Method and apparatus for resource use for access program in wireless communication system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for resource usage of an access procedure in a wireless communication system are provided, wherein the method for a first device comprises: receiving a first reader-to-device message for paging at least the first device; transmitting a first device-to-reader message based on the first frequency shift, wherein the first device-to-reader message includes a first identification generated by the first device; receiving a second reader-to-device message indicating a set of identifications including at least the first identification; and transmitting a second device-to-reader message based on a second frequency shift when the second reader-to-device message indicates information associated with the set of frequency shifts, where the second frequency shift is determined among the set of frequency shifts based at least on an order of the first identification among the set of identifications.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication networks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for resource usage of an access procedure in a wireless communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] As the demand for mobile communication devices to transmit large amounts of data to and from the mobile communication devices rapidly grows, traditional mobile voice communication networks are evolving into networks that communicate Internet Protocol (IP) data packets. Such IP data packet communications can provide IP bearer voice, multimedia, multicast, and on-demand communication services to users of the mobile communication devices.

[0003] An exemplary network structure is the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN system can provide high data throughput in order to implement the above-mentioned IP bearer voice and multimedia services. Currently, the 3GPP standards organization is discussing new next generation (e.g., 5G) radio technologies. Therefore, changes to the current body of 3GPP standards are currently being submitted and considered in order to evolve and complete the 3GPP standards. SUMMARY

[0004] Methods, systems, and apparatus for resource usage of an access procedure in a wireless communication system are provided to handle device-to-reader (D2R) resource allocation and resource determination in an access and inventory procedure. Therefore, signaling overhead and latency for D2R (e.g., Msg3) resource scheduling is reduced.

[0005] In various embodiments, a method for a first device in a wireless communication system includes receiving a first reader-to-device (R2D) message for paging at least the first device, transmitting a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first identification (ID) generated by the first device, receiving a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID, and transmitting a second D2R message based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts, wherein the second frequency shift is determined among the set of frequency shifts based at least on an order of the first ID among the set of IDs.

[0006] In various embodiments, a method for a reader in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a first R2D message for paging at least a first device; receiving a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first ID generated by the first device; transmitting a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID; and receiving a second D2R message from the first device based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts, wherein the second frequency shift is determined among the set of frequency shifts based at least on an order of the first ID among the set of IDs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 The accompanying drawings illustrate a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter system (also referred to as an access network) and a receiver system (also referred to as a user equipment or UE) according to embodiments of the present application.

[0009] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication system according to embodiments of the present application.

[0010] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of program code of Figure 3 according to embodiments of the present application.

[0011] Figure 5 is a reproduction of Figure 5 : Multiple UEs paged in the same slot.

[0012] Figure 6 is a reproduction of Figure 6 : Spectrum of Miller modulated subcarriers with different M values and BLF.

[0013] Figure 7 is a reproduction of Figure 7 : Non-instantaneous reply of TDM response in one slot.

[0014] Figure 8 is an example drawing showing TDM and FDM for Msg. 1 according to embodiments of the present application.

[0015] Figure 9 is an example drawing showing non-instantaneous reply of TDM response in one slot according to embodiments of the present application.

[0016] Figure 10is an example drawing showing a random access procedure according to embodiments of the application, where a first message, e.g., a paging message, can indicate 18 Msg.1 resources, where there are three Msg.1 time occasions, with six frequency resources in one / each Msg.1 time occasion.

[0017] Figure 11A is an example drawing showing a random access procedure according to embodiments of the application, where a paging message can indicate 18 Msg.1 resources, where there are three Msg.1 time occasions, with six frequency resources in one / each Msg.1 time occasion.

[0018] Figure 11B is an example drawing showing a random access procedure according to embodiments of the application, where a first message, e.g., a paging message, can indicate 18 Msg.1 resources, where there are three Msg.1 time occasions, with six frequency resources in one / each Msg.1 time occasion.

[0019] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for an apparatus in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the application, comprising: receiving a first message; performing a first D2R transmission in a first time occasion on a first resource in response to the first message; receiving a second message indicating information associated with or identifying the apparatus; and performing a second D2R transmission in a second time occasion on a second resource in response to the second message.

[0020] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method for an apparatus in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the application, comprising: receiving a first message; performing a first D2R transmission in a first time occasion on a first resource in response to the first message; receiving a second message indicating information associated with or identifying the apparatus; and performing a second D2R transmission in a second time occasion on a second resource in response to the second message.

[0021] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a method for a first apparatus in a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the application, comprising: receiving a first R2D message for paging at least the first apparatus; transmitting a first D2R message including a first ID based on a first frequency shift; receiving a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID; and transmitting a second D2R message based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts.

[0022] Figure 15is a flowchart of a method for a reader in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present application, comprising: transmitting a first R2D message for paging at least a first device; receiving a first D2R message including a first ID based on a first frequency shift; transmitting a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID; and receiving a second D2R message from the first device based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present application described herein can be applied to or embodied in the exemplary wireless communication systems and devices described below. In addition, the present application is primarily described in the context of a 3GPP architecture reference model. However, it should be understood that with the disclosed information, one of ordinary skill in the art can readily adapt to use and implement aspects of the present application in 3GPP2 network architectures as well as other network architectures.

[0024] The exemplary wireless communication systems and devices described below employ a wireless communication system supporting broadcast services. Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice, data, and so on. These systems can be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless access, 3GPP Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) wireless access, 3GPP2 Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), WIMAX®, 3GPP New Radio (NR), or some other modulation techniques. By way of example, wireless communication systems can be multiple-access systems capable of providing content such as voice, data, video, and so on. These systems can be designed to provide service for multiple users by sharing the available system resources. Examples of such multiple-access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) systems, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 3GPP2 Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) systems, and so on.

[0025] In particular, the exemplary wireless communication system apparatus described below can be designed to support one or more standards, such as those produced by the association named "3rd Generation Partnership Project," also referred to as "3GPP," including: [1] RP-240826, "Revised SID: Study on solutions for environmental IoT (Internet of Things) in NR"; [2] Rl-2401937, "Final Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #116 Vl.0.0 (Athens, Greece, 26 February - 1 March 2024)"; [3] Rl-2403821, "Final Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #116b vl.0.0 (Changsha, China, 15 - 19 April 2024)"; [4] RAN1 Chairman's Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #117 (Fukuoka, Japan, 20 - 24 May 2024); [5] Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG2 Meeting #126, Fukuoka, Japan; [6] 3GPP TS 38.213 V18.2.0 (2024-03) 3GPP; TSG RAN; NR; Physical Layer Procedures for Control (Release 18); and [7] Rl-2404459, "Discussion on frame structure and timing aspects for A-IoT," CMCC. The standards and documents listed above are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.

[0026] Figure 1 A multiple access wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present application is illustrated. An access network 100 (AN) includes multiple antenna groups, one including 104 and 106, another including 108 and 110, and an additional group including 112 and 114. In Figure 1 In a FDD system, the communication links 118, 120, 124 and 126 can use different frequencies for communication. For example, the forward link 120 can use a different frequency then that used by the reverse link 118.

[0027] Each antenna group and / or the areas in which they are designed to communicate are often referred to as a sector of the access network. In embodiments, the antenna groups are each designed to communicate with access terminals in a sector of the area covered by the access network 100.

[0028] In communication via the forward links 120 and 126, the transmitting antennas of the access network 100 can utilize beamforming to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the forward links for the different access terminals 116 and 122. Also, a transmit antenna can use a beamforming to transmit to access terminals scattered randomly through the coverage area of the access network. In addition, the access network 100 can use beamforming to transmit to access terminals 116 and 122 that are in different sectors of the access network.

[0029] An AN can be a fixed station or base station used for communicating with the terminals and can also be called an access point, Node B, base station, enhanced base station, eNode B, or some other terminology. An AT can also be called a user equipment (UE), a wireless communication device, terminal, access terminal, or some other terminology.

[0030] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a transmitter system 210 (also referred to as an access network) and a receiver system 250 (also referred to as an access terminal (AT) or user equipment (UE)) in a MIMO system 200. At the transmitter system 210, traffic data for a number of data streams is provided from a data source 212 to a transmit (TX) data processor 214.

[0031] In one embodiment, each data stream is transmitted over a respective transmit antenna. The TX data processor 214 formats, codes, and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide coded data.

[0032] The coded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and can be used at the receiver system to estimate the channel response. The multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream is then modulated (e.g., symbol mapped) with a particular modulation scheme (e.g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK, or M-QAM) selected for each data stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and modulation for each data stream can be determined by instructions executed by a processor 230. A memory 232 is coupled to the processor 230.

[0033] The modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to a TX MIMO processor 220, which can further process the modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 220 then provides N T modulation symbol streams to N T transmitters (TMTR) 222a through 222t. In certain embodiments, TX MIMO processor 220 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.

[0034] Each transmitter 222 receives and processes a respective symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission over the MIMO channel. N T modulated signals from transmitters 222a through 222t are transmitted from N T antennas 224a through 224t, respectively.

[0035] At receiver system 250, the transmitted modulated signals are received by N R antennas 252a through 252r and the received signal from each antenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 254a through 254r. Each receiver 254 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) a respective received signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a corresponding "received" symbol stream.

[0036] An RX data processor 260 then receives and processes the N R received symbol streams from N R receivers 254 based on a particular receiver processing technique to provide N T "detected" symbol streams. RX data processor 260 then demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by RX processor 260 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO processor 220 and TX data processor 214 at transmitter system 210.

[0037] A processor 270 determines which pre-coding matrix to use (discussed below). Processor 270 formulates an inverse link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value portion.

[0038] The reverse link messages can include various types of information related to the communication link and / or the received data streams. The reverse link messages are then processed by a TX data processor 238, which also receives traffic data for a number of data streams from a data source 236, modulated by a modulator 280, conditioned by transmitters 254a through 254r, and transmitted to the transmitter system 210.

[0039] At the transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from the receiver system 250 are received by the antennas 224, conditioned by the receivers 222, demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a RX data processor 242 to extract the reverse link messages transmitted by the receiver system 250. Processor 230 then determines which pre-coding matrix to use in determining the beam-forming weights, and then processes the extracted messages.

[0040] Memory 232 can be used to temporarily store some buffer / computation data from 240 or 242 by processor 230, to store some buffer data from 212 or to store some specific program code. Also, memory 272 can be used to temporarily store some buffer / computation data from 260 by processor 270, to store some buffer data from 236 or to store some specific program code.

[0041] Turning to Figure 3 , this figure shows an alternative simplified functional block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 indicated in Figure 1 , the UE (or AT) 116 and 122 in may be implemented with a communication device 300 in a wireless communication system, and the wireless communication system is preferably an NR system. The communication device 300 can include an input device 302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central processing unit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, a program code 312, and a transceiver 314. The control circuit 306 controls the operation of the communication device 300 by the CPU 308 executing the program code 312 in the memory 310. The communication device 300 can receive a signal input by a user through the input device 302 (e.g., a keyboard or a keypad), and can output images and sounds through the output device 304 (e.g., a display or a speaker). The transceiver 314 is used to receive and transmit wireless signals to deliver the received signals to the control circuit 306 and wirelessly output signals generated by the control circuit 306.

