Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method and a computer program relating to an Internet of Things device, the Internet of Things device comprising: means for receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal comprising: sending an indication of a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and means for transmitting the device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to IoT devices, methods, and computer programs for managing IoT devices (e.g., environmental IoT devices) in a communication system. Background Technology

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

[0003] A communication system can be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include: Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) that operate based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for the connection are also usually defined. Examples of standards are 4G, 5G, or 6G standards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device comprising: a component for receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and a component for sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0006] The predetermined delay can be the duration (e.g., time difference) between sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader and receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader.

[0007] The predetermined delay may differ from the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0008] The predetermined delay can be taken into account by the reader to determine at least one of the following: the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

[0009] The predetermined delay may be greater than the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0010] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals may include: the maximum internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0011] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can be set in the standard.

[0012] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can depend on the type of device. That is, devices of different types can have different internal delays for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0013] Processing reader-to-device signals may include decoding the reader-to-device signals.

[0014] Processing device-to-reader signals may include encoding (e.g., encoding and preparing) the device-to-reader signals for transmission.

[0015] The predetermined delay can be indicated in the reader-to-device signal.

[0016] The scheduled delay can be configured in the device and the reader.

[0017] The scheduled delay can be set in the standard.

[0018] The predetermined delay can be one of several predetermined delays set in the standard. This predetermined delay can be indicated in the reader-to-device signal.

[0019] The components for receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader, including an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay, may include: components for triggering a clock count when the reader-to-device signal is received from the reader; and components for determining that the clock count has reached a predetermined clock count corresponding to the predetermined delay.

[0020] The reader-to-device signal may include at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload.

[0021] Synchronization signals may include at least one of the following: a separator; or a clock signal.

[0022] Clock signals can include square wave signals.

[0023] The component for waiting for a predetermined delay may include a component for synchronizing the clock signal of the clock oscillator with a synchronization signal.

[0024] The device may include a component for sending a prior device-to-reader signal to the reader, including a report of the device's capabilities.

[0025] The device capability report may include at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals; or the duration for which the IoT device maintains synchronization between the oscillator's clock signal and the synchronization signal's clock signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal.

[0026] The device may include: components for determining a predetermined delay lower than the internal delay for processing reader-to-device signals and the internal delay for processing device-to-reader signals; and components for sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader including an indication of extending the predetermined delay.

[0027] The device may include: a component for receiving a report of an extension of a predetermined delay from a reader; and a component for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0028] The device may include: components for determining an extension of a predetermined delay; components for sending a report of the extension of the predetermined delay to a reader; and components for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0029] The extension of the predetermined delay may include additional clock counts.

[0030] The reader-to-device signal may include: a reader-to-device signal indicating the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or the device-to-reader signal may include: a device-to-reader signal indicating at least one of the following: the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

[0031] The reader-to-device signal can be used to determine at least one of the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device. The indication may include a predetermined sequence or a reference signal.

[0032] IoT devices can include environmental IoT devices.

[0033] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving from a reader a reader-to-device signal, the reader-to-device signal including an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and sending the device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0034] This method can be executed by IoT devices.

[0035] The predetermined delay can be the duration (e.g., time difference) between sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader and receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader.

[0036] The predetermined delay may differ from the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0037] The predetermined delay can be taken into account by the reader to determine one of the following: the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

[0038] The predetermined delay may be greater than the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0039] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals may include: the maximum internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0040] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can be set in the standard.

[0041] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can depend on the type of device. That is, devices of different types can have different internal delays for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0042] Processing reader-to-device signals may include decoding the reader-to-device signals.

[0043] Processing device-to-reader signals may include encoding (e.g., encoding and preparing) the device-to-reader signals for transmission.

[0044] The predetermined delay can be indicated in the reader-to-device signal.

[0045] The scheduled delay can be configured in the device and the reader.

[0046] The scheduled delay can be set in the standard.

[0047] The predetermined delay can be one of several predetermined delays set in the standard. This predetermined delay can be indicated in the reader-to-device signal.

[0048] Receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader, including an instruction to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay, may include: triggering a clock count when the reader receives the reader-to-device signal; and determining that the clock count has reached a predetermined clock count corresponding to the predetermined delay.

[0049] The reader-to-device signal may include at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload.

[0050] Synchronization signals may include at least one of the following: a separator; or a clock signal.

[0051] Clock signals can include square wave signals.

[0052] Waiting for a predetermined delay may include synchronizing the clock signal of the clock oscillator with a synchronization signal.

[0053] The method may include sending a previous device-to-reader signal to the reader, which includes a report of the device's capabilities.

[0054] The device capability report may include at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals; or the duration for which the IoT device maintains synchronization between the oscillator's clock signal and the synchronization signal's clock signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal.

[0055] The method may include: determining a predetermined delay lower than an internal delay for processing reader-to-device signals and an internal delay for processing device-to-reader signals; and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader including an indication of extending the predetermined delay.

[0056] The method may include: receiving a report of an extension of a predetermined delay from a reader; and extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0057] The method may include: determining an extension of a predetermined delay; sending a report of the extension of the predetermined delay to a reader; and extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0058] The extension of the predetermined delay may include additional clock counts.

[0059] The reader-to-device signal may include an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or the device-to-reader signal may include an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

[0060] The reader-to-device signal can be used to determine at least one of the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device. The indication may include a predetermined sequence or a reference signal.

[0061] IoT devices can include environmental IoT devices.

[0062] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the IoT device to at least perform: receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal comprising: an instruction to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0063] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, including a circuit system configured to perform: receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0064] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer executable code, the code being configured to perform, when run on at least one processor,: receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and sending the device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0065] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader comprising: means for transmitting a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to transmit the device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and means for receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0066] The reader may include: a component for determining the transmission time of a signal from the reader to the device; a component for determining the reception time of a signal from the IoT device to the reader; and a component for determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, the reception time, and a predetermined delay.

[0067] The reader may include a component for determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

[0068] The reader may include: a component for determining that the distance meets a distance standard; and a component for servicing Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0069] Distance criteria can include distances less than a distance threshold.

[0070] The reader may include a component for receiving configuration information, including a report on distance standards, from the base station.

[0071] Configuration information can be received via radio resource control or system information blocks.

