and a microphone may optionally be provided.

[0140] The UE 300 may be configured to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation for activating a passive tag. The UE 300 may then be referred to as an activator.

[0141] One or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to Internet of Things (IoT) communications.

[0142] Prior to Release 18, 3GPP had already provided specifications for Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Machine Type Communications (ETC), and NR Reduced Capability (RedCap). These specifications enabled the deployment of low-cost, low-power IoT devices for wide-area IoT communications. These IoT devices might cost a few dollars and consume tens or hundreds of milliwatts when sending and / or receiving communications. However, these IoT devices are too expensive and consume too much power to enable the Internet of Everything. IoT devices that are ten or even a hundred times cheaper and consume ten or even hundreds of times less power would be desirable, particularly for applications requiring battery-free IoT devices.

[0143] In pre-conference email discussions for Version 18, there was a shared interest in battery-free IoT devices.

[0144] The number of IoT communications has been growing rapidly in recent years and is expected to reach hundreds of billions by 2030. As more and more "things" are expected to be connected to improve productivity and increase living comfort, there is a demand to further reduce the size, cost, and power consumption of IoT devices.

[0145] Regularly replacing batteries in IoT devices can be impractical due to the significant material and labor costs. Some have proposed using battery-free IoT devices, using energy harvested from the environment to power these devices. This allows for self-sustainable communication, particularly in applications with a large number of IoT devices (e.g., identifier tags and sensors).

[0146] One issue with existing 3GPP technology is the ability to use energy harvested from the environment given the limited size of IoT devices.

[0147] IoT devices typically consume tens or even hundreds of milliwatts for transmitting and / or receiving communications. Taking NB-IoT devices as an example, the typical current consumption for receiving communications is about 60mA, and the power supply voltage is above 3.1V. At a transmit power of 0dBm, the typical current consumption for transmitting communications is about 70mA. The power provided by using energy harvested from the environment is typically less than 1mW (considering the small size of the energy harvester, which is only a few square centimeters). Since the power used by using energy harvested from the environment is much lower than the power consumed by IoT devices, in most cases it is impractical to power IoT devices with energy harvesters.

[0148] One possible solution is to configure IoT devices to use energy harvested from the environment using a combination of rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors. However, there may still be some issues that need to be addressed. First, the lifespan of both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors may be shortened. Providing a constant charging current or voltage using energy harvesting can be difficult, and because the power provided by energy harvesting is very low, long periods of continuous charging may be required. Unconsistent charging current or voltage, as well as prolonged continuous charging, can be detrimental to the lifespan of the rechargeable battery or supercapacitor.

[0149] Regarding rechargeable batteries, since small coin-cell batteries can only provide tens of milliamperes of current, larger batteries (e.g., AA batteries) can be used to power IoT devices. However, these batteries may be larger than the IoT devices themselves.

[0150] Regarding supercapacitors, their lifespan can be significantly shortened in high-temperature environments (e.g., less than three years at 50 degrees Celsius). Furthermore, the size of IoT devices can increase significantly. To store energy for a reasonable operating time (e.g., one second), a supercapacitor might require a capacitance on the order of 100 million farads. Such a supercapacitor could be larger than the IoT device.

[0151] Furthermore, both rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors can be more expensive than IoT devices. Even if purchased in large quantities, a suitable rechargeable battery or supercapacitor can cost a dollar or several dollars, which is almost double the cost of an IoT device.

[0152] Passive tags, such as passive radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags, are an example of battery-free devices. Power consumption for passive RFID tags can be as low as 1 microwatt. Key technologies enabling this low power consumption include envelope detection for downlink data reception and backscatter communication for uplink data transmission. RFID tags can be designed for short-range communication, with a typical effective range of less than 10 meters. Because the air interface of RFID tags has remained virtually unchanged since 2005, it has become a barrier to improving their link budget and supporting scalable network capabilities.

[0153] Attracted by the low power consumption of backscatter uplink data transmission, research has begun on numerous non-3GPP technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and Long Range (LoRa). Air interfaces based on RFID tags or slightly modified passive tags can support power consumption in the microwatt or tens of microwatts range. A significant portion of this research is focused on LoRa communications. Passive LoRa tags implemented with commercial off-the-shelf components can transmit sensor data to a receiver up to 381 meters away. Currently, most research focuses on individual, detailed technologies optimized for various purposes. It's difficult to see a comprehensive system design that fully meets the requirements of the target use case. However, standardization of these technologies is agile and rapid, as these industries often adhere to de facto standards. This means that even private standards may be adopted once numerous products on the market demonstrate competitiveness in a particular application.

[0154] RP-223396 deals with ambient IoT networks and is as follows (see SI Section 4.1 Objectives).

[0155] “This study targets a new 3GPP IoT technology suitable for deployment in 3GPP systems that relies on ultra-low complexity devices with ultra-low power consumption for very low-end IoT applications. The study should provide clear differentiation, i.e. address use cases and scenarios that cannot be achieved with existing 3GPP LPWA IoT technologies, such as NB-IoT, including reducing peak Tx power.