[0042] Figure 4 is according to an embodiment of the present application in Figure 3A simplified block diagram of program code 312 is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, program code 312 includes an application layer 400, a layer 3 portion 402, and a layer 2 portion 404, coupled to a layer 1 portion 406. Layer 3 portion 402 generally performs radio resource control. Layer 2 portion 404 generally performs link control. Layer 1 portion 406 generally performs physical connectivity.

[0043] For an LTE, LTE-A, or NR system, the layer 2 portion 404 can include a radio link control (RLC) layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer. The layer 3 portion 402 can include a radio resource control (RRC) layer.

[0044] Any two or more of the following paragraphs, subparagraphs, points, acts, or claims described in each of the invention paragraphs or sections can be logically, reasonably, and properly combined to form a particular method.

[0045] Any sentence, paragraph, subparagraph, point, act, or claim described in each of the invention paragraphs or sections below can be implemented independently and separately to form a particular method or apparatus. Dependencies in the following invention disclosure (e.g., “based on,” “more specifically,” “for example,” etc.) are merely one possible embodiment that does not limit the particular method or apparatus.

[0046] The research project on Ambient IoT is specified in [1] RP-240826 as follows:

[0047] ***********************Quotation [1] starts***********************

[0048] 3 Explanation

[0049] IoT has attracted a great deal of interest in the wireless communication field in recent years. It is expected that more ‘things’ will be interconnected to improve production efficiency and increase life comfort. Further reduction in the size, complexity, and power consumption of IoT devices can enable deployment of hundreds of billions, or even trillions, of IoT devices for various applications and provide additional value throughout the value chain. It is not possible to power all IoT devices by batteries that need to be manually replaced or recharged, which leads to high maintenance costs, serious environmental problems, and even safety hazards for some use cases (e.g., wireless sensors in the electric and oil industries).

[0050] Most existing wireless communication devices are powered by batteries that need to be manually replaced or recharged. Automation and digitization in various industries open up many new markets that require new loT technologies to support either battery-less devices that do not have energy storage capabilities or devices with energy storage that do not need to be manually replaced or recharged. The form factor of such devices must be fairly small to convey the effectiveness of the target use cases.

[0051] …

[0052] 4 Objectives

[0053] …

[0054] The following objectives are set in the general scope:

[0055] …

[0056] • RAN1-led:

[0057] For ambient loT DL and UL:

[0058] o Frame structure, synchronization and timing, random access

[0059] o Numerology, bandwidth and multiple access

[0060] o Waveform and modulation

[0061] o Channel coding

[0062] o Downlink channel / signal aspects

[0063] o Uplink channel / signal aspects

[0064] o Scheduling and timing relationships

[0065] o Study the necessary characteristics of the carrier waveform of the carrier externally provided to the ambient loT devices, including for interference handling at the ambient loT UL receiver and at the NR base station.

[0066] For topology 2, the physical layer design is not different from topology 1.

[0067] • RAN2-led:

[0068] o Study and decide what functionality is needed for the ambient loT compact protocol stack and light-weight signaling procedures to enable DO-DTT and DT data transfer, and study these functionalities.

[0069] For example:

[0070] ■ Paging

[0071] ■ Random access

[0072] ■ Data transfer, including necessary radio resource control aspects, subject to the limitations in the general scope

[0073] ■ Interaction with the upper layer

[0074] ***********************Quotation[1]End***********************

[0075] In the 3GPP RAN1 #116 meeting ([2]R1-2401937), there are some protocols regarding environmental IoT:

[0076] **********************Quotation[2]Beginning***********************

[0077] For research purposes, at least the following bandwidths are defined for R2D:

[0078] ●Reader's view of transmission bandwidth B tx，R2D Frequency resources used for transmitting R2D

[0079] ●Bandwidth occupied by the reader's perspective B occ，R2D Frequency resources used for transmitting R2D, and potential guard bands.

[0080] ●B occ，R2D ≥ B tx，R2D

[0081] Further research is needed: other constraints, such as B. occ，R2D =B tx，R2D .

[0082] The possible values ​​for each bandwidth require further research.

[0083] From RAN1's ​​perspective, at least when responses from multiple devices intended to be identified are expected, an access procedure based on A-IoT contention initiated by the reader is used.

[0084] For access procedures based on A-IoT contention, at least time-slot ALOHA-based access should be studied.

[0085] To further elaborate, the following terms are used in A-IoT to study the processing time aspect:

[0086] ●T R2D_min : The minimum time between an R2D transfer and its subsequent corresponding D2R transfer.

[0087] ●T D2R_min : The minimum time between a D2R transfer and its subsequent corresponding R2D transfer.

[0088] ●…

[0089] For environmental IoT devices, study the physical channel (PRDCH) at least for R2D data transfer,...

[0090] For environmental IoT devices, study the physical channel (PDRCH) at least for D2R data transfer, along with,

[0091] • the response from the device to the reader within the contention-based access procedure is transmitted on the PDRCH...

[0092] ********************** Citation [2] ends **********************

[0093] In the 3GPP RAN1 #116bis meeting ([3] R1-2403821), there were some agreements on environmental IoT:

[0094] ********************** Citation [3] starts **********************

[0095] Study time-domain multiple access for D2R transmission. Further details, including pros / cons, are subject to future study.

[0096] Study frequency-domain multiple access for D2R transmission at least by using small frequency shifts in the baseband. Further details, including pros / cons, are subject to future study.

[0097] Whether code-domain multiple access is feasible and necessary for D2R transmission for all devices is subject to future study.

[0098] For the purpose of study, define the following bandwidths for D2R:

[0099] • Transmission bandwidth B tx，D2R : Frequency resources scheduled by the reader for D2R transmission from one device.

[0100] o Further study in agenda 9.4.2.3: How to determine the frequency resources scheduled by the reader

[0101] • Occupied bandwidth B occ，D2R : Transmission bandwidth plus potentially associated A-IoT in-band protection frequency band, totaling B guard，D2R

[0102] o Note: This protection frequency band does not coexist with NR / LTE

[0103] • Whether / how to define a protection frequency band for A-IoT D2R and NR / LTE coexistence depends on RAN4.

[0104] • B occ，D2R >= B tx，D2R

[0105] • Possible values per bandwidth are subject to future study

[0106] ***********************End of quote [3]**********************

[0107] In the 3GPP RAN1 #117 meeting ([4] Chairman's Notes for 3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #117), there were some agreements on environmental IoT:

[0108] ***********************Start of quote [4]**********************

[0109] The scheduling information delivered by PDRCH is provided by the corresponding PRDCH.

[0110] For R2D, the only physical channel is PRDCH.

[0111] • PRDCH carries any higher layer payload

[0112] • PRDCH carries L1 R2D control information (if defined)

[0113] • Details of the device behavior for receiving PRDCH are subject to future study

[0114] For D2R:

[0115] • PRDCH carries any higher layer payload

[0116] • PRDCH carries L1 D2R control information (if defined)

[0117] • Note: PRDCH carries the response of the agreements at RAN1 #116

[0118] ***********************End of quote [4]**********************

[0119] In the 3GPP RAN2 #126 meeting ([5] Report of 3GPP TSG RAN WG2 Meeting #126), there were some agreements on environmental IoT:

[0120] ***********************Start of quote [5]**********************

[0121]

[0122]

[0123]

[0124] *********************** Citation [5] ends**********************

[0125] In TS 38.213 ([6] 3GPP TS 38.213 V18.2.0), the physical layer procedures for control in the NR Uu interface (between base station / gNB and device / UE) are specified:

[0126] *********************** Citation [6] starts**********************

[0127] 8.1 Random access preamble

[0128] The physical random access procedure is triggered based on a request for PRACH transmission by higher layers or PDCCH order for a cell. The configuration by higher layers for PRACH transmission includes the following:

[0129] …

[0130] For a PRACH transmission by a UE triggered by a PDCCH order, if the value of the random access preamble index field is not zero, the PRACH mask index field indicates the PRACH occasion for the PRACH transmission, where the PRACH occasion is associated with the SS / PBCH block index indicated by the SS / PBCH block index field of the PDCCH order and the cell indicator field, if any, indicates the cell for the PRACH transmission [TS 38.212]. If the UE is provided by cellSpecificKoffset, then the PRACH occasion is located after the slot where is the UL BWP slot for the PRACH transmission, assuming overlaps with the end of the PDCCH order reception, is the SCS configuration used for PRACH transmission. If the PDCCH reception for PDCCH order contains two PDCCH candidates from two linked search space sets based on searchSpaceLinkingId as described in clause 10.1, the last symbol of the PDCCH reception is the last symbol of the later ending PDCCH candidate. The PDCCH reception also contains the two PDCCH candidates when the UE does not need to monitor one of them as described in clauses 10 (except for clause 10.4), 11.1, 11.1.1, and 17.2.

[0131] …

[0132] 8.2 Random access response - Type 1 random access procedure

[0133] In response to a PRACH transmission, if the PRACH transmission is not triggered by a PDCCH order containing a non-zero value of the cell indicator field, the UE attempts to detect a DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by the corresponding RA-RNTI during a window controlled by higher layers [TS 38.321]; otherwise, the UE does not attempt to detect a DCI format 1 0.

[0134] If the UE detects a DCI format 1 0 with CRC scrambled by the corresponding RA-RNTI and the LSB of the SFN field in the DCI format 1 0, if contained and applicable, is the same as the corresponding LSB of the SFN in which the UE transmitted the PRACH, and the UE receives a transport block in the corresponding PDSCH within the window, the UE passes the transport block to higher layers. The higher layers parse the transport block for the random access preamble identity (RAPID) associated with the PRACH transmission. If the higher layers identify the RAPID in the RAR message of the transport block, the higher layers indicate an uplink grant to the physical layer. This is referred to as a random access response (RAR) UL grant in the physical layer.

[0135] …

[0136] The RAR UL grant schedules a PUSCH transmission from the UE. The content of the RAR UL grant starting with the MSB and ending with the LSB is given in Table 8.2-1.

[0137] …

[0138] Table 8.2-1: Random access response grant content field size

[0139]

[0140] *********************** Citation [6] ends**********************

[0141] At RAN1 #117 meeting ([7] R1-2404459), there were some proposals on random access for inventory.

[0142] *********************** Citation [7] starts**********************

[0143] 5. Discussion on random access

[0144] According to the guidance provided by the Chairman after RAN1 #116b meeting, RAN2 mainly discussed the random access procedure.

[0145]

[0146] Here, in this section, we will simply provide our views on the random access procedure as there are still some physical aspects to be studied.