[0072] The reader may include: a component for sending a report on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; a component for sending a report on the distance between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; or a component for sending a report to the base station on whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0073] The reader may include: a component for receiving from a base station an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device; or a component for receiving from a base station an indication of whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0074] The reader may include: user equipment or base station.

[0075] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: sending a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send the device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0076] This method can be executed by the reader.

[0077] The method may include: determining the transmission time of a signal from the reader to the device; determining the reception time of a signal from the IoT device to the reader; and determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, the reception time, and a predetermined delay.

[0078] This method may include determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

[0079] This method may include: determining that the distance meets a distance criterion; and serving IoT devices.

[0080] Distance criteria can include distances less than a distance threshold.

[0081] The reader may include configuration information, including distance criteria, received from the base station.

[0082] Configuration information can be received via radio resource control or system information blocks.

[0083] The method may include: sending a report on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; sending a report on the distance between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; or sending a report on whether the distance meets the distance standard to the base station.

[0084] The method may include: receiving from a base station an indication of determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device; or receiving from a base station an indication of determining whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0085] The reader may include: user equipment or base station.

[0086] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the reader to at least perform: sending a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal comprising: an instruction to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and receiving a device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0087] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader including circuitry configured to perform: sending a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0088] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer executable code, the code being configured to perform, when run on at least one processor, to: send a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to a reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0089] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device comprising: means for receiving a previous reader-to-device signal from a reader, the previous reader-to-device signal including: an indication for determining a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; means for sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; means for determining the measurement delay between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; and means for sending a subsequent device-to-reader signal to the reader including a report of the measurement delay.

[0090] Measurement delay may include an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0091] The measurement delay can be equal to the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0092] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals may include: the maximum internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0093] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can be set in the standard.

[0094] The internal latency used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can depend on the category of the IoT device. That is, different categories of IoT devices can have different internal latency used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0095] Processing reader-to-device signals may include decoding the reader-to-device signals.

[0096] Processing device-to-reader signals may include encoding the device-to-reader signals for transmission.

[0097] The device may include a component for receiving subsequent reader-to-device signals from the reader.

[0098] Subsequent device-to-reader signals can be sent in response to subsequent reader-to-device signals.

[0099] A component for measuring the delay between receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to a reader may include: a component for triggering clock counting when a reader-to-device signal is received from the reader; and a component for stopping clock counting when a device-to-reader signal is sent to the reader.

[0100] The reader-to-device signal may include at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload.

[0101] The synchronization signal may include at least one of the following: a separator; or a clock signal.

[0102] Clock signals can include square wave signals.

[0103] A component for measuring the delay between receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader may include a component for synchronizing a clock signal of a clock oscillator with a synchronization signal.

[0104] The device may include a component for sending a prior device-to-reader signal to the reader, including an indication of the capabilities of the Internet of Things device.

[0105] Reports on the capabilities of IoT devices may include at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals; or the duration for which the IoT device maintains synchronization between the oscillator's clock signal and the synchronization signal's clock signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal.

[0106] The reader-to-device signal may include an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or

[0107] Device-to-reader signals may include indications of at least one of the following: round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device, or distance between the reader and the IoT device.

[0108] The reader-to-device signal used to determine at least one of the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device, or the distance between the reader and the IoT device, may include: a predetermined sequence or a reference signal.

[0109] IoT devices can include environmental IoT devices.

[0110] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving from a reader a previous reader-to-device signal, the previous reader-to-device signal including an indication for determining a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; determining the measurement delay between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; and sending a subsequent device-to-reader signal to the reader including a report of the measurement delay.

[0111] This method can be executed by IoT devices.

[0112] Measurement delay may include an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0113] The measurement delay can be equal to the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0114] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals may include: the maximum internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0115] The internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can be set in the standard.

[0116] The internal latency used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals can depend on the category of the IoT device. That is, different categories of IoT devices can have different internal latency used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals.

[0117] Processing reader-to-device signals may include decoding the reader-to-device signals.

[0118] Processing device-to-reader signals may include encoding the device-to-reader signals for transmission.

[0119] The method may include receiving a subsequent reader-to-device signal from the reader.

[0120] Subsequent device-to-reader signals can be sent in response to subsequent reader-to-device signals.

[0121] Measuring the delay between receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader may include: triggering a clock count when a reader-to-device signal is received from the reader; and stopping the clock count when a device-to-reader signal is sent to the reader.

[0122] The reader-to-device signal may include at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload.

[0123] The synchronization signal may include at least one of the following: a separator; or a clock signal.

[0124] Clock signals can include square wave signals.

[0125] Measuring the delay between receiving a reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader can include synchronizing the clock signal of the clock oscillator with a synchronization signal.

[0126] The method may include sending a previous device-to-reader signal to the reader, including an indication of the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0127] Reports on the capabilities of IoT devices may include at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals; or the duration for which the IoT device maintains synchronization between the oscillator's clock signal and the synchronization signal's clock signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal.

[0128] The reader-to-device signal may include an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or

[0129] Device-to-reader signals may include indications of at least one of the following: round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device, or distance between the reader and the IoT device.

[0130] The reader-to-device signal used to determine at least one of the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device, or the distance between the reader and the IoT device, may include: a predetermined sequence or a reference signal.

[0131] IoT devices can include environmental IoT devices.

[0132] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the IoT device to at least: receive a previous reader-to-device signal from a reader, the previous reader-to-device signal including an indication for determining a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; send a device-to-reader signal to the reader; determine the measurement delay between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; and send a subsequent device-to-reader signal to the reader including a report of the measurement delay.

[0133] According to one aspect, an Internet of Things (IoT) device is provided, the IoT device including a circuit system configured to perform the following: receiving a previous reader-to-device signal from a reader, the previous reader-to-device signal including an indication for determining a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; determining the measurement delay between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; and sending a subsequent device-to-reader signal to the reader including a report of the measurement delay.

[0134] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer-executable code configured, when run on at least one processor, to perform: receiving from a reader a previous reader-to-device signal, the previous reader-to-device signal including an indication for determining a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; determining the measurement delay between receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader and sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; and sending a subsequent device-to-reader signal to the reader including a report of the measurement delay.

[0135] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader comprising: transmitting a device-to-reader signal to the reader; components for receiving the device-to-reader signal from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; and components for receiving a subsequent device-to-reader signal from the IoT device, including a report of measurement delay.

