Hybrid environment internet of things device communication based on auxiliary nodes

Abstract

The invention relates to mixed environment internet of things device communication based on auxiliary nodes. A method for hybrid environment Internet of Things device communication based on secondary nodes may include indicating to a network entity that an energy harvesting device supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. The method may also include operating in a first transmission mode as a default mode in which the activation signal is received from the intermediate node and switching from the first transmission mode to operating in a second transmission mode when a first switching condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technology or beyond 5G or sixth generation (6G) access technology or other communication systems. For example, some example embodiments may relate to hybrid environment IoT device communications based on auxiliary nodes. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is primarily based on NR technology. However, 5G networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of approximately 10-20 Gbit / s or higher and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) as well as massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least indicate to a network entity that the apparatus supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data may include modulating the data onto a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal onto which the data is modulated. The apparatus may also be configured to configure at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode, operate in the first transmission mode as a default mode, receive an activation signal from an intermediate node in the default mode, and switch from the first transmission mode to operation in the second transmission mode when a first switching condition is satisfied.

[0004] Certain example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least receive an indication from an energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data onto a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal onto which the data is modulated. The apparatus may also be caused to configure the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the first transmission mode, which is the default mode.

[0005] Some example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: indicate to a network entity that the apparatus supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus may also be caused to configure an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode and to operate in the backscatter mode as a default mode, an activation signal being received from an intermediate node in the default mode. The apparatus may also be caused to receive a first switching signal from the network entity for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode, and, upon receiving the first switching signal, switch from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode.

[0006] Various example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least: receive an indication from an energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus may also be caused to configure an intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode and to transmit a first switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0007] Certain example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least indicate to a network entity that the apparatus supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data may include modulating the data onto a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal onto which the data is modulated. The apparatus may also be configured to configure at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode, and operate in the backscatter mode as a default mode, in which an activation signal is received from an intermediate node. The apparatus may also be configured to switch from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode when the apparatus does not receive an activation signal from the intermediate node within a time period associated with the configured timer.

[0008] Some example embodiments may provide at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least receive an indication from an energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data onto a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal onto which the data is modulated. The apparatus may be configured to configure an intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode, and to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0009] Various example embodiments may provide one or more methods of performing one or more processes according to one or more apparatuses described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, as follows:

[0011] Figure 1 An example of a block diagram illustrating a system architecture for a hybrid AIoT device is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 An example of a network topology with mixed AIoT devices is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 shows examples of IoT topologies according to various example embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4 A signaling diagram illustrating one or more processes according to certain example embodiments;

[0015] Figure 5 An example of a flowchart illustrating one or more processes for a hybrid AIoT device according to some example embodiments;

[0016] Figure 6 An example of a flowchart illustrating one or more processes of a network entity according to various example embodiments;

[0017] Figure 7 An example of a flow chart illustrating a method according to certain example embodiments;

[0018] Figure 8 shows an example of a flow chart of another method according to some example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 9 An example of a flowchart illustrating other methods according to certain example embodiments;

[0020] Figure 10 An example of a flow chart illustrating a method according to various example embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 11 An example of a flow chart illustrating another method according to certain example embodiments is shown;

[0022] Figure 12 Examples of flowcharts illustrating other methods according to some example embodiments; and

[0023] Figure 13 A set of apparatuses according to various example embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer program products for facilitating node-based hybrid environment Internet of Things (IoT) device communications. Although the devices discussed below and illustrated in the figures refer to 5G / 6G or next-generation Node B (gNB) devices and user equipment (UE) devices, the present disclosure is not limited to gNBs and UEs alone.

[0025] It can be easily understood that the parts of some example embodiments as generally described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Different reference numerals from a plurality of drawings can be used outside the sequence in the specification to refer to the same elements to illustrate their features or functions. If necessary, the different functions or processes discussed herein can be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously with each other. In addition, if necessary, one or more of the described functions or processes can be optional or can be combined. Therefore, the following description should be considered as an explanation of the principles and teachings of some example embodiments, rather than as a restriction.

[0026] In 5G / 6G technology, Internet of Things (IoT) devices have and will continue to increase rapidly and can be used in various applications. As the number of IoT devices increases, it will become more important to increase production efficiency while reducing the size, cost and power consumption of IoT devices. For example, due to the cost and consumption of materials, excessive waste and increased manpower requirements, routine replacement of batteries for IoT devices may be impractical or undesirable. One solution for reducing the need for routine battery replacement is to use energy collected from the surrounding environment to power IoT devices for self-sustainable communication. This is particularly useful in implementations where a large number of devices are used, such as identification (ID) tags, sensors, medical devices and / or logistics objects (e.g., tracking devices). This type of IoT device can be referred to as an ambient IoT device that can be powered by energy harvesting, for example, so that the device can be battery-free or equipped with limited energy storage capabilities (e.g., using capacitors).

[0027] Ambient IoT devices can be used to supplement existing IoT technologies and expand usage to additional use cases that may require more cost-effective, power-efficient, and / or battery-free functionality. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications may define certain IoT devices that consume relatively low power during transmission and reception, such as tens or hundreds of milliwatts, and / or even lower cost and lower power consumption, such as is desired for battery-free devices.

[0028] An IoT device may be a passive radio system that utilizes energy from a wireless signal transmitted over a specific carrier and / or bandwidth and charges a simple circuit system that, once activated, can transmit or reflect a signal encoding at least the ID of the passive radio.

[0029] Energy harvesting-based devices can operate in either active or passive modes. The device can use energy harvested from wireless radio waves or any other form of energy that can be harvested from its environment or implementation. The device can be expected to operate at ultra-low power levels ranging from tens to hundreds of microwatts. For example, if energy is harvested from wireless radio waves, the output power of the energy harvesting device can range from a few microwatts to tens of microwatts. If a solar panel is used to harvest energy from solar energy / light, the output power will be less than 1 milliwatt due to the small size of the solar panel. The energy harvesting device can harvest energy and then use active circuitry to perform transmission, such as using a conventional transmitter. Some energy harvesting devices, such as passive IoT devices or tags, do not have active transmission circuitry and may use backscattering to transmit data. For example, a passive IoT device may use a passive radio system that harnesses energy from a wireless signal transmitted over a specific carrier and / or bandwidth to charge a simple circuit system that, once activated, transmits or reflects a signal that encodes at least the passive radio's ID.

[0030] An example implementation of a passive IoT device using backscatter can be radio frequency identification (RFID). An RFID device can be formed by a wireless system including one or more tags and one or more readers. RFID can be designed for short-range communication.

[0031] Ambient IoT devices are already widely used in various vertical industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, transportation, and the energy sector. Enabling passive / ambient IoT devices in both public and private networks can provide various benefits to the 5G ecosystem. 3GPP specifications may consider the operation of ambient IoT devices under extreme environmental conditions (such as high voltage, extremely high / low temperatures, other environmental factors (e.g., humidity), vibration, etc.). 3GPP specifications may also consider design parameters such as ultra-low complexity (e.g., cost), relatively small terminal size or form factor (e.g., mm thickness), maintenance-free design, and longer life cycle.