[0147] The design of random access is for the inventory procedure. Considering the use cases of inventory, common / group inventory and dedicated inventory can be considered.

[0148] • Common / group inventory: The main purpose of common / group inventory is for interrogation. The reader can initiate inventory periodically or on-demand to get the knowledge of tags in range.

[0149] • Dedicated inventory: It is for specific device / group paging purpose, e.g., activation / deactivation of specific device, search for lost item. The reader can initiate such procedure on-demand.

[0150] According to different types of inventory, different random access procedure design can be considered.

[0151] Proposal 11: Inventory can be classified into two types: common / group inventory and dedicated inventory.

[0152] …

[0153] 5.2 TDM and FDM for improving inventory efficiency / avoiding collision

[0154] Based on the slotted ALOHA method, one possible enhancement method is to support multiple users in the same time slot during inventory. We think this can be considered as the contention resolution aspect at the physical layer. For example, as shown in Figure 5 , there can be TDM or FDM alternatives,

[0155] Alternative 1: If different tags are able to respond in TDM mode after receiving downlink commands, the Q value can be reduced, thus reducing the overhead and transmission time of QueryRep. This method requires tags to support non-immediate reply, and must maintain a certain synchronization during TDM response.

[0156] Alternative 2: Use small frequency shift (SFS) modulation, different tags are shifted with different frequency offsets, that is, FDM can be realized.

[0157] Figure 5 is the reproduction of Figure 1-2404459 Figure 5 : Reproduction of multiple UEs inventoried in the same slot.

[0158] For FDM within the inventory slot, the SFS modulation block should select appropriate frequency shift parameters to ensure that the FDM device obtains good decoding performance. As shown in Figure 6 , by different values of the number of subcarriers per bit (i.e. M) and different BLF, the spectrum can be separated. Therefore, different tags can use different M values / BLF to respond within the same slot, and the reader will filter out the data of different tags for demodulation.

[0159] Figure 6 is the reproduction of Figure 1-2404459 Figure 6 : Reproduction of the spectrum of Miller modulation subcarriers with different M values and BLF.

[0160] If supported, TDM, FDM schemes can also be considered for Msg3 transmission.

[0161] Other possible enhancements can also include query procedures based on tree protocols, as the optimal channel utilization of tree protocols can reach 43%, higher than the 36.8% of ALOHA protocols.

[0162] Proposal 13: To improve the efficiency of inventory and reduce random access conflicts, TDM, FDM of multiple devices within the same query slot can also be studied.

[0163] 6. Discussion on scheduling and timing relationship

[0164] 6.1 Scheduling information for data demodulation

[0165] A-IoT devices need to transmit related information to decode data.

[0166] For R2D link, the device needs at least the chip duration to correctly decode the following PRDCH, including both control information part and data part. In addition, the TBS is also needed, which can be explicitly specified by control information or implicitly specified by postamble. At least in the case of small TBS, the indication by control information is valid.

[0167] For D2R link, the scheduling information is carried by R2D preamble or PRDCH. The scheduling information includes:

[0168] • Chip duration, for the device to determine the backscattered chip length.

[0169] • TBS, the number of bits to be transmitted by the device

[0170] • Modulation, coding or repetition factor. When both BPSK and OOK are supported, the reader can indicate which modulation scheme to use. And if both FEC and repetition are adopted, it is needed to indicate to the device which one will be used for D2R link and the coding rate or repetition rate.

[0171] • Resource allocation for FDMA, e.g. SFS modulation frequency.

[0172] • Time timing parameters, e.g. the reader can indicate the time offset of D2R response relative to R2D command, in order to support TDM of multiple devices within the same inventory slot. This needs more discussion.

[0173] Proposal 14: For R2D link, the device needs to know the following scheduling information, implicitly or explicitly, which can be subject to future study.

[0174] • Chip duration

[0175] • TBS

[0176] Proposal 15: For D2R link, the device needs to know the following scheduling information,

[0177] • Chip duration

[0178] • TBS

[0179] • Modulation, coding or repetition factor

[0180] • Resource allocation for FDMA

[0181] • Time timing parameters, if supported.

[0182] 6.2 Scheduling timing

[0183] For scheduling timing, it mainly refers to the reply timing, which can be discussed based on different use cases.

[0184] For common / group common inventory, the following reply timings are supported,

[0185] • Immediate reply: The device replies to the message immediately after it has finished processing the command.

[0186] • Typically, there should be a very short time gap between the received command and the reply. No additional time delay is considered after the device has finished processing and is ready to backscatter / transmit the reply.

[0187] • Non-immediate reply: The device waits for a predetermined time before replying to the message after it has finished processing the command.

[0188] • Additional time delay can be considered after the device has finished processing and is ready to backscatter / transmit the reply. Thus, the device can need to calculate the time and wait for the appropriate time before backscattering / transmitting.

[0189] As shown in Figure 7 , it provides an example of non-immediate reply. Three tags respond to Msg.1 in non-overlapping TDM occasions, and the gNB can identify them and send Msg2 to the 3 tags in sequence. Then, it can be seen that when paged, different tags will wait for different time before transmitting, which can be the non-immediate reply of tag2 and tag3.

[0190] Figure 7 is the Figure 7 : Repetition of non-immediate reply of TDM response in one slot.

[0191] For dedicated inventory and command use cases, the following reply timings are supported,

[0192] • Immediate reply: The device replies to the message immediately after it has finished processing the command. Similar to the previous immediate reply for common / group common inventory

[0193] • Delayed reply: The device needs more time than immediate reply to reply to the message.

[0194] • Typically, the device is, for example, performing a write command or encryption, which can require more preparation time.

[0195] According to the agreement in RAN1#116, A-IoT uses the following terms to study the processing time aspects:

[0196] • T R2D_min : Minimum time between a R2D transmission and its corresponding D2R transmission after it.

[0197] • T D2R_min : Minimum time between a D2R transmission and its corresponding R2D transmission after it.

[0198] • TR2D_R2D_min Minimum time between two different consecutive R2D transmissions to the same A-IoT device.

[0199] • T D2R_D2R_min Minimum time between two different consecutive D2R transmissions from the same A-IoT device.

[0200] Some additional considerations on processing time are provided here.

[0201] 1) Whether other timing terms are needed:

[0202] We think that the above four terms give the basic processing time framework, they are the most commonly used timing, and are immediate replies. Therefore, the delay replies T R2D_Delay_min are worth studying, as for the dedicated inventory and command use cases, additional behaviors such as writing or encryption can be performed, which can take more time for the device to feedback success or failure. It can also share the same term as T R2D_min , but use different values to represent longer processing times for certain commands.

[0203] And if TDM of multiple devices within the same time slot is supported as Figure 7 shown, additional time offsets are needed for devices responding in other sub-slots other than the last sub-slot, such as tag.1 and tag.2 in the figure. In addition to T R2D_min and T D2R_min , T TDM，gap , representing the time gap between sub-slot TDM time resources, also needs to be introduced.

[0204] Observation 11: In addition to the agreed immediate replies, delay replies TR 2D_Delay_min are needed to reflect the processing time of some time-consuming commands.

[0205] Proposal 16: The processing time T R2D_Delay_min of A-IoT: the minimum time between D2R transmission and corresponding R2D transmission for some time-consuming commands can be studied. It can also share the same term as T R2D_min , but use different values to represent longer processing times for certain commands.

[0206] Proposal 17: When sub-slot TDM of multiple devices is supported, in addition to T R2D_min , T D2R_min , T TDM，gap , the time gap between adjacent sub-slot time resources, can also be studied.

[0207] At the last RAN1 meeting, we discussed the following proposals. For option 1, we agreed that a maximum time T R2D_max is needed for the reader to know how long to "wait" for the D2R command to be received. If the reader has not received a response to the R2D command after T R2D_max , it can send a new command. For option 2, this can be used for the case of TDM of multiple devices in the same time slot as described above. The reader needs to indicate the candidate time occasions within the time slot so that the devices can select one to respond.

[0208]

[0209] Therefore, we also support studying both options.

[0210] Proposal 18: For A-IoT devices, for the starting timing of the corresponding D2R transmission after R2D transmission, at least study the following options.

[0211] • Option 1: Define a maximum time T R2D_max between the end of R2D transmission and the start of the corresponding D2R transmission after it, so that the R2D transmission timing is within [T R2D_min , T R2D_max ].

[0212] • Option 2: Based on the reader's indication, for example, indicated by the scheduling information transmitted in the associated R2D transmission.

[0213] ***********************End of quote [7]**********************

[0214] Environmental IoT devices / user equipment (UEs) will feature ultra-low complexity, extremely small device size, and long lifecycles. The complexity and power consumption of environmental IoT devices / UEs will be orders of magnitude lower than existing 3GPP Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies such as Narrowband (NB)-IoT and Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC). Environmental IoT devices / UEs may or may not have energy storage. Energy for environmental IoT devices / UEs can be provided by harvesting radio waves, light, motion, heat, or any other suitable power source. Energy and / or power sources can be provided one-off (e.g., accidental or non-periodic), periodically, or continuously. In one embodiment, power / energy for the environmental IoT device / UE can be provided from carrier waves from the network and / or intermediate nodes. In Topology 1, the environmental IoT device / UE will communicate directly and bidirectionally with the base station. In Topology 2, the environmental IoT device / UE will communicate bidirectionally with an intermediate node (e.g., a UE or relay node) between the environmental IoT device / UE and the base station. The uplink (UL) transmission of the environmental IoT device / UE can be generated internally by the device / UE or backscattered on an externally provided carrier. More details about environmental IoT (device / UE) can be found in research items [1] RP-240826 and TR 38.848 [5], R1-2403821 [3].

[0215] According to the research item RP-240826 of Environmental IoT [1], the energy storage of environmental IoT UEs is limited (or may not even have any energy storage). Compared to a new air interface (NR) UE with a power consumption of mW (e.g., a maximum UE transmit power of 23dBm corresponds to 199.5mW), the output power of an environmental IoT UE can typically be from 1µW to several hundredµW. Currently, the general range will be used to explain the following types of environmental IoT UEs:

[0216] - The first type of environmental IoT UE may have a peak power consumption of 1µW, energy storage, and no downlink (DL) amplification or UL amplification. Transmissions from the first type of environmental IoT UE may be backscattered on an externally provided carrier. The first type of environmental IoT UE may be of device type 1, for example, as described in [2]R1-2401937. The first type of environmental IoT UE may be and / or include device type 1.

[0217] - The second type of environmental IoT UE may have a peak power consumption of ≤ several hundred µW, energy storage, and DL and / or UL amplification. Transmissions from the second type of environmental IoT UE may be backscattered on an externally provided carrier (e.g., type 2a) or backscattered on a carrier generated internally by the UE (e.g., type 2b). The second type of environmental IoT UE may be of type 2a and / or type 2b, for example, as described in [2]R1-2401937. The second type of environmental IoT UE may be and / or include device type 2, device type 2a, and / or device type 2b.