[0136] The reader may include: a component for determining the transmission time of a signal from the reader to the device; a component for determining the reception time of a signal from the device to the reader; and a component for determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, reception time, and measurement delay.

[0137] The reader may include a component for determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

[0138] The reader may include: a component for determining that the distance meets a distance standard; and a component for servicing Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0139] Distance criteria can include distances less than a distance threshold.

[0140] The device may include a component for receiving configuration information, including a report on distance standards, from a base station.

[0141] Configuration information can be received via radio resource control or system information blocks.

[0142] The reader may include: a component for sending a report on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; a component for sending a report on the distance between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; or a component for sending a report to the base station on whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0143] The reader may include: a component for receiving from a base station an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device; or a component for receiving from a base station an indication of whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0144] The reader may include user equipment or base station.

[0145] According to one aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising: sending a device-to-reader signal to a reader; receiving a device-to-reader signal from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; and receiving a subsequent device-to-reader signal from the IoT device, including a report of measurement delay.

[0146] This method can be executed by the reader.

[0147] The method may include: determining the transmission time of the signal from the reader to the device; determining the reception time of the signal from the device to the reader; and determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, reception time, and measurement delay.

[0148] The method may include a component for determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

[0149] This method may include: determining that the distance meets a distance criterion; and serving IoT devices.

[0150] Distance criteria can include distances less than a distance threshold.

[0151] The method may include receiving configuration information from the base station, including a report on distance criteria.

[0152] Configuration information can be received via radio resource control or system information blocks.

[0153] The method may include: sending a report on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; sending a report on the distance between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; or sending a report on whether the distance meets the distance standard to the base station.

[0154] The method may include: receiving from a base station an indication of determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device; or receiving from a base station an indication of determining whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0155] The reader may include user equipment or base station.

[0156] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the reader to at least: send a device-to-reader signal to the reader; receive a device-to-reader signal from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; and receive a subsequent device-to-reader signal from the IoT device, including a report of measurement delay.

[0157] According to one aspect, a reader is provided, the reader including a circuit system configured to perform: sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader; receiving a device-to-reader signal from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; and receiving a subsequent device-to-reader signal from the IoT device, including a report of measurement delay.

[0158] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including computer executable code, the code being configured to perform, when run on at least one processor,: sending a device-to-reader signal to a reader; receiving a device-to-reader signal from an Internet of Things (IoT) device; and receiving a subsequent device-to-reader signal from the IoT device, including a report of measurement delay.

[0159] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0160] According to one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0161] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided, including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0162] Many different aspects have been described above. It should be understood that additional aspects can be provided through any combination of two or more of the aforementioned aspects.

[0163] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0164] List of abbreviations

[0165] AF Application Functions

[0166] A-IoT Environmental Internet of Things

[0167] AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions

[0168] BS base station

[0169] CU (Centralized Unit)

[0170] D2R Device to Reader

[0171] DL downlink

[0172] DU Distributed Unit

[0173] gNB gNodeB

[0174] IoT (Internet of Things)

[0175] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0176] MS Mobile Station

[0177] MTC Machine Type Communication

[0178] NEF Network Open Functions

[0179] NF Network Functions

[0180] NR New Radio

[0181] NRF Network Storage Function

[0182] PDRCH Physical Device to Reader Channel

[0183] PRDCH (Physical Reader to Device Channel)

[0184] R2D Reader to Device

[0185] RAM (Random Access Memory)

[0186] (R)AN (Radio) Access Network

[0187] ROM (Read-Only Memory)

[0188] SMF Session Management Function

[0189] UE User Equipment

[0190] 4G fourth generation

[0191] 5G (Fifth Generation)

[0192] 5GC 5G Core Network

[0193] 5GS 5G system

[0194] 6G 6th generation Attached Figure Description

[0195] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0196] Figure 1 A schematic representation of an example 5G system is shown;

[0197] Figure 2 A schematic representation of an example control device is shown;

[0198] Figure 3 A schematic representation of an example user device is shown;

[0199] Figure 4 A schematic representation of examples of reader-to-device signal transmission and device-to-reader signal transmission is shown;

[0200] Figure 5 A schematic representation of examples of reader-to-device signal transmission and device-to-reader signal transmission is shown;

[0201] Figure 6 A signaling diagram illustrating an example of a process for managing environmental IoT devices, executed by environmental IoT devices, readers, and base stations;

[0202] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing environmental IoT devices, executed by an environmental IoT device;

[0203] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing IoT devices in an environment, executed by a reader;

[0204] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing environmental IoT devices, executed by an environmental IoT device;

[0205] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing IoT devices in an environment, executed by a reader;

[0206] Figure 11This diagram illustrates a non-volatile storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, allow the processor to perform... Figures 7 to 10 One or more steps of any of the methods. Detailed Implementation

[0207] In the following description, certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communicating via wireless cellular systems and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining the exemplary embodiments in detail, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A brief explanation of some general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems, and mobile communication devices is provided to aid in understanding the technologies upon which the examples are based.

[0208] Figure 1 A schematic representation of an example 5G system (5GS) is shown. 5GS may include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, User Equipment (UE), (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN), 5G Core Network (5GC), one or more Application Functions (AF), and one or more Data Networks (DN).

[0209] IoT devices can include Ambient IoT (A-IoT) devices. A-IoT devices can be configured to measure environmental conditions such as location, temperature, pressure, noise, light, or other environmental factors. A-IoT devices can include sensors. A-IoT devices can be configured to harvest energy (e.g., radio frequency energy from signals received from another device or solar energy).

[0210] The UE may include an activator UE, a reader UE, or both an activator and a reader UE. The activator UE may be configured to send an activation signal to the A-IoT device to trigger the A-IoT device to send a response signal to the reader UE. The reader UE may be configured to receive the response signal from the A-IoT device and send a report signal to the 5G(R)AN.

[0211] In this disclosure, the terms "activation signal", "excitation signal" and "incident signal" are used interchangeably.

[0212] In this disclosure, the terms "response signal", "backscattered signal" or "reflected signal" are used interchangeably.

[0213] A 5G(R)AN may include one or more gNodeBs (gNBs). A gNodeB may include one or more gNB distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNB centralized unit functions.