[0032] 3GPP specifications can define environments where IoT devices can have peak power consumption of hundreds of μW, energy storage, up to 10 X ppm and / or both UL and / or DL ​​amplification. The UL transmission of the ambient IoT device can be generated internally by the ambient IoT device or backscattered on an externally provided carrier. An ambient IoT device that has both active transmission and backscatter capabilities available in the same device can be referred to as a hybrid ambient IoT (AIoT) device. A hybrid AIoT device may require configuration to trigger a specific transmission mode, such as an active transmission mode and / or a backscatter transmission mode (also referred to as backscatter mode in this document).

[0033] AIoT devices can be classified into multiple categories. AIoT devices can be classified as passive, semi-passive, or active. AIoT devices can be classified as passive and may be battery-less devices with no energy storage capabilities and may not be capable of independent signal generation and / or amplification. Passive AIoT devices may be capable of backscatter. These passive AIoT devices may rely on the availability of an external energy source. AIoT devices can be classified as semi-passive and may have limited energy storage capabilities that do not require manual replacement or recharging. Semi-passive AIoT devices may not generate independent signals and may utilize backscatter with potential reflection gain. AIoT devices can be classified as active and may be actively transmitting devices with limited energy storage capabilities based on ambient energy. Incorporating AIoT technology into the IoT ecosystem can allow the use cases of the IoT ecosystem to be expanded while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

[0034] If there is sufficient harvested energy available from any source, including 3GPP and non-3GPP network sources, then the hybrid AIoT device can use active transmission because it does not rely on activation signals from 3GPP sources. If sufficient energy is available, a longer range can be achieved by operating the AIoT device in active transmission mode.

[0035] Figure 1 An example of a block diagram of a system architecture for a hybrid AIoT device is shown. A hybrid AIoT device can be a hybrid transceiver with both backscatter and active transmission capabilities. A hybrid AIoT device can be configured to switch between backscatter and active transmission modes.

[0036] Figure 1 The hybrid AIoT device shown in can include an antenna 101, a radio frequency (RF) energy harvester module 102, a power management module 103, and energy storage 104. The hybrid AIoT device can also include an active RF transceiver 105, a switch 106, a digital logic and microcontroller 107, and a memory 108, which can be connected to an application (not shown). The antenna 101 and the digital logic and microcontroller 107 can also be connected to a load manipulator 109, which can communicate with one or more loads 110 (e.g., load 1 and load n). Via the switch 106, the digital logic and microcontroller 107 can control the signaling to the active RF transceiver 105 and the load manipulator 109. In some example implementations, the switch 106 can be omitted and / or the digital logic and microcontroller 107 can implement the switch as part of the functionality of the microcontroller 107.

[0037] Figure 2An example of a network topology with hybrid AIoT devices is shown. A hybrid AIoT device with energy harvesting capabilities may be referred to as a hybrid energy harvesting device (H-EHD). 3GPP technology may define multiple topologies for ambient IoT devices that may provide that a UE may be configured to act as an intermediate node or an auxiliary node. For example, Figure 2 An example of Topology 2 as defined by 3GPP specifications is shown, which may be an IoT topology of a base station (e.g., gNB) 201 and an H-EHD 202 connected via one or more intermediate nodes (such as UE 203).

[0038] Due to the proximity of base station 201 and UE 203 to H-EHD 202, base station 201 may rely on UE 203 for backscatter device activation, and base station 201 may not be available for backscatter communications (both activation and receiving backscatter messages from the H-EHD) or RF energy transfer. H-EHD 202 may also provide limited backscatter support for control signaling. Depending on the implementation scenario, UE 203 may only provide activation signals to H-EHD 202 and may or may not provide RF signals for RF energy harvesting. It is assumed that H-EHD 202 can harvest energy from any source, including non-3GPP sources 204, for use in active transmission mode.

[0039] Various example embodiments may provide that the H-EHD 202 may be configured to operate in backscatter mode by default. Non-3GPP energy sources 204, such as solar signals, vibrations, and / or motion, may be able to provide sufficient energy in certain circumstances. Therefore, backscatter mode may be used as the preferred default mode, and whenever backscatter mode is not feasible due to the UE 203 being unavailable to provide an activation signal, it may be advantageous to use energy harvested from natural sources for active mode transmission.

[0040] Certain example embodiments may provide technical advantages to allow a network or core (5GC) network to pre-configure or configure a UE for operation in, for example, Topology 2, as discussed herein. Certain example embodiments may also provide for configuration mode switching between active transmission mode and backscatter mode in the H-EHD based on the UE (intermediate node) providing an activation signal and the availability of stored energy for the H-EHD. Backscatter may be configured as the default mode for the H-EHD, and if a UE is not available and the H-EHD has a threshold level of stored harvested energy, the H-EHD may be configured by the network to operate in active transmission mode.

[0041] Figure 3An example of an IoT topology according to various example embodiments is shown. The IoT topology may include a base station (BS) 301 (e.g., gNB) and an environmental IoT device 303 (H-EHD) connected via an intermediate node 302 (e.g., UE). The 3GPP specification may refer to this topology as Topology 2. This IoT topology provides that the intermediate node 302 is a bidirectional intermediate node, which may be a UE 302. Figure 3 Topology 2 shown can be used when a network-controlled intermediate node provides an activation signal to H-EHD 303. If no UE is available to provide the activation signal, H-EHD 303 may not be directly activated by a signal from base station 301. UE 302 or base station 301 may operate as a reader. H-EHD 303 may be in a default backscatter mode because base station 301 and UE 302 are not configured to provide an RF energy collection signal for energy collection for active transmission, while energy collection from natural (non-3GPP) resources may be unpredictable and may not be controlled for QoS guarantees.

[0042] Various example embodiments may provide H-EHD(s) that may be configured by a network (e.g., a base station) to operate in a default backscatter mode when one or more UEs are available to provide an activation signal to the H-EHD(s). However, when the H-EHD(s) are operating in backscatter mode and storing the collected energy in memory for future use, the H-EHD(s) may collect energy from natural (non-3GPP) sources. When no UEs are available in the vicinity of the H-EHD(s), the H-EHD(s) may not be provided with an activation signal. If the energy that the H-EHD(s) have collected and stored is greater than a threshold amount, the network may configure the H-EHD(s) to operate in an active transmission mode (as a fallback option).

[0043] Some example embodiments may provide that, based on energy status reports received from the H-EHD, the gNB may estimate how much the H-EHD can transmit in active transmission mode. This provides the network with a selection parameter to search for suitable intermediate nodes while keeping the H-EHD operational as long as the H-EHD has at least some stored energy, which may be from any source and may primarily be from natural (non-3GPP) sources. The gNB may search for UE(s) to provide an activation signal to the H-EHD. To further improve backup communications, the H-EHD may be configured to switch back to backscatter mode once a candidate UE for providing an activation signal to the H-EHD is found. This allows the H-EHD to not expend the H-EHD's stored energy whenever a UE is available to provide an activation signal.