[0218] In an environmental IoT design, a device can transmit a paging message received from a reader via one or more first physical readers to the (environmental IoT) device channel (PRDCH). In response to the paging message (or subsequently), the device can trigger / execute an access procedure. In the (one-round) access procedure, the device can transmit Msg1 to the reader via the first physical (environmental IoT) device to reader channel (PDRCH). In response to the transmission of Msg1 (or subsequently), the device can transmit Msg2 to listen for / receive from the reader via a second PDRCH. If Msg2 indicates information about the device, then in response to Msg2, the device can transmit Msg3 to the reader via the second PDRCH. If Msg2 does not indicate information about the device, then the device may not perform the transmission of Msg3. After transmitting Msg3 and / or receiving / detecting a corresponding (subsequent) reader-to-device (R2D) transmission such as an acknowledgment (ACK) for Msg3, the access procedure can (successfully) complete and / or be considered successful in contention resolution.

[0219] In RAN1 #116bis ([3]R1-2403821), it was agreed to study time-domain multiple access and frequency-domain multiple access for device-to-reader (D2R) transmissions. Whether code-domain multiple access is feasible and necessary for D2R transmissions across all devices requires further investigation. Figure 8 The example shown is cited from [7] R1-2404459, from a reader (e.g., Figure 8 A paging message from an NR Node B (gNB) can trigger one or more devices (e.g., Figure 8 The tags 1, 2, and 3 in the code are used to transmit Msg.1 to the reader. This is done according to Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) mode. Figure 8 There are three available time slots. The device can transmit its Msg.1 in one time slot. This is in accordance with Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM). Figure 8There are three available frequency resources. The device can transmit its Msg.1 on one of these frequency resources. As... Figure 9 The example shown, cited in [7] R1-2404459, is in the reader (e.g., Figure 9 gNB in ​​the middle) from three devices (e.g., Figure 9 After receiving three Msg.1 (tag1, tag2, tag3), the reader can sequentially transmit Msg.2, triggering the three devices to transmit the corresponding Msg.3 to the reader. Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a TDM response, where one Msg.2 triggers a device to transmit its corresponding Msg.3. For different devices, the reader will transmit different Msg.2s in non-overlapping TDM timings, ensuring that Msg.3s from different devices will also be transmitted in non-overlapping TDM timings.

[0220] For Msg.1 in FDM mode, it is unclear how to handle / schedule the transmission of Msg.2 and Msg.3. One possible approach is for the reader to transmit multiple Msg.2 messages on different frequency resources within a single TDM timing period. However, this introduces reception / decoding complexity into the device, especially for Ambient Internet of Things (A-IoT) devices with ultra-low complexity.

[0221] Furthermore, given Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and / or Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), multiple Msg.1 resources may be associated with a single paging message. One issue is how to allocate these multiple Msg.1 resources. Another issue is how the device selects which Msg.1 resource to perform its Msg.1 transmission when it receives a paging message.

[0222] To address the aforementioned problems and achieve certain benefits, various concepts, mechanisms, methods, aspects, and embodiments are provided below.

[0223] Concept A

[0224] The reader (e.g., a network node or) can execute a first message to trigger a (random) access procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the (random) access procedure can be a contention-based access procedure or a contention-free access procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the (random) access procedure can be / includes an inventory procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the (random) access procedure can be / includes a command procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the (random) access procedure can be / includes an "inventory and command" procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first message can be / include any one of an (A-IoT) paging message, Msg.0, or an initial trigger message. Preferably, in some embodiments, the reader can execute one or more first R2D transmissions to transmit the first message to one or more (Ambient IoT) devices.

[0225] When (or in response to) the first device receiving the first message, the first device may perform a first D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may perform a first D2R transmission in response to the first message if / when the first message indicates information / instructions associated with the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may perform no D2R transmission in response to the first message if / when the first message does not indicate information / instructions associated with the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the information / instructions associated with the first device may include any one or a combination of the following: the target identifier / identity (ID) indicated by the first message matches the (partial or complete) device ID of the first device; the target group ID indicated by the first message matches the (partial or complete) group ID to which the first device belongs; the device type indicated by the first message matches the device type of the first device; one or more values ​​indicated by the first message match one or more flags / fields / stored values ​​of the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first D2R transmission may be / include Msg.1. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first D2R transmission may include an ID generated by the first device and / or the (partial or complete) device ID of the first device.

[0226] Preferably, in some embodiments, for a (round) (random) access procedure, the first message may indicate one or more first time opportunities, for example, N first time opportunities (in a first frequency resource). Additionally and / or alternatively, for a (round) (random) access procedure, the first message may indicate one or more first frequency resources, for example, M first frequency resources (in a first time opportunity).

[0227] Concept A includes the possibility that the first message may include one or more fields for indicating (within a time frame) the one or more first frequency resources.

[0228] The first message may include a first field indicating the number of (available) frequency shifts. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first message may include a second field indicating the frequency offset / granularity of the frequency shift. Preferably or alternatively, in some embodiments, the frequency offset / granularity of the frequency shift may be configured, fixed, or specified. Preferably, in some embodiments, the frequency offset / granularity of the frequency shift may be in units of Hz, kHz, subcarriers, or physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0229] Preferably, in some embodiments, the apparatus may receive a first message and / or a carrier signal in a frequency resource. Alternatively, the first message may include a third field for indicating a frequency resource as a reference. Preferably or alternatively, in some embodiments, the frequency resource as a reference may be configured, fixed, or specified.

[0230] Preferably, in some embodiments, the apparatus may determine / obtain the one or more first frequency resources based on: (1) the center frequency of the frequency resource as a reference, (2) the number of (available) frequency shifts, and / or (3) the frequency offset / granularity of the frequency shifts.

[0231] For example, the device may receive the first message and / or carrier signal in frequency resource f0, or the frequency resource used as a reference may be f0. The frequency offset / granularity of the frequency shift may be f0. unit The number of available frequency shifts can be indicated as M. Preferably, in some embodiments, the apparatus can determine / obtain the one or more first frequency resources (starting frequency or center frequency) based on the following: f0 - ((M-1) / 2)·f unit f0-((M-1) / 2-1)·f unit ..., f0-1·f unit f0, f0+1·f unit ..., f0+((M-1) / 2-1)·f unit f0+ ((M-1) / 2)·f unit The number of the one or more first frequency resources can be M. The value of M can be an odd number. For M frequency resources, there exists a frequency resource with a starting frequency or center frequency in f0. Alternatively, the device can determine / obtain the one or more first frequency resources (the starting frequency or center frequency) based on the following: f0 - (M / 2)·f unit f0-(M / 2-1)·f unit ..., f0-1·f unit f0+1·f unit ..., f0+(M / 2-1)·f unit f0+ (M / 2)·f unitThe number of the one or more first frequency resources can be M. The value of M can be an even number. For M frequency resources, there are no frequency resources with a starting frequency or center frequency in f0.

[0232] When (or in response to) the first device receiving a first message, the first device may determine / obtain one or more first (time and frequency) resources based on the first message. The first device may determine / obtain / select a first resource from among the one or more first resources for performing a first D2R transmission (in a round of access procedures). The first resource may be or include frequency resources and / or time resources / opportunities. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may determine / obtain / select a first time opportunity (e.g., N time opportunities) for performing a first D2R transmission (in a round of access procedures) from among the one or more first time opportunities. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may determine / obtain / select a first frequency resource (e.g., M frequency resources) for performing a first D2R transmission (in a round of access procedures).

[0233] Concept B

[0234] As described in Concept A, when (or in response to) the first device receiving a first message (e.g., a paging message, Msg.0, or an initial trigger message) from the reader, the first device may perform a first D2R transmission. The first D2R transmission may be / include Msg.1. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first D2R transmission may include an ID generated by the first device and / or a (partial or complete) device ID of the first device.

[0235] Preferably, in some embodiments, after the first device performs a first D2R transmission, the first device may listen for or (attempt) to receive a second message from the reader. The second message may be / include Msg.2 or contention resolution. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may perform a second D2R transmission when it receives the second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may perform a second D2R transmission in response to the second message if / when the second message indicates information / instruction associated with the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may not perform any second D2R transmission in response to the second message if / when the second message does not indicate information / instruction associated with the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the information / instruction associated with the first device may be / include information included in the first D2R transmission (which may identify the first device), for example, an ID generated by the first device or a (partial or complete) device ID of the first device included in the first D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second D2R transmission may be / include Msg.3. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second D2R transmission may include some data from the first device, the buffer state of the first device, and / or the power state of the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first D2R transmission includes at least a portion of the device ID of the first device, then the second D2R transmission may include the remaining device ID of the first device.

[0236] Preferably, in some embodiments, after the reader receives one or more first D2R transmissions (e.g., one or more Msg.1) from one or more devices, the reader may transmit one or more second messages to trigger one or more second D2R transmissions from the one or more devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the reader may transmit the one or more second messages in the same frequency resources as the first message and / or carrier (at different times).

[0237] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may perform the second D2R transmission on a second resource (e.g., a second frequency resource in a second timing period). Concept B includes how the first device determines the second resource for performing the second D2R transmission when / if the first device receives a second message and / or the second message indicates information / instructions associated with the first device.

[0238] In one embodiment B1, the second message may indicate a set of second (frequency) resources at a second time point. The reader may transmit one or more second messages. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second message may indicate a set of information / indications (e.g., a list of information / indications) associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the number of the set of second (frequency) resources may be the same as or greater than the number of the set of information / indications associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the set of second (frequency) resources may be sorted / indexed, for example, starting from the lowest frequency or the highest frequency, or starting from the minimum frequency shift (e.g., starting from the second message and / or the carrier signal or from f0 in concept A), or starting from the maximum frequency shift (e.g., starting from the second message and / or the carrier signal or from f0 in concept A). Preferably, in some embodiments, when the first device receives the second message, based on the order or index of the information / indications associated with or used to identify the first device within the set of second (frequency) resources, the first device can determine a second resource in the set of second (frequency) resources for performing the second D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device can determine / obtain a second timing based on the reception time of the second message and / or the indication provided in the second message. The first device can perform the second D2R transmission on the determined second resource at the second timing.

[0239] for Figure 10The example shown, for instance, could have a first message in a paging message indicating 18 Msg.1 resources, with three Msg.1 time slots, one of which / each Msg.1 time slot contains six frequency resources. A first device can perform a first D2R transmission, including a specific bit of the first device, in one of the 18 Msg.1 resources. The first device can then listen for or (attempt to) receive a second message from the reader. In this example, the first device can receive Msg.21, which indicates six frequency resources (e.g., the six Msg.3 blocks follow Msg.21 and precede Msg.22), and indicates six messages / indications for device identification. These six frequency resources can be sorted / indexed. If / if a specific bit of the first device matches the fourth message / indication among the six messages / indications for device identification, the first device can determine that the second resource is the fourth frequency resource among the six frequency resources. In this example, the first device may receive Msg.22, which indicates three frequency resources (e.g., the three Msg.3 blocks follow Msg.22), and indicates three pieces of information / indications for identifying the device. The three frequency resources may be ordered / indexed. If a specific bit of the first device matches the first piece of information / indications among the three pieces of information / indications for identifying the device, the first device may determine that the second resource is the first frequency resource among the three frequency resources.