[0214] gNodeB can include activator gNodeB, reader gNodeB, or activator and reader gNodeB.

[0215] 5GC can include Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), User Data Management (UDM), User Plane Function (UPF), and Network Opening Function (NEF).

[0216] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the control methods such as Figure 1 An example of a control device 200 for the functions of (R)AN or 5GC shown above. The control device may include: at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Software code 215 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects of the present invention. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 controlling another function of 5G(R)AN or 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of (R)AN or 5GC includes control device 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of (R)AN or 5GC may share a control device.

[0217] Figure 3 An example of user equipment 300 is illustrated, such as Figure 1 The terminal shown is UE 300. UE 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or referred to as a "smartphone", computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal digital assistant (PDA) or tablet computer provided with wireless communication capabilities, machine-type communication (MTC) device, cellular Internet of Things (CIoT) device, or any combination of these devices. UE 300 can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communication. Communication can be one or more of the following: voice, email, text message, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0218] UE 300 can receive signals via an air interface or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3In the diagram, the transceiver device is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver device 306 can be provided, for example, via a radio section and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0219] UE 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware assistance in performing tasks designed to be performed, including controlling access to access systems and other communication devices, and communicating with access systems and other communication devices. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 308 may be stored in ROM 302a.

[0220] Processors, storage devices, and other related control devices may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or board, or a combination thereof. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speakers, and microphone may optionally be provided.

[0221] One or more aspects of this disclosure relate to managing A-IoT devices, and more particularly to determining the distance between an A-IoT device and a reader.

[0222] Various techniques have been proposed to determine the distance between an A-IoT device and a reader. For example, the reader can send a reader-to-device (R2D) signal to the A-IoT device. The A-IoT device can send (e.g., backscatter) a device-to-reader (D2R) signal to the reader. The reader can send the R2D signal at a transmission time Tx. The reader can receive the D2R signal at a reception time Rx. The reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the transmission time and the reception time. The reader can determine the distance (e.g., proximity) between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the round-trip time. If the distance meets a distance criterion (e.g., proximity criterion), the reader can subsequently serve (e.g., support) the A-IoT device. If the distance does not meet the distance criterion (e.g., proximity criterion), the reader cannot subsequently serve (e.g., support) the A-IoT device. Distance criteria may include a distance less than a distance threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the reader may determine the distance (e.g., proximity) between the reader and the A-IoT device based on measurements of the D2R signal (e.g., power measurement). Distance criteria may include a D2R signal measurement greater than a measurement threshold (e.g., a power threshold).

[0223] The problem with this technology is that it doesn't account for the internal latency at the A-IoT level used to process R2D signals (e.g., decoding the payload of the R2D signal) and / or to process D2R signals (e.g., encoding (e.g., preparing) the payload of the D2R signal). This internal latency can depend on the A-IoT device. It can also depend on the magnitude (e.g., length) of the R2D and D2R signals. As a result, the distance determined by the reader based on round-trip time may be inaccurate.

[0224] One or more aspects of this disclosure provide a mechanism for managing A-IoT devices (especially but not exclusively) to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0225] It should be understood that although the mechanism used to manage A-IoT devices is discussed in the context of A-IoT devices, the mechanism can be used in conjunction with IoT devices.

[0226] It should be understood that although the mechanism for managing A-IoT devices is discussed in the context of determining the distance (e.g., proximity) between the reader and the A-IoT device, this mechanism can be used in conjunction with other applications. For example, this mechanism can be used to schedule the transmission of D2R signals (e.g., data). To avoid interference issues or simultaneous transmission of D2R signals (e.g., data) from the A-IoT device, the reader may wish to schedule the transmission of D2R signals at specific transmission times. The reader may send an R2D signal to the A-IoT device, which includes an indication to send the D2R signal after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count, or after a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count.

[0227] It should be understood that although the mechanism for managing A-IoT devices is discussed in the context of 5GS, it can be used in conjunction with other communication systems.

[0228] Figure 5 A schematic representation of an example of the transmission of R2D signal #1, D2R signal #1, R2D signal #2 and D2R signal #2 in the process of managing A-IoT devices, as discussed below, is shown.

[0229] Figure 6 The following is a signaling diagram illustrating an example of the process for managing A-IoT devices, performed by the A-IoT device, reader, and BS, as discussed below.

[0230] At step S1, the BS (e.g., gNB) may send a resource allocation to the reader (e.g., UE) for communication between the reader and the A-IoT device.

[0231] It should be understood that the reader is not necessarily a UE. If the reader is a BS, it may not need to receive configuration information from another BS. The reader can determine resource allocation.

[0232] In step S2, the BS can send configuration information to the reader to determine the distance between the reader and the A-IoT device. This configuration can be sent via radio resource control. The configuration information can be UE-specific configuration information provided by the BS. In this way, multiple readers can receive different configuration information. This configuration can also be sent via system information blocks (e.g., broadcast). In this way, multiple readers can receive the same configuration information.

[0233] Configuration information may include distance criteria (e.g., proximity criteria). Distance criteria may be based on distance thresholds. Distance criteria may include the distance between the reader and the A-IoT device being less than a distance threshold.

[0234] Configuration information may include a request to receive A-IoT device capabilities from the A-IoT device. A-IoT device capabilities may include whether the A-IoT device includes a clock oscillator. A-IoT device capabilities may include internal delays for processing R2D signals and / or for processing D2R signals. A-IoT device capabilities may include the duration for which the A-IoT device maintains synchronization (e.g., performs clock tracking) between the oscillator's clock signal and the clock signal of the synchronization signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal (i.e., in the absence of a clock signal of the synchronization signal).

[0235] The reader can use the A-IoT device's ability to determine whether to use the first option, the second option, or neither of the first and second options to determine the distance between the reader and the A-IoT device.

[0236] It should be understood that if the reader is a BS (Browser / Server), the reader may not need to receive configuration information from another BS. The reader can determine the configuration information itself.

[0237] In step S3, the reader may send R2D signal #0 to the A-IoT device. R2D signal #0 may include an activation signal. R2D signal #0 may include an indication of the A-IoT device's capabilities sent to the reader. This indication may be transmitted in the payload of R2D signal #0. The payload may be transmitted in the Physical Reader to Device Channel (PRDCH).