[0044] Figure 4 A signal diagram illustrates one or more procedures according to various example embodiments. The one or more procedures may be performed by, for example, a configuration of a base station 401 (such as a gNB), an intermediate node 402 (such as a UE), and an H-EHD 403. gNB 401, UE 402, and H-EHD 403 may perform various procedures according to certain example embodiments, as described below.

[0045] One or more processes may include, at 410, the H-EHD 403 may notify the gNB 401 that the H-EHD 403 has hybrid device capabilities, the hybrid device having at least two transmission modes (such as active transmission mode and backscatter mode). For example, when the H-EHD 403 first communicates with the network (e.g., establishes a connection with the network), the H-EHD 403 may notify the network / gNB. This may be performed by, for example, the H-EHD 403 when the H-EHD 403 enters the coverage area of ​​the gNB 401, or may be performed when the H-EHD 403 registers with the 5GC network. At 411, the gNB 401 may configure the H-EHD 403 to operate in a default mode, such as backscatter mode as the default mode. The gNB 401 may configure the transmission mode by providing a configuration to the H-EHD 403. The default mode may be the transmission mode that the H-EHD 403 initially operates in and / or reverts to based on certain conditions, such as the presence of an activation signal and / or a sufficiently low energy storage level (e.g., below a threshold level). The gNB 401 may also configure an energy threshold to be used by the H-EHD 403 to trigger a switch in transmission mode. At 412, the H-EHD 403 may activate the backscatter mode as the default operating mode for the H-EHD 403 based on the configuration received from the gNB 401. When the UE 402 is in the vicinity of the H-EHD 403, the UE 402 may provide one or more activation signals when Topology 2 is implemented, for example. Any 3GPP node, such as the gNB 401 or the UE 402, may be used as a reader in Topology 2.

[0046] At 413, UE 402 may be determined to be unable to provide an activation signal to H-EHD 403. For example, UE 402 or H-EHD 403 may no longer be within range of each other or within the same coverage area, or UE 402's energy may be insufficient to support the activation service, or UE 402 may prefer to use its resources for its own QoS transactions. At 414, UE 402 may notify gNB 401 that it is unable to provide an activation signal to H-EHD 403. At 415, gNB 401 may initiate a process to search for and locate a new alternative intermediate node or UE in the vicinity of H-EHD 403 that may be capable of providing an activation signal to H-EHD 403. If gNB 401 is unable to locate an alternative UE to provide an activation signal, gNB 401 may initiate a process for H-EHD 403 to operate in active transmission mode as a fallback option for a period of time F. When H-EHD 403 has sufficient energy to operate in active transmission mode, H-EHD 403 can provide gNB 401 with flexibility (e.g., additional time) to locate new alternative intermediate nodes or UEs without interrupting the services provided by H-EHD 403.

[0047] In order to configure H-EHD 403 to operate in active transmission mode, gNB 401 may need to know the amount of energy stored in H-EHD 403. The stored energy may be collected from any source (e.g., a natural non-3GPP source (including a non-RF source)). At 416, gNB 401 may provide a query to H-EHD 403 to inform gNB 401 of the stored energy status of H-EHD 403. Since H-EHD 403 starts in backscatter mode by default, gNB 401 may need to include the query with an activation signal to H-EHD 403. gNB 401 may not be configured for information communication purposes with H-EHD 403, but may be configured to perform an energy status query as part of the activation signal of gNB 401 in backscatter mode. At 417, H-EHD 403 may be configured to evaluate or interpret the energy status query and may provide the energy level status of H-EHD 403 to gNB 401 in an energy status response message by modulating the energy status information on a signal transmitted by backscatter. In certain example embodiments, gNB 401 may include the query with an activation signal to H-EHD 403. 401 may not support the activation function, and H-EHD 403 may determine whether H-EHD 403 has not received an activation signal for time period H from UE 402 or another intermediate node or UE. If H-EHD 403 has not received an activation signal for time period H, H-EHD 403 may be configured to switch the mode of H-EHD 403 from backscatter mode to active transmission mode, and may directly send the energy state of H-EHD 403 to gNB 401.

[0048] At 418, gNB 401 may receive an energy status query response from H-EHD 403. Based on the stored energy status of H-EHD 403 and the quality of the connection link between gNB 401 and H-EHD 403, gNB 401 may estimate how many transmissions H-EHD 403 can perform before the energy storage of H-EHD 403 is depleted or falls below a threshold amount. This estimate by gNB 401 may inform gNB 401 of the urgency to find a suitable intermediate node / UE for H-EHD 403 before the connection is lost.

[0049] At 419, gNB 401 may start / initiate a timer T based on the estimate made by gNB 401 in process 418. This may allow gNB 401 to have a timeline or period for searching for and potentially finding a suitable intermediate node / UE for activating service. In some example embodiments, instead of a timer, gNB 401 may start a counter that counts the total number of transmissions that H-EHD 403 can make during active transmission mode before depleting its energy storage. This estimate may have a certain margin of error such that H-EHD 403 may run out of energy before or shortly after the timer expires.

[0050] Taking timer T as an example, at 420, gNB 401 may send an activation signal to H-EHD 403 to switch to active transmission mode. The activation signal may include timer T. At 421, H-EHD 403 may switch to active transmission mode and start timer T. H-EHD 403 may send one or more transmissions using the active transmission mode of H-EHD 403 during the pendency of timer T based on the configuration received at process 411. The received configuration may include a minimum energy threshold. The minimum energy threshold may be used by H-EHD 403 to assess whether H-EHD 403 has sufficient stored energy to perform a transmission. The use of a threshold by H-EHD 403 may prevent the possibility of an erroneous estimation of the timer T value, resulting in H-EHD 403 running out of energy before timer T expires. At 422, for each transmission, if H-EHD 403 has collected some energy, H-EHD 403 may optionally append an energy update of H-EHD 403 to a signal to gNB 401. Some example embodiments may provide that H-EHD 403 may append an energy state of H-EHD 403 to each transmission.

[0051] While Timer T is running (e.g., counting up or down), at 423, gNB 401 may continue searching for a suitable intermediate node / UE for H-EHD 403 with a parameter that takes into account the length of Timer T. For example, the parameter may include a threshold amount of time in which a UE may be available to provide an activation signal, such as if Timer T has a relatively large value, the threshold may also be relatively large, as there is no urgency in selecting a UE that may provide very weak or infrequent activation signals. At 424, when gNB 401 receives an energy update from H-EHD 403, gNB 401 may update Timer T. For example, if gNB 401 receives information that H-EHD 403 has collected energy since Timer T started, gNB 401 may re-estimate the value of Timer T and may extend or reduce the duration of Timer T due to the re-estimation. gNB 401 may notify H-EHD 403 of the updated Timer T.

[0052] When gNB 401 finds a suitable intermediate node / UE before timer T expires, gNB 401 may stop timer T and, at 425, gNB 401 may configure the newly found intermediate node / UE for activation services for H-EHD 403. The newly found intermediate node / UE can now act as UE 402. At 426, gNB 401 may send a message to H-EHD 403 to switch to backscatter mode and wait for an activation signal from UE 402. gNB 401 may also send one or more configurations that may be used to receive the activation signal from UE 402. At 427, H-EHD 403 may stop timer T after receiving the message from gNB 401 and may switch to backscatter mode based on the received configuration(s).