[0240] In one embodiment B2, the second message may indicate a set of second resources within a set of second time points. A reader may transmit a second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second message may indicate a set of information / indications (e.g., a list of information / indications) associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the set of second resources may be sorted / indexed first in the time domain and then sorted / indexed in the frequency domain (e.g., starting from the lowest frequency or the highest frequency, or starting from the minimum frequency shift (e.g., starting from the second message and / or the carrier signal or from f0 in concept A), or starting from the maximum frequency shift (e.g., starting from the second message and / or the carrier signal or from f0 in concept A)). Alternatively, the set of second resources may be sorted / indexed first in the frequency domain and then sorted / indexed in the time domain. Preferably, in some embodiments, when (or in response to) the first device receiving a second message, based on the order or index of the information / indications associated with or used to identify the first device within the set of information / indications associated with or used to identify the set of devices, the first device may determine a second resource from the set of second resources for performing the second D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may determine / obtain a second timing based on the determined second resource. The first device may perform the second D2R transmission on the determined second resource at the second timing.

[0241] In one embodiment B3, the second message may not indicate a set of second (frequency) resources. An association may exist between Msg.1 and Msg.3 resources. Preferably, in some embodiments, an association may exist between Msg.1 (frequency) resources and Msg.3 (frequency) resources. Msg.1 (frequency) resources and Msg.3 (frequency) resources may be a one-to-one mapping. Preferably, in some embodiments, an association may exist between Msg.1 timing and Msg.2 transmission / reception timing. Msg.1 timing and Msg.2 transmission / reception timing may be a one-to-one or many-to-one mapping. The first device may determine the (frequency) resources for the second D2R transmission based on the association.

[0242] The reader can transmit one or more second messages. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first message indicates N first time points, the reader can transmit N second messages (respectively) in N transmission times. Preferably, in some embodiments, the reader can transmit one or more second messages in one transmission time. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device performs a first D2R transmission in the nth first time point out of N first time points, the first device can listen for or (attempt to) receive the second message in the nth transmission / reception time out of N transmission / reception times. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device performs a first D2R transmission in the nth first time point out of N first time points, the first device can listen for or (attempt to) receive the nth second message transmitted in the nth transmission / reception time. Except for the nth transmission / reception time, the first device may not decode the second messages in other transmission / reception times (and / or may detect the presence of second messages in other transmission times).

[0243] Preferably, in some embodiments, the second message may indicate a set of information / instructions (e.g., a list of information / instructions) associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the number of the one or more first frequency resources indicated by the first message, such as M first frequency resources (e.g., Msg.1 (frequency) resources in Msg.1 time timing), may be the same as or greater than the number of the set of information / instructions associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, when (or in response to) the first device receiving the second message (and if / when the second message indicates information / instructions associated with the first device), based on the first frequency resource on which the first device performs the first D2R transmission, the first device may determine a second frequency resource for performing the second D2R transmission. The first device may (always) consider / determine / select the same second frequency resource for which the first device performs the second D2R transmission as the first frequency resource for which the first device performs the first D2R transmission. If the second message (at least) does not indicate a second frequency resource for the second D2R transmission (or the first device cannot obtain the second frequency resource from the second message), then the first device may consider / determine / select a second frequency resource that is the same as the first frequency resource used for the first D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may determine / obtain a second timing based on the reception time of the second message and / or the indication provided in the second message. The first device may perform the second D2R transmission on the determined second resource at the second timing.

[0244] for Figure 11AThe example shown, for instance, the first message of a paging message, could indicate 18 Msg.1 resources, with three Msg.1 time slots, one of which / each Msg.1 time slot has six frequency resources. A first device could perform a first D2R transmission, including a specific bit of the first device, in one of the 18 Msg.1 resources. Then, for example, during a transmit / receive time slot associated with the first resource on which the first D2R transmission was performed, or based on the first resource, the first device could listen for or (attempt to) receive a second message from the reader. In this example, the first device could perform the first D2R transmission on the frequency resource with the highest frequency in the first Msg.1 time slot among the 18 Msg.1 resources, such as... Figure 11A As shown. Then, the first device can listen for and (attempt) receive Msg.2 in the first Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.21 in the first Msg.2 transmission / reception time and Msg.21 includes / indicates information / indication associated with or used to identify the first device, the first device can perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource, the second resource including a frequency resource with the first D2R transmission and in a second timing associated with the first Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.21 in the first Msg.2 transmission / reception time, and when / if a specific bit of the first device matches any information / indication associated with or used to identify the device in the second message Msg.21, the first device can determine the second resource as a frequency resource with the first D2R transmission and in a second timing associated with the transmission / reception time of the second message. In this example, the first device may perform a first D2R transmission on the second frequency resource during the third Msg.1 time slot, such as... Figure 11AAs shown. Then, the first device can listen for and (attempt) receive Msg.2 in the third Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.23 in the third Msg.2 transmission / reception time and Msg.23 includes / indicates information / indication associated with or used to identify the first device, the first device can perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource, the second resource including a frequency resource with the first D2R transmission (i.e., the second frequency resource) and in a second timing associated with the third Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.23 in the third Msg.2 transmission / reception time, and when / if a specific bit of the first device matches any information / indication in the second message Msg.23 associated with or used to identify the device, the first device can determine the second resource as a frequency resource with the first D2R transmission and in a second timing associated with the transmission / reception time of the second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, the reader can transmit a third message, which includes D2R scheduling information. The D2R scheduling information can trigger the receiving device to perform a corresponding third D2R transmission.

[0245] In one embodiment B4, the second message may not indicate a set of second (frequency) resources. An association may exist between Msg.1 resources and Msg.3 resources. Preferably, in some embodiments, an association may exist between Msg.1 (frequency) resources and Msg.3 (frequency) resources. Msg.1 (frequency) resources and Msg.3 (frequency) resources may be a one-to-one mapping. Preferably, in some embodiments, an association may exist between Msg.1 timing and Msg.3 timing. Msg.1 timing and Msg.3 timing may be a one-to-one mapping. The first device may determine the (frequency) resources for the second D2R transmission based on the association.

[0246] The reader can transmit a second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first message indicates N first time points, the reader can transmit the second message in one transmission time. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device performs a first D2R transmission in any of the N first time points, the first device can listen for or (attempt) receive the second message in the one transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device performs a first D2R transmission in any of the N first time points, the first device can listen for or (attempt) receive the nth second message transmitted in the one transmission / reception time.

[0247] Preferably, in some embodiments, the second message may indicate a set of information / instructions (e.g., a list of information / instructions) associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, the number of the one or more first resources indicated by the first message, for example, N·M first resources (e.g., Msg.1 resources within / in the Msg.1 time period) may be the same as or greater than the number of the set of information / instructions associated with or used to identify the set of devices. Preferably, in some embodiments, when the first device receives the second message (and if / when the second message indicates information / instructions associated with the first device), based on the first frequency resource on which the first device performs the first D2R transmission, the first device may determine a second frequency resource for performing the second D2R transmission. The first device may (always) consider / determine / select the same second frequency resource for performing the second D2R transmission as the first frequency resource for performing the first D2R transmission. If (at least) the second message does not indicate a second frequency resource for the second D2R transmission (or the first device cannot obtain the second frequency resource from the second message), then the first device may consider / determine / select a second frequency resource that is the same as the first frequency resource used for the first D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the first device may determine / obtain a second timing opportunity based on a first timing opportunity for the first device to perform the first D2R transmission and / or an indication provided in the second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, the second message may indicate one or more second timing opportunities, wherein the number of the one or more second timing opportunities is the same as the number of first timing opportunities. The first device may perform the second D2R transmission on the determined second resource during the second timing opportunity.

[0248] for Figure 11B The example shown, for instance, could indicate 18 Msg.1 resources, with three Msg.1 time slots, one of which / each Msg.1 time slot has six frequency resources. A first device can perform a first D2R transmission, including a specific bit of the first device, in one of the 18 Msg.1 resources. The first device can then listen for or (attempt to) receive a second message from the reader, for example, in one / one transmit / receive time slot. In this example, the first device can perform the first D2R transmission on the frequency resource with the highest frequency in the first Msg.1 time slot among the 18 Msg.1 resources, such as... Figure 11BAs shown. Then, the first device can listen for and (attempt) receive Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time and Msg.2 includes / indicates information / indication associated with or used to identify the first device, the first device can perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource, the second resource including the frequency resource with the first D2R transmission and in the first second time timing, because the first D2R transmission was performed in the first Msg.1 time timing. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time, and when / if a specific bit of the first device matches any information / indication in the second message Msg.2 associated with or used to identify the device, the first device can determine the second resource as a frequency resource with the first D2R transmission and in the second time timing associated with the first time timing of the executed message. In this example, the first device may perform a first D2R transmission on the second frequency resource during the third Msg.1 time slot, such as... Figure 11B As shown. Then, the first device can listen for and (attempt) receive Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time, and Msg.23 includes / indicates information / indication associated with or used to identify the first device, the first device can perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource, the second resource including a frequency resource having the first D2R transmission (i.e., the second frequency resource) and in a third second time slot associated with the third Msg.1 time slot. Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if the first device receives Msg.2 in the Msg.2 transmission / reception time, and when / if a specific bit of the first device matches any information / indication in the second message Msg.2 associated with or used to identify the device, the first device can determine the second resource as a frequency resource having the first D2R transmission and in a second time slot associated with the first D2R transmission time.

[0249] Preferably, in some embodiments (for any embodiments B1-B4), after the first device performs a first D2R transmission (e.g., Msg.1), the first device may listen for or (attempt) to receive a second message from the reader. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device does not detect / receive any second message (e.g., Msg.2) during the initial / first transmission / reception time for the second message, the reader may consider Msg.1 not to have been successfully received in the reader and / or consider the first D2R transmission not to have been successfully received in the reader. Preferably, in some embodiments, if the first device receives another first message (e.g., another paging message, another Msg.0) during the initial / first transmission / reception time for the second message (and does not detect / receive any second message), the reader may consider Msg.1 not to have been successfully received in the reader and / or consider the first D2R transmission not to have been successfully received in the reader. Preferably, in some embodiments, if / when the reader fails to successfully receive any Msg.1 or any first D2R transmission on the one or more first frequency resources during the one or more first time timings, the reader may transmit another first message (and not transmit the second message) during the initial / first transmission / reception time for the second message.