[0238] At step S4, the A-IoT device may send (e.g., backscatter) a D2R signal #0 to the reader. The D2R signal #0 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of receipt confirmation of the R2D signal #0. The D2R signal #0 may also include a report (e.g., an indication) of the A-IoT device's capabilities. The indication may be transmitted in the payload of the D2R #0. The payload may be transmitted in the Physical Device to Reader Channel (PDRCH).

[0239] In step S5, the reader can send R2D signal #1 to the A-IoT device.

[0240] In the first option, R2D signal #1 may include an indication to the reader to send D2R signal #N after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count from the receipt of R2D signal #N (i.e., an indication to wait for a predetermined delay from the receipt of R2D signal #N before sending D2R signal #N to the reader). R2D signal #1 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of R2D signal #N and D2R signal #N (e.g., R2D signal #2 and D2R signal #2). The indication may be transmitted in the payload of R2D signal #1. The payload may be transmitted in PRDCH.

[0241] It should be understood that the predetermined delay is limited by receiving the R2D signal #N (i.e., by receiving the R2D signal #N to initiate / trigger) and sending the D2R signal #N to the reader (i.e., by sending the D2R signal #N to stop).

[0242] The predetermined delay can come from the end of receiving the R2D signal #N (e.g., the end of the payload of receiving the R2D signal #N) and the beginning of transmitting the D2R signal #N (e.g., the beginning of the payload of transmitting the D2R signal #N).

[0243] The predetermined delay may include clock count.

[0244] The predetermined delay may differ from the internal delay used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used to process A-IoT devices.

[0245] The internal delay used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N may include: the maximum internal delay used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N. The payload used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N may have a specific size (e.g., length).

[0246] The predetermined delay can be equal to or greater than the internal delay used for processing R2D signal #N and / or for processing D2R signal #N of A-IoT devices (Alternative 1).

[0247] R2D signal #1 may include a report (e.g., an indication) with a predetermined delay. The indication may be transmitted in the payload of R2D signal #1.

[0248] The scheduled delay can be configured at both the A-IoT device and the reader.

[0249] The predetermined delay can be set in the standard. The internal delay used to process R2D signal #N and / or D2R signal #N can depend on the category of the A-IoT device. That is, A-IoT devices of different categories can have different internal delays for processing R2D signal #N and / or D2R signal #N. The standard can specify different predetermined delays for different categories.

[0250] The predetermined delay can be lower than the internal delay used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used to process the A-IoT device (Alternative 2).

[0251] In the second option, R2D signal #1 may include an indication of a measurement delay corresponding to a measurement clock count between receiving R2D signal #N from the reader and sending D2R signal #N to the reader. R2D signal #1 may also include a report (e.g., an indication) of the R2D signal #N and D2R signal #N used for measuring the delay. The measurement delay may include an internal delay for processing R2D signal #N and / or for processing D2R signal #N from the A-IoT device.

[0252] The measurement delay can be equal to the internal delay used to process the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used to process the A-IoT device.

[0253] The measurement delay can come from the end of receiving the R2D signal #N (e.g., the end of the payload for receiving the R2D signal #N) and the beginning of transmitting the D2R signal #N (e.g., the beginning of the payload for transmitting the D2R signal #N).

[0254] R2D signal #1 may include an indication of measurement delay transmitted on D2R signal #K. R2D signal #1 may include a report (e.g., indication) of D2R signal #K (e.g., D2R signal #3) used to transmit a report (e.g., indication) of measurement delay.

[0255] The indication can be transmitted in the payload of R2D signal #1. The payload can be transmitted in PRDCH.

[0256] At step S6 (see Figure 5 The A-IoT device can send (e.g., backscatter) a D2R signal #1 to the reader. The D2R signal #1 can include a report (e.g., an indication) of receipt confirmation of the R2D signal #1. The indication can be transmitted in the payload of the D2R signal #1. The payload can be transmitted in the PDRCH.

[0257] It should be understood that R2D signal #1 may not include reports (e.g., indications) of R2D signal #N and D2R signal #N used for measuring delay. In this case, D2R signal #1 may include reports (e.g., indications) of R2D signal #N and D2R signal #N. The indication may be transmitted in the payload of D2R signal #1. The payload may be transmitted in PDRCH.

[0258] In the first option, when the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay of the D2R signal #N used for processing the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used for processing A-IoT devices, the D2R signal #1 may include an indication to extend the predetermined delay. This indication may be transmitted in the payload of the D2R signal #1.

[0259] It is understandable that A-IoT devices can send an indication to extend the predetermined delay after the predetermined delay, because sending the indication to extend the predetermined delay can be performed with minimal processing and signal preparation (e.g., it can include sending a predetermined signal such as a preamble, or a signal modulated using flags).

[0260] In this scenario, the D2R signal #1 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of a requested (desired) extension of a predetermined delay. This indication may be transmitted in the payload of the D2R signal #1. The indication of the requested extension may include an indication of additional clock counts. In this case, if the requested extension is authorized by the reader, the A-IoT device may extend the predetermined delay based on the requested extension.

[0261] At step S7, the reader may send R2D signal #2 to the A-IoT device. R2D signal #2 may include a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal may include a separator (e.g., a start indication) and a clock signal. The clock signal may include a square wave signal. The square wave signal may be modulated (e.g., via amplitude shift keying). R2D signal #2 may include a payload (e.g., control and / or data). The payload may be transmitted in the PRDCH.

[0262] It should be understood that R2D signal #2 may include more than one synchronization signal and more than one payload. The payload can be interleaved with the synchronization signal (e.g., preamble and intermediate code synchronization signals). In this way, if the A-IoT device is prone to losing synchronization after synchronizing with the synchronization signal, the A-IoT device can resynchronize with another synchronization signal. This ensures that all payloads are successfully decoded.

[0263] In the first option, when the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay of the R2D signal #N used for processing the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used for processing the A-IoT device (Alternative 2a), the R2D signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of the extension of the predetermined delay. The extension of the predetermined delay may include additional clock counting. The A-IoT device may extend the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0264] Alternatively, R2D signal #2 may not include a report (e.g., an indication) of an extended predetermined delay (failure).

[0265] Alternatively, R2D signal #2 may not include a report (e.g., an instruction) authorizing an extension of the requested predetermined delay (failure).

[0266] Alternatively, R2D signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) authorizing an extension of the requested predetermined delay.