[0053] At 428, when the gNB fails to locate the intermediate node / UE 401, timer T may expire after a period of time set by timer T. The expiration of timer T may indicate that gNB 401 has not yet been able to locate a suitable intermediate node / UE to act as an activator for H-EHD 403 and that insufficient energy is available for H-EHD 403 to continue operating in active transmission mode. At 429, gNB 401 may signal H-EHD 403 to switch to default backscatter mode and await a potential activation signal. At 430, H-EHD 403 may switch to backscatter mode in response to a signal from gNB 401 or by its own decision, so that when an intermediate node / UE (e.g., UE 402) transmits an activation signal, H-EHD 403 may be able to receive the activation signal. In some example embodiments, as an alternative, H-EHD 403 may not wait to receive a signal from gNB 401 to switch to the default backscatter mode, but may instead switch to the default backscatter mode by its own decision. At 431, when gNB 401 selects a suitable intermediate node / UE as the new UE 402 for H-EHD 403, gNB 401 may configure the intermediate node / UE (e.g., UE 402) and may allow the intermediate node / UE to send one or more activation signals to H-EHD 403.

[0054] Various example embodiments may additionally provide for a scenario in which the timer T determined by gNB 401 is too optimistic (i.e., longer than the time H-EHD 403 can operate in active mode) and H-EHD 403 has stored less than a configured energy threshold. H-EHD 403 may switch from active transmission mode back to backscatter mode and may notify gNB 401 and / or the switch via a signal or other transmission that the timer T estimated / determined by gNB 401 is too large / long and that H-EHD 403 may not have sufficient stored energy. Upon receiving this transmission, the gNB may prematurely terminate its timer T and may be notified that H-EHD 403 has switched to backscatter mode. Because gNB 401 has not yet found a suitable intermediate node / UE, it is not possible to maintain any connectivity between gNB 401 and H-EHD 403 until gNB 401 finds a suitable intermediate node / UE (e.g., UE 402).

[0055] Figure 5An example of a flowchart of a process performed by a network device (e.g., a gNB) according to various example embodiments is shown. The H-EHD can be configured to operate in backscatter mode using an activation signal from a secondary node / UE. When the intermediate node / UE stops providing the activation signal, for example, when the intermediate node / UE moves out of coverage or runs out of energy, the intermediate node / UE can notify the gNB, and the gNB can trigger a process to search for and locate another intermediate node / UE that can act as an activator near the H-EHD. The gNB can attempt to locate an alternative / new intermediate node / UE (to act as an activator) as quickly as possible. For example, the gNB may already have a list of alternative / new intermediate nodes / UEs that are alternatives. The gNB can send a configuration to the alternative new intermediate node / UE and the H-EHD(s) to establish a connection.

[0056] When the gNB cannot find an alternative / new intermediate node / UE during time period F, the gNB may need to trigger a procedure for configuring the H-EHD to switch the H-EHD's transmission mode. The gNB may continue searching for an alternative intermediate node / UE (as an activator). When the H-EHD is operating in backscatter mode, the gNB may send a query to the H-EHD requesting the status of energy stored in backscatter mode. The gNB may not be configured to directly provide an activation signal to the H-EHD for information transmission. When the H-EHD is within the gNB's coverage area, the gNB may be configured to provide a control query, but direct information transmission may be discontinued for operational reasons (e.g., poor energy efficiency, excessive interference). Some example embodiments may provide that the gNB may not support activation functionality and may determine whether the H-EHD has not received an activation signal from the intermediate node / UE for time period H. The H-EHD may be configured to switch the transmission mode from backscatter mode to active transmission mode on its own (without instructions from the gNB) and may send the H-EHD's energy status to the gNB while in active transmission mode.

[0057] Various example embodiments may provide that, based on the stored energy state of a received H-EHD, the gNB may estimate the amount of time the H-EHD can operate in active transmission mode and may start a timer T. Timer T may be communicated to the H-EHD, and the H-EHD may switch transmission modes, such as, for example, from backscatter mode to active transmission mode, and may begin communications based on the provided configuration. The purpose of timer T may be to inform the gNB of the amount of time the H-EHD can maintain a connection to the gNB while the gNB is searching for an intermediate node / UE that is a candidate for an activator. The gNB may change its search criteria or parameters based on timer T. If the H-EHD harvests a certain amount of additional energy while operating in active transmission mode, the H-EHD may send an energy update to the gNB. Upon receiving the energy storage update from the H-EHD, the gNB may extend the value of timer T and may update the H-EHD.

[0058] While timer T is running, the gNB may search for an intermediate node / UE (acting as an activator) and may be notified or informed that the H-EHD has a connection to the network using active transmission mode. If timer T expires and the gNB is unable to find a new intermediate node / UE, the gNB may determine that the H-EHD cannot maintain a connection to the network (e.g., the gNB). The gNB may send a message to the H-EHD to switch back to the default backscatter mode and wait for an activation signal to be received via the new intermediate node / UE (acting as an activator).

[0059] Various example embodiments may provide: Figure 5The one or more processes shown in FIGURE 5 may include: at 510, the gNB configures the H-EHD to operate in backscatter mode and active transmission mode, where backscatter mode may be set as the default mode; and at 515, an intermediate node / UE that has been providing an activation signal to the H-EHD may cease providing the activation signal. At 520, the gNB may search for a new / alternative intermediate node / UE to serve as the activator of the H-EHD, and at 525, the gNB may determine whether the new / alternative intermediate node / UE has been found within a time period F, which may be set by the gNB or the H-EHD. If the new / alternative intermediate node / UE has been successfully found within time period F, the gNB may notify the H-EHD of operating in backscatter mode, and the H-EHD may wait to receive an activation signal from the new / alternative intermediate node / UE. At 530, if the gNB is unable to find the new / alternative intermediate node / UE within time period F, the gNB may send an energy status query / message to the H-EHD. At 535, the gNB may receive the energy status from the H-EHD and may calculate / determine a timer T (or counter) for the set amount of time and / or for the determined number of transmissions. At 540, the gNB may send a switching signal to the H-EHD to switch from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0060] The one or more procedures may include, at 545, the gNB determining whether an energy status update is available from the H-EHD. At 550, when the energy status update is received from the H-EHD, the gNB may update a timer T (or counter). At 555, the gNB may determine whether the timer T has expired. At 560, when the gNB determines that the timer T has not expired, the gNB may continue to perform active communication with the H-EHD and may wait for the next transmission from the H-EHD, which is operating in active transmission mode. At 565, when the gNB determines that the timer T has expired, the gNB may determine that transmission from the H-EHD is no longer possible and may send a message or signal to the H-EHD to switch from active transmission mode to backscatter mode.