[0156] In terms of energy storage, the study will consider the following device characteristics:

[0157] Pure battery-free equipment, no energy storage capacity, completely dependent on external energy

[0158] Availability of sources

[0159] Equipment with limited energy storage capacity that does not require manual replacement or charging.

[0160] During the research process, device classification based on corresponding characteristics (e.g., energy source, energy storage capability, passive / active transmission, etc.) can be discussed in conjunction with relevant use cases. The peak power consumption of a device should be limited by the actual form factor of its intended use case and its energy source should be taken into account.

[0161] Identify suitable deployment scenarios and their characteristics, at least for the use cases / services agreed upon in SA1 “Research on IoT powered by ambient power”, including at least the following aspects:

[0162] Indoor / outdoor environment

[0163] Base station characteristics, such as macro / micro / pico cell-based deployment

[0164] Connection topology, including which node(s) (e.g., base station, UE, relay, repeater, etc.) can communicate with the target device

[0165] TDD / FDD, and frequency bands in licensed or unlicensed spectrum

[0166] Coexistence with UE and infrastructure in the frequency bands of existing 3GPP technologies

[0167] • Device-originated and / or device-terminated business assumptions Note: More than one deployment scenario may be identified for one use case, and one deployment scenario may be common to more than one use case.

[0168] Note: If more than one deployment scenario is identified for a use case, the trade-offs between them should also be studied.

[0169] Note: This study should not prioritize aspects of deployment that should be coordinated with SA, such as public or private networks, with or without CN connectivity.

[0170] Note: A representative use case can be studied for a group of use cases with similar requirements. Develop RAN set design goals based on the characteristics of the identified deployment scenarios and their associated use cases, including at least:

[0171] Power consumption

[0172] Complexity

[0173] Coverage

[0174] Data rate

[0175] Positioning accuracy

[0176] Note: The requirements of SA1 for relevant use cases should be considered.

[0177] Note: This study aims to provide better coverage for relevant use cases than existing non-3GPP technologies.

[0178] Comment: Other RAN design goals related to connection density, mobility, security, latency, reliability, etc. can be discussed if the relevant use case requires.

[0179] Note: The detailed definition of RAN design goals should be discussed during the study.

[0180] Compare and evaluate the feasibility of meeting the design goals of the relevant use case based on the deployment scenario(s) applicable to the relevant use case, and determine the assumptions for the required functionality to be supported.

[0181] Comment: This does not require detailed WG-level analysis.

[0182] Note: This study will target IoT segments that are well below existing 3GPP IoT technologies, such as NB-IoT, eMTC, RedCap, etc. This study should not aim to replace existing 3GPP PWA technologies.

[0183] A fixed wireless access (FWA) point or NR UE can be configured by the SCU to act as an activator in the ambient IoT network to activate nearby passive tags. Assuming the activator operates at 900 MHz, the antenna has a dipole characteristic, and the antenna gain is approximately 3 dBi. The maximum power delivered to the antenna can be 23 dBm, and the antenna's realized (i.e., absorption) loss can be 4 dB. This can result in a maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power of approximately 22 dBm.

[0184] A passive tag may require at least 1 μW (i.e., -30 dBm) to activate, which means that as mentioned above, the NR UE should theoretically be able to activate a passive tag at a distance of up to 10 m (based on the Friis transmission equation).

[0185] However, in environments with reflective surfaces, such as warehouses or port areas, the activation signal sent from a single activator may result in blind spots where the intended and reflected signals cancel each other out. Passive tags located in these blind spots may go undetected.

[0186] This is particularly a problem if both the activator and the passive tag are static, such as in a warehouse using static or semi-static activators.

[0187] Figure 4 The power flow of an activator comprising a single 900 MHz dipole antenna is shown for an environment extending 10 m vertically and ± 2 m horizontally, with no and with a reflective surface 2 m away. The reflective surface may be perpendicular to the Y axis. Figure 4 (a) Depicts the spatial power distribution without a reflecting surface. Figure 4 (b) depicts the spatial power distribution with a reflective surface. It can be seen that the activation signal is attenuated to the point of complete elimination (the dark grey radial area represents the dead zone where the signal level is below -30 dBm).

[0188] Figure 5 The amount of attenuation in the dead zones is shown. The attenuation can be as high as 20 dB (i.e., from -25 dBm to -45 dBm), reducing the coverage of these dead zones to less than 1 meter. These results can be achieved with perfectly reflecting surfaces, which is rarely the case in real life, as most surfaces have a reflection coefficient less than 1. However, dead zones with attenuation exceeding 10 dB loss are common, so this remains a valid issue for static and semi-static environments.

[0189] Semi-static environments are defined for activators that can move from one location to another but remain static for longer time intervals, such as portable NR UEs that can be manually placed and replaced at different locations, or portable NR UEs that move at low speeds (e.g., on a robot), where the channel coherence time is longer than the time for a passive tag activation burst.