[0267] At step S8, the A-IoT device can detect the start of the clock signal based on the delimiter. The A-IoT device can harvest power based on the clock signal. The A-IoT device can synchronize the clock signal of the clock oscillator with the clock signal. The A-IoT device can trigger clock counting when it receives the payload of R2D signal #2. The A-IoT device can trigger clock counting when it receives the start of the payload of R2D signal #2.

[0268] A-IoT devices can perform clock counting by detecting transitions or edges of the clock signal (e.g., rising or falling edges) and updating (e.g., incrementing or decrementing) a counter. A-IoT devices can decode the payload based on the clock of a clock oscillator.

[0269] In the example, the A-IoT device can use Manchester encoding. The A-IoT device can determine the chip length in the synchronization signal. The A-IoT device can sample and decode the payload bits by detecting edges based on the clock of the clock oscillator and the chip length. The A-IoT device can perform execution time tracking / time adjustment at the chip level because it knows the chip length and bit boundaries.

[0270] At step S9, the A-IoT device can send (e.g., backscatter) D2R signal #2 to the reader. The A-IoT device can send D2R signal #2 to the reader based on the clock signal of the clock oscillator.

[0271] In the first option, the A-IoT device can determine that the clock count has been reached (i.e., reached) a predetermined clock count corresponding to a predetermined delay (e.g., wait until the clock count has been reached), and then can send a D2R signal #2. The D2R signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of receipt confirmation of the R2D signal #2. The indication may be transmitted in the payload of the D2R signal #2. The payload may be transmitted in the PDRCH.

[0272] In the first option, when the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay of the R2D signal #N used for processing the D2R signal #N used for processing the A-IoT device (Alternative 2b), the R2D signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of an extension of the predetermined delay. The A-IoT device can determine that the extension of the predetermined delay is an extension of the reported predetermined delay.

[0273] In the first option, when the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay of the R2D signal #N used for processing the D2R signal #N used for processing the A-IoT device (Alternative 2b), the R2D signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) authorizing an extension of the requested predetermined delay. The A-IoT device may determine that the extension of the predetermined delay is an extension of the requested predetermined delay.

[0274] In the first option, when the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay used for processing the R2D signal #N and / or the D2R signal #N used for processing the A-IoT device (Alternative 2b), the R2D signal #2 may not include a report (e.g., an indication) of an extension of the predetermined delay. The R2D signal #2 may not include a report (e.g., an indication) authorizing an extension of the requested predetermined delay. The A-IoT device may be unable to determine the extension of the predetermined delay. In this case, the A-IoT device may not extend the predetermined delay. The A-IoT device may not send the D2R signal #2 to the reader.

[0275] In the second option, the A-IoT device can send (e.g., backscatter) D2R signal #2. The A-IoT device can stop clock counting when sending the payload of D2R signal #2. The A-IoT device can stop clock counting at the start of sending the payload of D2R signal #2.

[0276] D2R signal #2 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of the reception confirmation of R2D signal #2. D2R signal #2 may also include an indication (e.g., a sequence or reference signal) used by D2R signal #2 to determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device. The indication may be transmitted in the payload of D2R signal #2. The payload may be transmitted in the PDRCH.

[0277] In step 10, the reader can send R2D signal #3 to the A-IoT device.

[0278] At step 11, the A-IoT device may send (e.g., backscatter) a D2R signal #3 to the reader. The D2R signal #3 may include a report (e.g., an indication) of receipt confirmation of the R2D signal #3. The D2R signal #3 may also include a clock count report (e.g., an indication). The indication may be transmitted in the payload of the D2R signal #2. The payload may be transmitted in the PDRCH.

[0279] It will be understood that clock counting is stopped when D2R signal #2 is transmitted. Therefore, clock count reporting (e.g., indication) cannot be transmitted in the payload of D2R signal #2, but rather in the payload of D2R #3. The A-IoT device may require processing time to encode the clock count, so the payload can be transmitted in the payload of D2R #3.

[0280] It should be understood that in the event of failure, the A-IoT device may not send (e.g., backscatter) the D2R signal #3 to the reader.

[0281] In step S12, the reader can determine the transmission time of R2D#2. The reader can determine the reception time of D2R#2. The reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the transmission time of R2D#2 and the reception time of D2R#2.

[0282] In the first option, the reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the R2D#2 transmission time, the D2R#2 reception time, and a predetermined delay. For example, the reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device as follows:

[0283] T1 = T Rx -T Tx -x1·(1)

[0284] Where T1 is the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device, T Rx This is the reception time of D2R transmission #2, T Tx x1 is the transmission time of R2D#2, and x1 is the predetermined delay. More specifically, as an example, x1 is the time difference between the end of reception of the R2D signal (R2D#2) and the start of transmission of the D2R signal (D2R#2). The A-IoT device may not be able to perform a cross-correlation operation to measure x1, so it can perform clock counting to measure or estimate x1.

[0285] In the second option, the reader can determine the measurement latency based on clock counts. The reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the R2D#2 transmission time, the D2R#2 reception time, and the measurement latency. For example, the reader can determine the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device as follows:

[0286] T2 = T Rx -T Tx -x2·(2)

[0287] Where T2 is the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device, T RxThis is the reception time of D2R transmission #2, T Tx x2 is the transmission time of R2D#2, and x2 is the predetermined delay.

[0288] At step S13, the reader can determine the distance (e.g., proximity) between the reader and the A-IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device. The reader can determine whether the distance (e.g., proximity) meets a distance criterion (e.g., proximity standard). If the distance (e.g., proximity) meets the distance criterion (e.g., proximity standard), the reader can then serve (e.g., support) the A-IoT device (e.g., for data communication). If the distance (e.g., proximity) does not meet the distance criterion (e.g., proximity standard), the reader can then not serve (e.g., not support) the A-IoT device (e.g., for data communication).

[0289] In implementation, the reader can also determine the distance (e.g., proximity) between the reader and the A-IoT device based on measurements of the D2R signal (e.g., power measurement). The distance criterion (e.g., proximity criterion) may also include measurements of the D2R signal that are greater than a measurement threshold (e.g., power threshold).

[0290] At step S14, the reader may send to the BS: a report (e.g., an indication) of the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device, a report (e.g., an indication) of the distance between the reader and the A-IoT device, and / or an indication that the distance meets a distance criterion. In this way, if the BS provides resource allocation to multiple readers to communicate with multiple A-IoT devices, the BS may update the resource allocation so that the resource allocation is only provided to the reader serving the A-IoT device.