[0061] Figure 6An example flowchart of a process performed by an IoT device (e.g., an H-EHD) according to various example embodiments is shown. The H-EHD may be configured to operate in backscatter mode with an intermediate node / UE as a default mode. When the intermediate node / UE stops providing an activation signal to the H-EHD, the H-EHD may receive an energy status query from the gNB. The H-EHD may backscatter an energy status response message to the gNB, which may include the amount of energy stored by the H-EHD. The stored energy may be energy collected by the H-EHD. Based on the energy status response, the gNB may send a timer T and one or more signals to the H-EHD for changing the transmission mode of the H-EHD. When the H-EHD receives the timer T and the signals from the gNB, the H-EHD may switch the transmission mode from backscatter mode to active transmission mode. Some example embodiments may provide that the H-EHD may switch the transmission mode from backscatter mode to active transmission mode without input from the gNB when the H-EHD does not receive any activation signals for a period of time H and may have a stored energy level greater than an energy threshold, which may be configured by the gNB.

[0062] Before the timer expires, the H-EHD may send a transmission to the gNB. Additionally or alternatively, an energy threshold E_th may be configured at the H-EHD, which may need to be met in order for further transmissions to proceed. The energy threshold E_th may be configured by the gNB or defined in the specification. The H-EHD may compare the H-EHD's stored energy with the energy threshold E_th before each transmission and may transmit when the stored energy level is greater than or equal to the energy threshold E_th. When the H-EHD's stored energy level is less than the energy threshold E_th, the H-EHD may send a message or signal to the gNB to stop the timer T. When the stored energy level is greater than or equal to the energy threshold E_th, the H-EHD may determine a condition for whether the H-EHD should send an energy update to the gNB, which condition may be attached to the H-EHD's transmission. The H-EHD may attach its energy status update with a single transmission, multiple transmissions, or with each transmission.

[0063] Certain example embodiments may provide that the condition may be comparing the stored energy at time t with the stored energy at time t-1. When the stored energy increases from t-1 to t, the H-EHD may have collected more energy than the energy the H-EHD spent on transmission(s) in the time slot at t-1. The H-EHD then sends an energy status update to the gNB, which notifies the gNB to update its timer and sends the updated timer T back to the H-EHD.

[0064] Some example embodiments may provide that the H-EHD may continue to perform transmissions in active transmission mode until: (i) the H-EHD may be interrupted by the gNB when the gNB finds a new / alternative intermediate node / UE that supports backscatter mode, which may help the H-EHD save the collected energy of the H-EHD for future use; or (ii) the H-EHD timer T expires and the gNB may signal the H-EHD to switch the transmission mode of the H-EHD to backscatter mode and wait for an activation signal whenever a new / alternative intermediate node / UE is available; or (iii) the timer T has not expired and the stored energy is less than an energy threshold E_th, such that the H-EHD may not support active transmission mode, which may occur when the timer T is not accurately calculated by the gNB. The H-EHD may need to send a timer interrupt message to the gNB and switch to the default backscatter mode.

[0065] The timer T estimate / determination can be pessimistic (T < actual value) or optimistic (T > actual value). A value T > actual value can have the effect that the H-EHD may run out of energy before the timer expires and may send an abort message to the gNB. When the timer T estimate / calculation is pessimistic, the timer may expire and the H-EHD may still have some energy to support active transmissions. This may also result in premature loss of connectivity for the H-EHD, and the H-EHD may be able to support active transmissions for a period of time even if the intermediate node / UE providing the activation signal is not found. Therefore, it may be desirable for the gNB to estimate the timer T value as close as possible to the actual time value.

[0066] Various example embodiments may provide: Figure 6The one or more processes shown in FIGURE 6 may include: At 610, the H-EHD may be configured to operate in backscatter mode by default, and at 620, the H-EHD may determine that an activation signal for time period H has not been received. At 630, the H-EHD may transmit an energy status response or update message to the gNB, and at 640, the H-EHD may switch from backscatter mode to active transmission mode. Switching to active transmission mode may be performed after receiving an instruction from the gNB or after time period H. At 650, the H-EHD may determine whether the stored energy (Energy_s(t)) for any transmission after the first transmission is greater than or equal to an energy threshold E_th. At 660, when the stored energy (Energy_s(t)) is less than the energy threshold E_th, the H-EHD may switch the transmission mode of the H-EHD from active transmission mode to backscatter mode. The H-EHD may perform a mode switch when there is insufficient stored energy for transmission or after receiving an instruction from the gNB. At 670, when the stored energy (Energy_s(t)) is greater than or equal to the energy threshold E_th, the H-EHD may determine whether the current stored energy (Energy_s(t)) is greater than the previous amount of stored energy (Energy_s(t-1)) for any transmission after the first transmission.

[0067] At 680, when the H-EHD determines that the current stored energy (Energy_s(t)) is not greater than the previous amount of stored energy (Energy_s(t-1)), the H-EHD may send a transmission in active transmission mode. At 690, when the H-EHD determines that the current stored energy (Energy_s(t)) is greater than the previous amount of stored energy (Energy_s(t-1)), the H-EHD may transmit an energy status update message to the gNB.

[0068] Various example embodiments may provide technical advantages for policy provisioning to UEs and policy enforcement by UEs in AIoT devices implemented in various topologies. Certain example embodiments may provide efficient communication for H-EHDs by suggesting or indicating a transmission mode (e.g., backscatter mode or active transmission mode) when the H-EHD does not have sufficient stored energy. Some example embodiments may provide a topology 2-based backscatter mode that may be set as a default mode because a gNB may not support activation for H-EHDs and may not rely on non-3GPP sources for energy due to quality of service (QoS) requirements.

[0069] Figure 7 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 7The method may be performed by a network element or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 7 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1310 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the H-EHD implementation.

[0070] According to various example embodiments, Figure 7 The method may include, at 710, indicating to a network entity that the apparatus 1310 supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data may include modulating the data on a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 720, the method may include configuring at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode. At 730, the method may further include operating in the first transmission mode as a default mode, an activation signal being received from an intermediate node in the default mode. At 740, the method may further include switching from the first transmission mode to operating in the second transmission mode when a first switching condition is met.

[0071] Certain example embodiments may provide that the method may further include receiving a configuration including at least one of a timer or an energy threshold from a network entity. Operating in the first transmission mode as a default mode may be in response to a configuration received from the network entity configuring the first transmission mode as the default mode. The method may further include providing an indication to the network entity that the apparatus has switched from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode. The method may include transmitting an energy status of an energy storage level of the apparatus to the network entity in response to receiving a query from the network entity during operation in the first transmission mode. The method may further include providing an energy status of the energy storage level of the apparatus to the network entity during operation in the second transmission mode.

[0072] Some example embodiments may provide that a first switching condition may be satisfied when a switching signal notifying the device to switch from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode is received from a network entity, or when the device does not receive an activation signal from an intermediate node within a time period associated with a configured timer. The first switching condition may be satisfied when the amount of energy stored by the device is above a first configured energy threshold. The method may further include switching from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode when a second switching condition is satisfied. The method may further include providing an indication to the network entity that the device has switched from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode. The second switching condition may be satisfied when a second switching signal notifying the device to switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode is received from the network entity, or when a second timer expires. The second timer may indicate a time period for which the device operates in the second transmission mode.