[0190] Reflective surfaces may create standing waves in the power flow, which will result in several blind zones. In most use cases, this problem can be considered a near-field problem, as the size of the reflecting surface can be considered infinite, and therefore may have a greater impact in the near-field region of the activator. For an activator size of 0.33m (1 wavelength), the far-field region of a standalone activator in free space can be about 0.75m, which is relatively close to the activator. However, if the reflecting surface or the second activator is 1m or 2m away, the transmitted activation signal can be considered planar (in the far field) after about 6m or 24m, respectively. This is why Figure 4 The reason for this is that the power flow is shown rather than the far-field radiation pattern.

[0191] One or more aspects of the present invention provide a mechanism for reducing or eliminating blind spots of activation signals and increasing the coverage of activation signals by configuring an activator to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation (i.e., with a dynamic phase) and configuring another activator to simultaneously transmit an activation signal without phase rotation (e.g., with a static or semi-static phase). In a deployment where the activator and the other activator have static or semi-static positions, this increases the likelihood that passive tags will be activated by the activation signal.

[0192] Figure 6 A first process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0193] In step 1, the SCU and the first activator may perform an initialization procedure. As part of the initialization procedure, the first activator may or may not send position information to the SCU indicating that the first activator has a static or semi-static position. As part of the initialization procedure, the first activator may or may not send capability information to the SCU indicating that the first activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation. The position information may be included in an information element (e.g., one bit). The capability information may be included in another information element (e.g., one bit).

[0194] In step 2, the SCU and the second activator may perform an initialization procedure. As part of the initialization procedure, the second activator may or may not send position information to the SCU indicating that the second activator has a static or semi-static position. As part of the initialization procedure, the second activator may or may not send capability information to the SCU indicating that the second activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation. The position information may be included in an information element (e.g., one bit). The capability information may be included in another information element (e.g., one bit).

[0195] The SCU may select one of the first activator and the second activator to send the activation signal with phase rotation, and select the other of the first activator and the second activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation. For example, the SCU may select the first activator to send the activation signal with phase rotation, and select the second activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

[0196] In step 3, the SCU may send a configuration message to the first activator for sending an activation signal with phase rotation. The SCU may send identification information indicating an identifier of a second device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation. The configuration message may include an information element (e.g., one bit) indicating that an activation signal with phase rotation is sent. The configuration message may include an information element (e.g., several bits) indicating an identifier of the second device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation. The identifier of the second device may include an international mobile equipment identity number, a temporary identifier assigned by the SCU, or a sidelink identifier.

[0197] In step 4, the SCU may send a configuration message to the second activator to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation. The SCU may send identification information indicating the identifier of the first device configured to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation. If both the capability information from the first activator and the capability information from the second activator indicate that the first activator and the second activator have the capability to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation, the SCU may send identification information indicating the identifier of the first device configured to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation.

[0198] In step 5, the first activator and / or the second activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the second activator. When the first activator and the second activator have static or semi-static positions, the distance between the first activator and the second activator may be hard-coded in the first activator and the second activator. The distance between the first activator and the second activator may be determined based on the time required to send a signal from the first activator to the second activator and back (e.g., return time).

[0199] In step 6, the first activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the reflector. The first activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the reflector using conventional radar technology. The distance between the first activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to be sent from the first activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). This time may indicate the distance between the first activator and the reflector. The power loss may indicate the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. The threshold level may, for example, be up to 6 dB lower than the free space path loss estimated based on the distance to the object. If the level of the reflected signal is low, for example, more than 6 dB lower than the transmitted signal, this will reduce the severity of the standing wave and the area of ​​the blind spot. Therefore, even if the reflector is close to the activator, but the reflection coefficient is low, a strong standing wave will not be generated and can be ignored.

[0200] If the reflected power level from the reflector is above the threshold level, it may be determined that the longer the distance between the first activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot.

[0201] In step 7, the second activator may determine the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The second activator may determine the distance between the second activator and the reflector using conventional radar technology. The distance between the second activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to be sent from the second activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). This time may indicate the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The power loss may indicate the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. If the reflected power level from the reflector is above the threshold level, it may be determined that the longer the distance between the second activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot.

[0202] In step 8, the second activator may send the distance between the second activator and the reflector to the first activator. The second activator may send the distance between the second activator and the reflector to the first activator using sidelink communication.

[0203] In step 9, the first activator may determine the number and / or value of phase rotation. The first activator may determine the number and / or value of phase rotation based on at least one of the wavelength of the activation signal, the distance between the first activator and the second activator, the distance between the first activator and the reflector, or the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The number and / or value of phase rotation may be determined to reduce or eliminate blind spots. Figure 8 More details are provided in the description.

[0204] In step 10, the first activator may send the number and / or value of phase rotation to the SCU. The first activator may send a configuration message including an information element (e.g., several bits) indicating the value of the phase rotation (e.g., 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) and another information element indicating the number of phase rotations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8). When the values ​​of the phase rotation are separated by the same step value (e.g., 45 degrees), the information element indicating the value of the phase rotation may indicate the step value. In step 11, the SCU may determine a resource allocation (e.g., physical resource blocks or time slots) for sending the activation signal based on the number and / or value of the phase rotation.