[0250] Preferably, in some embodiments, for embodiment B3, if / when the reader does not receive / detect any Msg.1 or first D2R transmission in a specific first time point, the reader may (still) transmit a second message (without indicating information associated with any device) in a specific (Msg.2) transmission time associated with said specific first time point. For example, if / when the reader does not receive / detect any Msg.1 or first D2R transmission in the second of N first time points, the reader may (still) transmit a second message in the second (Msg.2) transmission time.

[0251] Preferably, in some embodiments, one of embodiments B1 to B4 can be applied by default. Preferably, in some embodiments, one of embodiments B1 to B4 can be used as a configuration. Preferably, in some embodiments, an indication from the reader can indicate which embodiment of embodiments B1 to B4 the device should apply. Preferably, in some embodiments, the indication can be included in / in the first message and / or the second message. Preferably, in some embodiments, different embodiments can be applied for different access procedures triggered by different first messages (e.g., different paging messages, different Msg.0). Preferably, in some embodiments, different embodiments can be applied for access procedures in different rounds. Preferably, in some embodiments, different embodiments can be applied for different (types of) devices.

[0252] Preferably, in some embodiments, when (or in response to) the first device receiving a third message, the first device may perform a corresponding third D2R transmission based on D2R scheduling information. Preferably, in some embodiments, the third message may include information / indications associated with or used to identify the first device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the third message and / or the D2R scheduling information may indicate the minimum time between R2D and D2R and / or indicate the maximum time between R2D and D2R. Preferably, in some embodiments, the third message may be transmitted from the reader via a third R2D transmission. The third message and / or the D2R scheduling information may indicate the minimum time between a third R2D transmission (e.g., the end time of a third R2D transmission) and a corresponding third D2R transmission (e.g., the start or end time of a corresponding third D2R transmission), and / or indicate the maximum time between a third R2D transmission (e.g., the end time of a third R2D transmission) and a corresponding third D2R transmission (e.g., the start or end time of a corresponding third D2R transmission). Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum times can be indicated, for example, by a third message and / or D2R scheduling information. Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum times can be specified or configured for different types of D2R content (e.g., included in a corresponding third D2R delivery). Preferably, in some embodiments, the association between the minimum and / or maximum times and the type of D2R content can be specified or configured. Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum times can be different for different types of D2R content. Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum times can be different for different device types.

[0253] Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum time associated with a D2R containing ACK (e.g., the corresponding third D2R transmission includes ACK) may be (assumed to be) shorter than the minimum and / or maximum time associated with the D2R content data. Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum time associated with a D2R containing a smaller data packet (e.g., the corresponding third D2R transmission includes a smaller data packet) may be (assumed to be) shorter than the minimum and / or maximum time associated with a D2R containing a larger data packet (e.g., the corresponding third D2R transmission includes a larger data packet).

[0254] Preferably, in some embodiments, the third message may be / include the first message. The corresponding third D2R transmission may be / include the first D2R transmission (e.g., Msg.1).

[0255] Preferably, in some embodiments, the third message may be / include the second message. The corresponding third D2R transmission may be / include the second D2R transmission (e.g., Msg.3).

[0256] Preferably, in some embodiments, the minimum and / or maximum time associated with the first D2R transmission (e.g., the corresponding third D2R transmission is / includes Msg.1) may (assumed to be) be shorter than the minimum and / or maximum time associated with the second D2R transmission (e.g., the corresponding third D2R transmission is / includes Msg.3).

[0257] Various examples and embodiments of the invention are described below. The following aspects and embodiments are possible in relation to the methods, alternatives, concepts, examples, and embodiments detailed above and herein.

[0258] It should be noted that any of the above concepts, methods, alternatives, examples, and embodiments (e.g., in concepts A and B) can be combined or applied simultaneously, either in whole or in part.

[0259] Preferably, in some embodiments, when / if at least one embodiment is applied by default, another embodiment may be applied (e.g., when explicitly specified).

[0260] In one embodiment, in response to receiving an R2D message for paging (e.g., associated with a first device), the first device transmits a first D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg1) in a first frequency resource. The first D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg1) may include a first ID generated by the first device. The first ID may be a (e.g., 16-bit) random ID. The first device may receive an R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2). The R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) may at least indicate a set of frequency resources for (the same) time period and a set of IDs associated with a set of devices. The set of IDs may include the first ID. The set of frequency resources may be allocated at and / or associated with the (the same) time period. The R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) may not indicate different (or more) time periods. In response to receiving an R2D transmission indicating the first ID (e.g., for Msg2), the first device may transmit a second D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg3) in a second frequency resource. A second frequency resource can be determined from the set of frequency resources based on the order of the first ID in the set of IDs. A first device can determine a second frequency resource from the set of frequency resources based on the order of the first ID in the set of IDs. A frequency resource may be / include (at least) a frequency shift, or may be associated with or correspond to (at least) a frequency shift.

[0261] In one embodiment, in response to receiving an R2D message for paging (e.g., associated with a first device), the first device may transmit a first D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg1) in a first frequency resource. The first D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg1) may include a first ID generated by the first device. The first ID may be (e.g., 16-bit) a random ID. In response to receiving an R2D transmission indicating the first ID (e.g., for Msg2), the first device may transmit a second D2R transmission (e.g., for Msg3) in a second frequency resource. The R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) may indicate at least a set of IDs associated with a set of devices. The set of IDs may include the first ID. If the R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) does not indicate frequency resource information, then the second frequency resource may be determined to be the same as the first frequency resource. If the R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) indicates at least a set of frequency resources for (the same) time period, then the second frequency resource may be determined in the set of frequency resources based on the order of the first IDs in the set of IDs. If the second R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) does not indicate frequency resource information, the first device can determine that the second frequency resource is the same as the first frequency resource. If the second R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) at least indicates a set of frequency resources for the (same) time period, the first device can determine the second frequency in the set of frequency resources based on the order of the first IDs in the set of IDs. The set of frequency resources can be allocated at and / or associated with the (same) time period. The R2D transmission (e.g., for Msg2) may not indicate different (or multiple) time periods (e.g., for the second D2R transmission). Frequency resources may be / include (at least) a frequency shift, or may be associated with or correspond to (at least) a frequency shift.

[0262] Preferably, in some embodiments, D2R transmission may refer to or include PDRCH transmission.

[0263] Preferably, in some embodiments, R2D transmission may refer to or include PRDCH transmission.

[0264] Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter for R2D transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter for carrier (CW) transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may use the aforementioned set of resources to transmit R2D transmission and may not use the aforementioned set of resources to receive D2R transmission, for example, "R1" in scenario (deployment scenario 2) D2T2-A1.

[0265] Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a receiver for the intermediate node. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a receiver for D2R transmissions. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may use the set of resources to receive D2R transmissions and may not use the set of resources to transmit R2D transmissions, for example, "R2" in scenario D2T2-A1.

[0266] Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter and a receiver for intermediate nodes. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter for R2D transmission and a receiver for D2R transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / includes a transmitter for CW transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may use the set of resources to transmit R2D transmission and receive D2R transmission using the set of resources, for example, the "R" in scenarios D2T2-A2, D2T2-B, and / or D2T2-C.

[0267] Preferably, in some embodiments, environmental IoT-related operations may be / include any of the following: access procedures, contention-based access procedures, contention-free access procedures, inventory procedures / operations, and / or communication procedures / operations (for environmental IoT UE / device).

[0268] Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / means a relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or repeater capable of implementing environmental IoT. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / means a UE / device capable of implementing environmental IoT. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be / means or is replaced by an intermediate device. Preferably, in some embodiments, the intermediate node may be connected to or access a network node.

[0269] Preferably, in some embodiments, the access procedure is used for an environmental IoT device / UE.

[0270] Preferably, in some embodiments, the device / UE can access or connect to the network / intermediate node via an access procedure. Preferably, in some embodiments, the device / UE can perform (data or control) transmission and reception with the network / intermediate node via the access procedure. The access procedure may include (data or control) communication operations. Alternatively or preferably, in some embodiments, the access procedure may not include (data or control) communication operations. Preferably, in some embodiments, (data or control) communication operations may be / include (at least) transmission and / or reception between the device / UE and the network / intermediate node. The device / UE can perform (data or control) communication operations, including (at least): receiving a valid (R2D) response associated with a first (D2R) signal / transmission, transmitting device / UE information after receiving a valid (R2D) response, receiving a specific indication / signaling, transmitting D2R data / signal transmissions, and / or receiving R2D data / signal transmissions.

[0271] Preferably, in some embodiments, the access program may be / means (or includes) an inventory program. Preferably, in some embodiments, the access program may be executed for the inventory.

[0272] Preferably, in some embodiments, the frequency resources used for D2R (e.g., corresponding to frequency shift) may correspond to D2R transmission / occupancy bandwidth.

[0273] Preferably, in some embodiments, the D2R transmit / occupied bandwidth may refer to (or include) frequency resources used for performing D2R transmit / receive. Preferably or alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus may (limited to) perform a PDRCH within one D2R transmit / occupied bandwidth. Preferably, in some embodiments, the apparatus may not (or cannot) perform a PDRCH across multiple D2R transmit / occupied bandwidths. Preferably, in some embodiments, the D2R transmit / occupied bandwidth may refer to any one of a replacement (D2R) bandwidth portion, a (D2R) subchannel, or a (D2R) frequency unit.

[0274] Preferably, in some embodiments, D2R can refer to or is replaced by / alternate with / represented as from device / UE to reader / network / intermediate node. Preferably, in some embodiments, D2R can refer to or is replaced by / alternate with / represented as UL.

[0275] Preferably, in some embodiments, R2D can be / means or replaces / changes / represents as from reader / network / intermediate node to device / UE. Preferably, in some embodiments, R2D can be / means or replaces / changes / represents as DL.

[0276] Preferably, in some embodiments, PDRCH can be / means or replaces / changes / represents as a channel / transmission from the device / UE to the reader / network / intermediate node. Preferably, in some embodiments, PDRCH can be replaced with "physical channel for D2R (data and / or control) transmission". Preferably, in some embodiments, PDRCH transmission can be a transmission.

[0277] Preferably, in some embodiments, PRDCH can be / means or replaces / changes / represents as a channel / transmission from reader / network / intermediate node to device / UE. Preferably, in some embodiments, PRDCH can be replaced with "physical channel for R2D (data and / or control) transmission".

[0278] Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / transmission time interval (TTI) can be / indicated or replaced / modified / represented as a time slot. Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / transmission time interval (TTI) can be / indicated or replaced / modified / represented as a subframe. Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / transmission time interval (TTI) can be / indicated or replaced / modified / represented as a sub-time slot or mini-time slot. Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / transmission time interval (TTI) can include the number of symbols in the time domain (e.g., a predefined / fixed / (pre)configured or indicated number).

[0279] Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / triggering / TTI can refer to or replace / modify / represent the transmission timing. Preferably, in some embodiments, the timing / triggering / TTI can refer to or replace / modify / represent the reception timing.