[0073] Various example embodiments may provide that the second timer may be one of the configured timers, or the second timer may be received within a switching signal from a network entity notifying the device to switch from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode. The method may further include receiving an update of the second timer from the network entity. The method may further include receiving an indication from the network entity that the second intermediate node has been configured for the device. The switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode may be based on the received indication. The second switching condition may be met when the amount of energy stored by the device is below a second configured energy threshold. The method may further include ignoring any timer associated with the switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode when the amount of energy stored by the device is below the second configured energy threshold.

[0074] Figure 8 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 8 The method may be performed by a network element or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 8 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1320 shown in FIG. 1 is performed by a network entity or access node (such as a gNB) similar to the apparatus 1320 shown in FIG.

[0075] According to various example embodiments, Figure 8The method may include, at 810, receiving an indication from an energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 820, the method may also include configuring the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the first transmission mode, which is the default mode.

[0076] Some example embodiments may provide that the method further comprises transmitting to the energy harvesting device a configuration comprising at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. The method may further comprise transmitting to the energy harvesting device a configuration configuring the first transmission mode as a default mode, and receiving from the energy harvesting device operating in the second transmission mode an energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The method may further comprise receiving from the energy harvesting device an indication that the energy harvesting device has switched from the first transmission mode to the second transmission mode. The method may further comprise determining that an intermediate node is unavailable to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device, and searching for another intermediate node to communicate with the energy harvesting device.

[0077] Various example embodiments may provide a method comprising: transmitting a result of a search to an energy harvesting device; in response to a failure to acquire another intermediate node, transmitting a query regarding an energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device to the energy harvesting device operating in a first transmission mode; and receiving the energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The failure to acquire the other intermediate node may be determined based on a time period used to search for the other intermediate node. The method may also include transmitting a switching signal to the energy harvesting device to switch from the first transmission mode to a second transmission mode. The switching signal may include a timer indicating a time period for the energy harvesting device to operate in the second transmission mode. The timer may be determined or updated based on the received energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The method may include transmitting the updated timer to the energy harvesting device and, when the energy harvesting device is operating in the second transmission mode, transmitting a second switching signal to the energy harvesting device to switch from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode in response to acquiring the other intermediate node. The method may also include receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode.

[0078] Figure 9 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 9The method may be performed by a network element or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 9 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1310 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the H-EHD implementation.

[0079] According to various example embodiments, Figure 9 The method may include, at 910, indicating to a network entity that the device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data includes modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data includes actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 920, the method may include configuring an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode, and at 930, operating in the backscatter mode as a default mode, an activation signal being received from an intermediate node in the default mode. At 940, the method may further include receiving a first switching signal from the network entity for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode, and at 950, switching from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode after the first switching signal is received.

[0080] Certain example embodiments may provide that the method includes receiving a configuration including an energy threshold from a network entity. Operating in backscatter mode as a default mode may be in response to receiving the configuration from the network entity, the configuration configuring backscatter mode as the default mode. The method may also include transmitting an energy status of an energy storage level of the device to the network entity in response to receiving a query from the network entity during operation in backscatter mode; and providing the energy status of the energy storage level of the device to the network entity during operation in active transmission mode. Switching occurs after the amount of energy stored by the device exceeds a first configured energy threshold.

[0081] Some example embodiments may provide that the method further comprises, after a switching condition is satisfied, switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode and providing an indication to a network entity that the device has switched from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode. The switching condition may be satisfied when a second switching signal instructing the device to switch from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode is received from the network entity or when a timer expires. The timer indicates a period of time for the device to operate in the active transmission mode. The timer may be received within a first switching signal from the network entity instructing the device to switch from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode. The method may further comprise: receiving an update for the timer from the network entity; and receiving an indication from the network entity that a second intermediate node has been configured for the device. Switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode is based on the received indication. The second switching condition may be satisfied when the amount of energy stored by the device is below a second configured energy threshold. The method may further comprise: ignoring any timer associated with switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode when the amount of energy stored by the device is below the second configured energy threshold.

[0082] Figure 10 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 10 The method may be performed by a network element or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 10 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1320 shown in FIG. 1 is performed by a network entity or access node (such as a gNB) similar to the apparatus 1320 shown in FIG.

[0083] According to various example embodiments, Figure 10 The method may include, at 1010, receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device includes modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device includes actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 1020, the method may further include configuring the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode. At 1030, the method may further transmit a first switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0084] Some example embodiments may provide that the method includes transmitting a configuration to the energy harvesting device, the configuration including an energy threshold for mode switching between a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. The method may also include transmitting a configuration to the energy harvesting device that configures the backscatter mode as a default mode; and receiving an energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device from the energy harvesting device operating in the active transmission mode. The method may also include determining that an intermediary node is unavailable to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device and searching for another intermediary node to communicate with the energy harvesting device.

[0085] Various example embodiments may provide that the method further comprises: transmitting a result of the search to the energy harvesting device; in response to failing to acquire other intermediate nodes, transmitting a query about an energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device to the energy harvesting device operating in backscatter mode; and receiving the energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The failure to acquire other intermediate nodes is determined based on a time period for searching for other intermediate nodes. In response to the received energy status, a first switching signal may be transmitted to the energy harvesting device. The first switching signal may include a timer indicating a time period for the energy harvesting device to operate in the active transmission mode. The timer may be determined or updated based on the received energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device.

[0086] Certain exemplary embodiments may provide that the method further includes transmitting an updated timer to the energy harvesting device and, when the energy harvesting device is operating in the active transmission mode, transmitting a second switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode in response to acquiring the other intermediate node. The method may also include receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode.

[0087] Figure 11 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 11 The method may be performed by a network element or a group of a plurality of network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 11 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1310 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the H-EHD implementation.

[0088] According to various example embodiments, Figure 11The method may include, at 1110, indicating to a network entity that the device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 1120, the method may also include configuring at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode, and at 1130, operating in the backscatter mode as a default mode, in which an activation signal is received from an intermediate node. At 1140, the method may include switching from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode when the device does not receive an activation signal from the intermediate node within a time period associated with the configured timer.

[0089] Certain example embodiments may provide that the method includes receiving a configuration including at least one of a timer or an energy threshold from a network entity. Operating in backscatter mode as a default mode may be in response to a configuration received from the network entity configuring backscatter mode as the default mode. The method may also include providing an indication to the network entity that the apparatus has switched from backscatter mode to active transmit mode, and providing an energy status of an energy storage level of the apparatus to the network entity during operation in active transmit mode. The switching may be performed when the amount of energy stored by the apparatus is above a first configured energy threshold.

[0090] Some example embodiments may provide that the method includes: switching from active transmission mode to backscatter mode when a switching condition is met; and providing an indication to a network entity that the device has switched from active transmission mode to backscatter mode. The switching condition may be met when a switching signal notifying the device to switch from active transmission mode to backscatter mode is received from the network entity, or when a second timer expires. The second timer may indicate a time period for the device to operate in active transmission mode. The second timer may be one of the configured timers. The method may also include: receiving an update of the second timer from the network entity; and receiving an indication from the network entity that the second intermediate node has been configured for the device. The switching from active transmission mode to backscatter mode may be based on the received indication.