[0205] In step 12, the SCU may send a resource allocation (eg, physical resource blocks or time slots) to the first activator for sending an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0206] In step 13, the SCU may send a resource allocation (eg, physical resource blocks or time slots) for sending an activation signal without phase rotation to the second activator.

[0207] The first activator may send an activation signal with phase rotation based on the resource allocation and the number and / or value of phase rotation. Meanwhile, the second activator may send an activation signal without phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0208] Figure 7 A second process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0209] In step 1, the SCU and the first activator may perform an initialization process. The first activator may or may not send position information indicating that the first activator has a static or semi-static position to the SCU. The first activator may or may not send capability information to the SCU, the capability information indicating that the first activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation. The position information may be included in an information element (e.g., one bit). The capability information may be included in another information element (e.g., one bit).

[0210] In step 2, the SCU and the second activator may perform an initialization process. As part of the initialization process, the second activator may or may not send position information to the SCU indicating that the second activator has a static or semi-static position. As part of the initialization process, the second activator may or may not send capability information to the SCU, the capability information indicating that the second activator has the capability to send an activation signal with phase rotation. The position information may be included in a second information element (e.g., one bit). The capability information may be included in another information element (e.g., one bit).

[0211] The SCU may select one of the first activator and the second activator to send the activation signal with phase rotation, and select the other of the first activator and the second activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation. For example, the SCU may select the first activator to send the activation signal with phase rotation, and select the second activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

[0212] In step 3, the SCU may send a configuration message to the first activator for sending an activation signal with phase rotation. The SCU may send identification information indicating an identifier of a second device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation. The configuration message may include an information element (e.g., one bit) indicating that an activation signal with phase rotation is sent. The configuration message may include an information element (e.g., several bits) indicating an identifier of the second device configured to send an activation signal without phase rotation. The identifier of the second device may include an international mobile equipment identity number, a temporary identifier assigned by the SCU, or a sidelink identifier.

[0213] In step 4, the SCU may send a configuration message to the second activator to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation. The SCU may send identification information indicating the identifier of the first device configured to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation. If both the capability information from the first activator and the capability information from the second activator indicate that the first activator and the second activator have the capability to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation, the SCU may send identification information indicating the identifier of the first device configured to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation.

[0214] In step 5, the first activator and / or the second activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the second activator. When the first activator and the second activator have static or semi-static positions, the distance between the first activator and the second activator may be hard-coded in the first activator and the second activator. The distance between the first activator and the second activator may be determined based on the time required to send a signal from the first activator to the second activator and back (e.g., return time).

[0215] In step 6, the first activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the reflector. The first activator may determine the distance between the first activator and the reflector using conventional radar technology. The distance between the first activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to be sent from the first activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). The time may be indicative of the distance between the first activator and the reflector. The power loss may be indicative of the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. The threshold level may, for example, be up to 6 dB lower than the free space path loss estimated based on the distance to the object. If the reflected power level from the reflector is above the threshold level, it may be determined that the longer the distance between the first activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot.

[0216] In step 7, the second activator may determine the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The second activator may determine the distance between the second activator and the reflector using conventional radar technology. The distance between the second activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to be sent from the second activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). This time may indicate the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The power loss may indicate the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. If the reflected power level from the reflector is above the threshold level, it may be determined that the longer the distance between the second activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot.

[0217] In step 8, the first activator may send the distance between the first activator and the second activator to the SCU. Alternatively, the second activator may send the distance between the first activator and the second activator to the SCU.

[0218] In step 9, the first activator may send the distance between the first activator and the reflector to the SCU.

[0219] In step 10, the second activator may send the distance between the second activator and the reflector to the SCU.

[0220] In step 11, the SCU may determine the number and / or value of phase rotations. The SCU activator may determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on at least one of the wavelength of the activation signal, the distance between the first activator and the second activator, the distance between the first activator and the reflector, or the distance between the second activator and the reflector. The number and / or value of phase rotations may be determined to reduce or eliminate blind spots.

[0221] In step 12, the SCU may determine a resource allocation (eg, physical resource blocks or time slots) for sending the activation signal based on the number and / or value of the phase rotation.

[0222] In step 13, the SCU may send the number and / or value of phase rotation to the first activator. The first activator may send a configuration message including an information element (e.g., several bits) indicating the value of phase rotation (e.g., 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) and another information element indicating the number of phase rotations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8). When the phase rotation values ​​are separated by the same step value (e.g., 45 degrees), the information element indicating the phase rotation value may indicate the step value.

[0223] The SCU may send a resource allocation (eg, physical resource blocks or time slots) to the first activator for sending an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0224] In step 14, the SCU may send a resource allocation (eg, physical resource blocks or time slots) to the second activator for sending an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0225] The first activator may send an activation signal with phase rotation based on the resource allocation and the number and / or value of phase rotation. Meanwhile, the second activator may send an activation signal without phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0226] Figure 8 A third process for sending an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0227] In step 1, the activator and the SCU may perform an initialization process. The activator may or may not send location information indicating that the activator has a static or semi-static position to the SCU. The activator may or may not send capability information to the SCU indicating that the activator has the ability to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation. The location information and capability information may be included in an information element. The process may then proceed to step 1.