[0291] It should be understood that if the reader is a BS (Browser / Base Station), the reader may not send to another BS: a report (e.g., an indication) of the round-trip time between the reader and the A-IoT device, a report (e.g., an indication) of the distance between the reader and the A-IoT device, and / or an indication that the distance meets a distance criterion. The reader may update resource allocation.

[0292] It will be understood that, although in the second embodiment described above, the A-IoT device sends a D2R signal #N+1 to the reader (which includes a report (e.g., an indication) of the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal #N and sending the D2R signal #N), the A-IoT device may send a D2R signal #N+1 to the reader that includes multiple reports (e.g., indications) of the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal #N and sending the D2R signal #N (e.g., until further indicated by the reader).

[0293] For example, an A-IoT device may send a D2R signal #3 to a reader that includes a report (e.g., an indication) of the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal #2 and sending the D2R signal #2; it may send a D2R signal #4 to a reader that includes a report (e.g., an indication) of the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal #3 and sending the D2R signal #3; it may send a D2R signal #5 to a reader that includes a report (e.g., an indication) of the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal #4 and sending the D2R signal #4, etc. (e.g., until further indicated by the reader). For example, if the A-IoT device fails to send the indicated predetermined delay, the A-IoT device may send a report (e.g., an indication) of a measurement delay to the reader that is a predetermined delay different from the indicated predetermined delay.

[0294] It should be understood that although in the second embodiment described above, the A-IoT device is able to measure the delay between receiving the R2D signal #N and transmitting the D2R signal #N, the A-IoT device may not be able to measure the delay between receiving the R2D signal #N and transmitting the D2R signal #N. The A-IoT device may send a D2R signal #N+1 to the reader, which includes a report (e.g., an indication) of a failure to measure the delay between receiving the R2D signal #N and transmitting the D2R signal #N, and / or an explanation of the cause of the failure.

[0295] Figure 4 A schematic representation of an example of the transmission of R2D signal #2 and D2R signal #2 as described above is shown.

[0296] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing A-IoT devices, executed by an A-IoT device.

[0297] At step 700, the A-IoT device can receive an R2D signal from the reader, the R2D signal including an indication to send a D2R signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count.

[0298] At step 702, the A-IoT device may send a D2R signal to the reader after a predetermined delay.

[0299] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing A-IoT devices, executed by a reader.

[0300] At step 800, the reader may send an R2D signal to the A-IoT device, the R2D signal including an indication to send a D2R signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count.

[0301] At step 802, the reader may receive the D2R signal from the A-IoT device after a predetermined delay.

[0302] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing A-IoT devices, executed by an A-IoT device.

[0303] At step 900, the A-IoT device may receive a previous R2D signal from the reader, which includes an indication of a measurement delay corresponding to the measurement clock count between receiving the R2D signal from the reader and sending the D2R signal to the reader.

[0304] At step 902, the A-IoT device can send a D2R signal to the reader.

[0305] At step 904, the A-IoT device can determine the measurement delay between receiving the R2D signal from the reader and sending the D2R signal to the reader.

[0306] At step 906, the A-IoT device may send a subsequent D2R signal to the reader, including a report of the measurement delay.

[0307] Figure 10 A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for managing A-IoT devices, executed by a reader.

[0308] At step 1000, the reader may send a prior R2D signal to the A-IoT device, the prior R2D signal including an indication of a measurement delay corresponding to the measurement clock count between receiving the R2D signal from the reader and sending the D2R signal to the reader.

[0309] At step 1002, the reader can receive D2R signals from the A-IoT device.

[0310] At step 1004, the reader can receive a subsequent D2R signal from the A-IoT device, including a report of the measurement delay.

[0311] Figure 11 A schematic representation of a non-volatile storage medium 1000 is shown, illustrating instructions that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform... Figures 7 to 10 One or more steps of any of the methods.

[0312] It should be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0313] It should be understood that although the above concepts have been discussed in the context of 5GS, one or more of these concepts can be applied to other cellular systems.

[0314] Therefore, embodiments may vary within the scope of the appended claims. Typically, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or other illustrated representations, it should be fully understood that, by way of non-limiting example, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers, other computing devices, or combinations thereof.

[0315] The embodiments can be implemented by computer software stored in memory and executable by at least one data processor in the entity concerned, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any program (e.g., Figures 7 to 10 Any program (in this context) can represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or combinations of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software can be stored on physical media such as memory blocks implemented within memory chips or processors, magnetic media (such as hard disks or floppy disks), and optical media (such as DVDs and their data variants CDs).

[0316] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0317] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may be implemented using a circuit system. This circuit system may be configured to perform one or more of the foregoing functional and / or method steps. This circuit system may be provided in a base station and / or communication equipment.

[0318] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0319] (a) Hardware circuit options only (such as options only in analog and / or digital circuit systems);

[0320] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as:

[0321] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0322] (ii) Any portion of the hardware processor(s) having software (including the digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s), which work together to enable an apparatus such as a communication device or base station to perform the aforementioned functions; and

[0323] (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors (such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof) that require software (e.g. firmware) for operation, but may be absent when operation is not required.

[0324] The definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit system also covers options for hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit system also covers, for example, integrated devices.

[0325] The term "component" as used in the specification and claims can refer to one or more individual elements configured to perform the corresponding one or more functions, or it can refer to several elements performing such one or more functions. Furthermore, the several functions described in the claims can be performed by the same individual components or the same combination of components. For example, performing such one or more functions can be caused in a device by a processor executing instructions stored in the memory of the device.

[0326] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of some embodiments through exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications to this teaching will still fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0327] Example implementation:

[0328] Example 1. An Internet of Things (IoT) device includes: a component for receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and a component for sending the device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0329] Example 2. The Internet of Things device according to Example 1, wherein the predetermined delay is different from the internal delay used for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0330] Example 3. The Internet of Things device according to Example 2, wherein the predetermined delay is greater than the internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

[0331] Example 4. An Internet of Things device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the component for receiving from the reader a reader-to-device signal including an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay includes: a component for triggering a clock count after receiving the reader-to-device signal from the reader; and a component for determining that the clock count has reached a predetermined clock count corresponding to the predetermined delay.