[0280] Preferably, in some embodiments, the transmission time may refer to or replace / modify / represent as the timing of transmission. Preferably, in some embodiments, the reception time may refer to or replace / modify / represent as the timing of reception.

[0281] Preferably, in some embodiments, the aforementioned carrier (signal) may be changed / represented / replaced with a DL signal / R2D or DL / R2D channel. Preferably, in some embodiments, the carrier (signal) may be changed / represented / replaced with any signal used for a power supply / power source (e.g., transmitted from a network node or intermediate node).

[0282] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first / second device / UE can receive / detect a carrier (signal) in the R2D frequency bandwidth. Preferably or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first / second device / UE can receive / detect a carrier (signal) in the D2R frequency bandwidth.

[0283] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first / second device / UE can perform D2R transmission by backscattering on a carrier (signal) provided externally, for example, or by generating it internally by the first / second device / UE.

[0284] Preferably, in some embodiments, the network / intermediate node may transmit an indication related to or relating to whether the (serving or camped) cell (of the UE or the network / intermediate node) supports more than one D2R frequency bandwidth. Preferably, in some embodiments, the UE may receive an indication related to or relating to whether the (serving or camped) cell (of the UE or the network / intermediate node) supports more than one D2R frequency bandwidth. Preferably, in some embodiments, the indication may be provided / transmitted / included in paging / query information. Preferably, in some embodiments, the indication may be provided / transmitted / included in specific indication / signaling. Alternatively or preferably, in some embodiments, the indication may be provided / transmitted / included in a configuration provided from the network / intermediate node. Alternatively or preferably, in some embodiments, the indication may be specified or (pre)configured or fixed.

[0285] Throughout this disclosure, "DL" can be replaced by "Reader to Device (R2D)". DL transmission can be, is referred to as, and / or includes transmissions from reader to device and / or R2D transmissions. DL data can be, is referred to as, and / or includes data available on the reader side, data to be transmitted from the reader to the device, and / or R2D data. DL transmissions and / or DL ​​data may include indications, configurations, signals / signaling / transmissions, and / or messages from the reader.

[0286] Throughout this disclosure, "UL" can be replaced by "Device-to-Reader (D2R)". UL transmission can be, is referred to as, and / or supplements to transmissions from the device to the reader and / or D2R transmissions. UL data can be, is referred to as, and / or supplements to data available on the device side, data transmitted from the device to the reader, and / or D2R data. UL transmissions and / or UL data may include indications, signals / signaling, and / or messages from the device. UL permission can be one or more resources provided from the reader / network (NW) / intermediate node, for use by the device / UE, and / or for transmitting / performing D2R transmissions.

[0287] Throughout this disclosure, a reader can be and / or replaced by an NW, UE, interrogator, and / or intermediate node. Throughout this disclosure, a device can be and / or replaced by a UE, tag, and / or intermediate node. A device may be referred to as an environmental IoT device. “UE” may include a reader, tag, and / or device. “NW / intermediate node” may include a reader and / or interrogator.

[0288] The UE / device can receive carriers from the reader. The UE / device can also receive carriers from nodes other than the reader.

[0289] Throughout this disclosure, backscatter (BS) may be replaced with “device-to-reader (D2R)” or “UL”. Backscatter transmission may be, referred to as and / or supplemented with device-to-reader transmission and / or D2R transmission, such as PDRCH.

[0290] Throughout this disclosure, “Msg1” can be replaced with “Msg.1”, “Msg2” can be replaced with “Msg.2”, and “Msg3” can be replaced with “Msg.3”.

[0291] The UE can be referred to as the UE, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of the UE, the Media Access Control (MAC) entity of the UE, or the physical layer of the UE.

[0292] Throughout this disclosure, the UE can be an environmental IoT device / UE. The UE can be a device for environmental IoT. The UE can be a device capable of enabling environmental IoT. The UE can be an NR device. The UE can be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) device. The UE can be an IoT device. The UE can be a wearable device. The UE can be a sensor. The UE can be a fixed device. The UE can be a tag. Throughout this disclosure, the following can be used interchangeably: UE, (environmental IoT) device.

[0293] The UE does not have to be a traditional UE. A traditional UE can be a non-environmental IoT device. A traditional UE can execute different programs than an environmental IoT UE. A UE can be a traditional UE capable of executing environmental IoT programs.

[0294] A network can be a network node. A network can be a base station. A network can be an access point. A network can be an evolved Node B (eNB). A network can be a gNB. A network can be a gateway. A network can be an interrogator.

[0295] Various examples and embodiments of the invention are described below. The following aspects and embodiments are possible in relation to the methods, alternatives, concepts, examples, and embodiments detailed above and herein.

[0296] refer to Figure 12According to this and other concepts, systems, and methods of the present invention, a method 1000 for an apparatus in a wireless communication system includes: receiving a first R2D message (step 1002); in response to the first R2D message, performing a first D2R transmission on a first resource at a first timing (step 1004); receiving a second R2D message indicating information / instructions associated with or used to identify the apparatus (step 1006); and in response to the second R2D message, performing a second D2R transmission on a second resource at a second timing, wherein: the apparatus determines / obtains that the second resource is the same as the first resource, and / or the apparatus determines / obtains the second timing based on the reception time of the second R2D message and / or the indication provided in the second R2D message (step 1008).

[0297] Return to reference Figure 3 and 4 In one or more embodiments viewed from the perspective of a device in a wireless communication system, device 300 includes program code 312 stored in memory 310 of the transmitter. CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to: (i) receive a first R2D message; (ii) in response to the first R2D message, perform a first D2R transmission on a first resource at a first timing; (iii) receive a second R2D message indicating information / instructions associated with or used to identify the device; and (iv) in response to the second R2D message, perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource at a second timing, wherein: the device determines / obtains that the second resource is the same as the first resource, and / or the device determines / obtains the second timing based on the reception time of the second R2D message and / or the indication provided in the second R2D message. Furthermore, CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to perform all the actions, steps, and methods described herein above, below, or otherwise.

[0298] refer to Figure 13 According to this and other concepts, systems, and methods of the present invention, a method 1010 for an apparatus in a wireless communication system includes: receiving a first R2D message (step 1012); in response to the first R2D message, performing a first D2R transmission on a first resource at a first timing (step 1014); receiving a second R2D message indicating information / instructions associated with or used to identify the apparatus (step 1016); and in response to the second R2D message, performing a second D2R transmission on a second resource at a second timing, wherein: the apparatus determines / obtains that the second resource is the same as the first resource, and / or the apparatus determines / obtains the second timing based on the first timing and / or the indication provided in the second R2D message (step 1018).

[0299] Return to reference Figure 3 and4 In one or more embodiments viewed from the perspective of a device in a wireless communication system, device 300 includes program code 312 stored in memory 310 of the transmitter. CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to: (i) receive a first R2D message; (ii) in response to the first R2D message, perform a first D2R transmission on a first resource at a first timing; (iii) receive a second R2D message indicating information / instructions associated with or used to identify the device; and (iv) in response to the second R2D message, perform a second D2R transmission on a second resource at a second timing, wherein: the device determines / obtains that the second resource is the same as the first resource, and / or the device determines / obtains the second timing based on the first timing and / or the indication provided in the second R2D message. Furthermore, CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to perform all the actions, steps, and methods described herein above, below, or otherwise.

[0300] refer to Figure 14 According to this and other concepts, systems and methods of the present invention, a method 1020 for a first device in a wireless communication system includes: receiving a first R2D message for paging at least a first device (step 1022); transmitting a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first ID generated by the first device (step 1024); receiving a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID (step 1026); and transmitting a second D2R message based on a second frequency shift (e.g., using a second frequency shift) when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts (or in response to information associated with a set of frequency shifts indicated by the second R2D message), wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first IDs in the set of IDs (step 1028).

[0301] In various embodiments, the order of the second frequency shift in the set of frequency shifts is the same as the order of the first ID in the set of IDs.

[0302] In various embodiments, a first frequency shift corresponds to a first frequency resource, a second frequency shift corresponds to a second frequency resource, and / or the set of frequency shifts corresponds to a set of frequency resources.

[0303] In various embodiments, the second R2D message indicates a set of frequency resources in a time slot (i.e., the set of frequency resources completely overlap in the time domain), the second R2D message excludes or is not allowed to indicate resources for different (or more) time slots (i.e., the resources do not completely overlap in the time domain), the second R2D message schedules a set of D2R transmissions in the one time slot (i.e., the set of D2R transmissions completely overlap in the time domain), wherein the set of D2R transmissions is performed based on the set of frequency shifts respectively, the second R2D message excludes or is not allowed to schedule D2R transmissions in different (or more) time slots (i.e., the D2R transmissions do not completely overlap in the time domain), the first device performs a second D2R transmission for transmitting the second D2R message based on a second frequency shift in the one time slot, or the one time slot is obtained or determined based on the reception time (end) of the R2D transmission including the second R2D message.

[0304] In various embodiments, the first R2D message indicates one or more D2R resources in the frequency domain and / or time domain, the first device randomly selects the first D2R resource from the one or more D2R resources to perform a first D2R transmission for transmitting the first D2R message, and / or the first D2R resource corresponds to a first frequency shift.

[0305] In various embodiments, the first device transmits a first D2R message in response to (receiving) a first R2D message, and / or the first device pagees the first device in response to the first R2D message and transmits a first D2R message.

[0306] In various embodiments, the first device transmits a second D2R message in response to (receiving) a second R2D message.

[0307] In various embodiments, the first D2R message is Msg1 or Msg.1. The first D2R message is or includes a first ID. The second D2R message is Msg2, Msg.2, a response message to the first D2R message, or a response message to the first ID. The second D2R message is Msg3 or Msg.3. The second D2R message includes a second ID of the first device.

[0308] In various embodiments, the first ID is a random ID generated by the first device.

[0309] In various embodiments, the first R2D message is or includes an environmental IoT paging message for paging one or more environmental IoT devices.

[0310] In various embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a second D2R message based on a first frequency shift (e.g., using a first frequency shift) when the second R2D message does not indicate information associated with the set of frequency shifts.

[0311] In various embodiments, the set of frequency shifts is or includes a set of allocated or scheduled frequency shifts, or the set of frequency shifts is allocated or scheduled for a set of D2R transmissions from one or more devices.

[0312] In various embodiments, the second R2D message not indicating information associated with the set of frequency shifts includes the second R2D message not providing information on allocated or scheduled frequency shifts.

[0313] Return to reference Figure 3 and 4 In one or more embodiments viewed from the perspective of a first device in a wireless communication system, device 300 includes program code 312 stored in memory 310 of a transmitter. CPU 308 may execute program code 312 to: (i) receive a first R2D message for paging at least a first device; (ii) transmit a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first ID generated by the first device; (iii) receive a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID; and (iv) transmit a second D2R message based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts (or in response to information associated with a set of frequency shifts indicated by the second R2D message), wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first IDs among the set of IDs. Furthermore, CPU 308 may execute program code 312 to perform all the actions, steps, and methods described herein above, below, or otherwise.