[0228] In step 2, the activator may determine whether the activator has a static or semi-static position. If the activator has a static or semi-static position, the process may proceed to step 3. If the activator does not have a static or semi-static position, the process may proceed to step 9.

[0229] In step 3, the activator may determine whether the activator is configured to send an activation signal with a phase rotation. For example, the activator may determine whether the activator has received a configuration message from the SCU to send an activation signal with a phase rotation. If the activator is configured to send an activation signal with a phase rotation, the process may proceed to step 4. If the activator is not configured to send an activation signal with a phase rotation, the process may proceed to step 11.

[0230] In step 4, the activator may determine whether the activator is aware of another device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation. For example, the activator may determine whether the activator has received identification information from the SCU indicating the identifier of another device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation. If the activator is aware of another device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation, the process may proceed to step 5a. If the activator is not aware of another device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation, the process may proceed to step 6a.

[0231] In step 5a, the activator may determine the distance between the activator and the other activator. When the activator and the other activator have a static or semi-static position, the distance between the activator and the other activator may be hard-coded in the activator and the other activator. The distance between the activator and the other activator may be determined based on the time required to send a signal from the activator to the other activator and back (e.g., the return time). The process may proceed to step 6a. Alternatively, in step 1, the activator may receive the distance between the activator and the other activator, in which case step 5a may be skipped.

[0232] In step 6a, the activator may determine the distance between the activator and the reflector. The activator may use conventional radar technology to determine the distance between the activator and the reflector. The distance between the activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to be sent from the activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). This time may indicate the distance between the activator and the reflector. The power loss may indicate the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. If the reflected power level from the reflector is above the threshold level, it may be determined that the longer the distance between the activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot. The process may proceed to step 7.

[0233] In step 7, the activator may determine the number and / or value of phase rotation based on at least one of the wavelength of the activation signal, the distance between the activator and another activator, the distance between the activator and the object, and the distance between the other activator and the object. For example, the number of phase rotations may be calculated as follows.

[0234] If Dis max <3*λ→The number of phase rotations can be 4.

[0235] If 3*λ <Dis max <6*λ→The number of phase rotations can be 8.

[0236] If 6*λ <Dis max <12*λ→The number of phase rotations can be 16.

[0237] If... Wait...

[0238] Dis max The maximum distance may be the distance between an activator and another activator, the distance between an activator and a reflector, and / or the distance between another activator and a reflector.

[0239] λ may be the wavelength of the activation signal.

[0240] Of course, other numbers of phase rotations and / or different interval sizes may be selected. The process may proceed to step 8.

[0241] The activator may send the number and / or value of phase rotation to the SCU in step 8. The process may proceed to step 9a.

[0242] In step 9a, the activator may wait to receive a resource allocation from the SCU for sending an activation signal. The activator may receive a resource allocation from the SCU for sending an activation signal. The process may proceed to step 10.

[0243] In step 10, the activator may send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation and the number and / or value of the phase rotation.

[0244] In step 11, the activator may determine whether the activator has received a configuration message for determining the distance between the activator and the other activator from the SCU or another activator configured to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation. If the activator determines that the activator has received a configuration message for determining the distance between the activator and the other activator, the process may proceed to step 5b. If the activator determines that the activator has not received a configuration message for determining the distance between the activator and the other activator, the process may proceed to step 9b.

[0245] In step 5b, the activator may determine the distance between the activator and the other activator. When the activator and the other activator have a static or semi-static position, the distance between the activator and the other activator may be hard-coded in the activator and the other activator. The distance between the activator and the other activator may be determined based on the time required to send a signal from the activator to the other activator and back (e.g., the return time). The process may proceed to step 6b.

[0246] In step 6b, the activator may determine the distance between the activator and the reflector. The activator may use conventional radar techniques to determine the distance between the activator and the reflector. The distance between the activator and the reflector may be determined based on the time required for a signal to travel from the activator to the reflector and back (e.g., a return time). This time may indicate the distance between the activator and the reflector. Power loss may indicate the size and / or reflection coefficient of the reflector. It may be determined that the longer the distance between the activator and the reflector, the higher the number of phase rotations required to reduce or avoid the blind spot. The process may proceed to step 12.

[0247] In step 12, the activator may send the distance between the activator and the other activator to the other activator. The activator may send the distance between the activator and the reflector to the other activator. The process may proceed to step 9b.

[0248] In step 9b, the activator may wait to receive a resource allocation from the SCU for sending an activation signal. The activator may receive a resource allocation from the SCU for sending an activation signal. The process may proceed to step 13.

[0249] In step 13, the activator may send an activation signal without phase rotation based on the resource allocation and the number and / or value of phase rotation.

[0250] Various examples are provided below to illustrate the problems of blind spots and coverage of activation signals, and how to solve these problems by coordinating the transmission of activation signals by two activators.