[0091] Some example embodiments may provide that the switching condition may be satisfied when the amount of energy stored by the device is below a second configured energy threshold. The method may further include ignoring any timer associated with switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode when the amount of energy stored by the device is below the second configured energy threshold.

[0092] Figure 12An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In an example embodiment, Figure 12 The method may be performed by a network element or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 12 The method can be obtained by Figure 13 The apparatus 1320 shown in FIG. 1 is performed by a network entity or access node (such as a gNB) similar to the apparatus 1320 shown in FIG.

[0093] According to various example embodiments, Figure 12 The method may include, at 1210, receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. At 1220, the method may further include configuring the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device that is in the backscatter mode as a default mode. At 1230, the method may further include receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0094] Various example embodiments may provide that the method includes transmitting to the energy harvesting device a configuration including at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. The method may further include transmitting to the energy harvesting device a configuration configuring the backscatter mode as a default mode, and receiving from the energy harvesting device operating in the active transmission mode an energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The method may include determining or updating a timer based on the received energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device. The timer may indicate a time period during which the energy harvesting device operates in the active transmission mode. The method may further include transmitting to the energy harvesting device a timer, determining that an intermediate node is not available to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device, and searching for another intermediate node to communicate with the energy harvesting device.

[0095] Certain example embodiments may provide that the method further comprises: when the energy harvesting device is operating in the active transmission mode, in response to acquiring another intermediate node, transmitting a switching signal to the energy harvesting device to switch from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode. The method may also include receiving an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode.

[0096] Figure 13Devices 1310 and 1320 are shown according to various example embodiments. In various example embodiments, device 1310 may be an element in a network or associated with such a network, such as an ambient IoT device, an H-EHD, etc. H-EHD 303 / 403 may be an example of device 1310 according to various example embodiments as described above. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that device 1310 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown in FIG. In addition, the apparatus 1320 may be an element in a network or associated with such a network, such as a base station, gNB, etc. The base station 301 and the gNB 401 may be examples of the apparatus 1320 according to the various example embodiments described above. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatus 1320 may include Figure 13 Components or features not shown.

[0097] According to various example embodiments, apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies (such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology).

[0098] like Figure 13 As shown in the example of , device 1310 and / or device 1320 may include or be coupled to processor 1312 and / or processor 1322, respectively, for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 1312 and / or processor 1322 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as examples, processor 1312 and / or processor 1322 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 13A single processor 1312 (1322) is shown for each of the processors 1312 and / or processors 1322, but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 1310 and / or the device 1320 may include two or more processors, which may form a multi-processor system that can support multi-processing (e.g., in this case, the processor 1312 and / or the processor 1322 may represent a multi-processor). According to some example embodiments, the multi-processor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0099] Processor 1312 and / or processor 1322 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 1310 and / or device 1320, respectively, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 1310 and / or device 1320, including Figure 3-Figure 12 The process shown in .

[0100] Device 1310 and / or device 1320 may also include or be coupled to memory 1314 and / or memory 1324 (internal or external), respectively, which may be coupled to processor 1312 and / or processor 1322, respectively, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by processor 1312 and / or processor 1322. Memory 1314 (memory 1324) may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memory 1314 (memory 1324) may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable media. The instructions stored in memory 1314 and memory 1324 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 1312 and processor 1322, enable device 1310 and / or device 1320 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0101] In certain example embodiments, device 1310 and / or device 1320 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 1312 and 1322 and / or device 1310 and / or device 1320.

[0102] In some example embodiments, device 1310 and / or device 1320 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 1315 and 1325, respectively, for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from device 1310 and / or device 1320 via an uplink. Device 1310 and / or device 1320 may further include a transceiver 1316 and a transceiver 1326, respectively, configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 1316 and transceiver 1326 may further include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 1315 and antenna 1325, respectively. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc. to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0103] For example, transceiver 1316 and transceiver 1326 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s) 1315 and antenna 1325, and demodulate information received via antenna(s) 1315 and antenna 1325 for further processing by other elements of apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320. In other example embodiments, transceiver 1316 and transceiver 1326 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain embodiments, apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0104] In certain example embodiments, memory 1314 and / or memory 1324 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 1312 and / or processor 1322, respectively. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 1310 and / or device 1320. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for device 1310 and / or device 1320. The components of device 1310 and / or device 1320 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, device 1310 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 1320 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0105] According to certain example embodiments, processor 1312 and / or processor 1322 and memory 1314 and / or memory 1324 may be included in or form part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 1316 and transceiver 1326 may be included in or form part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0106] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 1310 may be controlled by the memory 1314 and the processor 1312 to indicate to a network entity that the apparatus supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data may include modulating data on a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus 1310 may also be configured to configure at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode; operate in the first transmission mode as a default mode, in which an activation signal is received from an intermediate node; and switch from the first transmission mode to operating in the second transmission mode when a first switching condition is satisfied.

[0107] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 1320 may be controlled by the memory 1324 and the processor 1322 to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode. In the first transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscattered signal, and in the second transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus 1320 may also be configured to configure the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 1310 may be controlled by the memory 1314 and the processor 1312 to indicate to a network entity that the apparatus 1310 supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data may include modulating data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus 1310 may also be caused to configure an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode and to operate in the backscatter mode as a default mode, an activation signal being received from an intermediate node in the default mode. The apparatus 1310 may also be caused to receive a first switching signal from the network entity for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode, and, upon receipt of the first switching signal, switch from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode.

[0109] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 1320 may be controlled by the memory 1324 and the processor 1322 to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus 1320 may also be configured to configure the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode and to transmit a first switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0110] In certain example embodiments, device 1310 may be controlled by memory 1314 and processor 1312 to indicate to a network entity that device 1310 supports backscatter mode and active transmission mode. In backscatter mode, transmitting data may include modulating data on a backscatter signal, and in active transmission mode, transmitting data may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. Device 1310 may also be configured to configure at least one of a timer or an energy threshold for mode switching between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode, and to operate in backscatter mode as a default mode, in which an activation signal is received from an intermediate node. Device 1310 may also be configured to switch from backscatter mode to operating in active transmission mode when device 1310 has not received an activation signal from the intermediate node for a time period associated with the configured timer.

[0111] In various example embodiments, the apparatus 1320 may be controlled by the memory 1324 and the processor 1322 to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports both a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode. In the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device may include actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated. The apparatus 1320 may be caused to configure the intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as a default mode, and to receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0112] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 1310 and / or apparatus 1320) may include means for performing the methods, processes, or any variations discussed herein. Examples of such means may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of operations.

[0113] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware circuit implementation alone (such as, analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software that work together to enable a device (e.g., device 1310 and / or device 1320) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), or portions thereof that operate using software but where the software may not be present when the software is not needed for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also encompass an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor or multiple processors, or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" may also encompass, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing device or network device.

[0114] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to implement some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or portion of a code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be performed as (one or more) routines, which may be implemented as added or updated (one or more) software routines. (One or more) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0115] As an example, software or computer program code or parts of code may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals and / or software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or the computer program may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0116] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 1310 and / or device 1320), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as signals, non-tangible components, that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0117] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or a chipset, which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operations and / or an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0118] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiment," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "example embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "cell," "node," "gNB," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0119] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is linked by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or any more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0120] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure, as described above, may be practiced using processes in a different order and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Thus, although the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. While the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE Advanced and / or fourth generation (4G) and / or sixth generation (6G) technologies.