[0314] refer to Figure 15 According to this and other concepts, systems, and methods of the present invention, method 1030 for a reader in a wireless communication system includes: transmitting a first R2D message for paging at least a first device (step 1032); receiving a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first ID generated by the first device (step 1034); transmitting a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID (step 1036); and receiving a second D2R message from the first device based on a second frequency shift (e.g., using a second frequency shift) when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts (or in response to information associated with a set of frequency shifts indicated by the second R2D message), wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first IDs in the set of IDs (step 1038).

[0315] In various embodiments, the order of the second frequency shift in the set of frequency shifts is the same as or equivalent to the order of the first ID in the set of IDs, the first frequency shift corresponds to a first frequency resource, the second frequency shift corresponds to a second frequency resource, and / or the set of frequency shifts corresponds to a set of frequency resources.

[0316] In various embodiments, a second R2D message indicates a set of frequency resources in a time slot (i.e., the set of frequency resources completely overlaps in the time domain), a second R2D message excludes or is not permitted to indicate resources for multiple time slots (i.e., the resources do not completely overlap in the time domain), a second R2D message schedules a set of D2R transmissions in the one time slot (i.e., the set of D2R transmissions completely overlaps in the time domain), wherein the set of D2R transmissions is performed based on the set of frequency shifts respectively, a second R2D message excludes or is not permitted to schedule D2R transmissions in different (or multiple) time slots (i.e., the D2R transmissions do not completely overlap in the time domain), the reader (limited to) transmitting different second R2D messages to indicate resources for different (or multiple) time slots, or the one time slot is obtained or determined based on the transmission time (end) of the R2D transmission including the second R2D message.

[0317] In various embodiments, the first R2D message indicates one or more D2R resources in the frequency domain and / or time domain, the reader receives a first D2R transmission including the first D2R message on the first D2R resource among the one or more D2R resources, and / or the first D2R resource corresponds to a first frequency shift.

[0318] In various embodiments, the reader receives a first D2R message in response to (transmitting) a first R2D message, or the reader receives a second D2R message in response to (transmitting) a second R2D message.

[0319] In various embodiments, the first D2R message is Msg1 or Msg.1. The first D2R message is or includes a first ID. The second D2R message is Msg2, Msg.2, a response message to the first D2R message, or a response message to the first ID. The second D2R message is Msg3 or Msg.3. The second D2R message includes a second ID of the first device.

[0320] In various embodiments, the first ID is a random ID generated by the first device.

[0321] In various embodiments, the method further includes receiving a second D2R message based on a first frequency shift (e.g., using a first frequency shift) when the second R2D message does not indicate information associated with the set of frequency shifts.

[0322] In various embodiments, the set of frequency shifts is or includes a set of allocated or scheduled frequency shifts, or the set of frequency shifts is allocated or scheduled for a set of D2R transmissions from one or more devices.

[0323] In various embodiments, the second R2D message not indicating information associated with the set of frequency shifts includes the second R2D message not providing information on allocated or scheduled frequency shifts.

[0324] Return to reference Figure 3 and 4 In one or more embodiments viewed from the perspective of a reader in a wireless communication system, device 300 includes program code 312 stored in memory 310 of the transmitter. CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to: (i) transmit a first R2D message for paging at least a first device; (ii) receive a first D2R message based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first D2R message includes a first ID generated by the first device; (iii) transmit a second R2D message indicating a set of IDs including at least the first ID; and (iv) receive a second D2R message from the first device based on a second frequency shift when the second R2D message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts (or in response to information associated with a set of frequency shifts indicated by the second R2D message), wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first IDs among the set of IDs. Furthermore, CPU 308 can execute program code 312 to perform all the actions, steps, and methods described herein above, below, or otherwise.

[0325] Any combination of the concepts or teachings described above or herein may be combined, in whole or in part, to form new embodiments. The disclosed details and embodiments may be used to solve at least (but not limited to) the problems mentioned above and herein.

[0326] It should be noted that any of the methods, alternatives, steps, examples, and embodiments presented herein may be used independently, alone, and / or in combination with multiple methods, alternatives, steps, examples, and embodiments.

[0327] Various aspects of this disclosure have been described above. It should be understood that the teachings herein can be implemented in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure, function, or both disclosed herein are merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented independently of any other aspects, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement an apparatus or practice. Furthermore, this apparatus or practice can be implemented or practiced by using other structures, functions, or structures and functions other than or different from one or more aspects set forth herein. As examples of some of the foregoing concepts, in some aspects, a parallel channel can be established based on the pulse repetition frequency. In some aspects, a parallel channel can be established based on the pulse position or offset. In some aspects, a parallel channel can be established based on a time-hopping sequence. In some aspects, a parallel channel can be established based on the pulse repetition frequency, the pulse position or offset, and the time-hopping sequence.

[0328] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the foregoing description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0329] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, components, circuits, and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of both, which may be designed using source decoding or some other technique) and various forms of program or design code (which, for convenience, may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or a combination thereof, with instructions. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the functionality of the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps has been described above in general terms. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a deviation from the scope of this disclosure.

[0330] Furthermore, the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (“IC”), access terminal, or access point. An IC may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein and to execute code or instructions residing within the IC, outside the IC, or both. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0331] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of an exemplary method. It should be understood that a particular order or hierarchy of steps in the process may be rearranged based on design preferences while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. The accompanying method claims present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order, but are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0332] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, with software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. Software modules (e.g., containing executable instructions and associated data) and other data can reside in data memory, such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. Example storage media can be coupled to a machine such as a computer / processor (for convenience, the machine may be referred to herein as a "processor"), such that the processor can read information (e.g., code) from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Example storage media can be integrated with the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user equipment. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can reside in a user equipment as discrete components. Additionally, in some aspects, any suitable computer program product may include a computer-readable medium comprising code associated with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In some aspects, the computer program product may include packaging material.

[0333] While the invention has been described in conjunction with various aspects and examples, it should be understood that further modifications are possible. This application is intended to cover any changes, uses, or adaptations to the invention that generally follow the principles of the invention and include such deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known and customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0334] Cross-reference to related applications

[0335] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 673,117, filed July 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A method for a first apparatus, characterized in that, include: Receive a first reader-to-device message for paging at least the first device; A first device-to-reader message is transmitted based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first device-to-reader message includes a first identifier generated by the first device; Receive a second reader to device message, the indication of which includes at least a set of identifiers of the first identifier; as well as When the second reader-to-device message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts, a second device-to-reader message is transmitted based on the second frequency shift, wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first identifiers among the set of identifiers.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The order of the second frequency shift in the set of frequency shifts is the same as the order of the first identifier in the set of identifiers.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frequency shift corresponds to the first frequency resource. The second frequency shift corresponds to the second frequency resource, or The set of frequency shifts corresponds to a set of frequency resources.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second reader-to-device message indicates a set of frequency resources at a given time. The second reader-to-device message excludes or does not allow indication of resources for different time periods. The second reader-to-device message scheduler schedules a set of device-to-reader transmissions within a given timeframe, wherein each set of device-to-reader transmissions is executed based on the set of frequency shifts. The second reader-to-device message is excluded or not allowed to be scheduled for device-to-reader transmission at different times. The first device performs a second device-to-reader transmission for transmitting the second device-to-reader message based on the second frequency shift in the aforementioned timing, or The timing is obtained or determined based on the reception time of the reader-to-device transmission, including the second reader-to-device message.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reader-to-device message indicates one or more device-to-reader resources in the frequency domain and / or time domain. The first device randomly selects a first device-to-reader resource from the one or more device-to-reader resources to perform a first device-to-reader transmission for transmitting the first device-to-reader message, or The first device to reader resource corresponds to the first frequency shift.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first device transmits the first device-to-reader message in response to the first reader-to-device message, or The first device transmits the second device-to-reader message in response to the second reader-to-device message.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first identifier is a random identifier generated by the first device.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reader-to-device message is or includes an environmental IoT paging message for paging one or more environmental IoT devices.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes transmitting the second device-to-reader message based on the first frequency shift when the second reader-to-device message does not indicate the information associated with the set of frequency shifts.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that... The set of frequency shifts is or includes a set of allocated or scheduled frequency shifts, or The set of frequency shifts is allocated or scheduled for a set of device-to-reader transmissions from one or more devices.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second reader-to-device message does not indicate the information associated with the set of frequency shifts, including the second reader-to-device message not providing information on the allocated or scheduled frequency shifts.

12. A method for a reader, characterized in that, include: Transmit a first reader-to-device message for paging at least the first device; A first device-to-reader message is received based on a first frequency shift, wherein the first device-to-reader message includes a first identifier generated by the first device; A message is transmitted to the device from the second reader, the indication of which includes at least a set of identifiers of the first identifier; as well as When the second reader-to-device message indicates information associated with a set of frequency shifts, a second device-to-reader message is received from the first device based on the second frequency shift, wherein the second frequency shift is determined in the set of frequency shifts based at least on the order of the first identifiers among the set of identifiers.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The order of the second frequency shift in the set of frequency shifts is the same as or equivalent to the order of the first identifier in the set of identifiers. The first frequency shift corresponds to the first frequency resource. The second frequency shift corresponds to the second frequency resource, or The set of frequency shifts corresponds to a set of frequency resources.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second reader-to-device message indicates a set of frequency resources at a given time. The second reader-to-device message excludes or does not allow indication of resources for different time periods. The second reader-to-device message scheduler schedules a set of device-to-reader transmissions within a given timeframe, wherein each set of device-to-reader transmissions is executed based on the set of frequency shifts. The second reader-to-device message is excluded or not allowed to be scheduled for device-to-reader transmission at different times. The reader transmits different second reader to device messages to indicate resources for different time periods, or The timing is obtained or determined based on the transmission time of the reader-to-device transmission, including the second reader-to-device message.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first reader-to-device message indicates one or more device-to-reader resources in the frequency domain and / or time domain. The reader receives a first device-to-reader transmission including the first device-to-reader message on a first device-to-reader resource among the one or more device-to-reader resources, or The first device to reader resource corresponds to the first frequency shift.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reader receives the first device-to-reader message in response to the first reader-to-device message, or The reader receives the second device-to-reader message in response to the second reader-to-device message.

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first identifier is a random identifier generated by the first device.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving the second device-to-reader message based on the first frequency shift when the second reader-to-device message does not indicate the information associated with the set of frequency shifts.

19. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that... The set of frequency shifts is or includes a set of allocated or scheduled frequency shifts, or The set of frequency shifts is allocated or scheduled for a set of device-to-reader transmissions from one or more devices.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second reader-to-device message does not indicate the information associated with the set of frequency shifts, including the second reader-to-device message not providing information on the allocated or scheduled frequency shifts.

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