[0251] Figure 9 The power flow of two activators in free space with a 1 m separation and no nearby reflectors (10 m x 5 m) is shown. Each activator may include a dipole antenna. The two activators may be configured to simultaneously transmit activation signals with different phase differences (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees). Different phase differences can be obtained by configuring an activator to transmit an activation signal with a phase rotation and configuring the other activator to transmit an activation signal without a phase rotation. It can be seen that when the phase difference is 0 degrees, a blind spot 902 may appear, while when the phase difference reaches 180 degrees, the blind spot 902 may disappear.

[0252] Figure 10 The power envelopes of activation signals from two activators using phase rotations are shown: a) two phase rotations and b) four phase rotations. It can be seen that to reduce or avoid blind spots, at least two phase differences (e.g., 0 and 180 degrees) and, therefore, at least two phase rotations may be required. However, additional phase differences (e.g., 90 and 270 degrees) as well as additional phase rotations can improve the coverage of the activation signal.

[0253] Figure 11 The power flow of two activators in free space with a 2m separation and no nearby reflectors (10m x 5m) is shown. Each activator may include a dipole antenna. The two activators may be configured to simultaneously transmit activation signals with different phase differences (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees). Different phase differences can be achieved by configuring an activator to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation and another activator to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0254] Figure 12 The power envelopes of activation signals from two activators using phase rotations are shown: a) four phase rotations and b) eight phase rotations. As can be seen, to reduce or avoid blind spots, at least four phase differences (e.g., 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees) may be required, and therefore at least four phase rotations may be required. However, additional phase differences (e.g., 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees) and additional phase rotations may improve the coverage of the activation signal.

[0255] Figure 13 The power flow for two activators (1.85 m and 2.15 m) with a 2 m spacing and a nearby reflector about 2 m away is shown (10 m x 5 m, top view). The nearby reflector can be perpendicular to the Y axis. In this example, an offset between the distances of the two activators to the reflector has been chosen. It can simulate reality - more than two activators are at exactly the same distance from the nearby reflector. Each activator can include a dipole antenna. The two activators can be configured to send activation signals simultaneously with different phase differences (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees). Different phase differences can be obtained by configuring an activator to send an activation signal with phase rotation and configuring another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0256] Figure 14The power flow for two activators (1.85m and 2.15m) with a 1m spacing and a nearby reflector perpendicular to the Y axis and approximately 2m away (10m x 4m, side view) is shown. As can be seen, to reduce or avoid blind spots, at least four phase differences (e.g., 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees) may be required, and therefore at least four phase rotations may be required. However, additional phase differences (e.g., 45, 135, 225, and 315 degrees) and additional phase rotations may improve the coverage of the activation signal.

[0257] It can be further seen that the improvement in coverage of the activation signal is lower than Figure 11 and Figure 12 (i.e., without a nearby reflector) because in this example the activator's dipole antennas are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the nearby reflector. This orientation of the dipole antennas was chosen for simulation reasons, and this exact symmetry is almost never achieved in real life.

[0258] It should be understood that the simulator mesh can be made with cubes. Therefore, modeling parallel or orthogonal dipoles can reduce simulation complexity and, therefore, hardware requirements. Thus, two simulated dipoles can be parallel to each other and orthogonal to the reflector. This is what we refer to as symmetry.

[0259] Figure 15 Shown are the power envelopes of the activation signals from two activators using phase rotations: a) four phase rotations and b) eight phase rotations.

[0260] Figure 16 Shown with Figure 13 and Figure 14 Power flow for a single activator for a similar use case in Figure 1 (top and side views).

[0261] It can be further seen that Figure 9 and Figure 11 Compared to the example (where there is no nearby reflector, even with phase rotation), Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example where there are nearby reflectors, more blind spots may appear. Figure 14 and Figure 15 Examples and Figure 9 and Figure 11 In the example, two activators send activation signals at the same time, Figure 16 Compared to the example in which one activator sends an activation signal, the coverage of the activation signal may be increased.

[0262] As is clear from the foregoing, increasing the distance between the two activators and / or the distance between the two activators and a nearby reflector can increase the number of phase rotations required to reduce or eliminate the blind spot. The number of phase rotations can be based on the maximum of the distance between the two activators, the distance between one of the two activators and the reflector, and / or the distance between the other of the two activators and the reflector. The angular orientation of the two activators and / or the reflector may not be critical to the number of phase rotations required, but it may affect the interference pattern.

[0263] It should be understood that although two activators are used in the above example, more than two activators may be used to simultaneously transmit activation signals, with at least one activator transmitting an activation signal with phase rotation and at least one activator transmitting an activation signal without phase rotation. When more than one activator transmits an activation signal with phase rotation, these more than one activators may transmit activation signals with phase rotation or with different phase rotations.

[0264] Figure 17 A block diagram of a method performed by an apparatus, such as an activator (eg, UE), for transmitting an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0265] In step 1702, the apparatus may receive a configuration message from a control unit for transmitting an activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0266] In step 1704, the device may send an activation signal with or without phase rotation.