[0332] Example 5. An Internet of Things device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the reader-to-device signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload.

[0333] Example 6. The Internet of Things device according to Example 5, wherein the component for waiting for a predetermined delay includes: a component for synchronizing the clock signal of the clock oscillator with a synchronization signal.

[0334] Example 7. An Internet of Things device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the device includes: a component for sending a previous device-to-reader signal including a report of the device's capabilities to a reader.

[0335] Example 8. The Internet of Things (IoT) device according to Example 7, wherein the device capability report includes at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; an internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal; or the duration for which the IoT device maintains synchronization between the clock signal of the oscillator and the clock signal of the synchronization signal after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal.

[0336] Example 9. An Internet of Things device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the device includes: a component for determining a predetermined delay lower than an internal delay for processing a reader-to-device signal and an internal delay for processing a device-to-reader signal; and a component for sending a device-to-reader signal to a reader including an indication of extending the predetermined delay.

[0337] Example 10. An Internet of Things device according to Example 9, wherein the device includes: a component for receiving a report of an extension of a predetermined delay from a reader; and a component for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0338] Example 11. The Internet of Things device according to Example 9, wherein the device includes: a component for determining an extension of a predetermined delay; a component for sending a report of the extension of the predetermined delay to a reader; and a component for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

[0339] Example 12. An Internet of Things device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the reader-to-device signal includes: the reader-to-device signal is used to determine an indication of the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or wherein the device-to-reader signal includes: the device-to-reader signal is used to determine an indication of at least one of the following: the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

[0340] Example 13. A reader includes: a component for transmitting a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to transmit the device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and a component for receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0341] Example 14. The reader according to Example 13 includes: a component for determining the transmission time of a signal from the reader to the device; a component for determining the reception time of a signal from the IoT device to the reader; and a component for determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, the reception time, and a predetermined delay.

[0342] Example 15. The reader according to Example 14 includes: a component for determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

[0343] Example 16. The reader according to Example 15 includes: a component for determining that the distance meets a distance standard; and a component for serving an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0344] Example 17. The reader according to Example 15 or Example 16 includes: a component for sending a report on the round-trip time between the reader and the Internet of Things (IoT) device to a base station; a component for sending a report on the distance between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; or a component for sending a report on whether the distance meets a distance standard to the base station.

[0345] Example 18. A reader according to any one of Examples 13 to 17, comprising: a component for receiving from a base station an indication of determining the round-trip time between the reader and an Internet of Things device; or a component for receiving from a base station an indication of determining whether the distance meets a distance standard.

[0346] Example 19. A reader according to any one of Examples 13 to 18, wherein the reader includes a user equipment or a base station.

[0347] Example 20. A method comprising: receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and sending the device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

[0348] Example 21. A method comprising: sending a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send the device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and receiving the device-to-reader signal from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

[0349] Example 22. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions that, when run on one or more processors, perform the steps of the method according to any one of Examples 20 and 21.

Claims

1. An Internet of Things (IoT) device, comprising: A component for receiving a reader-to-device signal from a reader, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and A component for sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader after the predetermined delay.

2. The Internet of Things device according to claim 1, wherein... The predetermined delay is different from the internal delay used to process at least one of the reader-to-device signals or device-to-reader signals; or The predetermined delay is greater than the internal delay used for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or the device-to-reader signal.

3. The Internet of Things (IoT) device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the component for receiving from the reader a reader-to-device signal including an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay comprises: A component for triggering clock counting when a reader-to-device signal is received from the reader; as well as A component for determining that the clock count has reached the predetermined clock count corresponding to the predetermined delay. The reader-to-device signal includes at least one of the following: a synchronization signal; or a payload; and The component for waiting for the predetermined delay includes a component for synchronizing the clock signal of the clock oscillator with the synchronization signal.

4. The Internet of Things (IoT) device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises: A component used to send a prior device-to-reader signal, including a report on device capabilities, to the reader. The device capability report includes at least one of the following: whether the IoT device includes a clock oscillator; internal delay for processing at least one of the reader-to-device signal or device-to-reader signal; Alternatively, after receiving the clock signal of the synchronization signal, the IoT device maintains synchronization between the oscillator's clock signal and the clock signal of the synchronization signal for a duration thereafter.

5. The Internet of Things (IoT) device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device comprises: Components for determining that the predetermined delay is lower than the internal delay for processing the reader-to-device signal and the internal delay for processing the device-to-reader signal; as well as A component for sending a device-to-reader signal to the reader, including an indication of extending the predetermined delay. The device includes: components for receiving a report of an extension of the predetermined delay from the reader; and components for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay, or The device includes: components for determining an extension of the predetermined delay; components for sending a report of the extension of the predetermined delay to the reader; and components for extending the predetermined delay based on the extension of the predetermined delay.

6. The Internet of Things (IoT) device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reader-to-device signal comprises: The reader-to-device signal is used to indicate the round-trip time between the reader and the device; and / or The device-to-reader signal includes an indication of at least one of the following: the round-trip time between the reader and the device, or the distance between the reader and the device.

7. A reader, comprising: Components for sending a reader-to-device signal to an Internet of Things (IoT) device, the reader-to-device signal including: an indication to send a device-to-reader signal to the reader after a predetermined delay corresponding to a predetermined clock count; and A component for receiving device-to-reader signals from the IoT device after the predetermined delay.

8. The reader according to claim 7, comprising: A component used to determine the transmission time of the signal from the reader to the device; A component used to determine the reception time of the signal from the IoT device to the reader; as well as A component for determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device based on the transmission time, the reception time, and the predetermined delay; The reader also includes: A component for determining the distance between the reader and the IoT device based on the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device.

9. The reader according to claim 8, comprising: Components used to determine whether the distance meets the distance standard; as well as Components used to serve the IoT devices; and / or The reader also includes: Components for sending a report of the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device to the base station; A component for sending a report to the base station regarding the distance between the reader and the IoT device; or Components for sending a report to the base station regarding whether the distance meets the distance standard; and / or The reader also includes: A component for receiving from a base station an indication of determining the round-trip time between the reader and the IoT device; or A component for receiving from a base station an indication of whether the distance meets the distance standard.

10. The reader according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the reader comprises a user equipment or a base station.

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