[0121] In addition, various implementations of the present disclosure may be described with reference to the following clauses, and features thereof may be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0122] Item 1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: indicate to a network entity that the device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode, wherein in the backscatter mode, transmitting data includes modulating data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data includes actively generating and transmitting a signal on which data is modulated; configuring an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode; operating in the backscatter mode as a default mode, an activation signal being received from an intermediate node in the default mode; receiving a first switching signal from the network entity for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode; and switching from the backscatter mode to operating in the active transmission mode after receiving the first switching signal.

[0123] Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive a configuration including an energy threshold from a network entity.

[0124] Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein operating in backscatter mode as the default mode is in response to receiving a configuration from a network entity, the configuration configuring backscatter mode as the default mode.

[0125] Clause 4. An apparatus according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit an energy status of an energy storage level of the apparatus to the network entity in response to receiving a query from the network entity during operation in backscatter mode.

[0126] Clause 5. The apparatus of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: provide an energy status of an energy storage level of the apparatus to a network entity during operation in the active transmission mode.

[0127] Clause 6. The apparatus of any of clauses 1-5, wherein switching is after an amount of energy stored by the apparatus is above a first configured energy threshold.

[0128] Clause 7. The apparatus of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: switch from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode after a switching condition is satisfied.

[0129] Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: provide an indication to a network entity that the apparatus has switched from an active transmit mode to a backscatter mode.

[0130] Clause 9. An apparatus according to clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the switching condition is satisfied when a second switching signal is received from a network entity or when a timer expires, the second switching signal instructing the apparatus to switch from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode, wherein the timer indicates a time period for which the apparatus operates in the active transmission mode.

[0131] Clause 10. The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the timer is received within a first switching signal from the network entity, the first switching signal instructing the apparatus to switch from the backscatter mode to the active transmit mode.

[0132] Clause 11. The apparatus of clause 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive an update of the timer from a network entity.

[0133] Clause 12. An apparatus according to any of clauses 7-11, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication from a network entity that a second intermediate node has been configured for the apparatus, wherein the switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode is based on the received indication.

[0134] Clause 13. The apparatus of any of clauses 7-12, wherein the second switching condition is satisfied when an amount of energy stored by the apparatus is below a second configured energy threshold.

[0135] Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 13, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: ignore any timer associated with switching from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode when the amount of energy stored by the apparatus is below a second configured energy threshold.

[0136] Item 15. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication from an energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode, wherein in the backscatter mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device includes modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data by the energy harvesting device includes actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated; configure an intermediate node to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device in the backscatter mode as the default mode; and transmit a first switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

[0137] Clause 16. The apparatus of clause 15, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a configuration to the energy harvesting device, the configuration comprising an energy threshold for mode switching between a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode.

[0138] Clause 17. The apparatus of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a configuration to the energy harvesting device, the configuration configuring the backscatter mode as a default mode.

[0139] Clause 18. The apparatus of any of clauses 15-17, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive, from an energy harvesting device operating in an active transmission mode, an energy status of an energy storage level of an energy harvesting device.

[0140] Clause 19. The apparatus of any of clauses 15-18, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: determine that the intermediary node is unavailable to transmit an activation signal to the energy harvesting device; and search for another intermediary node to communicate with the energy harvesting device.

[0141] Clause 20. The apparatus of Clause 19, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a result of the search to the energy harvesting device.

[0142] Clause 21. An apparatus according to clause 19 or clause 20, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a query regarding an energy status of an energy storage level of an energy harvesting device operating in a backscatter mode in response to a failure to acquire other intermediate nodes; and receive an energy status of the energy storage level of the energy harvesting device.

[0143] Clause 22. The apparatus of clause 21, wherein the failure to acquire the other intermediary nodes is determined based on a time period for searching for the other intermediary nodes.

[0144] Clause 23. The apparatus of clause 21 or clause 22, wherein: in response to the received energy status, the first switching signal is transmitted to the energy harvesting device.

[0145] Clause 24. The apparatus of clause 23, wherein the first switching signal comprises a timer indicating a time period for the energy harvesting device to operate in the active transmission mode.

[0146] Clause 25. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the timer is determined or updated based on a received energy status of an energy storage level of the energy harvesting device.

[0147] Clause 26. The apparatus of Clause 25, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: transmit the updated timer to the energy harvesting device.

[0148] Clause 27. An apparatus according to any one of clauses 19-26, wherein the instruction, when executed by at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: when the energy harvesting device operates in active transmission mode, transmit a second switching signal to the energy harvesting device for switching from active transmission mode to backscatter mode in response to acquiring other intermediate nodes.

[0149] Clause 28. The apparatus of any of clauses 15-27, wherein the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication from the energy harvesting device that the energy harvesting device has switched from an active transmission mode to a backscatter mode.

[0150] Partial vocabulary:

[0151] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0152] 5G fifth generation

[0153] 6G sixth generation

[0154] AF application function

[0155] AIoT Environmental Internet of Things

[0156] BS base station

[0157] EMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0158] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0159] H-EHD hybrid energy harvesting device

[0160] ID identifier

[0161] IoT

[0162] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0163] NR New Radio

[0164] NW Network

[0165] RF

[0166] RFID radio frequency identification

[0167] UE (User Equipment)

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: indicating to a network entity that the apparatus supports a backscatter mode and an active transmission mode, wherein in the backscatter mode, transmitting data comprises modulating the data on a backscatter signal, and in the active transmission mode, transmitting data comprises actively generating and transmitting a signal on which the data is modulated; configuring an energy threshold for mode switching between the backscatter mode and the active transmission mode; operating in said backscatter mode as a default mode in which an activation signal is received from an intermediate node; receiving, from the network entity, a first switching signal for switching from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode; as well as After receipt of the first switching signal, switching is performed from the backscatter mode to operating in an active transmission mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: A configuration including the energy threshold is received from the network entity.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein operating in the backscatter mode as the default mode is in response to receiving a configuration from the network entity, the configuration configuring the backscatter mode as the default mode.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: In response to receiving a query from the network entity during operation in the backscatter mode, an energy status of an energy storage level of the device is transmitted to the network entity.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: During operation in the active transmission mode, an energy status of an energy storage level of the device is provided to the network entity.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switching is after an amount of energy stored by the apparatus is above a first configured energy threshold.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: After a switching condition is met, the active transmission mode is switched to the backscatter mode.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: An indication is provided to the network entity that the device has switched from the active transmit mode to the backscatter mode.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the switching condition is satisfied when a second switching signal is received from the network entity or when a timer expires, the second switching signal instructing the apparatus to switch from the active transmission mode to the backscatter mode, wherein the timer indicates a time period for the apparatus to operate in the active transmission mode.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the timer is received within the first switching signal from the network entity, the first switching signal instructing the apparatus to switch from the backscatter mode to the active transmission mode.

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