[0267] The device may send position information to the control unit indicating that the device has a static or semi-static position.

[0268] The device may transmit capability information to the control unit, the capability information indicating that the apparatus has the capability to transmit the activation signal with the phase rotation.

[0269] The device may receive identification information from the control unit, the identification information indicating an identifier of another device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0270] The device may receive, from another device, a distance from the device to the other device.

[0271] The device may determine a distance from the device to the other device.The device may send the distance from the device to the other device to a control unit.

[0272] The device may determine the number and / or value of phase rotation based on a distance from the device to another device.

[0273] The device may receive a distance from the device to the reflector from another device.

[0274] The device can determine the distance from the device to the reflector.

[0275] The device may send the distance from the device to the reflector to the control unit.

[0276] The device may determine the number and / or value of the phase rotation based on the distance from the device to the reflector.

[0277] The device may send the number of phase rotations to the control unit.

[0278] The apparatus may receive a resource allocation from a control unit to send an activation signal.The apparatus may send the activation signal with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0279] The activation signal may be configured to activate a passive tag.

[0280] The device may be a user equipment or a fixed wireless access point.

[0281] The apparatus may include a dipole antenna configured to transmit an activation signal.

[0282] Figure 18 A block diagram of a method performed by an apparatus, such as a control unit (eg, SCU), for transmitting an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0283] In step 1802, the device may send a configuration message to an activator to send an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0284] In step 1804, the device may send a configuration message to another activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0285] The apparatus may receive position information from the activator indicating that the activator has a static or semi-static position. The apparatus may select the activator to send an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0286] The device may receive capability information from an activator, the capability information indicating that the activator has the capability to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation. The device may select the activator to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation.

[0287] The device may receive position information from another activator, the position information indicating that the other activator has a static or semi-static position, or does not have a static or semi-static position. The device may select the other activator to send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0288] The device may receive capability information from another activator, the capability information indicating whether the other activator has the capability to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation or does not have the capability to transmit an activation signal with phase rotation. The device may select the other activator to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0289] The device may transmit identification information indicating an identifier of another activator to the activator.

[0290] The apparatus receives from the activator a distance from the activator to another activator.The apparatus may determine a number and / or value of phase rotation based on the distance from the activator to another activator.

[0291] The apparatus may receive from the activator a distance from the activator to the reflector.The apparatus may determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the activator to the reflector.

[0292] The device may receive the number and / or value of the phase rotation from the activator.

[0293] The apparatus may determine a resource allocation for sending an activation signal based on the number of phase rotations.The apparatus may send the resource allocation to the activator.

[0294] The device may send a resource allocation to another activator.

[0295] The apparatus may be part of an access network or a core network.

[0296] The apparatus may be part of a base station or a location management function.

[0297] Figure 19 A block diagram of a method performed by an apparatus, such as an activator (eg, UE), for transmitting an activation signal in a communication system is shown.

[0298] In step 1900, the device may determine whether the device has a static or semi-static position.

[0299] In step 1902, the apparatus may determine whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the apparatus has a static or semi-static position.

[0300] The apparatus may determine whether the apparatus has received a configuration message to send an activation signal with a phase rotation. The apparatus may determine whether to send an activation signal with a phase rotation based on whether the apparatus has received a configuration message to send an activation signal with a phase rotation.

[0301] The apparatus may determine that the apparatus has a static or semi-static position; determine that the apparatus has received a configuration message to send an activation signal with a phase rotation; and send the activation signal with the phase rotation.

[0302] The apparatus may determine a number and / or value of phase rotations; and based on the number and / or value of phase rotations, send an activation signal with the phase rotation.

[0303] The apparatus may determine a wavelength of the activation signal; and determine a number and / or value of phase rotation based on the wavelength of the activation signal.

[0304] The apparatus may determine a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation.The apparatus may determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the apparatus to the other apparatus.

[0305] The apparatus may receive a distance from the apparatus to another apparatus configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation, the distance determined by the other apparatus. The apparatus may determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the apparatus to the other apparatus.

[0306] The apparatus may determine a distance from the apparatus to the reflector.The apparatus may determine a number and / or value of phase rotations based on the distance from the apparatus to the reflector.

[0307] The device may receive a distance from the other device to the reflector, the distance determined by the other device configured to transmit an activation signal without phase rotation. The device may determine the number and / or value of phase rotation based on the distance from the other device to the reflector.

[0308] The device may determine a maximum distance among a distance from the device to another device, a distance from the device to a reflector, and / or a distance from another device to a reflector. The device may determine the number and / or value of phase rotations based on the maximum distance.

[0309] When the maximum distance is less than a first number of wavelengths of the activation signal, the apparatus may determine a first number and / or a first value of the phase rotation. When the maximum distance is greater than the first number of wavelengths of the activation signal and less than a second number of wavelengths of the activation signal, the apparatus may determine a second number and / or a second value of the phase rotation. When the maximum distance is greater than the second number of wavelengths of the activation signal and less than a third number of wavelengths of the activation signal, the apparatus may determine a third number and / or a third value of the phase rotation.

[0310] The apparatus may receive a resource allocation for transmitting an activation signal.The apparatus may transmit the activation signal with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0311] The device may determine that the device does not have a static or semi-static position.The device may send an activation signal without phase rotation.

[0312] The device may determine that the device has a static or semi-static position;

[0313] It is determined that the apparatus has not received a configuration message to send an activation signal with a phase rotation.The apparatus may send an activation signal without a phase rotation.

[0314] The apparatus may determine that the apparatus has received a configuration message from another apparatus configured to transmit an activation signal with a phase rotation to determine a distance from the apparatus to the other apparatus. The apparatus may determine the distance from the apparatus to the other apparatus. The apparatus may transmit the distance from the apparatus to the other apparatus to the other apparatus.

[0315] The apparatus may determine that the apparatus has received a configuration message from another apparatus configured to transmit an activation signal with a phase rotation to determine a distance from the apparatus to a reflector. The apparatus may determine the distance from the apparatus to the reflector. The apparatus may transmit the distance from the apparatus to the reflector to the other apparatus.

[0316] The apparatus may receive a resource allocation for transmitting an activation signal without rotation.The apparatus may transmit the activation signal without rotation based on the resource allocation.

[0317] The activation signal may be configured to activate a passive tag.

[0318] The device may be a user equipment or a fixed wireless access point.

[0319] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a non-volatile storage medium 2000 storing instructions and / or parameters that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figures 17 to 19 One or more steps of a method.

[0320] It should be noted that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0321] It will be appreciated that although the above concepts are discussed in the context of 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

[0322] Therefore, these embodiments may vary within the scope of the appended claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Although various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0323] These embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the entity involved, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, in this regard, it should be noted that any process (e.g. Figures 17 to 19 The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs.

[0324] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0325] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or methods described previously. The circuitry may be provided in a base station and / or a communication device.

[0326] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0327] (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry)

[0328] now);

[0329] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as:

[0330] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software, and memory(s) that work together to enable an apparatus (such as a communication device or base station) to perform the various functions previously described;

[0331] as well as

[0332] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware)

[0333] Operations are performed, but the software may not exist when the operation is not required.

[0334] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, an integrated device.

[0335] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of some embodiments by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving a configuration message from the control unit to send an activation signal with or without phase rotation; and The activation signal is sent with or without phase rotation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Position information indicating that the device has a static or semi-static position is sent to the control unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Capability information is sent to the control unit, the capability information indicating that the device has a capability for sending the activation signal with phase rotation.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Identification information is received from the control unit, the identification information indicating an identifier of another device configured to transmit the activation signal without phase rotation.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A distance from the device to the other device is received from the other device.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A distance from the device to the other device is determined.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The distance from the device to the other device is sent to the control unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the distance from the device to the other device, a number and / or value of phase rotation is determined.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A distance from the device to the reflector is received from the other device.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The distance from the device to the reflector is determined.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The distance from the device to the reflector is sent to the control unit.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the distance from the device to the reflector, the number and / or value of phase rotation is determined.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The number of phase rotations is sent to the control unit.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from the control unit, a resource allocation for sending the activation signal; and The activation signal is sent with a phase rotation based on the resource allocation.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the activation signal is configured to activate a passive tag.

16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the device is an activator.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the device comprises: A dipole antenna is configured to transmit the activation signal.

18. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: sending a configuration message to the activator to send an activation signal with a phase rotation; and A configuration message is sent to another activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving position information from the activator indicating that the activator has a static or semi-static position; and The activator is selected to send the activation signal with a phase rotation.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving capability information from the activator, the capability information indicating that the activator has the capability to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation; and The activator is selected to send the activation signal with a phase rotation.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving position information from the other activator, the position information indicating that the other activator has a static or semi-static position or does not have a static or semi-static position; and The other activator is selected to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving capability information from the other activator, the capability information indicating whether the other activator has the capability to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation or does not have the capability to transmit the activation signal with phase rotation; and The other activator is selected to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Identification information indicating an identifier of the other activator is sent to the activator.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from the activator, a distance from the activator to the other activator; and Based on the distance from the activator to the further activator, a number and / or value of phase rotation is determined.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from the activator, a distance from the activator to a reflector; and Based on the distance from the activator to the reflector, the number and / or value of phase rotation is determined.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The number and / or value of phase rotation is received from the activator.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determining resource allocation for sending the activation signal based on the number of phase rotations; and The resource allocation is sent to the activator.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The resource allocation is sent to the other activator.

29. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the device comprises a control unit.

30. A method comprising: receiving, from the control unit, a configuration message for sending an activation signal with or without phase rotation; as well as The activation signal is sent with or without phase rotation.

31. A method comprising: sending a configuration message to the activator for sending an activation signal with a phase rotation; as well as A configuration message is sent to another activator to send the activation signal without phase rotation.

32. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions which, when run on one or more processors, perform the steps of the method according to claim 30 or claim 31.

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